News

December 2, 2024

Be wary of Self Assessment scams

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have issued a reminder to be careful about scam attempts that target people filing Self Assessment tax returns. In the last year, nearly 150,000 scam attempts were referred to HMRC, a 16.7% increase on last year. With the 31 January 2025 filing deadline approaching, fraudsters are likely to step up their activities.

November 28, 2024

Stay safe during Black Friday season

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has reported that shoppers lost over £11.5 million to online criminals between November 2023 and January 2024.

November 26, 2024

VOA to improve transparency on business rates valuations with reforms coming

UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK’s export credit agency, has launched a new initiative aimed at helping British engineering, design, and technical services firms secure international contracts.

November 25, 2024

Inflation on the rise: What October's figures mean for businesses

The latest inflation figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) for October 2024 rose to 2.3%, up from 1.7% in September.

November 21, 2024

VOA to improve transparency on business rates valuations with reforms coming

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has announced plans to share more detailed information on business rates valuations, making the system more transparent for ratepayers across England.

November 20, 2024

Help for the high street: New powers for councils

Next month, councils across England will be given new powers to transform high streets by tackling long-term empty shops.

November 19, 2024

Make Work Pay: What are the next steps

Since coming into power, the Labour government has made its Make Work Pay plan a centrepiece of their policies.

November 14, 2024

Self-assessment tax returns: Counting down to 31 January

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have begun reminding taxpayers that time is ticking for getting self-assessment tax returns filed in time for the 31 January 2025 deadline.

November 13, 2024

Agricultural and business property relief: What happened in the Budget?

Changes to inheritance tax were announced in the Budget that have caused consternation to farmers and business owners across the UK. What exactly is changing and what could this mean for you?

November 11, 2024

Base rate drops to 4.75%

As had been widely expected, the Bank of England reduced the interest base rate to 4.75% last week. This was due to inflationary pressures easing in recent weeks.

November 7, 2024

Bus fare cap to increase to £3

Two days before the Budget, the Prime Minister announced that the cap for single bus fares would be increased to £3 from its current £2.

November 6, 2024

Businesses count the cost of increases to Employers National Insurance

As has been widely expected in the last few weeks, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, made some significant changes to the Employers National Insurance (NI) rate and threshold in the Autumn Budget.