Tax – British SME

Pen-and-ink illustration of a small high street shopkeeper checking till records and supplier invoices, with a small tucked-away Union Jack as the only coloured element

HMRC high street crackdown: what honest small firms should check now

by Alistair Cowen-Page
13 June 2026

HMRC plans more than 30,000 high street interventions in 2026 to 2027. SMEs should review sales, payroll and supplier records before enforcement activity reaches their sector.

Pen-and-ink illustration of a small UK cafe and family attraction ticket desk preparing summer prices, with a small tucked-away Union Jack as the only coloured element

Temporary VAT cut for children’s meals and attractions: what small firms should check before 25 June

by Alistair Cowen-Page
10 June 2026

HMRC has set out a temporary 5% VAT rate for qualifying children’s meals and selected family attractions from 25 June to 1 September 2026. Hospitality, leisure and visitor economy SMEs should check tills, pricing and accounting treatment before it starts.