HLAS

The UK government is under renewed financial strain after long-term borrowing costs rose to their highest point in a generation. The yield on 30-year government bonds (gilts) has climbed to 5.72% – a level not seen since 1998. For the government, this makes borrowing significantly more expensive and increases the pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to find additional revenue through taxation ahead of the Budget later this year. For businesses, tighter public finances could directly influence future tax and spending choices. Why borrowing costs matter Governments raise money by issuing bonds to investors, committing to repay the amount in future [...]

After three years of losses, Royal Mail has reported a return to profit under its new owner, Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky. Although the £12m profit (before redundancy costs) is relatively small compared to the £336m loss the previous year, it represents a significant turning point for a business that has been grappling with falling demand, increased costs, and reputational challenges. Royal Mail’s journey offers plenty of insight into what it takes for a business to adapt and progress in difficult trading conditions. Here are six takeaways. 1. Focus on Growth Opportunities Letter volumes continue to decline (down 4% in the [...]

The UK’s hospitality industry - covering restaurants, pubs, bars and hotels - has seen the sharpest rise in job losses since last autumn, according to new analysis. Industry body UKHospitality says that around 89,000 jobs have been lost since October 2024. They have said that hospitality has accounted for more than half of all job losses in the UK. The group warns that the total could reach 100,000 by the next Budget. Why Is Hospitality Being Hit So Hard? Reports suggest that a mix of rising costs and slowing demand is squeezing businesses from both sides: Higher wage costs: April’s [...]

HM Revenue and Customs has revealed that 170,000 scam referrals were made to them in the year to July 2025. While this represents a 12% fall compared with the previous year, HMRC is warning taxpayers to remain vigilant. Phishing scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. They are no longer just poorly written emails full of spelling errors. Many now appear professional, featuring authentic-looking company logos and even QR codes designed to trick you into clicking on a link or sharing sensitive information. For small business owners in particular, falling victim to a phishing attack can have serious consequences beyond inconvenience – [...]

The Government has confirmed an additional £45 million in funding to expand support for young people not currently in education, employment, or training (NEETs). This investment extends the Youth Guarantee trailblazer scheme for a further year and forms part of wider plans to introduce a national Youth Guarantee. The aim is to ensure that all 18–21-year-olds are given the opportunity to either “earn or learn”. The Challenge According to recent data from the Office for National Statistics, there are 948,000 young people across the UK currently classed as NEET. Factors contributing to this rise in recent years include: Disruption to [...]

From 13 October 2025, Companies House will require all businesses to use GOV.UK One Login to access WebFiling. This change is part of a wider government move to introduce a single, more secure login system across all online services. What’s Changing? From 13 October 2025, you’ll need to connect your WebFiling account to GOV.UK One Login before you can continue filing. If you share your WebFiling account with others, only one person will be able to connect each WebFiling account to their GOV.UK Login. Anyone who shares access will need to create their own GOV.UK One Login, using a different [...]

Many business owners we speak with feel trapped in the day-to-day grind. They are fielding customer queries, resolving issues, chasing unpaid invoices – all while wondering how they will ever find the time to step back and focus on the bigger picture of where the business is heading. The reality is that when a business relies too heavily on the owner, it can seem impossible to carve out time for strategy, growth planning, or even considering a long-term exit. This is where systemising the business becomes invaluable. What Do We Mean by “Systemising”? Systemising is about creating repeatable processes that [...]

In a recent Upper Tribunal case (HMRC v Marc Gunnarsson), a taxpayer appeared without professional representation and relied on Artificial Intelligence (AI) software to prepare his skeleton argument ahead of the hearing. The Tribunal concluded that the taxpayer’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) claims – made while he was a director of a limited company – were incorrect, and he was ordered to repay the funds he had received. Within his skeleton argument, the taxpayer cited three First Tier Tribunal decisions in support of his position. However, these cases did not exist – they had been ‘hallucinated’ by the generative [...]

We are aware that HMRC is increasingly challenging retailers in the flooring, kitchen, and bathroom sectors where customers are referred to third-party contractors for installation services. HMRC often argues that the retailer is making a single composite supply of both goods and fitting services. Where the contractors engaged are not VAT-registered, this can result in HMRC seeking additional VAT on the basis that the supply is made by the VAT-registered retailer. In a recent First Tier Tribunal case, United Carpets (Franchisor) Limited v HMRC, the Tribunal determined that the retailer was not responsible for supplying fitting services. This conclusion was [...]

Individuals born before 22 September 1959 and living in England, Wales or Northern Ireland are likely to be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment (WFP) of between £100 and £300 for this upcoming winter (2025-26). Payments will be made in November or December 2025. However, HMRC will claw back (or “recover”) the WFP if the individual’s income exceeds £35,000 in the year to 5 April 2026. In most cases, the recovery of the 2025-26 WFP will be made automatically via PAYE in the 2026-27 tax year, with HMRC adjusting the recipient's tax code to collect around £17 per month between [...]