If you are considering selling your business - whether in the near future or several years from now - one of the first questions you are likely to ask is: “What is my business actually worth?” While there are various valuation methods and financial formulas available, the reality is that a business is ultimately worth what a buyer is prepared to pay for it. That decision is based on far more than profit alone. Experienced buyers will assess the level of risk involved, the sus

April 2026 brought welcome news for many pensioners, with both the basic and new State Pension increasing by 4.8% under the government’s Triple Lock Guarantee. However, alongside the increase in payments, the State Pension age has also started to rise - meaning some individuals will need to wait longer before receiving their pension entitlement. State Pension Payments Increase The latest increases could provide many pensioners with an additional £575 per year. From April 2026

If you currently operate as a sole trader or partnership, you may have been told at some point that you “should incorporate”. For many years, forming a limited company was often seen as the natural next step for growing businesses - particularly from a tax perspective. However, as we move into the 2026/27 tax year, the decision is no longer quite so straightforward. Incorporation can offer several advantages, but it is important to understand that it is not automatically the

Although the 2026 academy audit season may still feel some way off, taking action early can make a significant difference to how smoothly the process runs. Academy trusts that prepare proactively are often better positioned to reduce last-minute pressure, strengthen financial governance and avoid unnecessary audit issues. With increasing scrutiny around compliance, governance and financial controls, early preparation is becoming more important than ever. Strengthen Financial

The UK payroll landscape is set for a major change from April 2027, as HMRC introduces mandatory payrolling of most Benefits in Kind (BiKs). This reform will fundamentally change how employee benefits are taxed and reported, requiring employers to move away from the traditional annual P11D process and towards real-time reporting through payroll. For many businesses, early preparation will be essential to ensure compliance and avoid disruption. What Is Changing? From 6 April 2

Directors and shareholders of close companies should be aware of the tax implications that can arise when borrowing money from their company. Where a close company makes a loan to a participator - typically a shareholder - and that loan remains outstanding at the end of the accounting period, the company may become liable to an additional corporation tax charge under Section 455 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010. Increase in the Section 455 Tax Rate For loans advanced on or aft

For many years, incorporating a business was often seen as the natural next step once profits started to grow. However, with changes to dividend taxation and reduced tax allowances in recent years, some company owners are now asking a very different question: “Do I still need to operate through a limited company?” In some situations, trading as a sole trader or partnership may now be more tax efficient than operating through a company. But while tax is important, it is far fr

Several important changes to the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) came into effect from 6 April 2026 following measures announced in the Autumn Budget 2025. The changes increase reporting responsibilities for contractors, reintroduce stricter penalty rules for late CIS returns, and strengthen HMRC’s powers in cases involving fraud and Gross Payment Status (GPS). Businesses operating within the construction sector should ensure they fully understand the new requirements to a

Academy trusts and school leaders are being urged to remain vigilant following reports of a fraudulent letter falsely claiming to be from the Department for Education (DfE). While the communication appears official - complete with what looks like a ministerial signature - it has been confirmed as a scam. For academies, this serves as an important reminder of the growing risks around fraud and data security. What’s Happening? A number of academy trusts have received a letter

The introduction of Charities SORP 2026 marks one of the most significant updates to charity reporting in recent years. While much of the focus has been on accounting changes, one area that will see a notable shift is the Trustees’ Annual Report (TAR) - a document that is becoming increasingly important in demonstrating transparency, impact and accountability. For trustees and finance teams, now is the time to understand what’s changing and how to prepare. Why the Trustees’

Starting a business is an exciting step. Maybe you’ve spotted a gap in the market, want more independence, or your side hustle is growing into something bigger. Whatever your motivation, turning an idea into a successful business starts with getting the foundations right. Taking time to plan at the outset can make the journey smoother - and help you avoid costly surprises later on. Here are the key areas every new business owner should consider. Choosing the Right Business

Business failure rarely happens overnight. While it may appear sudden from the outside, the warning signs are often there months - or even years - in advance. The businesses that stay resilient are those that spot financial instability early and take action quickly. So what should you be looking out for? Here are some of the key financial warning signs and performance measures every business owner should understand. Cash Flow: Your First Line of Defence One of the most comm

It’s been just under a month since one of the most significant changes to the UK tax system came into effect: Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax is now live. If you’re self-employed or a landlord, now is the time to make sure you’re fully prepared. What is Making Tax Digital for Income Tax? From the 2026/27 tax year, MTD became mandatory for individuals with business and/or property income exceeding £50,000 per year (based on total income, not profit). Under the new rule

Three Key Tax Changes You Can’t Afford to Miss With the new tax year now underway, many business owners are asking the same question: are we fully prepared for what’s changed? From digital reporting requirements to shifts in tax relief and stricter compliance rules, 2026/27 brings some important updates that could directly impact how you run your business. To help you stay ahead, here are three key changes you should have firmly on your radar. 1. Making Tax Digital Is Now i

The Academies Accounts Direction (AAD) 2025/26 has now been published by the Department for Education, setting out how academy trusts must prepare their financial statements for the year ending 31 August 2026. While many of the updates may appear technical, several changes will have practical implications for trustees, finance teams and auditors. Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s changed - and what academy trusts should be thinking about now. What Is the Academies Accounts

The manufacturing and distribution landscape is changing fast For UK manufacturing and distribution businesses, the past few years have been defined by disruption - and 2026 is no different. From rising input costs and supply chain instability to increasing demand for efficiency, sustainability, and digitalisation, business owners are operating in a more complex environment than ever before. But within that complexity lies opportunity - particularly for businesses with clear

If you run a travel-related business, understanding how VAT applies to your services is essential. One area that often causes confusion is the Tour Operator Margin Scheme (TOMS). This is a specialist VAT scheme that applies to many businesses buying and reselling travel services - and getting it wrong can have a direct impact on profitability and compliance. What is the Tour Operator Margin Scheme? TOMS is a specific VAT scheme for businesses that buy in and resell travel ser

With rising costs continuing to impact both businesses and employees, many employers are looking for ways to offer meaningful benefits without increasing overall spend. One option that is often overlooked - but can be highly effective - is salary sacrifice. What is salary sacrifice? Salary sacrifice is an arrangement where an employee agrees to give up part of their gross salary in exchange for a non-cash benefit. Common examples include: Pension contributions Electric vehicl

HMRC has estimated that around one million taxpayers missed the 31 January 2026 Self Assessment deadline, despite 11.48 million people successfully filing on time. As expected, there was a last-minute surge, with nearly half a million returns submitted on deadline day alone - and over 27,000 filed in the final hour before midnight. However, for those who missed the deadline, it’s important to act quickly to minimise penalties. Missed the deadline? Here’s what happens If your

The government has announced a new version of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), designed to be simpler, fairer and more accessible for farmers across England. The update was unveiled by Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds at the National Farmers’ Union Conference and signals a continued focus on supporting sustainable and profitable farming practices. What is changing? The new SFI offer introduces a streamlined approach, reducing the number of actions from 102 to 71. T