Author Archives: Hardings

Government changes course on inheritance tax reliefs

In late 2025 the government confirmed a significant change of direction on inheritance tax reliefs for farmers and family owned businesses. Following sustained criticism of earlier proposals, ministers announced an increase in the threshold at which full inheritance tax relief applies to qualifying agricultural and business assets. The move has been widely described as an […]

VCT and EIS changes

The new rules will allow companies to raise more capital under the following schemes although investors will need to factor in reduced VCT Income Tax relief when assessing opportunities. The Venture Capital Trusts (VCT) and Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) are designed to encourage private investment into trading companies. Both schemes help support business growth while at […]

Key issues emerging for businesses following the recent Budget

The recent Budget may not have delivered many dramatic headline changes, but as the detail settles, a number of important themes are beginning to emerge. Conversations with business owners suggest that concern is less about any single announcement and more about the combined effect of rising costs, higher personal tax exposure and increasing administrative demands. […]

HMRC offers time to help pay your tax bill

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has recently issued a timely reminder about the support available to taxpayers as the Self-Assessment deadline nears. With 31 January 2026 fast approaching, many businesses, sole traders and individuals are understandably starting to feel the pressure of meeting their tax obligations. To help manage this, HMRC is highlighting the Time […]

Reconstructing associated companies into a group structure

Many business owners reach a point where they begin to question whether the way their companies are arranged still suits their ambitions. Separate trading entities might have grown organically, acquisitions may have been made along the way or activities may have been kept apart for practical reasons. Over time, these associated companies can become difficult […]