Date of Budget 2026 announced
Chancellor promises stability The Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey, has announced that Budget 2026 will be presented on 28 October 2026. Announcing the date, the Chancellor said that the Budget will ‘move money and power out of Westminster, and into every postcode around Britain’. He also stressed that the government would continue […]
Employment Law Changes: What Businesses Need to Do Before October 2026
UK employers are approaching another important stage in the Government’s employment-law reforms, with several changes scheduled to take effect during October 2026. The Government has now updated its implementation timetable, giving employers greater clarity about when particular measures under the Employment Rights Act 2025 will come into force. For businesses, September is therefore a good […]
Mandatory Direct Debit proposed for VAT and PAYE payments
Businesses may face changes to how they pay tax The government has published a consultation on proposals that will require most VAT-registered businesses and employers to pay VAT and PAYE liabilities by Direct Debit. The aim is to reduce late payment and simplify the payment process. HMRC consider that automating the payment process by […]
HMRC’s Transformation Roadmap: How Digital Tax Administration Will Change the Way Businesses Work
The way UK businesses interact with HM Revenue & Customs is changing significantly. HMRC’s continued transformation programme is moving towards a more digital, data-driven approach to tax administration. For businesses, this means that maintaining accurate digital records, using compatible software and managing information effectively will become increasingly important. The changes are part of a wider […]
HMRC targets Electronic Sales Suppression
Proposed new software standards likely to make tax audits easier The government is consulting on potential measures that target Electronic Sales Suppression (ESS). Proposals include the introduction of new software standards for Point of Sale systems. In recent years, ESS has been the subject of government reports, consultations and new legislation, yet it remains […]
Building Resilient Businesses: Why Supply Chains and Operational Agility Matter More Than Ever
Over recent years, UK businesses have experienced a series of disruptions that have challenged traditional approaches to planning and risk management. From global supply chain disruption and energy price volatility to changing trade conditions and skills shortages, businesses have learned that efficiency alone is not enough. Organisations must also be resilient. During 2026, supply chain […]
External examiners mark HMRC’s performance as ‘Poor’
Report sheds light on challenges facing HMRC and the impact on taxpayers The latest annual report from the Charter Stakeholder Group remains highly critical of HMRC’s service performance, with scores either stagnant or deteriorating across most standards. Alongside poor scores for responsiveness and ease of use, the report highlights overwhelmingly negative feedback on Making Tax […]
Free, hands-on cyber consultancy available for SMEs
Can Cyber Essentials help make your business more secure from online threats? Cyber Advisors are offering free 30-minute consultations to help small businesses get started with cybersecurity. As smaller businesses become more frequently targeted, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is reiterating the need for them to be more robust in their approach to digital […]
Making Tax Digital: Lessons From the First Quarterly Returns and What Businesses Need to Do Next
The introduction of the next phase of Making Tax Digital represents one of the biggest changes to tax administration for many smaller businesses. With the first quarterly reporting deadlines arriving in 2026, businesses are beginning to experience the practical realities of maintaining digital records and submitting information through compatible software. For some businesses, the transition […]
AI Is Moving Into the Mainstream: Why Workforce Skills Will Determine Success
Artificial intelligence has moved rapidly from being a future concept to becoming a practical business tool. During 2026, more UK businesses have begun using AI to improve efficiency, automate repetitive tasks and enhance customer service. However, a growing challenge is becoming clear: technology investment alone does not guarantee success. The businesses that benefit most from […]