Ways businesses can reduce fuel bills
Tensions in the Middle East have increased concerns about potential disruption to global oil supplies. Even where physical shortages do not arise, uncertainty can still push up fuel prices and increase operating costs for UK businesses. Planning ahead can help reduce exposure to rising costs and protect margins. Simple changes can reduce fuel consumption without […]
Companies House blunder
A Companies House blunder has raised concerns after a flaw in the WebFiling service briefly exposed sensitive company data. The issue, identified on 13 March 2026, meant that a logged-in user could potentially access and amend limited details of another company by carrying out a specific sequence of actions. Companies House has stated that this […]
When is a “self-employed” contractor a de facto employee?
The employment status of a former bricklayer was recently called into question in establishing liability for asbestos exposure. The widow of the late Mr. Eric Alger, who died from mesothelioma, sought access to historical Employer’s Liability Insurance. Mr. Alger had been contracted to work on a major refurbishment project in 1988. However, because the company […]
Exit planning, an essential step for business owners
Many business owners spend years building their companies but give far less attention to planning how they will eventually exit. In reality, a successful exit rarely happens by chance. It usually requires careful preparation several years in advance. For most owners the business represents their largest financial asset. Without proper planning it can be difficult […]
Tax Diary April/May 2026
1 April 2026 – Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 30 June 2025. 19 April 2026 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 April 2026 (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 April 2026). 19 April 2026 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly […]
Increase in company late filing penalties
After the end of its financial year, a private limited company must prepare full annual accounts and submit a company tax return. In most cases, the tax return must be filed within 12 months of the end of the accounting period it covers, and filing must be completed online. There are penalties for the late […]
Reducing energy consumption
Reducing energy intensity is one of the most practical ways for small businesses to protect themselves from rising energy costs, particularly if global energy markets remain unstable because of the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Oil prices have already surged sharply due to disruption in key supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns […]
Changes to reporting of BiKs
Mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind (BiKs) and taxable employment expenses will be introduced from 6 April 2027. This represents a major change in reporting and means that for most benefits, the annual P11D form will no longer be required from the start of the 2027-28 tax year. The requirement to report Income Tax and Class 1A […]
Why disregarding the minimum wage constitutes modern slavery
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) Act 1998 remains contentious, especially after the introduction of the NMW (Amendment) Regulations 2025, as it draws the legal line in the sand between employment and slavery, as highlighted by a recent case. The claimant was born in the Philippines in 1990 and travelled to the UAE in the […]
AI and the future of work: why healthcare remains resilient
As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in everyday business activity, many clients are asking how it might affect their industry and long term prospects. While some sectors face significant disruption, healthcare and social care stand out as the most resilient major industry as AI develops. The core reason is demand. Healthcare is driven by long term […]
