For many businesses, short-term finance can provide an essential lifeline when cash flow becomes tight. Whether a business needs support covering a gap between paying suppliers and receiving customer payments, or managing seasonal demand, the right type of finance can keep a business moving during uncertain times. However, using short-term Read more…
The rate of inflation has hit 2.9 per cent in July 2026, up from 2.6 per cent in June, according to the latest data that has been published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This is the first rise in the national rate of inflation since March 2026, with Read more…
For many people, giving financial support to family members is an important part of their financial planning. Whether it is helping children with pension contributions or providing ongoing assistance, gifting can play an important role in Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning. The normal expenditure out of income exemption under Section 21 Read more…
In June 2026, the Government published a document to gather views on the introduction of a criminal offence for making reckless or untrue statements relating to tax. The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has warned that the proposal risks confusing taxpayers and discouraging voluntary disclosures. Instead, Read more…
New funding rules for apprenticeships have been introduced, impacting any apprenticeships starting after 1 August 2026. This could affect more employers than before as apprenticeships are becoming increasingly popular, with 308,770 starts between August 2025 and April 2026, up 8.7 per cent year-on-year. With results season over and September intakes Read more…
With temperatures breaking 30 degrees on multiple occasions in 2026, scorching heat is becoming the new normal. Consecutive heatwaves have wiped £4.4 billion from the UK economy, according to research from think tank Verdant. Heatwaves are predicted to become more common and more intense, likely costing UK employers further billions Read more…
SMEs in the UK have struggled with late payments for years and cash tied up in unpaid invoices can put pressure on your business’s ability to operate effectively. Invoice financing can release funds locked up in late payments, giving a business an instant cash flow injection until the outstanding balance Read more…
HMRC enquiry letters are sent to individuals to notify them that HMRC has chosen to formally investigate their tax affairs. While some enquiries are carried out randomly, the majority are selected based on a risk assessment of a business. These checks should not be seen as accusatory, as they are often a routine procedure to make sure your business Read more…
Companies House has issued warnings to directors after a rise in scam emails following the organisation’s new identity verification processes. The scams are designed to create urgency and encourage directors to hand over personal information or click malicious links. While the changes are intended to help tackle economic crime and Read more…
Seasonal workers are the backbone of many British businesses during the busy summer months. However, employers must understand the unique payroll responsibilities for these workers to ensure that they are being paid correctly. Setting up seasonal workers It can be easy to think of seasonal workers as temporary support, but Read more…
