HLAS

Nobody enjoys facing rejection. Whether it’s a declined loan application, missing out on a contract, or being turned down by an investor, rejection can hurt – particularly when you have poured your energy and passion into building your business. However, uncomfortable as it may be, rejection can often become a powerful driver of future success. In fact, many leading entrepreneurs credit their greatest breakthroughs to lessons learned when things didn’t go as planned. Here’s why rejection could prove to be one of the most valuable experiences on your business journey: 1. Rejection Promotes Reflection Experiencing rejection forces us to pause [...]

In today’s business environment, digital technology is central to everyday operations. As a result, cyber security has evolved beyond being merely an IT concern – it is now a critical responsibility for business owners and board members alike. Effectively managing cyber risks is as vital as overseeing financial, legal, or operational risks. With increasingly complex supply chains and rapidly evolving cyber threats, strong cyber governance is now essential not only for resilience but also for ensuring business continuity and supporting sustainable growth. To assist organisations in strengthening their approach, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), in collaboration with the Department [...]

If you're a sole trader or landlord earning over £50,000 annually, a significant change is on the horizon. From 6 April 2026, you may be required to maintain digital business records and send quarterly updates to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) under the new Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax rules. This represents one of the most substantial changes to Self Assessment since its inception. While there are potential advantages, it will also bring considerable adjustments to the way you manage your finances. What’s Changing? Under MTD for Income Tax, individuals who meet the criteria will need to:• Keep [...]

As concern over foot and mouth disease (FMD) cases in Europe continues to grow, travellers are now banned from bringing cattle, sheep, goat and pig meat as well as dairy products from EU countries into Great Britain for personal use. The ban includes sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats and milk whether packed or packaged or bought at duty free. The new restrictions extend those already in place for personal imports from Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria because of outbreaks in those countries. While FMD does not pose a risk to humans, the effect on animals and the agricultural sector [...]

A recent £60,000 fine issued to Merseyside-based law firm DPP Law Ltd (DPP) by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has highlighted the serious consequences businesses can face when cybersecurity measures fall short. The fine followed a major cyber attack in 2022 that resulted in highly sensitive and confidential client information being stolen and later published on the dark web. While DPP operates in particularly sensitive legal areas - such as crime, military, family fraud, sexual offences and actions against the police - the lessons from this incident apply broadly to any organisation that handles personal data. What went wrong? The [...]

At Autumn Budget 2024, we were promised a consultation on the tax treatment of predevelopment costs. However, following the Court of Appeal’s decision on a recent case, the government is postponing publication of the consultation while it considers the implications of the decision. The case, which is known as Orsted West of Duddon Sands (UK) Ltd and others v HMRC [2025] EWCA Civ 279, marked a victory for taxpayers and provides clarity on how capital allowances are treated on pre-construction development costs. Capital allowances are a form of tax relief that businesses can claim when they pay out on capital [...]

Farmers across the UK could soon benefit from a major new investment in agricultural technology, with the government announcing £45.6 million in funding to support innovations that boost food production, improve profitability, and protect the natural environment. Announced on 14 April, the funding will support a wide range of technologies. These include fruit-picking robots, livestock health monitoring systems, and irrigation systems that maximise water use. The goal is to move these solutions from research labs to real farms, making them accessible and practical for everyday farming operations. Support at every stage of development The funding is spread across three special [...]

Amidst all the news about increased tariffs in the US, the UK government has announced a cut to zero in import tariffs on a range of 89 foreign products. Plywood and plastics, as well as pasta, fruit juices, coconut oil, pine nuts, agave syrup and plant bulbs are all included. Construction, food and hospitality, and garden-related businesses could all benefit from reduced costs as a result. The changes relate to goods where the UK Global Tariff applies, i.e. where the goods entering the UK don’t qualify for preferential treatment under, for example, a free trade agreement. The government anticipates that [...]

In a small bit of good news, March’s inflation figures have been released showing a drop to 2.6% from 2.8% in February. The main reason? Lower petrol prices, which has offered some relief for households and businesses alike. However, April has brought fresh challenges. Wage costs and energy prices have already increased, and that’s expected to feed into higher costs in the coming months. The Bank of England’s last forecast showed that they expect inflation to rise again - potentially reaching 3.7% - and to stay above its 2% target until the end of 2027. The next big date for [...]

Homes England has a Home Building Fund available to help housebuilders based in England that are struggling to access finance from traditional lenders. Whether the homes are destined for sale or rent, the Fund can provide loans that are tailored to your business’ circumstances and can be used to pay for development costs. In order to qualify for help, you need to: Be a UK-registered corporate entity or limited liability partnership. Be planning to build 5 or more homes on a site in England. Have outline planning permission in place on land that you have a controlling interest in. To [...]