A new survey commissioned by Acas has found that over two in five employers (41%) are unaware of upcoming changes to employment law to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. The Employment Rights Act 2025 strengthens the law on sexual harassment from 30 October 2026 when employers will need … [Read more...]
News for: General Business News
UK businesses secure full access to global trading bloc
British businesses can now access enhanced opportunities in economies in the Americas and Asia-Pacific regions worth almost a combined £10 trillion, as the UK's membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is ratified by members. The UK signed … [Read more...]
First young people begin work under Jobs Guarantee scheme
The first cohort of young people have started work through the Government's Jobs Guarantee scheme as part of work to address high youth unemployment. The scheme sees Government match 18 to 24 year-olds who have been claiming Universal Credit for 18 months with paid work placements. Placements are … [Read more...]
John Lewis reveals new concept for in-store restaurants
John Lewis has revealed its new concept for its in-store dining in full, with Platter restaurants set to replace existing restaurants across its 32 stores by the end of 2027. The retailer's flagship Platter restaurant has now opened at its Oxford Street store, showcasing the concept in full for … [Read more...]
Retail sales volumes grow in quarter ending July 2026
The volume of retail sales is estimated to have grown 1.1% in the three months to July 2026 when compared to the previous quarter, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) has found. The ONS also found that sales volumes were 3% higher than in the same quarter in 2025. Increased sales was … [Read more...]
UK Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs message to the PM: “Stop the Creep of Taxes on Wealth Creators”
For businesses looking to grow, invest and create jobs, the cost of doing business is an increasingly important consideration. Rising taxes, changes to business incentives and reductions in entrepreneurial relief can all influence decisions about investment, expansion and succession – particularly … [Read more...]
Half of those eligible missed first MTD filing deadline, Azets finds
Almost half the people eligible for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax have missed the first filing deadline, according an analysis from international accountancy and business advisory group Azets. Figures from HMRC showed 436,000 taxpayers filed their first MTD for Income Tax quarterly … [Read more...]
Increasing energy bills drove inflation to 2.9% in July
Inflation rose to 2.9% in July, its highest level in four months, according to the latest Consumer Price Index published by the Office of National Statistics (ONS). The latest increase has largely been driven by increased energy costs as a result of the ongoing conflict in Iran and its impact of … [Read more...]
Azets explains July corporate insolvency figures
There were 1,931 corporate insolvencies in July 2026. This was an increase of 4.5% compared to June 2026 (1,847) and a 4.9% decrease compared to July 2025 (2,031). Jonathan Amor, Restructuring and Insolvency Partner at international accountancy and business advisory group Azets, explains the … [Read more...]
New planning rules facilitate new homes near stations
New planning rules have been introduced in England to make it easier to build new homes close to transport links, including train and tram stations. Changes, which were introduced 17th August, will fast-track planning processes to build new homes on land within a reasonable walking distance of … [Read more...]
Manufacturers urged to check eligibility for support with electricity costs
Cowgills, part of the Sumer Group and formerly IN Accountancy in Stockport, is urging businesses to assess their eligibility for an upcoming government scheme to support them with high electricity costs. The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) is set to begin in April 2027 to support … [Read more...]
436,000 file first quarterly update through Making Tax Digital for Income Tax
More than 436,000 sole traders and landlords have successfully submitted their first quarterly update after Making Tax Digital for Income Tax became mandatory for those with annual incomes over £50,000. Taxpayers who have not yet sent their update can do so now in a few simple steps through … [Read more...]