News

August 27, 2026

Cost of business crisis for British SMEs

UK businesses are facing a “cost of business crisis”, according to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Its new cost-stack calculator shows government policy alone has pushed up an average firm's expenses by 70% over the past decade, adding roughly £827,000 a year in costs for a typical mid-sized business. About a quarter of the rise stems from the increase in employer National Insurance contributions, with the higher minimum wage and mandatory pension auto-enrolment also major contributors.

August 26, 2026

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax first quarter statistics published

Under Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax, sole traders and landlords with income of more than £50,000 have been required to keep digital records and send quarterly updates to HMRC since 6 April 2026.

June 11, 2025

Emissions Cutting Trial to Benefit Hospitality Businesses

The government has published details of a new emissions cutting trial that could benefit UK pubs, cafes, restaurants and hotels.

June 9, 2025

Named and Shamed: Employers Failing to Pay Minimum Wage

In its latest round of investigations, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have named 518 employers who have failed to pay the National Living or National Minimum Wage correctly to their staff.

June 5, 2025

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Old Tech: New Guidance from the NCSC

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has released new guidance on how to properly retire old digital systems and devices – a process known as decommissioning. The guidance is aimed at IT teams, but there are useful takeaways for any small business that uses computers, software or online systems.

June 4, 2025

FSB Updates Guidance on Employers’ Liability Insurance

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has recently updated its guidance on Employers’ Liability insurance - a useful reminder of the rules and risks around a business insurance that is legally required in the UK.