NEWS /

Inexpensive TV advertising available for SMEs

Comcast’s Universal Ads has launched in the UK in partnership with Channel 4, ITV and Sky. It is a self-service platform that opens TV advertising up to Small to Medium-Sized (SMEs) businesses at a more affordable cost.

June 29, 2026

Based on social media advertising, an SME can plan, buy and measure a single campaign across the three broadcasters from one interface. It strips out the need for advertising agencies and the complexities of TV advertising, which has long been dominated by multinationals.

Comcast’s pitch is simple: select a budget, choose your audience, upload the creative and go live in minutes rather than weeks.

Rak Patel, Chief Commercial Officer at Channel 4, said, “Lowering the barriers to premium media can be a game changer for smaller brands… Greater collaboration across broadcasters can simplify TV buys for advertisers, attract new categories and brands into TV, and help ensure premium TV remains innovative and competitive alongside global social and digital platforms.”

The system has been available to US advertisers for more than a year and is aimed at companies that have found TV advertising out of reach.

For more information on the system, visit https://www.universalads.com/uk

June 25, 2026

Watch out, watch out, HMRC’s about

“Owners of dodgy shops that are evading tax: we are coming for you,” said Dan Tomlinson, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, as he announced that HMRC will make 30,000 high-street ‘interventions’ in the coming year as part of an initiative to tackle tax fraud and illegal activity.

June 24, 2026

Mandatory payrolling now to be phased in

The announcement of mandatory payrolling for Benefits In Kind was originally expected to start in April 2027, but following industry pressure, it will now be introduced in two phases.

June 22, 2026

High energy bills force a quarter of UK manufacturers abroad

One in four of Britain’s manufacturers has moved production abroad or is seriously considering it, according to research by Make UK, formerly the Engineering Employers' Federation.

June 18, 2026

Delayed payments and rising costs see Britain’s builders tottering on collapse

A new report has concluded that late payments and rising costs are crippling Britain’s construction sector. Firms already in or at risk of financial distress make up more than eight in ten companies.

June 17, 2026

Companies House to bring in changes to accounts filing from April 2028

Companies House will introduce changes to accounts filing due to governmental reforms under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCT Act 2023).

June 15, 2026

AI chatbot for government queries

The government has made a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool available on the GOV.UK app called GOV.UK Chat. It draws on official government guidance, including tax, to answer questions.

June 11, 2026

Amendments made to 2026 Supporting Small Business Relief

A letter to local authorities confirms amendments that the government has made to the eligibility criteria for Supporting Small Business Relief, a scheme available in England.

June 10, 2026

Pressure selling tactics ruled to be illegal

A High Court order has confirmed that Emma Sleep, a mattress seller, behaved illegally and broke consumer law by using misleading countdown timers, false ‘high demand’ messages and ‘discount claims’.

June 8, 2026

Why every growing business needs a business plan

You have the idea, the energy, and maybe even your first customers. So why slow down to write a business plan? It can seem like something banks ask for, but not something that really helps you run your business.

June 4, 2026

Temporary VAT reduction on children’s meals, tickets and family attractions

The government has announced a temporary reduced rate of VAT for children’s meals in restaurants and family leisure activities over the summer.

June 3, 2026

Companies House and the IPO warn about fake payment requests

Companies House and the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) are asking businesses to take special care of misleading requests for payment sent by fraudulent organisations.

June 1, 2026

Late payment legislation laid before Parliament

Following its mention in the King’s Speech, the Small Business Protections Bill has now been put before Parliament.

May 28, 2026

UK unemployment rises to 5% but inflation drops to 2.8%

Official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that the unemployment rate in the three months to March 2026 has risen to 5% from 4.9%.

May 27, 2026

HMRC introduces targeted advance assurance service for R&D claims

Originally proposed in last autumn’s Budget, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have introduced a targeted advance assurance service for Research and Development (R&D) tax relief claims. The service, which is a pilot, aims to provide businesses with clarity on complex or high-risk areas before they make a claim.

May 26, 2026

Nationwide crackdown on dodgy high street shops

A major police offensive was announced last week that will tackle dodgy shops linked to organised crime. Rogue high street businesses will face raids, closures and cash seizures.

May 21, 2026

AI providing misleading advice on VAT return filing

Incorrect advice provided by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other websites is contributing to a growing trend of late VAT return filing and payment.

May 20, 2026

Four simple ways to improve business profit within 12 months

Most businesses don’t need big ideas or complicated plans to improve profit. In practice, profits will usually increase by tightening up a few everyday things and being more deliberate about how time and effort are applied.

May 18, 2026

Government commits to self-driving technology

The government has announced it has signed a new partnership with Wayve, a British company that is developing self-driving vehicle technologies.

May 14, 2026

What will happen to interest rates in 2026?

The ongoing Middle East conflict has raised concerns over its effect on UK inflation and interest rates in the coming months.

May 13, 2026

Credit control: The quiet discipline that keeps a business alive

Running a business in recent times has been a lesson in resilience. Costs continue to increase and customers are cautious. Cash is proving tight for many businesses and credit control is a core discipline for keeping a business afloat in such times.

May 11, 2026

Pub closures blamed on costs and disproportionate tax burden

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) have reported that 161 pubs closed across the country in the first three months of 2026. It is estimated that this has led to the loss of 2,400 jobs. Scotland has been the most heavily affected, with 41 closures between January and March.

May 7, 2026

Data law change relaxes consent rules for charities

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has published final guidance on the new ‘charitable purposes soft opt-in’ provision introduced by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025.

May 6, 2026

The NCSC to begin recommending use of passkeys

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) announced at CYBERUK 2026 in Glasgow that it will begin recommending the use of passkeys wherever a service supports them, and two-step verification (2SV) where it does not.

May 5, 2026

Renters’ Rights Act: Key actions for landlords

The Renters’ Rights Act came into force on 1 May 2026 and represents the biggest change to renting in England for a generation. All landlords must be ready, as the new rules apply to both new and existing tenancies from day one.

April 30, 2026

Consultation on Process for Handling Flexible Working Requests

The government has opened a consultation on a new consultation process that employers will need to follow when handling flexible working requests.

April 29, 2026

Why Financially Successful Business Owners Can Still Feel Out of Control

Your business can be doing well financially but you can still feel uncertain about where your personal finances are heading.

April 27, 2026

Shared Office Spaces Being Hit by Increased Business Rates

Recent changes to the way co-working spaces are assessed for business rates are causing considerable concern in the business community. Some estimate that the changes amount to a £600 million stealth tax raid.

April 23, 2026

Valuing Your Business: What Buyers Look for and What You Can Do About It

If you are thinking about selling your business, whether that is in six months or six years, one of the first questions you will probably ask yourself is “what’s it worth?”

April 22, 2026

CBAM Rules: What Importers Need to Know

The government has published further draft legislation on the UK’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). This will have consequences for importers bringing certain carbon-intensive goods into the UK.

April 20, 2026

New “Right to Try” Legislation Removes a Key Barrier to Work for Disabled People

At the end of April 2026, new legislation will come into force designed to address the fear of losing benefits support if a new job does not work out.

April 16, 2026

State Pension Amounts Increase… But So Does the State Pension Age

Last week marked a 4.8% rise in both the basic and new State Pensions. This could mean an additional £575 annually for many pensioners.

April 15, 2026

Are You Ready for E-Invoicing?

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) recently released a research paper on how small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) view electronic invoicing, also called e-invoicing.

April 13, 2026

New Rules to Eliminate Costly Subscription Traps

New rules, which are expected to come into force from spring 2027, will make it easier for people to avoid costly subscription traps.

April 9, 2026

Should You Incorporate Your Business?

If you have been running a business for a while, maybe as a sole trader or in a partnership, you may have heard someone say, “You should incorporate”.

April 8, 2026

Is Vibe Coding the Future?

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has published a blog post exploring the potential for ‘vibe coding’ replacing the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) business model. While not suggesting that vibe coding is ready to take over now, they conclude that vibe coding is following a pattern similar to cloud adoption 20 years ago.

April 7, 2026

Mental Health: A Key Reason for Sickness Absence

A new YouGov survey commissioned by Acas shows that almost one in three employers are finding that stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health problems are a reason that staff give for sickness absence.

April 2, 2026

Could Early Warning from NCSC Help Your Defences Against Cyber Threats?

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) offer a free Early Warning service to all UK organisations.

April 1, 2026

Government Responds to Late Payments Consultation

The government has published its response to the late payments consultation that ran from July to October last year.

March 30, 2026

Increased Opportunities in the Public Sector for Small Businesses

For the first time, government departments have set individual targets for how much they will spend with small and medium-sized businesses (SME). In total, the government plans to spend £7.4 billion a year with SMEs by 2028.

March 30, 2026

Extracting Dividends from Your Company Ahead of the April 2026 Tax Rise

For shareholders of owner-managed companies, dividends are still one of the most tax-efficient ways to take money out of the company. But with these increases coming in, it will be worth taking a fresh look at your extraction strategy.

March 26, 2026

Is Faster Broadband Coming to your Premises?

A new GOV.UK service allows businesses and individuals to find out whether their address is due a broadband upgrade. By entering your postcode, you can see whether your premises or home is covered by rollout plans.

March 25, 2026

Is Your Business Ready for 2026/27?

With 6 April 2026, ushering in the start of the new tax year, there are some changes on the way that may affect how you run and plan for your business. To help you stay ahead, we have highlighted three key updates worth having on your radar.

March 23, 2026

UK Economy: Zero Growth in January

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has reported that gross domestic product (GDP), a measure of how the economy is doing, showed zero growth in January, following growth of 0.1% in December 2025.

March 19, 2026

Is a Change to Income Tax Devolution in Wales on the Horizon?

An independent report, commissioned by the Welsh government, has examined potential future options for income tax devolution in Wales. It compares keeping the current partially devolved system with moving to full devolution, while factoring in the effects of the block grant adjustment (BGA).

March 18, 2026

Starting Up in Business: A Practical Guide

Have you reached a point where the idea of running a business feels like more than just a pipe dream? Perhaps you have identified a gap in the market, you want greater independence or your side hustle is telling you that it has the potential to become a full-time income.

March 16, 2026

Employers: Are You Ready for a New Tax Year?

The end of the 2025/26 tax year will soon be here, which means a few additional tasks to carry out on your payroll, if you run one.

March 12, 2026

Boost in Grants for Installing EV Chargers

The government has announced an over 40% increase in charge point grant amounts that will mean businesses, landlords and renters could save up to £500 on installing an electric vehicle (EV) charge point. Previously, the grant provided a discount of £350.

March 11, 2026

Spring Forecast 2026: What Does the OBR’s Latest Forecast Mean for You?

During a week dominated by news of the Middle East conflict, on 3 March 2026, Chancellor Rachel Reeves presented the Spring Forecast to Parliament. The Chancellor told MPs she had “restored economic stability” as she presented the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR’s) economic forecasts.

March 9, 2026

ICAEW Says Stability in the Tax System Needed to Support Entrepreneurship

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has said that doing business in the UK is too uncertain and expensive, and more stability in the tax system is needed. Their comments were in response to the government’s call for evidence on how the tax system can better support entrepreneurs.

March 5, 2026

New FCA Rules for Buy Now Pay Later

Unregulated Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) agreements will fall under full FCA regulation from 15 July 2026. For the first time, BNPL lenders will need to meet the same expectations as other consumer-credit providers. With almost 11 million UK adults using BNPL in 2024, according to an FCA survey, this is a significant change.

March 4, 2026

Draft CBAM Rules Published

The government has published the draft secondary legislation for the UK’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which is due to go live on 1 January 2027. This is an important development for UK businesses importing affected materials.

March 2, 2026

Spring Statement 2026: What Businesses Should Expect on 3 March

The Spring Statement will be delivered in Parliament on 3 March, giving an update on the state of the UK economy and the government’s financial outlook.

February 26, 2026

Employment Rights Act - What is Changing First?

A new website has been launched by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) offering practical guidance and support on the changes that the Employment Rights Act will introduce and what they can do to get ready.

February 25, 2026

Could a Fiscal “Traffic Light System” Help Your Business Cut Through Uncertainty?

A leading think tank has criticised the fiscal rules that the Chancellor uses to determine the government’s tax and spending plans. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has suggested that reducing complex finances to a pass‑or‑fail number misses the bigger picture.

February 23, 2026

Personal Tax Changes Coming in April 2026

With just a few weeks to go until the beginning of a new tax year, a new round of tax changes take effect from April 2026. While many people won’t see a big difference in their day-to-day tax position, there are some areas worth having on the radar.

February 19, 2026

CMA Moves to Secure Fairer App Store Rules for UK Businesses

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced a set of proposed commitments from Apple and Google that could make it easier for UK businesses that rely on app stores to reach their customers.

February 18, 2026

DBS Launches New Safeguarding Podcast for Employers

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has launched a new weekly podcast series, ‘DBS discussions: Safeguarding in Focus,’ aimed at employers, HR teams and anyone working in safeguarding.

February 16, 2026

HMRC Moves to GOV.UK One Login for New Users

HM Revenue & Customs has started using GOV.UK One Login for taxpayers signing up to its digital services for the first time.

February 12, 2026

One Million Miss the Tax Return Filing Deadline

HMRC has estimated that around a million people missed the 31 January 2026 Self Assessment tax return filing deadline.

February 11, 2026

CMA Proposes New Rules to Give Businesses More Control Over Google Search

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced a set of proposed measures aimed at increasing fairness, transparency and choice for businesses and consumers using Google’s search services in the UK.

February 9, 2026

Deadline Approaching for Business Rates Valuation Checks

Enterprises that pay business rates are being encouraged to check their current property valuation and make sure the details held by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) are correct.

February 5, 2026

Business Confidence Falls Again as Tax Concerns Reach Five‑Year High

The latest Business Confidence Monitor, an Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales survey, shows confidence continuing to fall. Confidence has now fallen for six consecutive quarters and is now at its lowest since the final three months of 2022.

February 4, 2026

VAT Flat Rate Scheme: Could It Work for You?

If you are a small VAT-registered business, how you calculate your VAT could make a real difference to your cash flow and the time you spend keeping records.

February 2, 2026

Business Rates Relief for Pubs and Live Music Venues

It has been announced that eligible pubs and live music venues in England will receive a 15% discount on their business rates bills in 2026/27. Rates bills will then be frozen in real terms for a further two years.

January 29, 2026

Private sector pay growth slows to five-year low

UK wage growth eased to 4.5% between September and November 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics, reflecting a notable slowdown in private sector pay.

January 28, 2026

WorkWell to roll out across England

A national expansion of WorkWell, a health-and-employment support service, is set to take place across England, following a successful pilot that helped more than 25,000 people stay in or return to work.

January 26, 2026

Small Business Britain Launches ‘Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme’ to Support Small Businesses

Small Business Britain is set to roll out its Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme, a six-week online course designed to help sole traders and micro businesses unlock growth opportunities.

January 22, 2026

Getting Ready for Making Tax Digital

With just 10 weeks or so to go until the new tax year, many businesses are preparing for the changes that Making Tax Digital (MTD) will bring. From April, sole traders and landlords with an income of over £50,000 will need to submit quarterly updates to HMRC.

January 21, 2026

New to Self Assessment Tax? Here’s an Explainer

If you are new to being self-employed or being a landlord, Self Assessment can feel like one of those jobs you know you should understand better, but never quite get around to.

January 19, 2026

Backtrack on Digital ID Requirements

It appears that the government has backtracked on plans to require workers to register with its new digital ID programme to prove their right to work in the UK.

January 15, 2026

Auto-Enrolment Pension Thresholds to Stay the Same in 2026/27

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that all key auto-enrolment pension thresholds will remain unchanged for 2026/27.

January 14, 2026

Self Assessment: January Deadline Fast Approaching

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) reports that more than 6.36 million people have already submitted their Self Assessment tax return for the 2024/25 tax year. However, they say around 5.65 million taxpayers still need to file, with the statutory deadline of 31 January 2026 now close.

January 12, 2026

Starting 2026 with a Clear Plan for Your Business and Yourself

The start of a new year is a natural moment to take stock of your business. You probably have ambitions for your business, but you also want it to help you reach your personal goals.

January 7, 2026

Self-Assessment: A Reminder That You Can Spread Your Tax Payments

With the festive season underway and household budgets feeling the pressure, it may be useful to know that if you are worried about paying your tax bill in one lump sum, you may be able to spread the cost.

January 5, 2026

HMRC warns of rising Self Assessment scams ahead of January deadline

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning about scams ahead of the 31 January Self Assessment deadline.

December 24, 2025

UK economy shows mixed signals as Bank of England cuts interest rates

The UK economy continues to show a mixed picture, with recent data highlighting both relief for households and ongoing challenges for businesses.

December 22, 2025

Looking ahead to 2026: reflections for business owners

With 2025 coming to a close, you may already be starting to reflect on how the year unfolded in your business.

December 18, 2025

Budget 2025: What Businesses Can Take from the OBR’s Verdict on Growth

The latest Budget was packed with policy announcements, but according to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), these policies will not really change the UK’s growth outlook over the next five years.

December 17, 2025

Changes in Funding to Apprenticeships

The Government has announced a £725 million package of reforms aimed at increasing apprenticeship and training opportunities for young people. While much of the announcement centres on tackling youth unemployment, there could be benefits for small and medium-sized businesses.

December 11, 2025

2026 Business Rates Revaluation Completed

If your business is based in England and Wales, you can now view the future rateable value of your property.

December 10, 2025

Charity Trustees Gain New Powers for Moral Payments

Charity trustees in England and Wales now have new legal powers when considering moral payments: payments made because there is a moral rather than strictly legal obligation to transfer some of a charity’s property.

December 8, 2025

Self Assessment Deadline Approaching - Are You Ready?

The deadline for filing your 2024/25 Self Assessment tax return is fast approaching. You must submit your return and pay any tax due by 31 January 2026 to avoid penalties and interest.

December 4, 2025

HSE Reports 1.9 Million Workers Affected by Work-Related Ill Health in 2024/25

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its latest annual statistics on work-related ill health and workplace injuries for 2024/25.

December 3, 2025

Government Announces Rail Fare Freeze Until 2027

The government has confirmed that regulated rail fares in England will be frozen until March 2027. The freeze, announced prior to the Budget, follows a 4.6% rise in March 2025.

December 1, 2025

HMRC Fixes SA302 Issue Affecting Class 2 National Insurance for 2024/25

Some self-employed taxpayers who filed their 2024/25 self-assessment tax return may have been incorrectly asked to pay class 2 national insurance contributions (NIC) on their SA302 tax calculation. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has now confirmed that this issue has been fixed.

November 28, 2025

Choosing the Right Accounting System for Your Business

For many sole traders and small business owners, reviewing their accounting system only happens when something forces the issue. For instance, many sole traders are currently looking at whether their accounting system meets the requirements for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.

November 26, 2025

UK Inflation Slows to 3.6% as Energy and Hotel Costs Ease

UK inflation eased to 3.6% in the year to October, down from 3.8% in September, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

November 24, 2025

FSCS Deposit Protection Limit to Rise to £120,000 from December

The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) has confirmed that the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) deposit protection limit will increase from £85,000 to £120,000 from the start of December.

November 20, 2025

IPO Announces 25% Fee Increase from April 2026

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has confirmed plans to raise its fees by an average of 25% from 1 April 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. The change will affect applications and renewals for patents, trademarks, and designs.

November 19, 2025

Have You Received a Letter from HMRC About Making Tax Digital?

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are writing to some taxpayers to tell them what they need to do to get ready for the new Making Tax Digital rules that come into force next April.

November 17, 2025

UK Unemployment Rises to 5% as Job Market Shows Signs of Strain

The UK unemployment rate has risen to 5% in the three months to September, the highest since early 2021, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The increase was slightly higher than expected and adds to signs that the jobs market is starting to soften.

November 13, 2025

Free Recruitment Support Available to UK Businesses Through Jobcentre Plus

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a national campaign to offer UK businesses access to no-fee specialist recruitment support through Jobcentre Plus. The service is available to all businesses, regardless of size or sector.

November 12, 2025

Reminder: Companies House Identity Verification Becomes Mandatory from 18 November 2025

From 18 November 2025, identity verification with Companies House will start to be required for company directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs). The measure is intended to improve the reliability of information on the UK’s company register and support efforts to reduce economic crime.

November 10, 2025

Budget Speculation: Are Tax Rises Looming?

The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, gave a surprise ‘pre-Budget’ speech last week that appeared to pave the way for tax rises in the Budget on 26 November 2025.

November 6, 2025

Is It Time to Prepare Your Self-Assessment Tax Return?

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has been reminding taxpayers that there are now fewer than 100 days left to file their tax return and pay any tax due for the 2024-25 tax year.

November 5, 2025

Directors’ Report Requirement to Be Removed

As part of its move to reduce ‘red tape’ and aid business growth, the government has announced plans to remove the requirement for companies to include a directors’ report as part of their annual accounts.

November 3, 2025

ICO Consultation Opens on New Email and Text Marketing Rules for Charities

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has launched a consultation on how charities can make use of new rules that will allow greater use of electronic marketing in contacting their supporters.

October 30, 2025

Government strengthens regulators’ duty to support business growth

The government has announced a major shake-up in how UK regulators operate, aiming to make them more accountable and more focused on supporting business growth.

October 29, 2025

Bridging Generational Gaps: How to Build a Better Workplace for Everyone

Conversations about Generation Z (those born roughly after 1996) and the workplace tend to generate headlines - perhaps even blaming younger workers for disrupting the traditional norms of office culture.

October 27, 2025

Government borrowing rises in September - what it could mean for businesses ahead of the Budget

Official figures show that UK government borrowing reached £20.2 billion in September - the highest for the month in five years. The figures, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), underline the financial pressures facing the Chancellor as preparations continue for next month’s Budget.

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