Evaluating a business idea: A guide for aspiring entrepreneurs The economy is continuing to grow, according to the latest figures for the April to June quarter. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is estimated to have increased by 0.6% for the quarter. This compares with an increase of 0.7% for the January to March quarter. Two quarters...

New apprenticeship reforms: What they mean for your business The government has announced some reforms to the apprenticeship system in England, which could bring some exciting opportunities for business owners. These reforms, aimed at boosting young people’s access to apprenticeships, come with a new “growth and skills levy” that will replace the existing apprenticeship levy....

Are you National Minimum Wage compliant? As HMRC intensifies its crackdown on National Minimum Wage (NMW) noncompliance, it’s vital to make sure you don’t fall foul of NMW laws. Compliance can have more complexities to it than many assume, and the risks of getting it wrong are significant. HMRC is focusing on SMEs It seems...

Last week King Charles delivered the King’s Speech. This is a speech traditionally delivered at the State Opening of Parliament and it sets out the government’s plans and priorities for the coming year. The Speech outlines the legislation that ministers of the new government aim to pass and while it’s delivered by the King, it’s...

HM Revenue & Customs have released a new tool designed to help businesses find out what VAT registration would mean for their business. your total taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 over the previous 12 months. you expect your taxable turnover to go over £90,000 in the next 30 days. you’re based outside the UK and supply...

The Welsh Government were excited to announce a significant milestone in its own mission to increase the number of employee-owned businesses in Wales. The number of such businesses in Wales has doubled, reaching 74 almost two years ahead of their 2026 target. While this initiative is partly aimed at keeping Welsh businesses in Welsh hands,...

Shawbrook Bank recently conducted research that indicated that half of small business owners have had to raid their savings to fund their businesses. Their survey found that small businesses applying for finance from lenders over the last year said that it didn’t meet their needs. So, they were using savings and credit cards to provide...

For those of you who employ staff, you’ll be aware of requirements surrounding workplace pensions. Changes could be afoot for pensions, with new proposals to give savers a legal right to require a new employer to pay pension contributions into their existing pension pot. A consultation has been launched by the Government. If later approved,...