Many UK firms are still facing hiring issues as a result of challenging economic conditions, according to a report from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). 73% of firms surveyed by the BCC reported having recruitment problems, with businesses in the hospitality sector the most likely to report challenges. The construction and manufacturing industries are… Read more…

A large majority of UK business leaders plan to offer employees remote and hybrid working in the long-term, according to the Institute of Directors (IoD). A survey conducted by the IoD found that 84% of business leaders polled plan to provide office-based staff members with some degree of remote working. The IoD’s survey was conducted… Read more…

Online platforms should commit to paying small businesses within a maximum of thirty days in line with the Prompt Payment Code, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The FSB has set out a range of proposals to protect small business owners who use online sales platforms to ensure that small firms can make… Read more…

Self assessment taxpayers must be on the lookout for scam texts, emails and phone calls from fraudsters, HMRC was warned. HMRC has received more than 130,000 reports about tax scams in the past year, with 58,000 of those offering fake tax rebates. With around 12 million people expected to submit a self assessment tax return… Read more…

The UK is on course to see its biggest tax rise in at least 50 years as a result of the freeze on personal thresholds and soaring inflation, according to analysis from the Resolution Foundation. The think-tank said taxpayers are set to pay over £40 billion a year by 2028, up from a forecast of… Read more…

The UK’s rate of inflation held steady in September while the nation’s economy grew the month before, according to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). The ONS revealed that the CPI rose by 6.7% in the 12 months to September, the same rate as was recorded in August. The CPIH, which… Read more…

The Chancellor should cement the government’s commitment to small businesses in his Autumn Statement, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The FSB has called for a strong stand against late payments; an extension to the 75% business rates discount for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses beyond March 2024; and training in new skills… Read more…

The majority of us will experience debt at some point in our lives. Whether a short-term loan for a specific purchase or a long-term mortgage, and everything in between. Unfortunately, due to the pressures of modern society and the effects of inflation, the cost-of-living crisis and a volatile economy, more people are experiencing higher levels… Read more…

The number of payments made with cash rose for the first time in a decade in 2022, according to data published by UK Finance. According to UK Finance, the total number of payments made last year increased to 45.7 billion from 40.4 billion in 2021. 50% of all payments in the UK were made using… Read more…

Less than 1% of small firms have benefitted from key local support schemes across England on net zero, according to research from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Warwick Business School. The research has raised concerns over the reach and accessibility of the programmes as the UK’s 2050 target edges closer. Small businesses also… Read more…