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September 25, 2024
Procurement Act 2023: Implementation delayed to February 2025

The government has announced a delay to the start of the Procurement Act 2023, moving the commencement date to February 2025.

September 23, 2024
Amazon ends hybrid work policy: Is it time to reconsider remote working?

Amazon has announced the end of its hybrid work policy, with corporate staff expected to be back in the office five days a week starting in January. Previously, staff had the flexibility to work from home two days a week.

September 19, 2024
Business Finance Week 2024: Free national and regional events available

Business Finance Week 2024 will run from 24 September to 2 October and includes a variety of national and regional in-person events and webinars.

September 18, 2024
Are you National Minimum Wage compliant?

As HMRC intensifies its crackdown on National Minimum Wage (NMW) noncompliance, it’s vital to make sure you don’t fall foul of NMW laws. Compliance can have more complexities to it than many assume, and the risks of getting it wrong are significant.

September 16, 2024
UK economy flatlines again

Figures released by the Office of National Statistics last week show that the UK economy showed no growth in July 2024. This is the second month in a row as there was also no growth in June.

September 12, 2024
Plan 1 student loan interest rate to change to 6%

The Plan 1 student loan interest rate reduced to 6% (from 6.25%) from 30 August. This rate change applies across the UK with the Department for Education (DfE), the Welsh Government and the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland (DfE NI) all confirming the change.

September 11, 2024
Barratt Developments' profit drop sends ripples through construction and property sectors

Barratt Developments, the UK's largest housebuilder, has reported a significant decline in pre-tax profits, down by three-quarters for the year ending June 2024. This comes as the company completed just 14,000 homes, a sharp decrease from 17,000 the previous year, with forecasts suggesting even lower figures of 13,000 to 13,500 homes for the upcoming year.

September 10, 2024
Government crackdown on illegal employment: What business owners need to know

Last month, the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, announced a significant government crackdown on employers hiring migrants illegally.

September 9, 2024
Public sector procurement: Missed targets and opportunities for SMEs

A recent report by the British Chambers of Commerce and Tussell has highlighted the ongoing challenges the public sector faces in meeting its procurement targets for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

September 4, 2024
October budget to be “painful”

The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, speaking from Downing Street last Tuesday, has said that the budget in October will be “painful” and the government would be making “big asks” of the country.

September 2, 2024
Do you need to register for self-assessment?

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have issued a press release debunking some common myths about whether or not someone needs to register to complete a self-assessment tax return.

August 29, 2024
Don’t miss out on Winter Fuel Payments: Check your eligibility for Pension Credit

As a pensioner you were likely dismayed to learn that Winter Fuel Payments are now being restricted to those who are on benefits and Pension Credit. The Winter Fuel Payment is a key benefit to help with increased heating costs during winter that was previously paid to all pensioners. However, with recent changes, the payment is now means-tested and linked to eligibility for Pension Credit.

August 28, 2024
Extending Child Benefit payments: What you need to know

As GCSE results day approaches on 22 August 2024, many families are considering the next steps for their school-leaving children. If your child plans to continue in approved education or training, it’s important to extend your Child Benefit claim before 31 August to avoid missing out on financial support.

August 27, 2024
Inflation increases to 2.2% in July

The Office of National Statistics has reported that inflation for July has risen to 2.2%. This is the first rise of 2024 after inflation fell during the early part of the year and then settled at 2% for May and June.

August 22, 2024
FSB Insurance Service provides advice for riot affected businesses

The recent riots have left many small businesses dealing with damage and disruption.