Changes to the R&D tax relief scheme are causing innovative small and medium-sized businesses to scale back their research activity, new figures suggest. Companies are reducing investment, delaying projects and cutting their recruitment, according to a new survey. It questioned 254 chief financial officers at R&D-active UK SMEs and discovered that 62 per cent had […]
A new survey of hospitality businesses has revealed mounting cost pressure, with the number of businesses operating at a loss rising significantly in just three months. Campaigners say the figure demonstrates the “devastating impact” of the cumulative cost and tax burden for hospitality in the UK – the highest in the economy. And they point […]
Red tape, rising costs and complex rules are pushing small firms out of EU markets, according to new research. A report by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has revealed that three in ten (34 per cent) of SME traders expect to reduce or stop EU trade altogether if current rules don’t change. Meanwhile, five […]
Small firms are facing pressures comparable in scale to those during the Covid pandemic, according to a report from the House of Commons Business and Trade Committee. Tax burdens, energy costs, crime and late payments are among the issues highlighted in the report, which was launched by committee chair Liam Byrne to an audience of […]
Every pub in England will get 15 per cent off its business rates bill from April as the government moves to support the struggling hospitality sector. Their bills will then be frozen in real terms for a further two years. Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson told the Commons: “This support is worth £1,650 for the average […]
Congratulations to James Hart on qualifying as a fully-fledged Chartered Certified Accountant after passing his final ACCA exam. James, 29, from Blackpool, joined the WNJ team in 2018 and started on his professional development path from day one. He is a member of the practice’s accounts and audits team. The exams James has taken to […]
Homebuyers are being warned to avoid Stamp Duty Land Tax scams following a landmark Court of Appeal decision. HMRC is calling on people purchasing properties to be vigilant of tax agents offering to secure Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) repayments on their behalf where repairs are needed to a property they have bought. Some agents […]
HMRC is encouraging people with additional income streams to understand their tax obligations and get ahead of the January deadline rush. If you earn more than £1,000 from additional income, you may need to register for Self Assessment. Filing now means you will know your tax situation sooner and can spread payments over time. So-called […]
Individuals saving into a defined contribution pensions scheme are set to be the most impacted by the economic turmoil created by US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, according to a new report. In the wake of the “economic turbulence” felt across the globe by the president’s actions, the Society of Pension Professionals (SPP) has produced a […]
The government has increased the interest rate applied to beneficial loan agreements from 2.25 per cent to 3.75 per cent from the start of this month. At first glance that may seem like a small rise but it is a move that could have significant tax implications. Beneficial loan arrangements are typically loans between a […]
