HMRC late-payment interest is falling after August base-rate cut — what businesses need to do now
HMRC has confirmed that statutory interest rates for late payment and repayment are reducing in August following the Bank of England’s base-rate cut. The change bites on 18 August 2025 for quarterly instalment payments and 27 August 2025 for non-quarterly payments. If your business has time-to-pay arrangements, upcoming liabilities or historic arrears, this directly affects […]
Government Unveils Small Business Plan
Will it help your business? The government launched its Small Business Plan in August which it believes will help small businesses grow and encourage entrepreneurs to start businesses. The plan recognises that small businesses make a vital contribution to the economy, employing 60% of the UK’s workforce and generating £2.8 trillion in turnover. […]
Rates down, risks remain: planning after the Bank Rate cut and into autumn data
With Bank Rate now at 4%, financing conditions have eased compared with last year—but the Bank of England is clear that the journey back to its 2% inflation target won’t be a straight line. The Bank’s explainer sets out the rationale for recent cuts and why future moves will likely be cautious. For business owners, […]
New Legal Requirement: Directors and PSCs Must Verify Their Identity from November 2025
What do you need to know? As of 18 November 2025, identity verification will become a legal requirement for all company directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs). This is part of a wider reform under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, and it’s set to impact millions of individuals connected to UK […]
Windows 10 Is Ending: Are You Ready?
Advice From NCSC on Upgrading The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is urging businesses to prepare for the fact that Windows 10 will no longer be supported from 14 October 2025. If your business still uses Windows 10 on its computers, it’s time to start planning your next steps. Why does this […]
From Digital Safety to Data Access: How New UK Laws Are Shaping Business Responsibilities
In June–July 2025, two landmark pieces of legislation were enacted that significantly affect UK businesses handling data and online operations The Online Safety Act, enforced from 25 July 2025, mandates platforms implement safety measures, age verification, and content oversight. The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, receiving Royal Assent on 19 June 2025, enables new […]
HMRC Releases Transformation Roadmap
Increased Automation Coming to Tax Services July seems to have been a month of ‘roadmaps.’ In addition to the roadmap for the Employment Rights Bill covered above, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) announced its Transformation Roadmap – a plan to modernise the UK’s tax and customs systems by 2030. HMRC have said that the […]
Employment Rights Bill & Off Payroll IR35 Changes: Business Implications for UK SMEs
In April 2025, new Companies Act size thresholds came into effect, altering how IR35 off payroll and compliance rules apply—a move impacting up to 132,000 companies by shifting responsibilities from clients to contractors in many cases rayneressex.com. Meanwhile, the government is pushing forward the Employment Rights Bill, raising concerns over unintended burdens for UK businesses. […]
UK Economy: Growth Falters, Inflation Rises
Practical Takeaways for Business Owners Business owners across the UK are facing an increasingly complex economic picture. Inflation has crept up again and recent figures show the economy has contracted for two months in a row. So, what’s really going on – and what should you be doing as a business owner? Inflation rises […]
Navigating the Landfill Tax Reform: What UK Businesses Should Prepare For
A Treasury consultation launched in July 2025 proposed eliminatingexisting reduced-rate or exempt status on around 7.5 million tonnes of waste currently enjoying landfill tax relief, potentially raising up to £1 billion per year. Sectors particularly exposed—construction, steel, property development, and manufacturing—are watching closely, warning of cost spikes and disruption. Rising Costs and Industry Impact Currently, landfill tax […]