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