News

May 11, 2026

Pub closures blamed on costs and disproportionate tax burden

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) have reported that 161 pubs closed across the country in the first three months of 2026. It is estimated that this has led to the loss of 2,400 jobs. Scotland has been the most heavily affected, with 41 closures between January and March.

May 7, 2026

Data law change relaxes consent rules for charities

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.

February 4, 2026

VAT Flat Rate Scheme: Could It Work for You?

If you are a small VAT-registered business, how you calculate your VAT could make a real difference to your cash flow and the time you spend keeping records.

February 2, 2026

Business Rates Relief for Pubs and Live Music Venues

It has been announced that eligible pubs and live music venues in England will receive a 15% discount on their business rates bills in 2026/27. Rates bills will then be frozen in real terms for a further two years.

January 29, 2026

Private sector pay growth slows to five-year low

UK wage growth eased to 4.5% between September and November 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics, reflecting a notable slowdown in private sector pay.

January 28, 2026

WorkWell to roll out across England

A national expansion of WorkWell, a health-and-employment support service, is set to take place across England, following a successful pilot that helped more than 25,000 people stay in or return to work.

January 26, 2026

Small Business Britain Launches ‘Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme’ to Support Small Businesses

Small Business Britain is set to roll out its Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme, a six-week online course designed to help sole traders and micro businesses unlock growth opportunities.

January 22, 2026

Getting Ready for Making Tax Digital

With just 10 weeks or so to go until the new tax year, many businesses are preparing for the changes that Making Tax Digital (MTD) will bring. From April, sole traders and landlords with an income of over £50,000 will need to submit quarterly updates to HMRC.

January 21, 2026

New to Self Assessment Tax? Here’s an Explainer

If you are new to being self-employed or being a landlord, Self Assessment can feel like one of those jobs you know you should understand better, but never quite get around to.

January 19, 2026

Backtrack on Digital ID Requirements

It appears that the government has backtracked on plans to require workers to register with its new digital ID programme to prove their right to work in the UK.