Mental Health: A Key Reason for Sickness Absence
Acas provide suggestions for managing absences A recent YouGov survey commissioned by Acas shows that almost one in three employers are finding that stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health problems are a reason that staff give for sickness absence. The top reason for sickness is minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds and the flu. […]
Skills Shortages and Hiring Challenges – What’s Next for UK Employers?
UK businesses continue to face significant hiring challenges in 2026, with skills shortages affecting multiple sectors. Recent data from the Office for National Statistics and commentary from the Institute of Directors highlight ongoing recruitment difficulties. Where Are the Gaps? Skills shortages are particularly evident in: Technology and digital roles Engineering and manufacturing Skilled trades At […]
Are You Ready for E-Invoicing?
Policy in development HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) recently released a research paper on how small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) view electronic invoicing, also called e-invoicing. In the Autumn Budget 2025, plans were announced to make e-invoicing mandatory for VAT invoices from 2029. In preparation for this change, the research paper was designed to help […]
Cybersecurity Threats Rising – Why Every UK Business Needs a Plan
Cybersecurity is becoming one of the most pressing risks facing UK businesses in 2026. Recent warnings highlighted across BBC News coverage and government updates point to a sharp increase in cyberattacks targeting SMEs. Why SMEs Are at Risk Smaller businesses are often seen as easier targets due to: Limited IT resources Lack of formal security […]
CMA Tackles Fake Reviews
How to avoid being caught out The Competition and Markets Authority has launched investigations into five companies to tackle fake and misleading online reviews. The investigations will examine how reviews are obtained, the way they are moderated and displayed and the star ratings that people rely on. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 […]
Flexible Working – The New Normal or a Growing Challenge?
Flexible working has evolved from a pandemic response to a permanent feature of the UK employment landscape. Recent updates and employer guidance from ACAS indicate that demand for flexible arrangements remains high, but businesses are facing increasing challenges in managing it effectively. Changing Employee Expectations Employees now expect flexibility as standard—whether that means remote work, […]
State Pension Amounts Increase …
But so does the State Pension age April marked a 4.8% rise in both the basic and new State Pensions. This could mean an additional £575 annually for many pensioners. The Pension Credit has also increased by 4.8% and is worth an average of £4,300 a year. The full rate of the new State Pension […]
AI Adoption in UK Businesses – Opportunity or Operational Risk?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a future consideration—it is rapidly becoming embedded in everyday business operations across the UK. Over the past month, commentary from organisations such as the Institute of Directors and British Chambers of Commerce highlights a sharp increase in adoption among SMEs, particularly in areas such as customer service, marketing automation, […]
HMRC Tightens Compliance Activity – What Businesses Should Need To Know
UK businesses are entering a period of heightened scrutiny as HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) ramps up compliance activity following recent government commitments to close the tax gap. Over the past month, updates published via GOV.UK highlight a renewed focus on investigations, late payment penalties, and digital reporting accuracy. Increased Investigations and Data Use HMRC […]
Why Financially Successful Business Owners Can Still Feel Out of Control
How to make sure your personal finances stay on track Your business can be doing well financially but you can still feel uncertain about where your personal finances are heading. For many business owners, wealth has built up gradually and unevenly. For instance, you might have various pensions opened for tax reasons, personal savings and […]