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AI tool launched to help address planning delays

The UK government has announced the roll out of a new AI tool to enable local authority planning officers to process applications more quickly and reduce delays. Speaking at London Tech Week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the launch of “Extract” – an AI assistant developed by … [Read more...]

Pension reforms aim to boost investment and retirement savings

Government has set out planned reforms to pension schemes that aim to unlock greater investment in infrastructure projects and deliver higher returns on savings. Proposals set to be introduced in the Pension Schemes Bill will mean all multi-employer Defined Contribution pension schemes and Local … [Read more...]

Planning changes announced to benefit SME housebuilders

Changes to the planning system have been proposed to make processes easier for SME housebuilders to bring forward smaller developments. While smaller firms provide local jobs and train eight in ten construction apprentices, their market share has shrunk considerably since the 1980s. Changes … [Read more...]

UK Inflation rises to 3.5% in April, surpassing forecasts

The latest Consumer Prices Index (CPI) figures released this morning, 21st May, by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show UK inflation rose to 3.5% in April – its highest level since February 2024. While a poll of City economists had forecast a rise to 3.3%, and analysts at the Bank of … [Read more...]

Strong Q1 for exporters, finds new UK Trade Barometer report

More than 60% of British exporters saw an increase in overseas sales in the first three months of the year, the latest UK Trade Barometer report has shown. The findings released by UK’s largest group of airports – MAG – and the Growing Together Alliance of regional business bodies, also showed … [Read more...]

HMRC revises interest rates following Bank of England rate cut

Following the Bank of England's decision to cut its base interest rate to 4.25%, HMRC is advising that its interest rates on late payments and repayments will also change. HMRC interest rates are set in legislation and are linked to the Bank of England base rate. Late payment interest is … [Read more...]

Bank of England announces cut in interest rates

Economists on the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee have voted to cut interest rates from 4.5% to 4.25%. MPC members voted 5–4 in favour of the decision, with two members preferring a deeper rate cut of 0.5 points, and two supporting no change to the base rate. The split in the level … [Read more...]

HMRC launches online help for tax compliance checks

HMRC has launched a new Interactive Compliance Guidance tool to help guide both businesses and individuals through tax compliance checks. The tool, accessible through the government website, brings together existing guidance in one place and helps customers understand: Joanne Walker, Low … [Read more...]

John Lewis Partnership appoints Chief Financial Officer

John Lewis Partnership, the retail group that operates John Lewis Cheadle and Waitrose supermarket in Stockport, has announced the appointment of Andy Mounsey (pictured) as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Andy will take up the role with immediate effect, having held the CFO position on an … [Read more...]

Roadshows encourage SMEs to start exporting

The Department of Business and Trade (DBT) has commenced a series of roadshows to encourage more SMEs to start exporting goods and services to markets overseas. The ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ roadshows launched in Blyth in the North-east of England on 24th April, with a series of events … [Read more...]