HLAS

The Border Target Operating Model sets out the UK's final plans for a new approach to importing goods into Great Britain. The changes will be introduced progressively from 31 January 2024. Where goods are being imported directly from Ireland (and not being moved from or through Northern Ireland), there will be new checks and controls in place. This will apply, for instance, to goods being moved from Dublin and Rosslare ports to Liverpool and Holyhead ports. New biosecurity and security controls are being introduced from the end of January for all imported goods. However, full customs controls are being brought [...]

The UK government has announced plans for expanding nuclear power in the UK. The Civil Nuclear Roadmap sets out how the UK will increase generation of nuclear-powered electricity so that by 2050 it is enough to provide a quarter of the UK's electricity needs. Prompted by price volatility, increasing uncertainty abroad, and environmental concerns, the roadmap will help to continue the UK's efforts to have a more secure electricity supply and meet carbon neutral targets. The roadmap acknowledges that investment in nuclear energy has fallen back in recent decades but commits to reverse this trend. Besides the projects currently being [...]

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have announced that nearly 44,800 people have sorted their upcoming 31 January tax bill by setting up a payment plan. HMRC provide the option of a monthly payment called Time to Pay (see link below). Provided taxpayers owe less than £30,000, they can use HMRC's affordability checker for help to decide on what arrangement will work best for them. This arrangement must be set up before 31 January to avoid facing a penalty. Interest will be applied to any outstanding balances from 1 February. If you need help working out how to make your tax [...]

Mr Shakar Habib, director at Vista Training Solutions Limited, has been given a six-year ban following the discovery of significant financial irregularities. The company, in collaboration with other partner organisations, worked to help students find apprenticeships across London and received most of its funding from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). Mr Habib served as sole director of the company from November 2015 through to the company's abrupt liquidation in February 2020. The company liquidated with a debt due to ESFA of more than £2.5 million. A subsequent investigation, jointly conducted by the Insolvency Service and ESFA, found that [...]

Storm Henk caused widespread flooding and damage across England during the first few days of 2024, affecting households and businesses alike. Following this, the government has announced that financial support is available to eligible areas in England that have experienced exceptional localised flooding. In these eligible areas, the following help will be made available to significantly affected and eligible businesses: 100% business rates relief for at least 3 months; Up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant that can be applied for by small-to-medium sized businesses to help quickly return to business as usual; £5,000 from the Property Flood Resilience [...]

Innovate UK, a part of UK Research and Innovation, are aiming to invest up to £1 million in projects that will support developing and manufacturing needle free technologies to administer medicine. The funding is available for feasibility studies that investigate the technologies enabling administering medicine without needles. A grant funding request must be between £50,000 and £100,000 and needs to show how the project will improve the productivity, competitiveness and growth for at least one UK micro, small or medium sized enterprise involved in the project. The deadline for applications is 11am on 14 February 2024. Further details about what [...]

Innovate UK BridgeAI is funding an online training course to help businesses and organisations explore digital, data-driven and AI technologies. The training course is designed with decision-makers in mind, in businesses and organisations of any size in agriculture, creative industries, construction, and transportation. It will help you decide what your organisation needs and put together an action plan for making your business digital ready. This introductory-level series will explain why and how to implement AI to best benefit your business. There are five sessions that can be taken individually or as a series. The sessions include: Making data work for [...]

For food or drink producers, the Guild of Fine Food's Great Taste awards can be an excellent way to promote products and get them noticed by more consumers. Entries for the 2024 awards have now started. According to the Guild, winning a Great Taste award encourages confidence and commercial success for small businesses, as well as motivating your team and generating greater awareness for products. Entering also provides an opportunity to get cost-effective feedback from industry experts since each entry will be given constructive feedback, regardless of whether the produce gets an award. A panel of over 500 experts will [...]

Many of us make resolutions in January to try and reduce work-related stress and improve our wellbeing. But they can quickly fall by the wayside once we get back into the swing of work and running our business. Are there any simple practical steps you could take to improve your wellbeing and that of your staff in 2024? Set boundaries Technology has brought many gains in productivity and efficiency, but it has also meant that we are more connected to work than ever. Being constantly available can make it difficult to switch off and may lead to feelings of burnout. [...]