How to check employment status

HMRC’s CEST tool gets a revamp from 30 April 2025, with clearer questions and updated guidance to help users decide employment status for tax-plus stronger backing from HMRC. In a Written Ministerial Statement delivered on 28 April, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury announced a series of administrative and simplification measures designed to advance the […]

Business cost reductions – the low hanging fruit

Every business reaches a point where reducing costs becomes a priority. Whether due to tighter margins, falling demand, or a broader economic slowdown, managing overheads is one of the most immediate ways to improve profitability and preserve cash flow. However, a common concern is that cutting costs too deeply may weaken a business’s ability to […]

Inflation back up again

Today’s (21st May) inflation figures have certainly stirred the economic waters. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that UK inflation surged to 3.5% in April, up from 2.6% in March, marking the highest rate in over a year. What is driving the rise? Several factors contributed to this unexpected increase: Energy and utility costs: […]

UK Interest Rates Trending Down – What It Means for You

After a period of rising interest rates, there’s a noticeable shift in the UK financial landscape. The Bank of England (BoE) has recently reduced its base rate to 4.25%, marking the fourth cut since August 2024. This move is significant, especially for those involved in mortgages, savings, or business financing. Why the Shift? The BoE’s […]