Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) members have announced strike action affecting HMRC's Benton Park View offices in Newcastle. The strikes, scheduled across eight days from 23 December 2024 to 14 February 2025, aim to reinstate three sacked union representatives.

Most UK businesses are optimistic about the start of 2025, with economic confidence surveys showing plans for growth following a difficult period. However, retail and hiring concerns linger.

Planning for the future of your business is one of the most critical responsibilities of an owner. Here’s what you need to know about business succession planning, why it matters, and how to make the process seamless.

Licensed gambling operators could face a new levy from April 2025, calculated as a percentage of their Gross Gambling Yield (GGY). Read more here.

Two years after ChatGPT sparked a surge in artificial intelligence development, the Government has launched GOV.UK Chat, an experimental chatbot designed to deliver personalised, quick answers using information from relevant GOV.UK pages.

This guide explains how cloud accounting works, its benefits for individuals and businesses, and how to get started. If you’re already working with an accountant, cloud accounting can make your collaboration even more efficient.

HMRC has urged taxpayers to be alert to scams as the self-assessment season picks up. Over the past year, nearly 145,000 scam attempts were reported, a 16.7% increase compared to the previous year. Read more in our article here.

HMRC has extended the processing time for agent services account (ASA) and VAT agent reference number applications to 40 working days – eight weeks – up from the previous 28 days. Find out more here.

Budgeting is the backbone of any business, large or small, providing a roadmap for managing resources, anticipating challenges and setting realistic goals. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) especially, a robust budget can mean the difference between thriving and simply getting by. In a tough economic climate, effective budgeting has never been more essential for keeping operations smooth and achieving growth.

Let’s look at how to build a business budget that supports your financial health, plans for contingencies and prepares you for the future.

Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) reduces rates amid signs of easing inflation. This cut follows a previous hold, with theMPC voting to decrease rates from 5% to 4.75%. The Bank of England (BoE) has reduced interest rates to 4.75%, marking the lowest level since June 2023. One MPC member preferred to maintain the rate at 5%.

Saving for retirement can feel daunting for many self-employed people. Without the workplace schemes that salaried workers often rely on, self-employed individuals must take proactive steps to secure their financial futures. But with the right guidance, pensions can become a valuable tool for your retirement planning.

We’ll walk you through why pensions are vital, your pension options as a self-employed person and some practical ways to maximise your retirement savings.

On 6 November 2024, the Secretaries of Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall, and Health, Wes Streeting, visited North Central London’s WorkWell programme. They highlighted the importance of good health in fostering a productive workforce. Read more here.

The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has announced an increase in tuition fees from £9,250 to £9,535 per year starting in September 2025. Find out more here.

HMRC has confirmed that double-cab pickups will be taxed as cars from April 2025, following the latest Budget announcement. This change, outlined in the Budget Red Book, reverses earlier decisions that caused uncertainty over the taxation of these vehicles. Read more here.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are often seen as the backbone of the economy, contributing significantly to job creation and innovation. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, more SMEs are considering international expansion as a growth strategy. We’ll explore how SMEs can expand internationally while managing risks and maximising potential.

Life is full of significant milestones – whether it’s getting married, buying a home or preparing for retirement. These moments can be both exciting and financially challenging. Without proper planning, they can bring unexpected stress. That’s why financial planning is essential for navigating these changes with confidence.

There is concern that scrapping non-dom status could lead to wealthy individuals leaving the UK, undermining the expected revenue gains. Read about the Treasury’s plans here.

The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has completed its post-implementation review of IFRS 15, read about it here.

Halifax says house prices approached a record high in September, driven by falling mortgage rates. Find out more here.