HLAS

After weeks of speculation about what Budget 2025 would contain, the Chancellor was unexpectedly upstaged when the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) accidentally published their report revealing key policy measures ahead of the official announcement. Although the report was quickly withdrawn, the information had already been picked up by media outlets and tax commentators. Ultimately, however, the manner in which the details were released matters less than the substance of the policies themselves. It is the impact of these measures that will be felt over the coming years. How does Budget 2025 affect your business? Let’s take a closer look [...]

The Chancellor delivered the UK Budget on 26 November 2025, announcing a number of significant tax changes that will impact individuals, businesses, savers, homeowners, and company directors from 2026 and beyond. To help you understand what these changes mean for you, we’ve broken down the key updates below — and created a detailed downloadable guide covering all rates, thresholds, and planning considerations. Overview of the 2025 Budget This year's Budget continues the government’s strategy of raising revenue through frozen thresholds and targeted tax increases. While there was a focus on economic growth and easing cost-of-living pressures, many households and business [...]

Parliament has passed legislation defining which properties will be eligible for the new Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) business rates multipliers, which come into effect on 1 April 2026. HM Treasury has also issued guidance to local authorities on how to apply these regulations. Earlier this year, the Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Act 2025 established the legal framework for introducing higher multipliers for large businesses and lower multipliers for RHL properties. The aim is to support high street RHL businesses that serve in-person customers. From April 2026, two lower business rates multipliers for RHL properties will be introduced [...]

The government has confirmed how the new Renters’ Rights Act will be introduced, outlining a three-phase rollout running from May 2026 through to the end of the decade. Phase 1: Initial reforms from 1 May 2026 The first set of changes will come into force on 1 May 2026. These include the abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, meaning landlords will no longer be able to remove tenants without providing a valid reason. At the same time, landlords who genuinely need to reclaim their property will have access to strengthened, legally recognised grounds. These include moving into the property themselves, [...]

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has launched a campaign to help individuals and small businesses stay secure online. With the festive season approaching, including the Black Friday sales, the potential for scams increases. For instance, scammers may claim that an offer is only available for a limited time or that products are scarce in order to manipulate people into acting quickly without thinking. Delivery scams are also popular. Data from the City of London Police suggests that around £11.8 million was lost last year, between 1 November 2024 and 31 January 2025, to online shopping fraud. How Can You [...]

As the festive season approaches, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is urging anyone who earns money from Christmas crafts, seasonal market stalls, or selling festive items to check whether they need to report their earnings for last year. HMRC’s “Help for Hustles” campaign highlights the importance of understanding when extra income becomes taxable. While selling personal belongings from a clear-out generally does not need to be reported, making or selling items for profit - such as handmade decorations, upcycled furniture or running a seasonal market stall - may be subject to tax. What You Need to Know Anyone who earned [...]

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced a series of actions aimed at improving price transparency and addressing misleading online sales practices. This marks the first significant use of its new powers under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA), which came into force earlier this year. The CMA carried out a cross-economy review involving more than 400 businesses across 19 sectors. Concerns were identified in 14 sectors, particularly relating to drip pricing and the use of misleading countdown timers. Focus on Online Pricing Practices The CMA has launched investigations into eight named businesses due to concerns [...]

For many sole traders and small business owners, reviewing their accounting system only happens when something forces the issue. For example, a number of sole traders are currently assessing whether their accounting software meets the requirements for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. However, even without regulatory changes, taking the time to review your accounting system can deliver real benefits. Choosing the right platform can save time, reduce the risk of errors and give you clearer visibility over your business’s finances. Here are some practical points to keep in mind. 1. Identify Your Needs Consider what you or your team [...]

UK inflation eased to 3.6% in the year to October, down from 3.8% in September, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Although still higher than the Bank of England’s 2% target, this represents the slowest rate of price growth in four months and arrives just ahead of the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget. What Is Driving the Latest Change? The ONS noted that smaller rises in household energy costs were a major contributor to the slowdown. Ofgem increased the energy price cap in October, but the 2% rise was significantly lower than the 9.6% increase applied [...]

As the festive season draws near, employers are being reminded of their duty to take reasonable measures to prevent sexual harassment at work-related events, including Christmas parties. The Worker Protection Act 2023 places a preventative obligation on employers to safeguard staff from harassment in the workplace — whether at their usual place of work or during work-related social gatherings. Heightened risks during festive events Workplace parties are generally positive occasions that help bring colleagues together. However, the combination of social settings, alcohol consumption, and events held outside normal working hours can increase the likelihood of inappropriate behaviour. Employers are encouraged [...]