HLAS

In a recent First Tier Tribunal (FTT) decision, Ferrero Ltd v HMRC, the FTT ruled that Nutella Biscuits are zero-rated for VAT purposes. Under UK VAT legislation, biscuits are generally zero-rated unless they are wholly or partly covered in chocolate or a substance similar to chocolate. HMRC contended that Nutella Biscuits should be standard-rated on the basis that they were coated in a chocolate-like material. Nutella Biscuits are made up of several layers, featuring a Nutella filling and a ring composed of a chocolate-style substance, enclosed within two baked biscuit layers that form the product’s exterior. While the FTT accepted [...]

In Autumn Budget 2024, the Chancellor announced that restrictions to the amount of Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) will apply from 6 April 2026. APR and BPR currently give up to 100% relief from Inheritance Tax (IHT) on qualifying agricultural and business property. Draft legislation for the restrictions was published in July 2025. WHAT IS EXPECTED TO HAPPEN? A new £1m allowance will apply to the combined value of business and agricultural property assets that qualify for 100% relief under APR or BPR. The new allowance is in addition to the existing IHT nil-rate bands and exemptions. [...]

The Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, has urged business leaders to act now to strengthen their cyber resilience, warning that cybercrime is one of the biggest threats facing the UK economy. Speaking at the launch of the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) 2025 Annual Review, he reminded businesses that cyber security is no longer just a technical issue - it’s a board-level one. A growing threat The numbers tell the story. The NCSC handled more than 200 serious cyber incidents in the past year - more than double the previous year. These are the types of incidents that can disrupt essential [...]

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) recently hosted a roundtable with partners in Wales to examine the causes of workplace conflict and identify ways organisations can respond more effectively. Several recurring themes emerged during the discussions. Participants highlighted generational differences in attitudes towards work, rights, and identity, emphasising the importance of strong people management skills for managers. The discussions also noted that formal procedures often become the default response, with managers sometimes reluctant to address issues informally. Economic pressures, particularly their impact on pay negotiations, were cited as a common trigger for workplace disputes. Supporting Managers to Handle Conflict [...]

Fishing businesses and coastal communities across the UK are set to benefit from a significant new funding package designed to promote growth, sustainability, and local employment. The government has announced the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, which includes £56 million allocated to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The funding will be administered by the devolved governments, allowing investment to reflect local priorities and the specific needs of fishing communities. Under this allocation, the Scottish Government will receive £28 million, the Welsh Government £18 million, and the Northern Ireland Executive £10 million, based on the Barnett Formula. The funding will be [...]

Almost 500 UK employers have been fined a total of £10.2 million for failing to pay the National Minimum Wage correctly, according to the latest government figures. Following investigations by HMRC, around 42,000 workers have now received back pay totalling £6 million. The list of employers spans businesses of all sizes and sectors, including retail, hospitality, childcare, and manufacturing. Several are well-known household names, demonstrating that even established organisations can inadvertently breach the rules. The Importance of Compliance Employers who underpay staff must repay the shortfall and may face financial penalties of up to 200% of the arrears (capped at [...]

The government has announced a significant change to how UK regulators operate, with the aim of making them more accountable and focused on supporting business growth. From last week, regulators now have a stronger growth duty, meaning they are expected to balance their oversight responsibilities with helping businesses invest, innovate, and expand. The reform is intended to ensure regulation remains proportionate and does not hinder economic activity. A new public dashboard of regulator performance will also be introduced. This GOV.UK site, updated quarterly, will consolidate performance data and provide a channel for businesses to give feedback directly to government. Business [...]

Discussions around Generation Z (those born roughly after 1996) and the workplace often make headlines, sometimes casting younger employees as disruptors of traditional office norms. Generational differences are nothing new, but if not managed effectively, they can lead to conflict that harms both staff and business performance. When handled well, however, these differences can harness the strengths of every generation, fostering a more innovative, resilient, and productive workplace. What’s Changing Many employers are observing a shift in workplace values. Younger workers often prioritise flexibility, mental health, and meaningful work, while older colleagues may be influenced by more traditional expectations around [...]

Official data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that UK government borrowing rose to £20.2 billion in September, marking the highest level for that month in five years. The figures highlight the mounting fiscal challenges facing the Chancellor as preparations continue ahead of next month’s Budget. Borrowing — which represents the shortfall between government expenditure and tax income — was £1.6 billion higher than in September last year. According to the ONS, while tax and National Insurance receipts increased, this was outweighed by higher public spending, particularly due to rising debt interest payments and inflation-linked costs. Impact on [...]

Small businesses across the UK are being encouraged to take straightforward, practical measures to safeguard themselves against the increasing number of online threats — and a new free toolkit from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) aims to make that process simpler than ever. The Cyber Action Toolkit, launched this week at the NCSC’s Annual Review, provides tailored guidance designed to help sole traders, micro businesses and small organisations boost their cyber security. According to the NCSC’s latest annual review, every organisation with a digital presence is a potential target for criminal cyber attackers. NCSC CEO, Dr Richard Horne, has [...]