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