Summer VAT cut: what small hospitality and attraction businesses should check now
A temporary VAT cut on family days out and children’s meals creates a short operational window for small hospitality, leisure and visitor-economy businesses.
MTD Income Tax client sign-up: what small firms should check before July downtime
HMRC has updated agent guidance for signing clients up to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, with planned July downtime making it worth checking authorisations, software and client records now.
Red heat-health alerts: what small employers in England should check now
UKHSA has extended red heat-health alerts across several English regions. Small employers should review working conditions, rotas, travel plans and customer-facing operations while the warning is in force.
Making Tax Digital sign-up is now open for sole traders over the 2026 threshold
HMRC says sole traders and landlords required to use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax from April 2026 should sign up now. Small businesses should check thresholds, software and agent authorisations.
Summer VAT cut: what small hospitality and leisure firms should check now
A temporary VAT cut on eligible children’s meals, family tickets and attractions is now live across the UK. For small firms, the opportunity is extra summer footfall, but the details need careful handling.
Wylfa SMR contracts: what small suppliers should watch now
Nearly GBP900 million of Wylfa SMR contracts have now been awarded, with more than 70% going to UK-registered companies. SMEs should watch the supply-chain signals, but prepare carefully before chasing the work.
Online marketplace VAT review: what high street SMEs should watch
The government is accelerating low-value import duty changes and consulting on wider online marketplace VAT liability. For UK small retailers, the key question is whether the reforms make competition fairer without adding new admin shocks.
HMRC tax gap figures put small business compliance back in focus
HMRC says small businesses continue to represent the largest customer group in the UK tax gap. The practical message for SMEs is to tighten records, Corporation Tax processes and basic controls before errors become costly.
Bank Rate held at 3.75%: what SMEs should do about borrowing costs now
The Bank of England has held Bank Rate at 3.75%, but small firms should not assume cheaper borrowing is close. Here is what to check on cash flow, finance costs and pricing.
UK-India trade deal starts on 15 July: what SMEs should prepare
The UK-India free trade agreement enters into force on 15 July 2026. Small exporters and importers have a short window to check origin declarations, pricing and supplier paperwork.