Meet Our Exhibitors at SWS26 – Your Climate for Growth
Alongside an inspiring programme of keynote speakers, SWS26 offers attendees the opportunity to connect with a carefully selected group of exhibitors, each providing specialist expertise to help SMEs grow, improve efficiency, and overcome business challenges. During the networking breaks on 8 July at Pendley Manor, Tring, you’ll have the chance to meet each exhibitor in […]
Employee Burnout Becoming a Major Business Risk for UK Employers
Employee burnout is becoming one of the most significant workplace issues facing UK businesses during 2026. Recent commentary from ACAS and employer surveys published across the UK business sector indicate rising concerns around workload pressure, stress, and staff wellbeing. While inflationary pressures may have eased slightly compared to previous years, many businesses continue operating with […]
Export to the EU: Low-value parcel rules change on 1 July
€3 fixed customs duty will apply Starting 1 July 2026, a fixed customs duty of €3 will be applied to small parcels valued at less than €150 exported to the EU. The rate will be applied to all goods exported to the EU by non-EU businesses that are registered in the EU’s Import One-Stop […]
Late Payments Continue to Hurt UK SMEs Despite Economic Stabilisation
Late payment problems continue to affect thousands of UK SMEs during 2026, despite wider signs of economic stabilisation. Recent commentary from the Federation of Small Businesses and UK business media highlights growing frustration among small businesses over delayed invoice payments and worsening cash flow pressures. The Ongoing Cash Flow Challenge For many SMEs, cash flow […]
NCSC begins recommending use of passkeys
Passkeys may provide stronger protection than traditional 2SV The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) announced at CYBERUK 2026 in Glasgow that it will begin recommending the use of passkeys wherever a service supports them, and two-step verification (2SV) where it does not. A passkey is a way to sign in that does not use […]
Flexible Working and the King’s Speech: Navigating the Next Wave of Workplace Reform
The legislative landscape for UK employers continues to shift at a rapid pace. Following the major statutory adjustments that hit payrolls earlier this year, the government’s latest policy agenda, outlined in the recent King’s Speech, signals that workplace flexibility and employee consultation are remaining front and centre of the national economic strategy. In response to […]
Data law change relaxes consent rules for charities
ICO publishes final guidance The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has published final guidance on the new ‘charitable purposes soft opt-in’ provision introduced by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025. The provision means that charities can send direct marketing by electronic mail, including emails, texts and direct messages on social media, to people who […]
Relief on fuel duty and hauliers get road tax holiday
Farmers and other red diesel users to also benefit The government have announced some fuel duty and road tax changes which are designed to assist with the increased costs caused by the Middle East conflict. A 5p fuel duty cut has been in place since March 2022. The relief was due to end between September […]
Corporation Tax Strategy: Maximizing Allowable Deductions Before Q2 Closes
As we reach the conclusion of the first quarter of the financial year, UK limited companies are face-to-face with a stark commercial reality: the bifurcated Corporation Tax rates continue to penalize businesses that fail to aggressively manage their net taxable profits. With the main rate holding firm at 25% for profits over £250,000, and a […]
AI providing misleading advice on VAT return filing
No extension to statutory due dates when they fall on weekends or bank holidays Incorrect advice provided by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other websites is contributing to a growing trend of late VAT return filing and payment. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) are reminding VAT-registered businesses that there is no extension to the statutory due […]