Decisive action is needed to tackle the ‘hidden threat’ of crime against businesses damaging growth, according to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Theft, fraud, scams and cyber-attacks are increasingly affecting firms of all sizes and across all sectors, BCC research has found. The business group’s research shows…
The UK government’s formal commitment to legislation to stamp out late payments is an historic moment, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The FSB says small firms have spent years battling a culture of poor payment practices by…
Red tape, rising costs, and complex rules are pushing small firms out of EU markets, new research by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned. The FSB’s data shows that 34% of SME traders expect to reduce or stop…
The UK’s business rates system is acting as a major brake on investment, productivity and economic growth, warns the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Almost a third of the 700 firms surveyed said that the system has played a significant…
HMRC has published the latest issue of the Employer Bulletin. The April issue has information on various topics, including: Reminder of key dates and processes for reporting benefits in kind (BiKs). Real Time Information submission problems — Incorrect handling of…
Small businesses to be backed by new, stronger measures to tackle late payments, the government has announced. The Small Business Commissioner will be given sweeping new powers to investigate poor payment practices, adjudicate payment disputes, and fine the worst offenders…
New company car advisory fuel rates have been published and took effect from 1 March 2026. The guidance states: ‘you can use the previous rates for up to one month from the date the new rates apply’. The rates only…
HMRC has published the latest issue of the Employer Bulletin. The February issue has information on various topics, including: Reporting expenses and benefits for the tax year ending 5 April 2026. End of year reporting. Upcoming State Pension age changes…
Five major UK banks have agreed a £11 billion lending package aimed at SMEs to support small business growth, the government has announced. The lending commitment is one of the largest collective moves by the banking sector in over a decade. The government says this represents an ‘historic show…
Pubs and live music venues in England will be given a 15% discount on their business rates bills from April and will not see increases for two years, the government announced. It comes after a backlash against November's Budget, which…
