A new service has been launched that allows individuals to verify their identity directly with Companies House through GOV.UK. The introduction of identity verification is one of the key changes to company law as part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. Companies House has landmark new and enhanced powers to combat economic… Read more…

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said British businesses will be supported to trade freely as she takes action on practices that undercut fair trade, such as the dumping of cheap goods into the UK. The government announced immediate action by the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA), the body responsible for defending the UK against certain unfair international… Read more…

Tax compliance costs the UK’s small businesses nearly £25 billion a year, according to recent research conducted by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The average small firm spends £4,500 and 44 hours a year on tax compliance, according to the research. These annual totals could include time spent trying to contact HMRC, the cost… Read more…

Pubs, clubs and restaurants will benefit from a reduction in the red tape that has stifled hospitality business, the government said. Action includes moves to improve the application of licensing laws and strengthening businesses’ competitiveness. This will give diners, pub and partygoers more time and more choice to enjoy what the UK hospitality has to… Read more…

The UK government is taking the right approach to tariff negotiations with the US despite downgrades to the economic outlook, says the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cut its growth forecast for global GDP to 2.8% from 3.3% this year. The IMF predicts that the increase in tariffs and… Read more…

HMRC has published the latest issue of the Employer Bulletin. The April issue has information on various topics, including: the new rates of the National Minimum Wage reporting expenses and benefits for the tax year ending 5 April 2025 changes to notifications by employers to operate PAYE on a proportion of a globally mobile employee’s… Read more…

Increases to the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage took effect from 1 April. From April 2025, the NLW will increase by 6.7% and the NMW by as much as 18% depending on the category of the worker. The NMW is the minimum amount per hour workers are entitled to be paid by law.… Read more…