Businesses urged to check records after Companies House WebFiling data glitch

/in /by

The issue was identified on Friday, March 13 and the service was taken offline while the problem was investigated and fixed.

WebFiling has been independently tested and has been back online since 9am on Monday, March 16.

A Companies House spokesperson said: “The issue arose from a system update in October 2025 and was not the result of a malicious attempt to attack our systems. It is not a cyber-attack.

“The issue could only have been exploited by a logged-in user performing a specific set of actions.”

The investigation found that it was technically possible for a logged-in registered user to see certain data not normally published on the public register:

• the day of the date of birth for directors and PSCs
• residential address for directors and PSCs
• company registered email address

It was also possible to post updates to any information without consent. For example, new accounts or changes of director.

Companies House says:

• You do not need to reset your WebFiling password
• No identity verification data, such as passport information or personal codes, was accessed
• No existing filed documents could have been altered

And if you have applied to protect your personal details under the Companies Act 2006, your information was not affected by this issue.

What you should do now

Companies House says it is contacting businesses proactively on a “precautionary basis” to make them aware of this issue.

It says: “At this stage, we have no confirmed reports of any data having been accessed or changed without permission, and we believe the issue could not have been used to extract data in large volumes.

“However, as a precaution, please check your registered details and filing history to make sure everything looks correct.”

You can do this in WebFiling and on the Find and update company information service: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/

If anything seems incorrect or unexpected, please contact Companies House at enquiries@companieshouse.gov.uk using ‘WebFiling issue’ in the subject heading.

Include as much detail as you can about your concern, including your company name and number. The more information you can give them to support their investigation – the easier it will be to resolve the issue for you.

Further recommendations

Companies House also recommends signing up to its free Follow service: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/

Follow sends you an instant email alert whenever a document is filed with them for any company you choose to follow – including your own.

It is described as “a simple way” to stay informed and spot anything unexpected as soon as it happens. You can sign up through the Find and update company information service and then select ‘Follow this company’ on your company’s page.

Next steps

Companies House has reported this incident to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The organisation is analysing its data, and says: “If we find evidence that anyone has accessed or changed another company’s details without authorisation, we will take firm action. We will keep you updated as our investigation progresses.”

The organisation has also issued an apology, saying: “We recognise that this incident may have caused concern, and we are sorry for that. Companies House takes its responsibility to protect your data extremely seriously, and we are committed to doing everything we can to support those affected and to maintaining your trust in our services.”

Businesses under pressure – Would you be able to recognise the warning signs?

/in /by

An increase in the monthly number of company insolvencies, as well as a rise in the unemployment rate and slow GDP growth, all highlight the continued financial strain facing businesses.

The latest government statistics showing that corporate insolvencies in England and Wales increased by four per cent in January 2026, compared to the previous month.

Mark Davies, North Wests chair of R3, the UK’s restructuring, turnaround and insolvency trade body, said: “January is often a tough month financially for businesses and the latest monthly rise in insolvencies reflect the dismal, rain-soaked start to the year the UK has endured.

“However, there is a ray of sunshine with corporate insolvencies 14 per cent lower than the same month in the previous year.

“Businesses across several sectors haven’t had the results from the ‘Golden Quarter’ boost they had hoped for. As a result, January has slightly become a tipping point, where high costs, disappointing sales and year-end financial pressures converge.”

Meanwhile, the unemployment rate has reached a five year high of 5.2 per cent and GDP also grew slowly at 0.1 per cent in December, with construction recording its worst performance in more than four years.

Small and medium size (SME) businesses are particularly exposed to cashflow pressures and late payments, with construction business especially affected.

A recent report by the Business and Trade Committee found SMEs are owed tens of billions of pounds in unpaid invoices and noted that late payments are responsible for the closure of 38 UK businesses every day.

Recognising the early warning signs of financial distress is critical. If you are noticing issues like persistent late payments, growing debts, or difficulties meeting payroll obligations then it is more than likely time to seek professional guidance.

Cash flow issues can escalate quickly – that is why it is vital that business owners and company directors monitor finances closely and seek advice at the first sign of trouble.

Having clear and up-to-date financial information is vital. Cash as ever, is king. So, it is really important that projections and cashflow forecasts are accurate and timely and business leaders are on top of their figures.

Take a look at your payment terms and see if they need to be changed. Have honest conversations with suppliers and customers.

Look at your overheads to make sure you are getting the best deals possible. Assess your office systems and purchasing and ordering processes to make sure you are not incurring unnecessary costs.

Ensure that your stock control is in order and is fit for purpose. Are the right processes in place? Examine and re-evaluate.

Also, be prepared to adapt. As well as looking at areas where costs could be reduced without harming cash inflows, gauge if there are opportunities to be exploited and new markets to explore.

More than ever, in tough times, due diligence on new customers and regular communication with existing ones is really important.

• For advice and to discuss any issues raised by this article please contact me on 01772 430000

Digital tax records – the deadline looms

/in /by

Sole traders and landlords earning more than £50,000 from self-employment and property have just weeks left to prepare for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax.

From April 6 those eligible will need to use recognised software to keep digital records and send HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) light-touch quarterly updates of their income and expenses. These are not extra tax returns.

At the end of a tax year, those within MTD for Income Tax will still need to file a tax return by the following January 31 – but the software will already hold the information from the quarterly updates, meaning no last-minute hunt for records or receipts.

Craig Ogilvie, HMRC’s director of making tax digital, said: “A range of software is available and the system is straightforward and helps reduce errors. Thousands of volunteers have already used it successfully.

“This will make it easier for sole traders and landlords to stay on top of their tax affairs and help ensure everyone pays the right amount of tax.

“Spreading your tax admin throughout the year means avoiding that last minute scramble to complete a tax return every January.”

HMRC says thousands of sole traders and landlords have already signed up for MTD for Income Tax, with more than 12,000 quarterly updates successfully submitted through a voluntary testing programme.

Those joining MTD in April 2026 will still file their tax return for the 2025 to 2026 tax year in the usual way by January 31, 2027, as this covers the period before MTD begins.

The first MTD tax return, covering the 2026 to 2027 tax year, will be due by January 31, 2028.

To support the transition, the government has announced that customers joining MTD for Income Tax in April 2026 will not receive penalty points for late quarterly updates, for the first 12 months.

Under the new system, penalty points will be given for each late submission, with a £200 penalty only applied once four points are reached. This means occasional slip-ups won’t result in immediate fines.

• If you have any queries or need advice and assistance, please contact me on 01772 430000

Harness the power of networking

/in /by

Networking is a valuable skill that helps you build relationships, make new connections, and can open doors to new opportunities.

However, it can be difficult and many business people, no matter how experienced they are, can find it daunting.

Here, courtesy of the King’s Trust, are some top tips and handy hints to help you become a top networker:

Do your research

If you’re attending a networking event, find out as much as you can about it beforehand. Who’s hosting it? Who’s going? Who might it be worth you speaking to?

Volunteer at a networking event

If the idea of networking and approaching strangers makes you feel anxious, offer to volunteer at the event instead. This way people will approach you for help and you will be able to start a conversation from there. Having access to the guest list will also help you work out who’s worth talking to!

About you

Make sure you prepare a little introduction about yourself for when you meet new people. Tell them what you do and why you’re there.

Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself

If you can get a mutual contact to introduce you, that’s great, but don’t be afraid to go it alone if needs be. Approach whoever you want to speak to, wait for a break in the conversation and then introduce yourself.

Name game

Remember people’s names by repeating it back to them and checking the spelling if necessary.

Pick out people’s distinctive features

This will help you remember everyone you meet so you can follow up with them after the event.

Be positive and build relationships
You have a lot to offer so remember that. But, don’t think purely about what you can get from the event – think also about what you can offer other people.

Listen

Ask interesting questions and then listen to the answers. People appreciate being listened to so remember the details.

Set a networking goal

Make sure you know what you want to get out of the event. Setting yourself a target number of new people to talk to is always a good idea.

Take notes

Taking notes to help you remember key bits of information about the people you have spoken to is always a good idea – especially when it comes to following up with them post-event.

Say your goodbyes

Don’t duck out quickly at the end. Shake hands and wrap up with anyone you’ve spoken to before you leave so that they remember you.

Business cards

Don’t forget to take business cards if you have them. It’s important not to spam people with cards but it’s a great way of making sure people have your details.

Follow up

You will likely receive a lot of business cards yourself at these types of events so make sure you keep a record of everyone’s contact details somewhere and then follow up with them after the event. LinkedIn makes this easier, so if you don’t already have one, set up an account.

Managing family fall-outs

/in /by

Family ties are strong and that can be a massive positive when it comes to growing a business. But when things go wrong in a family concern the fallout can be felt far and wide.

That is why it is vital to have proper structures in place to mitigate those affects and prevent real damage to both the business and relationships.

It is important to at the start of the business’ life to make sure everyone is clear about their expectations and requirements and how things will be handled if situations change.

Top of the list should be a Shareholders Agreement, drawn up by a solicitor specialising in business matters.

Advice on the content and its implications is needed. Make such that there is full guidance on the type of issues to be incorporated into the agreement.

Consider the Articles of Association and whether there needs to be specific clauses that relate to the management of the business.

Generic articles adopted when most companies are formed will not be specific on a number of issues that could arise.

Also be mindful of succession planning in advance. Individuals may have ideas that don’t fit with other family members so it is better to address early to avoid any misunderstandings.”

I’d also recommend a general code of corporate governance. It would be a mistake not to hold regular meetings to assess, plan and communicate. Many problems can be avoided simply by good communication.

Giving clearly defined roles to individuals can also create a team mentality and it pays to agree a method of dispute resolution.

Drawing up a family charter could also prove valuable when it comes to long-term harmony.

Although not legally binding, it can outline important guidelines, including who has a say in the most important decisions, and the entry requirements for the next generation to join.

• To discuss any issues raised by this article please call me on 01772 430000

Beware the tax scammers

/in /by

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning after new figures revealing more than 4,800 self-assessment scams have been reported since February 2025.

Scammers use persuasive and threatening tactics to target people when they are more likely to receive correspondence from HMRC.

They send fake tax demands or attempt to pressurise people to hand over personal information.

In the last 10 months, customers have reported more than 135,500 HMRC-related scams, including 29,000 scams referring to fake tax refund claims.

HMRC is reminding customers to be vigilant and check whether the email, SMS message or phone call claiming to be from HMRC is genuine on GOV.UK.

Lucy Pike, HMRC’s chief security officer, said: “Millions of people file a tax return each year and scammers mimic HMRC to try and catch unsuspecting victims out.

“I’m urging people to stay vigilant and if any emails, text messages or phone calls appear suspicious.

“Don’t be lured into clicking on links or sharing your personal information – report it directly to HMRC. Just search ‘report an HMRC scam’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”

HMRC has taken swift action to close down nearly 25,000 fake websites and phone numbers in the last 10 months.

It says it will never leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest, ask for personal or financial information via text message or email or contact anyone by email, text or phone to inform them about a refund or ask them to claim one.

Anyone who receives suspicious communication from HMRC can forward emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, SMS messages to 60599 or report phone calls mimicking HMRC on GOV.UK. Find out more about how to report scam activity to HMRC on GOV.UK.

2026: Key dates for your diary

/in /by

As 2025 comes to a close it’s time to look ahead to the new year. Here are some key dates for your new diary. And don’t forget we’re here at WNJ to help you with any advice or support you may need in the next 12 months. Please call us on 01772 430000 to discuss any issues raised.

January

January 1:
The new energy price cap will kick in. Most households who pay for energy will see bills their bills rise by 0.2 per cent

January 31:
The online filing date for Self Assessment tax returns for the 2024/25 tax year is midnight – as is any balancing payment

April

April 1:
The National Living Wage (NLW) and National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates announced in November will come into effect.

• NLW (for those aged 21 or over) will increase from £12.21 to £12.71 per hour
• NMW (for those aged 18 – 20) will increase from £10.00 to £10.85 per hour
• NMW (for those aged 16 and 17 and apprentices aged under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship) will increase from £7.55 to £8.00 per hour

April 1:
The energy price cap for the second quarter of the year will come into effect covering the period April 1 to June 30.

April 5:
The end of the UK Personal Tax Year (2025/26) and the deadline for ISA/pension allowances.

April 6:
The start of the new tax year (2026/27). Crucially Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Self Assessment begins for sole traders and landlords with an income of more than £50,000. Quarterly returns will have to be made.

Tax rates for dividends increase by 2% to:
Basic Rate Band 10.75%
Higher Rate Band 35.75%
Additional Rate Band 39.35%

The tax-free dividend allowance remains at £500

Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) rate increases from 14% to 18%
Inheritance Tax (IHT): The £1 million allowance for 100% Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) will become transferable to a surviving spouse or civil partner, even if the first death occurred before this date.

May

May 31: P60 deadline, Employers must provide P60 forms to all employees who were on payroll on April 5, 2026.

They need to ensure the totals match what was sent via RTI during the year. If providing digital P60s, verify employee access and retain evidence of issue for audit purposes.

July

July 6
Employers must Submit P11D (expenses and benefits) and P11D(b) (declaration for Class 1A National Insurance). Even if you have moved to payrolling benefits, check which items still require reporting. Provide employees with copies so they can keep their personal records current.

July 19-22:
Pay Class 1A National Insurance on benefits for 2025–26 by 19 July (post) or 22 July (electronic). Schedule the payment when you submit P11D(b) to avoid last-minute issues.

July 31:
For those who file a Self Assessment tax return, this is deadline for many people to pay their second payment on account for the 2025/26 tax year.

August

August 7:
If you are involved in Making Tax Digital (MTD) this is the date to submit a quarterly update.

October

October 5:
If you need to register for Self Assessment for the 2025/26 tax year, today is the deadline.
October 31:
The deadline to file a paper Self Assessment tax return for 2025-26.

November

November 7:
It is time to submit another quarterly update, if you are involved in Making Tax Digital (MTD).

December

December 30.
This is the deadline to submit your tax return online.

Other dates and deadlines
For many companies Corporation Tax is due for payment nine months and one day after the end of their accounting period. Set reminders tied to your financial year end and align cash-flow plans accordingly.

VAT returns and payments are usually due one calendar month and seven days after a company’s VAT period ends.

File your Company Tax Return 12 months after your accounting period ends.

File your annual accounts with Companies House nine months after your accounting reference date.

And file a confirmation statement within 14 days of your review period ending

How ready is your business for AI?

/in /by

SMEs are missing opportunities to innovate, grow, increase productivity and contribute more to the wider economy by not making effective use of artificial intelligence (AI), according to a new report.

Research carried out among small business owners by Censuswide for Google revealed that 59 per cent of those questioned had paused “game changing” ideas, because they didn’t have time to bring their innovations to life.

Almost two thirds (64 per cent) of UK SME owners believe that having more time to innovate could unlock significant revenue growth, with a third citing that their innovations could increase revenues by 30 per cent.

Economic analysis from business management consultancy Public First has also shown that AI-powered tools could boost SME productivity by 20 per cent.

This is comparable to adding an extra day to each working week – giving SME leaders more time to bring their game changing ideas to life.

Against this backdrop, Lancashire County Council, in collaboration with Code Institute, has launched a free AI Maturity Assessment to help businesses across the county understand their readiness for AI and identify the next steps in their journey.

The partnership will help businesses futureproof their operations and contribute to a stronger regional AI strategy.

It is designed to help businesses of all sizes, whether they’re just starting to explore AI or already implementing it by giving access to:

• A personalised AI readiness report
• A clear benchmark across six key areas: strategy, value, data, technology, people and governance
• Actionable recommendations to bridge capability gaps
• Access to expert-led guidance and short educational workshops

The initiative will also contribute to shaping Lancashire’s future AI skills strategy and funding programmes by building a regional picture of where support is most needed.

Companies can access the survey, which will provide them with their free AI readiness report, through the website of Boost, Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub: www.boostbusinesslancashire.co.uk

Making Tax Digital: Letters on their way

/in /by

More than 200,000 sole traders and property owners required to move to the new digital tax reporting system from April 2026 will receive a letter from HMRC later this month.

Making Tax Digital (MTD) will apply to self-employed individuals and landlords if their ‘qualifying income’ – combined income from trading and property, measured before expenses – is more than £50,000.

Individuals who had filed their tax return for the year ended 5 April 2025 by 31 August 2025 should receive a MTD mandation letter if their 2024/25 tax return reported qualifying income of more than £50,000.

The letters advise that MTD will apply to the recipient from April 2026, and also contain guidance on how to prepare.

Taxpayers with qualifying income over £50,000, but who file their 2024/25 tax return on or after 1 September 2025 should be sent the same letter in February or March 2026, once the 2024/25 tax return filing deadline has passed.

MTD awareness letters will also be sent during November 2025, according to the trade body The Association of Taxation Technicians.

It says these will go to taxpayers who don’t have agents, and who hadn’t filed their 2024/25 tax return by 31 August 2025, but whose 2023/24 return reported qualifying income close to or above £50,000.

These letters will advise that recipients will need to comply with MTD from April 2026 if their qualifying income in the 2024/25 tax year was more than £50,000, and contain guidance on how to prepare.

They should then receive the mandation letter referred to above after 31 January 2026 if they need to comply with MTD from April 2026.

Receipt of either letter does not mean the taxpayer has been registered for MTD – registration remains the responsibility of the taxpayer or, by agreement, their agent.

• To discuss any issues raised by this article or any tax matters, please contact me on 01772 430000

Help is at hand over Identity Verification

/in /by

As we reported in our October newsletter, the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA), which became law in October 2023, has created a raft of new measures affecting companies and their directors.

Identity Verification is a new legal requirement under the ECCTA. This means that Companies House will require formal identity verification for anyone involved in running or filing on behalf of a company.

By law you will need to verify your identity if you are:

• a director
• the equivalent of a director – for example, a managing officer
• A PSC (Person of Significant Control) – someone who owns or controls a company
• Someone who files for a company, such as a company secretary

Whilst this is a procedure that individuals can perform themselves via GOV.UK, many clients have sought help from our team of company secretarial experts that have been specially trained to deal with the procedures and are on hand to help.

If you would like some help with this, WNJ is a registered ACSP, which means that we are able to assist you with the process.

However, this still does involve you having to complete cryptographic/biometric checks.

If you wish us to assist, please complete a copy of the form using the link below for each Director/PSC you wish to be verified and return to us together with a clear pdf copy of the relevant passport photo page.

You will then receive by email a personalised request to verify your ID through our software.

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:eu:b9d9883f-3327-4b43-a98c-c80fc6661418

• If you have any questions, please contact us by email acsp@wnj.co.uk or call the WNJ office on 01772 430000 and ask to speak to the company secretarial team