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The UK’s manufacturing sector has climbed one place to eighth in the world rankings, overtaking France in the process, according to analysis of the latest official data published by Make UK. The figures are contained in the latest annual ‘Manufacturing – The Facts’ which contains a wide variety of data about the contribution of manufacturing to the economy, including exports, sectoral breakdown, how the UK compares to other nations and salary levels. The data shows that in 2021 (the latest year for which global comparisons are available), UK manufacturing output was worth some $272bn, compared to $262bn for France, but behind [...]

Innovation has generally been recognised as essential for value creation, both for individual companies and for the UK economy as a whole. The development of new ideas, processes, and technologies and their flow across different sectors is a significant driver of economic growth and productivity. Recently, innovation has also been identified as crucial to the transition of the economy away from fossil fuels and carbon-intensive business activities. There are many factors that affect whether and how businesses innovate, for example the availability of skills and capital and government policy measures such as tax incentives. However, none are more important that [...]

The pilot scheme, set to launch in Liverpool before being rolled out to other major cities over the coming months, will see benefit claimants gain an industry recognised accreditation, endorsed by industry leaders including Greene King, Marriot Hotels, and ACC Liverpool. The Hospitality Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) combines a programme of learning launched by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in collaboration with UKHospitality. The scheme is designed to provide tailored training for jobseekers from industry experts, allowing them to move into a career in hospitality, while boosting workforce participation in the sector and helping to grow the [...]

The AI Safety Summit will take place on the 1st and 2nd November at Bletchley Park. The summit will bring together key countries, as well as leading technology organisations, academia, and civil society to inform rapid national and international action at the frontier of Artificial Intelligence (AI) development. The summit will focus on risks created or significantly exacerbated by the most powerful AI systems, particularly those associated with the potentially dangerous capabilities of these systems. For example, this would include the proliferation of access to information which could undermine biosecurity. The summit will also focus on how safe AI can be used for public good and to [...]

National Manufacturing Day is on Thursday 28 September 2023. Manufacturers throughout the UK will once again be opening their doors to members of the public who will be invited into factories and sites for a behind-the-scenes look at how Manufacturers' facilities work, as part of this UK-wide Open House. Local communities will have the chance to see the potential careers and jobs on offer within the wonderfully diverse manufacturing sector, as employers engage with all age groups - from school leavers, graduates, people looking to reskill, and the local residents. For Make UK and Manufacturers, this is an opportunity to [...]

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has produced guidance on biometric data and biometric technologies. The draft guidance looks at the definition of biometric data under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and how data protection law applies when using biometric recognition systems. Biometric recognition systems are tools used by businesses to verify customers' identity in the digital world. For example, facial recognition technology, voice recognition, fingerprint scanning, etc. The ICO's draft guidance covers: what biometric data is; when it is considered special category data; its use in biometric recognition systems; and the data protection requirements you need to comply with. [...]

UK scientists now have access to the world’s largest research collaboration programme, Horizon Europe, which was lost as a result of Brexit. From 7 September, UK researchers can apply for grants and bid to take part in projects under the Horizon programme, with certainty that the UK will be participating as a fully associated member for the remaining life of the programme to 2027. Once adopted, the UK will also be able to join the governance of EU programmes – which the UK has been excluded from over the last three years – ensuring we can shape collaboration taking place [...]

Listed below are a number of live HMRC webinars that will give the self-employed an understanding of key taxes that affect them. The webinars are free and last around an hour. Webinars for the self-employed: Residential property income for individuals - expenses, and deductions Wed 20 Sep at 11:45am Capital allowances and vehicles Thu 21 Sep at 11:45am Wed 22 Nov at 11:45am How to apply the VAT reverse charge for construction services Fri 22 Sep at 1:45pm Capital Allowances for the self-employed Tue 26 Sep at 9:45am Record keeping for the self-employed Wed 27 Sep at 9:45am Business expenses [...]

Then ask us about our comprehensive guide to the financial, tax, and accounting considerations of starting a business, “The New Business Kit”, which we offer free to start ups or those who have recently made the jump into business ownership. The guide helps start-ups think about: Selecting a legal entity; Registering with the tax authorities; Accounting and bookkeeping; Value Added Tax; Payroll taxes and pensions; Income and corporation tax; Cash planning and forecasting; Insurance; Selecting professional advisers; and Digital accounting systems. In addition, there is a section of useful names, addresses, and telephone numbers. Just ask – it is free!

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, has confirmed that the Autumn Statement will be on 22 November 2023. The Autumn Statement can affect tax policy, benefits, and much more. The Chancellor will make his announcement to Parliament, setting out the Government’s plans on all matters fiscal and economic. Interestingly, this could be the Chancellor’s last statement before the next General Election, depending on the time frame that the government chooses. Included in the announcement was the news that ‘The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) have been commissioned to prepare an economic and fiscal forecast to be presented to Parliament [...]