HLAS

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has confirmed plans to raise its fees by an average of 25% from 1 April 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. The change will affect applications and renewals for patents, trademarks, and designs. This marks the first major fee increase in several years, with some fees unchanged for more than two decades. The IPO says the rise is necessary to keep pace with inflation and maintain the quality of its services. The change means most fees will go up by around a quarter. For example: A patent search will rise from £150 to £200. A trademark [...]

As previously highlighted, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has introduced its new, free Cyber Action Toolkit, created to help small businesses bolster their cyber security in a straightforward and cost-effective manner. The toolkit is aimed at organisations without dedicated IT teams or substantial security budgets and provides clear, practical steps that can be put into practice immediately. Helping small businesses take action The NCSC acknowledges that many smaller firms find cyber security intimidating—often believing it to be overly technical, too expensive, or simply not urgent. The vast amount of guidance available can also feel overwhelming, leading many to postpone [...]

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are writing to some taxpayers to tell them what they need to do to get ready for the new Making Tax Digital rules that come into force next April. What is Making Tax Digital? Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is a new way for sole traders and landlords to provide their business accounts and tax information to HMRC. It involves using software to maintain digital accounting records and then submit reports to HMRC each quarter. From 6 April 2026, Making Tax Digital will be mandatory for almost all sole traders and landlords who had [...]

The UK unemployment rate has increased to 5% in the three months to September, reaching its highest level since early 2021, according to newly released data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The rise is slightly sharper than anticipated and adds to indications that the labour market is beginning to lose momentum. This uptick comes shortly before the government’s Budget later this month and could heighten the pressure surrounding the Chancellor’s forthcoming decisions. Signs of a cooling jobs market Although unemployment has edged higher, job vacancies have held broadly steady at around 723,000 between August and October. Initial figures [...]

A new report from Skills England has revealed that many employers are finding it difficult to keep up with the pace of AI-driven change. The report, titled AI Skills for the UK Workforce, introduces three new tools designed to help organisations build confidence and capability in using artificial intelligence responsibly. Sector-Specific Challenges The report highlights a number of sectors where businesses face particular challenges in adapting to AI: • Construction – Opportunities such as drone surveying and augmented-reality training are emerging, but limited digital literacy continues to act as a barrier. • Creative Industries – Freelancers and small companies are [...]

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a national campaign to offer UK businesses access to no-fee specialist recruitment support through Jobcentre Plus. The service is available to all businesses, regardless of size or sector. Over the last year, only one in five businesses has used Jobcentre Plus services for support. This may be indicative of a lack of confidence in the service being able to locate suitable candidates. At the same time, over half of employers in a recent DWP Employer Survey reported difficulties in finding suitable candidates. With the average cost of filling a vacancy estimated [...]

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has reported that over 5.6 million people have accessed its app since the start of the current tax year (6 April 2025). The app offers a range of features that can be useful in viewing and managing your tax and national insurance records. What are people using the app for? According to HMRC, the most accessed services include: Checking PAYE information, including pay before it reaches the bank - used by 4.14 million people. Viewing annual tax summaries - 1.94 million people. Accessing national insurance details, including contribution history and saving NI numbers - 1.79 [...]

From 18 November 2025, identity verification through Companies House will become mandatory for company directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs). This new requirement aims to improve the accuracy of the UK’s company register and strengthen measures to combat economic crime. The identity verification system was first introduced on a voluntary basis in April 2025. Since then, more than one million individuals have completed the process, according to Companies House. Companies House Chief Executive, Andy King, described the milestone as an important step forward, stating:“Identity verification will help make sure that the people setting up and running companies are who [...]

The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, gave a surprise ‘pre-Budget’ speech last week that appeared to pave the way for tax rises in the Budget on 26 November 2025. What did she say? The Chancellor’s scene setting speech outlined her priorities to cut NHS waiting lists, reduce the national debt, and improve the cost of living. Quoting world challenges such as the continuing threat of tariffs, persistent inflation, the increasing cost of government borrowing, and pressures on public finances, the Chancellor acknowledged that productivity in the economy is weaker than previously thought. This all means increasing pressure on revenue for the government. [...]

The government’s Renters’ Rights Bill has now officially become law, following Royal Assent last week. This new Act introduces a range of significant changes that will affect private landlords across England. While details on how and when the new rules will come into force are still to be announced, the following overview outlines some of the key measures that will be introduced. End of Section 21 Evictions One of the most important developments is the removal of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions. This does not mean landlords will be unable to evict tenants, but it does restrict the circumstances in [...]