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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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August 21, 2024
Updated interest rates and repayment thresholds for student loans announced

The latest annual update to Student Loan interest rates was made last week by the Department for Education.

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August 19, 2024
Could government-backed financing help your business expand?

A small business from Barnsley, Slime Party UK, has successfully secured government-backed financing, enabling it to significantly expand its operations, create new jobs, and develop new product lines.

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August 15, 2024
HMRC interest rates to be reduced

The Bank of England’s decision to reduce the base rate to 5% means that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will also reduce their interest rates.

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August 14, 2024
Chancellor refuses to rule out increase to capital gains tax

Chancellor Rachel Reeves visited the US and Canada last week, and during an interview with Bloomberg was asked whether she was considering increasing capital gains tax.

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August 12, 2024
Pitfalls to avoid in making a strategic plan

For businesses, having a strategic plan in place is vital for the long-term success and sustainability of the business. It serves as a roadmap for your business that gives you a clear direction, sets out the priorities, and helps you to make sure that you are using your resources effectively to reach your goals.

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August 8, 2024
Abolishment of Furnished holiday lettings tax regime confirmed

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have published draft legislation and a policy paper outlining the proposal for the abolition of the furnished holiday lettings (FHL) tax regime.

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