HLAS

Lanarkshire is set for a major investment boost with the launch of a new AI Growth Zone around DataVita’s data centre site in Airdrie. Working with AI cloud firm CoreWeave, the project is expected to create more than 3,400 jobs over the coming years, including around 800 higher‑skilled roles linked directly to AI and data centre operations. Fifty apprenticeships will also be offered to help develop the next generation of AI expertise. Alongside the jobs, the project includes a substantial community fund. As the site expands, up to £543 million could be invested into local programmes over 15 years, supporting [...]

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced a series of proposed measures designed to improve fairness, transparency and choice for businesses and consumers using Google’s search services in the UK. Google accounts for more than 90% of general search queries in the UK and attracted over £10 billion in UK search advertising spend last year. As a result, any changes to how its search services operate could have a significant impact on the way businesses promote themselves online. In October 2025, Google was designated with Strategic Market Status (SMS). While this designation does not imply wrongdoing, it does give [...]

The government has convened leading technology firms, including Google, Meta, Microsoft and Amazon, alongside disability charities to explore how modern technology can help break down barriers that prevent disabled people from securing and remaining in employment. Discussions centred on practical tools that are already available and how their adoption could be widened. These include screen readers, real-time captioning and AI-powered visual description tools. The roundtable forms part of wider government initiatives, including the Connect to Work programme, which aims to support 300,000 sick or disabled people into work. There are also plans to reform the Disability Confident scheme by introducing [...]

The government has announced a major package of leasehold reforms in England and Wales. Key measures include a cap on ground rent at £250, a ban on new leasehold flats, and a shift towards commonhold ownership. For those who own a leasehold property, these proposals could have a significant impact over the coming years. Proposed ground rent cap The headline reform is a cap on ground rent for existing leases. According to the plans, ground rent will be limited to £250 per year, before reducing to a peppercorn after 40 years. The cap is designed to address long-standing concerns about [...]

The Low Pay Commission (LPC) has announced a series of visits across the UK in 2026 to gather first‑hand evidence on how the National Minimum Wage is affecting employers and workers. These local meetings will help shape its recommendations to the government later in the year. Where the LPC will be visiting Bradford - 18/19 March 2026. Aberdeen - 15/16 April 2026. Blackpool - 13/14 May 2026. Peterborough - 10/11 June 2026. Wrexham - 01/02 July 2026. Derry - 29/30 July 2026. The LPC will be looking to hear about: The economy and labour market in the area. The outlook [...]

The latest Business Confidence Monitor, an Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales survey, shows confidence continuing to fall. Confidence has now fallen for six consecutive quarters and is now at its lowest since the final three months of 2022. The survey, which gathered views from 1,000 business leaders, shows growing concern over tax complexity and the wider outlook for business activity. Tax pressures rising A record 64% of businesses said the tax burden was becoming a greater challenge, up from 60% in the previous quarter. According to the report, this reflected uncertainty over what tax changes might be [...]

If you run a small VAT-registered business, the method you use to calculate VAT can have a significant impact on both your cash flow and the time spent maintaining records. For some companies, the standard method of calculating VAT is the most suitable, but depending on your circumstances, the VAT Flat Rate Scheme may be worth exploring. Comparing the methods Under the standard method, you charge VAT on your sales and reclaim VAT on your purchases, paying the difference to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). The Flat Rate Scheme works differently. You continue to charge customers the normal VAT rate, [...]

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has launched a major review to explore how advanced artificial intelligence (AI) could impact consumers, financial markets, and regulators in the coming years. With AI already integrated into many banking and insurance services, the FCA is keen to understand the potential effects it may have over the next few years. The aim of the review The evidence collected will guide the FCA in deciding how to support innovation while ensuring that retail financial services remain safe and reliable. At this stage, the FCA does not intend to introduce AI-specific regulation, but it wants to examine [...]

The government has unveiled a major new lending initiative designed to help UK businesses take on work overseas more easily. Under the scheme, five leading UK banks have committed to providing £11 billion to support businesses looking to invest, recruit and grow into international markets. This represents a substantial joint effort by the participating banks, which together serve half of all British businesses. As a result, the funding is likely to be genuinely accessible for a wide range of companies, rather than remaining a purely theoretical option. How the new lending works The funding itself will be provided directly by [...]

It has been confirmed that eligible pubs and live music venues in England will benefit from a 15% reduction on their business rates bills in 2026/27. Following this, business rates bills will be frozen in real terms for a further two years. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has welcomed the announcement, stating that pub landlords will be relieved by the measure and that the relief will help to “stave off the immediate financial threat posed by accelerating business costs”. However, the sector continues to face broader concerns, particularly around rising overheads and increasingly tight profit margins. Which pubs [...]