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

The government has released updated guidance on a new business rates relief scheme for pubs and live music venues in England, set to apply from the 2026/27 tax year. For eligible businesses, this could provide meaningful cost savings over the next three years. What is the new relief? As announced earlier this year, qualifying properties will benefit from: A 15% reduction in their 2026/27 business rates bill A freeze in real terms for rates bills in 2027/28 and 2028/29 While

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has begun rolling out GOV.UK One Login for new users signing up to its digital services. This marks the start of a longer-term move towards a single, simplified login system for accessing government services. What is changing? If you are registering for HMRC services for the first time, you will now use an email-and-password login through GOV.UK One Login. This replaces the need to create a traditional Government Gateway ID, which has historical

With rising costs continuing to impact both businesses and employees, many employers are exploring ways to offer meaningful benefits in a tax-efficient way. One option that continues to grow in popularity is the Cycle to Work scheme. What is the Cycle to Work Scheme? The Cycle to Work scheme allows employers to provide bicycles and safety equipment to employees as a tax-free benefit. In most cases, this is structured through a salary sacrifice arrangement, where employees giv

Many people start a business because they are highly skilled at what they do. A talented designer decides to go freelance. An experienced electrician becomes self-employed. A consultant turns specialist knowledge into a thriving client base. What often comes later is the realisation that doing the work and running a business are two very different roles. As a business grows, management skills become just as important as technical ability in determining long-term success. What