While 6.36 million headed into 2026 with their tax affairs in order, more than 5.6 million people still need to file their Self Assessment tax return before the 31st January deadline. For those still to file, those who miss the deadline could face an initial late filing penalty of £100 on top … [Read more...]
News for: General Business News
New car registrations surpassed 2 million in 2025
Annual new car registrations reached a post-pandemic high of 2.02 million in 2025, up 3.5% year-on-year, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has revealed. 2025 marked the third consecutive year of growth for the UK's new car market, with a December surge in registrations taking … [Read more...]
Bank of England announces cut to interest rates
The Bank of England has announced it has cut its base interest rates to 3.75%, bringing interest rates to their lowest level since early 2023. Economists on the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which is responsible for setting interest rates, voted 5-4 in favour of the cut, with the … [Read more...]
4,800 Self Assessment scams reported ahead of 31st January deadline
More than 4,800 Self Assessment scams have been reported since February 2025, HMRC is warning ahead of the upcoming filing deadline on 31st January 2026. Beyond Self Assessment-related scams, the UK's tax authority has received reports from customers of more than 135,500 HMRC-related scams in the … [Read more...]
HMRC updates employers ahead of upcoming PAYE changes
Following the Chancellor's November Budget, HMRC has detailed guidance around a number of announced changes to PAYE and taxation in its December Employer Bulletin. With a number of changes to PAYE taking effect in the coming years, HMRC is reminding businesses to take notice of issues that may … [Read more...]
New package of apprenticeship reforms announced
A newly announced package of reforms to the apprenticeships system seeks to reverse a recent decline in apprenticeship starts and rising unemployment among young people. As announced in last month's Budget, plans will see Government cover the full cost of apprenticeships for eligible young people … [Read more...]
Businesses warned of new ransomware cyberthreat
Security agencies around the world are warning businesses of a new ransomware group, Interlock, which is targeting organisations in Europe and North America. Like other ransomware threats, the group will exploit security vulnerabilities to steal data and lock businesses out of their systems … [Read more...]
John Lewis Partnership reveals impact of programme for care experienced people
The John Lewis Partnership has revealed its third annual Impact Report for its Building Happier Futures (BHF) programme to support care experienced people. Part of the John Lewis Partnership Foundation, the BHF fund awards grants for UK projects to provide education, connection, experience and … [Read more...]
Companies House begins identity verification for company directors
Companies House has begun phasing in compulsory identity verification for company directors over the next 12 months, starting today (18 November). Changes mean anyone who becomes a company director or person with significant control (PSC) will need to verify their identity with Companies House. … [Read more...]
Microsoft to end support for Publisher
Microsoft has announced it is to end support for its Publisher software and files after October 2026. For Microsoft 365 and other subscriptions, users will no longer be able to open or edit Publisher files or access the Publisher application after 1st October 2026. Until that date, subscribers … [Read more...]
Employers and government to partner on building healthier workplaces
More than 60 major and many small employers are partnering with government to tackle the growing numbers of people out of work due to ill health. The joint effort, developed in response to Sir Charlie Mayfield’s Keep Britain Working Review, will drive action to prevent ill-health, support people … [Read more...]
John Lewis unveils Christmas advert
Retailer, John Lewis, has unveiled its 2025 Christmas advert, which explores using thoughtful gifting to express feelings without words. The ad, created by Saatchi & Saatchi, focuses on a teenage son who uses music as a medium to express the feelings for his dad he can't find the words for, … [Read more...]