UK Small Business News and Features

Online platforms must provide HMRC with sales reports on ‘side hustle’ businesses

January 22, 2025

If you make some extra money via a 'side hustle' - by selling online - you should be aware that digital platforms now share information about sellers with HMRC. You might need to pay tax on any profits you make - but it depends!

25% of 18-24 year olds want to start a new business in 2025

January 17, 2025

New research published by Virgin StartUp shows that over a quarter (26%) of 18-24-year-olds are gearing up to start their own businesses in 2025.

Small employers concerned about unfair dismissal proposals

January 9, 2025

A new survey shows that over nine in ten small employers have concerns over unfair dismissal rights contained in the proposed Employment Rights Bill.

self asessment deadline small business owner

Over 5m yet to file self assessment returns – don’t miss the 31st Jan deadline!

January 8, 2025

HMRC says that by the start of 2025, over 5 million people had yet to file their self-assessment tax returns. Make sure you don't miss the deadline!

What is Small Business Saturday? This year it’s on 7th December

December 6, 2024

Small Business Saturday is an annual grassroots campaign which highlights the importance of small, independent UK businesses.

Women-run companies ‘less likely to go bust’ than those led by men

December 4, 2024

A potentially controversial study found that the SME insolvency rate is 71% higher in companies run by men.

Half of UK businesses have experienced a cyber attack. How can you protect yourself?

December 3, 2024

According to government data, an incredible 50% of businesses experienced a cyber attack or security breach last year. How can you protect your business?

Has business confidence taken a “decisive turn for the worse”?

December 2, 2024

According to two major reports from the IoD and CBI, business leaders' confidence in the UK economy has crashed to a post-COVID low.

UK SMEs that hire accountants report higher revenue and lower stress levels

November 19, 2024

An interesting new study shows that small firms that use accountants boost their revenues by 11.5% on average. They also report lower stress levels!

Big gap between HMRC interest rate on late payments vs. refunds

November 13, 2024

In what one tax advisory calls the 'elephant in the room', there is a sizeable gap between the interest rate HMRC pays on late payments and the amount of interest it pays out on tax refunds.