Business Energy & Net-Zero Update — New Support and Planning Triggers
What Employers Must Prepare For Now Several employment law updates are scheduled or expected for 2026 following government consultations, ACAS guidance updates, and upcoming legislative changes. Employers should begin planning now to avoid compliance issues and unexpected HR costs. Here are the key areas expected to impact UK businesses: Strengthened Flexible Working RequestsFollowing changes implemented […]
Energy Costs & Business Energy Contracts
How 2026 Deals Could Impact Your SME Budget As businesses head into winter 2025–26, rising global energy prices and shifting UK energy policy are creating challenges and opportunities for SMEs. While large industrial firms await long-term relief mechanisms, smaller operators must take immediate action to control costs and manage cashflow risk. What’s the Energy Picture […]
NCSC Launches Free Cyber Action Toolkit
Practical actions to help businesses boost security The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has launched a new free Cyber Action Toolkit to help small businesses strengthen their cyber defences in a simple and affordable way. The toolkit has been designed for businesses that may not have in-house IT expertise or large security budgets, offering clear, […]
FSCS Deposit Protection Limit Rises to £120,000 from December
Is it time to review your business’s cash reserves? The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) has confirmed that the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) deposit protection limit increases from £85,000 to £120,000 from the start of December. The new threshold applies per depositor, per PRA-authorised bank, building society or credit union. The PRA have confirmed […]
Cyber-Security in 2026:
Closing the Skills Gap and Protecting UK SMEs Against Rising Threats Cyber-security remains one of the most critical risks facing UK businesses — and the latest government labour market report shows that 49% of UK businesses lack basic cyber-security skills, while 30% lack advanced skills such as incident response and vulnerability assessment. As cyber-attacks rise […]
New National Minimum Wage Rates Confirmed
Payroll costs to increase again in April 2026 The government has announced the new minimum wage rates that will come into force from 1 April 2026. The new rates are as follows: Current rate New rate Aged 21 and over £12.21 £12.71 Aged 18 to 20 £10.00 £10.85 Aged under 18 £7.55 […]
Business Rates Overhaul 2026:
What the Latest Government Review Means for SMEs Business rates remain one of the most significant fixed costs for UK businesses, and 2026 will bring major structural changes following the government’s ongoing review into the business rates system. With rate revaluations, digitalisation of the valuation process, and sector-specific adjustments expected, SMEs need to prepare now […]
Post-Budget Reality Check:
How the New Fiscal Rules Are Reshaping SME Tax Planning for 2026 The Autumn Budget 2025—delivered on 26 November by Chancellor Rachel Reeves—set out one of the most significant fiscal recalibrations since 2010. While headline measures focused on growth, productivity investment, and targeted tax reform, it is the new fiscal rules and post-Budget implementation detail […]
The Autumn Budget 2025
The Autumn Budget 2025 Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, yesterday, rolled out the Labour Government’s second Budget since coming into power. The Chancellor’s stated aim with this Budget was “Cutting the cost of living, cutting NHS waiting lists and cutting the cost of debt”. For Individuals The changes impacting on […]
Business Energy & Net-Zero Update — New Support and Planning Triggers
Business Energy & Net-Zero Update: Support and Planning Triggers Are you still wrestling with high utility bills? You’re not alone. With energy prices remaining volatile, the government is acknowledging the financial pressure on businesses. As a result, new or extended support measures are being signalled, aimed particularly at energy-intensive firms, alongside expanded grant schemes designed […]