Last week, the government issued a consultation on targeted reforms to the employment status framework for employment rights as part of the ‘Plan to Make Work Pay’. Proposals of note included placing less emphasis on personal service when determining worker…
The latest statistics on the labour market released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show a decrease of 21,000 in the number of vacancies compared to the previous quarter. The decrease is mostly attributed to smaller firms who suggest…
Nearly 90% of rural businesses have paused investment, a survey by the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) reveals, and 70% are worried that their business will not survive the next 10 years. The survey of 700 businesses was undertaken…
Following research, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called on the Chancellor to increase the Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) to £25,000. Currently, SBRR gives full relief to properties with a rateable value up to £12,000 and tapered relief…
On 5 October, Shadow Chancellor, Andrew Griffith, delivered his speech to the Conservative Party conference. In his speech, the Shadow Chancellor outlined his 'plan to make our country prosperous again' by focusing on five key areas: lower, simpler and fairer…
Applications opened on 1 October 2026 for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) as part of a government project to cut costs for businesses. BICS will cut eligible manufacturers’ electricity costs by up to 25% from April 2027 and more…
Research published by the Resolution Foundation details the amount of tax revenue raised from property (broadly Stamp Duty Land Tax and Council Taxes). It concludes that Londoners are under-paying by £3.1 billion relative to the value of their homes whilst…
A recent report by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) found that whilst small and medium enterprises (SMEs) account for 60% of employment and 51% of turnover in the UK private sector, only 21% of the total value of UK business…
On 28 September 2026, John Healey delivered his first speech as Chancellor of the Exchequer at the Labour Party Conference identifying ‘Backing Britain’ as one of his main priorities. Business was identified as being of key importance and the speech…
In rules brought in under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, directors are required to verify their identity with Companies House or risk enforcement action and penalties. Since 18 November 2025, newly appointed directors must verify their identity…
