HLAS

Recent economic developments have sparked concerns among UK businesses. Government borrowing costs surged in December to their highest levels in four years, and this has drawn heavy criticism of the Chancellor’s fiscal strategy. The BBC reported that the gap between government spending and tax revenue widened to £17.8 billion in December, compared with £10.1 billion a year earlier. This was notably higher than the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR)’s forecast of £14.6 billion. Adding to this, interest on government debt reached £8.3 billion in December, the third highest on record for the month since 1997. While yields on 10-year gilts [...]

Small businesses across the UK are invited to enter the Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards, which celebrate exceptional achievements in international trade. The awards are open for entries until 9 March and provide a platform for SMEs to showcase their success in exporting British goods and services across the globe. Why enter the awards?  In short, winning or being highly commended in one of the award categories can offer opportunities to expand your business’ reach and elevate your brand. Previous winners Intralink, who won in the Consultancy & Professional Services [...]

The UK Government has unveiled a £7 million funding initiative to help small businesses boost productivity and efficiency through the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). This funding, allocated across 120 projects, is part of the Innovate UK BridgeAI programme under the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Technology Missions Fund. The initiative aims to leverage AI technology to tackle real-world challenges and drive economic growth in sectors such as agriculture, transport, construction, and beyond. Key highlights from the announcement AI-powered projects receiving support include: Agriculture: Development of AI models to help farmers optimise yields, such as improving dairy production from cows [...]

The new digital markets competition regime came into effect on 1 January 2025, and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has already launched its first investigation into Google under its newly granted powers. Under this regime, the CMA has the authority to designate certain businesses as having Strategic Market Status (SMS)for specific digital activities. Once a company is designated, the CMA can impose conduct requirements or recommend pro-competition interventions to benefit UK consumers and businesses. CMA’s first SMS investigation: Google The designation process can only occur following an investigation. The CMA has confirmed that its initial SMS investigation will focus [...]

The Renters’ Rights Bill returned to Parliament for debate last week and included some new changes. Cap on advance rent payments A new rule is proposed that will cap advance rent payments at one month’s rent. Currently, there is no limit on the upfront rent a landlord can ask for. This is being used to exploit potential tenants in some places and particularly disadvantages renters on lower incomes. Landlords will still be able to take a security deposit of up to 5 or 6 weeks rent alongside a one month’s rent in advance. Safeguards for bereavement Another proposed change will [...]

Following the confirmation of a case of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Germany, the UK has implemented a ban on the importation of cattle, pigs, and sheep from the country. This measure is intended to safeguard UK farmers and their livelihoods. While FMD does not pose a risk to human health or food safety, it is highly contagious among cattle, sheep, pigs, and other cloven-hoofed animals. An outbreak of FMD can have devastating consequences for both livestock and the economy, so farmers and livestock keepers are urged to remain vigilant for symptoms and maintain strict biosecurity measures. Symptoms of [...]

Last Monday, the government unveiled its AI Opportunities Action Plan, aimed at accelerating AI adoption across the UK. The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Peter Kyle, emphasised that the plan outlines how the application of AI can be shaped within a modern social market economy. The plan highlights the government’s strategy to establish a solid foundation for AI growth through: Developing robust, secure, and sustainable AI infrastructure AI relies on immense computational power, which is provided by sophisticated, large-scale computers housed in data centres. Unlocking public and private sector data assets AI learns from data, and unlocking [...]

The latest figures show that UK inflation eased slightly in December, falling to 2.5% from 2.6% in November. Although the drop is marginal, it has sparked debate in the media about whether this easing of inflation could lead the Bank of England to consider cutting interest rates when it meets next month. At the same time, there is speculation that many businesses may raise prices in the coming months due to payroll cost increases scheduled for April. Here, we examine the key issues you need to be aware of. Could interest rate cuts provide relief for borrowers? The decline in [...]

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month. The HSE was created by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and officially launched on 1 January 1975. In 1974, 651 employees were killed at work. HSE’s statistics for 2023/24 show 138 employees were killed at work and indicates the work that has been done to reduce workplace death and injury in England, Scotland and Wales over the last 50 years. Marking the occasion, Sarah Albon, chief executive of HSE, said: “Over the past half century, the Health and Safety Executive has led the [...]

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) have announced the suspension of two business rates agents. These are Rateable Value Experts and Re-Rates UK. The VOA have not specified the exact reasons for the suspension and have simply said that they are investigating a potentially serious breach of their agent standards. While the suspension is in force, the VOA won’t work with or accept any information from the two agents. This is likely to cause difficulties for any customers that they are representing, and so the VOA have written to customers that are affected. As part of the announcement, the VOA have [...]