Business ready to work in partnership with Labour government

The UK’s business groups have pledged to work in partnership with the new Labour government to revitalise the nation’s economy. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is the new Prime Minister after leading the party to a decisive win in the General Election. Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: ‘Congratulations… Read more…

Tax gap at record high

The UK’s tax gap estimate rose to a record to £39.8 billion in 2022/23 as small businesses accounted for almost two thirds of unpaid tax, according to HMRC’s data. The tax gap was 4.8%, which is the difference between the amount of tax that should be paid to HMRC and what is actually paid. The… Read more…

HMRC has not fined a single enabler of offshore tax evasion

HMRC has not fined a single enabler of offshore tax evasion in five years, data released in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed. This is despite HMRC having landmark powers, which were introduced in 2017, to impose hefty fines. The data, which was released to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ),… Read more…

Average earnings just £16 a week higher than 2010

Real average earnings are just £16 a week higher than they were 14 years ago, according to research conducted by the Resolution Foundation. The think tank said that the UK’s labour market backdrop to the General Election is a prolonged pay squeeze that has left real average wages today just £16 a week higher than… Read more…

EU trade deal not working for UK business, warns BCC

The UK government must stop ‘walking on eggshells’ around improving EU trade ties, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has warned. The new government must improve the current EU-UK trade and co-operation deal in order to boost economic growth, adds the BCC. Businesses have criticised the additional red tape and increased costs that Brexit has… Read more…

Demystifying Business Rates: A Small Business Owner’s Guide

Business owners face a full range of different financial responsibilities. Whether it’s income tax, VAT, employee benefits or even just simple utilities. However, there is one cost that isn’t talked about as much- business rates. Business rates are a tax charged on non-domestic properties, affecting the vast majority of companies. In fact, these rates are… Read more…