Power up your business with Innovation!
Innovation has generally been recognised as essential for value creation, both for individual companies and for the UK economy as a whole. The development of new ideas, processes and technologies and their flow across different sectors is a significant driver of economic growth and productivity. Recently, innovation has also been identified as crucial to the transition of the economy away from fossil fuels and carbon-intensive business activities.
Looking for some New Year business ideas?
If you are looking for some new business ideas then ask us for a copy of our guide called “57 Ways to Grow Your Business”! Our publication is packed full of bright ideas for the Serious Entrepreneur and starts with the four basics of growth.
Inflation is down but managing your cash flow is essential right now!
UK inflation fell to 4.6% in October, due mainly to a fall in energy prices, but in general, supplier prices remain volatile. High interest rates and a stagnant economy mean managing your business’s cash and understanding the flow are now vital tools in maintaining resilience and being able to adopt flexible strategies for success.
Flexible working will become the “default” for employees
Following a recent UK Government consultation and Royal Assent of the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023, flexible working will become the default for millions of employees who will be able to request flexible working from day one of their employment in 2024.
Can you create more “productive “time?
For many small business owners, if they have one consistent issue, it would be that there is simply not enough time in the day to achieve all the things that need to be done.
Tools available to help SMEs tackle cyber security issues
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has several online tools for small organisations to help find and fix any cyber security issues.
Inheritance Tax Planning Tips
With inheritance tax receipts to HMRC set to reach new levels this financial year, now more than ever are families needing to plan for their future.
Growing your business? – Just keep going!
The Bank of England (BOE) recently held interest rates at 5.25% and warned that the restrictive policy will remain for an extended period, despite the bleak economic outlook. BOE forecasts suggest the UK will not get to the 2% inflation target until the end of 2025. They expect inflation to fall to around 5% by the end of this year. Their forecasts also predict that output will remain stagnant in 2024. The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, remains more optimistic and was quoted as saying that the UK economy has remained far more resilient than many expected.
How can digital marketing help your business?
There are numerous benefits to businesses, enabling you to thrive in the digital age and stay ahead of the competition. Let's explore some of the ways digital marketing can help you.
Tax-Free Childcare costs
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding working families to give their childcare budget a boost by opening a Tax-Free Childcare account.
Self-Assessment – less than 90 days to go!
There are less than 90 days to go until the deadline for filing your Self-Assessment return online
How much is my business really worth?
This is a question many business owners want answering. The truth is, it depends on a range of factors and any valuation is only useful as a guide for planning forward. The ultimate value of a business is the price a willing buyer is prepared to pay for it.
Air travel guidance updated to give passengers more clarity on their rights
The Department for Transport (DfT) has refreshed the newly named Air passenger travel guide, making it easier for passengers to know their rights and responsibilities when they travel.
Real Living Wage rates for 2023/24
By paying the real Living Wage, employers are voluntarily taking a stand to ensure their employees can earn a wage which is enough to live on.
Is your business winter ready?
Disruptions due to the weather can happen anywhere at any time. Taking time to plan and prepare your business can save you time and money when something untoward happens.
The new UK supply chain directory
The High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult could make it easier for domestic manufacturers to connect with a new, free to use, UK Supply Chain Directory.
Do you have a side income?
If you do then you are probably aware of the requirement to disclose this on your Self-Assessment tax return. It is important to record any side income accurately and HMRC is going to be able to see exactly how much income you receive when using a digital platform from 1 January 2024.
Inflation holds steady at 6.7%
UK inflation unexpectedly held stable in September at 6.7% as rising fuel costs offset the first monthly fall in food prices for two years to maintain pressure on households during the cost of living crisis.
Regional Talent Engines programme
The Royal Academy of Engineering has opened a new round of applications for its Regional Talent Engines programme.
This six-month pre-accelerator programme for early-stage founders aims to support entrepreneurial mid-late career engineers who wish to bring an innovative concept to market.
Applying Circular Economy principles in a business
A circular economy (CE) is a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling existing materials and products for as long as possible.