It is common for small business owners to put themselves at the back of the queue when it comes to pay. Staff are paid, suppliers are paid, tax bills are covered, and then, if anything remains, the owner may take a share. At first glance this may feel responsible and even admirable. However, there are […]

From 13 October 2025, the way you log into Companies House WebFiling is changing. You will need to use GOV.UK One Login to access your WebFiling account. This means that the old style logins will no longer work. When you next try to sign in after that date, you will be prompted to link your […]

Taking on your first employee is a big step for any business. It can bring exciting opportunities for growth, but it also comes with important legal and administrative responsibilities. Getting things right at the start will save time, reduce risk and help you build a strong foundation as an employer. Registering as an employer Before […]

As a business owner, you might already know that your property’s rateable value underpins how much you’ll pay in business rates, a recurring cost no one loves. But here’s a timely heads-up from the Valuation Office Agency (VOA): the next revaluation is coming, and now’s the best time to get plugged in. The VOA importantly […]

A strong business is built on habits, not hope. The following ten goals work as a practical checklist you can revisit each quarter. Keep them simple, measure progress, and improve a little each month. Protect cash flow Run a 13 week rolling cash flow forecast and update it weekly. Watch debtor days and supplier terms […]

Properties needing repairs still count as homes and false claims to recover Stamp Duty Land Tax could mean big tax bills and penalties. HMRC has issued a warning to homebuyers about rogue tax agents promoting false Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) repayment claims, especially those based on the condition of properties. Following a recent Court of […]

Banks must now give 90 days’ notice before closing accounts, giving customers more time to respond. Since April 2026, new government rules strengthen protections for individuals and small businesses at risk of unfair bank account closures. Under the legislation, banks and payment service providers are required to give at least 90 days’ written notice before closing an […]