If you’re a company director, your next Self Assessment tax return could involve more paperwork than before. And even if you don’t receive a salary or dividends from your company, you may still need to provide additional information to HMRC. New reporting requirements introduced for the 2025/26 tax year mean that directors who already complete […]
Running a small or medium sized business means there are a number of priorities to juggle. Between looking after customers, managing staff and keeping day-to-day operations moving, it can be difficult to find the time to review the bigger financial picture. The summer can be a useful opportunity to review how your business is performing, […]
Payroll is in the spotlight again with new legislative changes affecting employers. From Statutory Sick Pay reforms and new student loan repayment plans to upcoming changes in the reporting of employee benefits, it’s vital to check that payroll processes are fit for purpose. Payroll is often viewed as an admin function. Yet it plays a […]
If your employees travel between different sites, work on client premises, split their time between offices, or regularly work from temporary locations, it’s important to understand how HMRC treats travel expenses and benefits. Many SME owners assume that any work-related travel can be reimbursed tax-free. As ever, the rules are more complex. The distinction between […]
If you run a small business in the UK, your company is almost certainly classified as a close company. Broadly speaking, the UK tax authorities define a close company as a private limited company controlled by five or fewer shareholders, or by any number of shareholders who are also directors. Historically, being a close company […]
For many years, forming a limited company was seen as the obvious step for growing businesses. Lower corporation tax rates, dividend flexibility and credibility with customers often made incorporation an easy decision. But in 2026, some business owners are starting to question whether being a limited company still makes sense. With ongoing tax changes, Making […]
If you have complicated business interests, or are planning to set up or own multiple companies, you may need to consider establishing a holding company. This structure typically owns other companies, or subsidiaries, and may also own assets such as property, intellectual property or investments. Why use a holding company? There are a number of […]
With a larger range of electric vehicles now available, more businesses are considering whether to change to electric company cars or vans. So with some major tax advantages still available, is it worth switching to electric? For directors using a company car, electric vehicles (EVs) are often the most tax-efficient option. They also have some […]
With a New Year upon us, it’s a good time to take stock and consider what key trends might help shape small business success in 2026. As interest rates and inflation stabilise, but economic growth looks more uncertain, it’s likely that operational efficiencies will be the key to success this year. So as a business […]
From 1 February 2026, Companies House will be changing its fees in the first major update since the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency (ECCT) Act came into force. While the increases are being introduced to support transparency and enforcement, the increased fees will mean a rise in running costs for many small business owners. What […]
Holding shares in a company can amount to a sizeable asset, especially when you’re planning what will happen to your estate after you die. Depending on the way the business is structured will impact on how your assets are handled so it’s sensible to consider what you might need to do for inheritance purposes. Generally […]
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is the minimum amount which can be paid to those taking maternity leave. All employees who are eligible can take up to 52 weeks maternity leave, split into 26 weeks Ordinary Maternity Leave and 26 weeks Additional Maternity Leave. SMP is payable for up to 39 weeks of that leave and […]