Hospitality businesses continue to operate in a challenging environment. Rising wage costs, energy prices and supply chain pressures have all placed strain on margins. Against this backdrop, recent
Our Blogs2
Budgeting and forecasting in a period of lower confidence
Many business owners are entering the new year with a sense of caution. Confidence across the UK business community has softened, driven by continued cost pressures, uncertainty over tax policy and
Do you charge VAT when you sell a company car?
The question of whether or not you are required to charge VAT when selling a company car depends on how the vehicle was bought and whether VAT was recovered at the time. Understanding these
New employee starter checklist
Setting up the correct tax code when a new employee starts is essential, as even small payroll errors can lead to unnecessary tax overpayments and avoidable complications later on. When hiring a new
Eligibility for Business Asset Disposal Relief
Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) can significantly reduce the Capital Gains Tax due when selling a business or shares, but with higher rates coming from April 2026, timing and eligibility matter
Car and travel costs if self employed
If you are self-employed, it is important to understand which car and travel costs can be claimed. You can claim allowable business expenses for car, van, or travel costs, which reduce your taxable
What is a salaried member of an LLP
The salaried member legislation applies to certain members of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) whose terms of membership are more like an employee than a partner. To be a salaried member, the
What is a UK property business
The income generated from land or property in the UK is treated as arising from a UK property business. The underlying legislation defines this broadly to include all activities that produce rental
Payments made into employee benefit trusts constitute taxable income
A Tribunal recently ruled that payments made for work into a third-party trust constitute immediate employment earnings. This decision effectively precludes employers from using loan-based structures
Turning waste disposal into an income stream
For many businesses, waste disposal is seen purely as a cost, an unavoidable expense required to stay compliant and keep operations running smoothly. However, there is growing interest in the idea
The rise of the silver economy
The term “silver economy” is used to describe the growing economic activity linked to an ageing population. In the UK and across much of the developed world, people are living longer,
Check your National Insurance record
It is recommended to check your National Insurance record as this can affect your future entitlement to the State Pension and other benefits. By using the online service, you can see what National
PAYE rules for labour supply chains (umbrella companies)
From 6 April 2026, significant changes to PAYE rules will affect umbrella companies, recruitment agencies, and end clients, increasing shared responsibility for payroll compliance across labour supply
New 40% First Year Allowance now in force
The new 40% First Year Allowance came into force from 1 January 2026. This marks an important development for businesses investing in plant and machinery. The new allowance was first announced at
Welsh Budget 2026-27
The Welsh Final Budget for 2026-27 was published on 20 January 2026. The Budget sets out the Welsh government’s revenue and capital spending plans, including detailed portfolio spending plans. Mark
MTD for Income Tax – check if and when you need to use it
If you have not yet checked if and when you need to use Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax, you should do so as a matter of urgency. This is because from April 2026 the way many individuals
Scottish Budget Statement 2026-27
Scotland’s Finance Secretary, Shona Robison delivered her third Budget statement to the Scottish parliament on 13 January 2026. This is the final Budget before the Holyrood elections due to take place
Construction Industry Scheme: tackling fraud
Tackling fraud in the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) was one of the measures addressed in the recent Budget. The changes are intended to allow faster intervention where fraud is suspected, while
Do you need a company audit in the UK?
Not every UK limited company needs a statutory audit. Many smaller companies qualify for audit exemption, but it is important to understand the rules, as an audit may still be required in certain
Protecting your online passwords
With so many online accounts now in daily use, including banking, shopping, email and HMRC services, password security has never been more important. A weak or reused password can lead to fraud,
Take care when labelling a bonus as discretionary in a contract
The High Court recently ruled on the interpretation and enforceability of "discretionary" bonus provisions in employment contracts. Mr. Gagliardi brought a breach of employment contract claim against
Spring Statement 2026
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves has confirmed that she will deliver the Spring Statement to the House of Commons on Tuesday, 3 March 2026. The Spring Statement is used to give an update on the state of
Corporation Tax 19% or 25%?
If your company profits sit between £50,000 and £250,000, marginal relief can soften the jump from 19% to 25% Corporation Tax. The Corporation Tax main rate applies to companies with taxable profits
Annual payroll reporting chores
There are a number of annual payroll reporting issues that employers are required to complete. With the tax year ending on 5 April 2026, this means there are several key payroll reporting chores that
Saving tax using the Marriage Allowance
If one partner earns under £12,570, you could transfer part of their unused personal allowance and cut your tax bill by up to £252 a year. The Marriage Allowance applies to married couples and civil
Selling a second property?
CGT on certain UK residential property sales often has a strict 60-day reporting and payment deadline, so early planning can avoid penalties. If you are selling a second property, such as a
Struggling to meet tax payments this month?
With the balancing payment and first payment on account both due on 31 January 2026, it is worth checking your options early if funds are tight. The final balancing payment for the 2024-25 tax year
Basis period reform – spreading rules for payment
If your business has transitional profits from basis period reform, spreading over five years may reduce the cash flow impact, but it is important to understand the deadlines. The self-employed basis
What factors affect a person’s credit rating?
A person’s credit rating (often referred to as a credit score) is a measure used by lenders to assess how reliably someone manages borrowing and financial commitments. It can affect whether credit is
What banks look at when a small business applies for a loan
When a small business applies for a bank loan, the bank is mainly trying to answer one question, “How likely is it that we will be repaid, on time and in full?” To reach that decision,