How Labour Market Trends Are Affecting Hiring, Pay and Strategy
How Labour Market Trends Are Affecting Hiring, Pay and Strategy The latest UK labour market data from the Office for National Statistics shows subtle but meaningful shifts that are already influencing business strategy in early 2026. The number of payrolled employees decreased by 121,000 between December 2024 and December 2025, reflecting broader uncertainties in […]
New FCA Rules for Buy Now Pay Later
Regulation will commence in July 2026 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 […]
Business Rates Revaluation 2026: A Turning Point for UK Firms
Business Rates Revaluation 2026: A Turning Point for UK Firms As UK businesses head into spring 2026, one of the most significant cost events on the horizon is the business rates revaluation, which will take effect on 1 April 2026. The next revaluation — carried out by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) — reassesses rateable […]
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. The […]
Agentic AI: Is It the Future of Shopping?
Agentic AI: Is It the Future of Shopping? ICO weighs in on privacy concerns The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has published a new report on the ways agentic artificial intelligence (AI) could soon be used as digital personal assistants or shopping agents. The development of AI means that, perhaps within the next five years, […]
Mayfair Talks Quarterly Event
With special guest Scott McKim from Ferrock Join us for our new, exclusive quarterly Mayfair Talks SME event, limited to just 30 guests and hosted by DUA Accountancy and Business Consultancy. Taking place from 6pm to 9pm at the Mandeville Hotel London W1U 2BE, this evening event includes a buffet dinner and a glass of […]
Strategic Planning for 2026 – Turning Uncertainty into Advantage
While economic uncertainty remains a constant theme in early 2026, many UK businesses are shifting focus from survival to strategy. Recent Institute of Directors commentary suggests that firms investing time in structured planning are better positioned to adapt quickly as conditions change. Strategic planning does not require complex models. It starts with clarity: […]
Backtrack on Digital ID Requirements
Backtrack on Digital ID Requirements Digital right to work checks will be mandatory, ID optional 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. While right-to-work checks will still be carried out digitally […]
Spring Forecast Scheduled for 3 March 2026
Spring Forecast Scheduled for 3 March 2026 Will there be any changes to tax policy? The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has requested the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) to publish an economic and fiscal forecast on 3 March 2026. This will be accompanied by a statement to Parliament. As set out in the Budget, […]
VAT Risk Areas HMRC Is Targeting in 2026
HMRC activity in January has confirmed that VAT remains a major compliance focus in 2026. Updated guidance and professional commentary point to several recurring risk areas that SMEs should address early in the year. Common issues include partial exemption calculations, incorrect zero-rating, and errors around international services. With Making Tax Digital data now giving […]