With temperatures breaking 30 degrees on multiple occasions in 2026, scorching heat is becoming the new normal. Consecutive heatwaves have wiped £4.4 billion from the UK economy, according to research from think tank Verdant. Heatwaves are predicted to become more common and more intense, likely costing UK employers further billions of pounds unless they are […]

New funding rules for apprenticeships have been introduced, impacting any apprenticeships starting after 1 August 2026. This could affect more employers than before as apprenticeships are becoming increasingly popular, with 308,770 starts between August 2025 and April 2026, up 8.7 per cent year-on-year. With results season over and September intakes finalised, employers weighing up apprenticeships […]

In June 2026, the Government published a document to gather views on the introduction of a criminal offence for making reckless or untrue statements relating to tax. The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has warned that the proposal risks confusing taxpayers and discouraging voluntary disclosures. Instead, the ICAEW has advised HMRC […]

For many people, giving financial support to family members is an important part of their financial planning. Whether it is helping children with pension contributions or providing ongoing assistance, gifting can play an important role in Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning. The normal expenditure out of income exemption under Section 21 of the Inheritance Tax Act […]

The rate of inflation has hit 2.9 per cent in July 2026, up from 2.6 per cent in June, according to the latest data that has been published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This is the first rise in the national rate of inflation since March 2026, with the increase in the energy […]

For many businesses, short-term finance can provide an essential lifeline when cash flow becomes tight. Whether a business needs support covering a gap between paying suppliers and receiving customer payments, or managing seasonal demand, the right type of finance can keep a business moving during uncertain times. However, using short-term borrowing without a clear strategy […]