News

September 11, 2025

Aldi Leads the Way on Pay: Is High Pay a Good Approach?

Aldi introduced a pay boost last week for its store assistants that will see their pay rise to at least £13.02 per hour nationwide, making it the first UK supermarket to pass the £13 mark. Within the M25, rates will start at £14.35, rising to £14.66 with length of service. All staff, regardless of age, will receive the same minimum rate – well above the new National Living Wage of £12.21.

September 10, 2025

Rising Borrowing Costs Put Pressure on the Chancellor

The UK government is facing a fresh financial squeeze after long-term borrowing costs climbed to their highest level in a generation. The yield on 30-year government bonds (known as gilts) has reached 5.72% – the highest since 1998.

August 8, 2024

Abolishment of Furnished holiday lettings tax regime confirmed

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have published draft legislation and a policy paper outlining the proposal for the abolition of the furnished holiday lettings (FHL) tax regime.

August 6, 2024

Bank of England reduces base rate to 5%

As anticipated, the Bank of England reduced their base interest rate on August 1 from 5.25% to 5%.

August 5, 2024

Chancellor’s speech paving the way to a potentially difficult Autumn budget

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, addressed the House of Commons last week to detail the results of a Treasury spending audit

August 1, 2024

HMRC conducting Business Asset Disposal Relief checks

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) have reported that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are contacting taxpayers they believe may have overclaimed Business Asset Disposal Relief.

July 31, 2024

Nine out of ten small employers concerned about new legislation

The King’s Speech detailed proposals for a number of areas of new legislation that are likely to affect small employers.

July 29, 2024

Chancellor Launches Landmark Review to Boost Pensions and Investment

The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has announced a significant review aimed at enhancing pension investments, increasing pension pots, and reducing waste in the pensions system. The review was highlighted in the King's Speech, confirming a new Pensions Bill that could significantly benefit UK pensioners and the broader economy.

July 25, 2024

Making HMRC pay for poor service

Dealing with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) can sometimes be challenging. Long wait times when phoning for help, incorrect refund amounts, errors in tax codes and other issues can cause frustration. In recent months and years the decline in service standard from HMRC has been notable, but did you know that it is possible to complain about HMRC and even receive compensation?

July 24, 2024

Inflation stable staying at 2%

The Office of National Statistics has released the latest inflation figures for June, and the good news is that the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) has stayed at 2.0%.