New IR35 rules from April 2026 raise the small company threshold, shifting tax compliance back to freelancers. Here’s what contractors and scaling businesses need to know.
Category: In Business
Advice on growing your small and medium sized business, SME, in the UK. Hiring and managing staff and finance plus marketing all on one website
Government’s £100m pledge for innovators dismissed as a drop in the ocean after £25bn National Insurance raid
The government has announced £100m in new investment for start-ups and scale-ups through expanded EIS, VCT and EMI schemes, but business leaders say established firms paying higher National Insurance are being left behind.
Don’t fear AI job losses – invest in training, urges Google’s UK boss
Google’s UK managing director Kate Alessi dismisses fears of AI-driven mass unemployment, arguing that upskilling the workforce is the priority as the tech giant launches a £2m training initiative.
Manufacturers bracing for £1 billion business rates bombshell as April cost crisis deepens
UK manufacturers face a £1 billion surge in business rates from April 2026, with Make UK warning that 25,000 jobs are at risk as the sector battles rising energy and employment costs.
Bristol’s new arena sets sights on hosting the Brit Awards
Bristol’s new 20,000-seat Aviva Arena, built on Concorde’s former home at Filton Airfield, aims to host the Brit Awards and attract global tours when it opens in late 2028.
GB News makes its pitch for a slice of public broadcasting funds
Loss-making broadcaster GB News has urged the government to open up public service media grants to competitive tender, arguing funding should not be reserved exclusively for the BBC.
Businesses shoulder £200 billion National Insurance bill as payroll tax receipts surge 40% since pandemic
HMRC data reveals national insurance contributions have risen nearly 40% to £198bn since 2019-20, as employer NIC hikes, minimum wage increases and rising costs pile pressure on British businesses.
Budget tax breaks worth £100m come into force for founders and start-ups
Budget measures expanding EMI scheme eligibility, EIS and VCT limits now in force, with the government expecting £100m in additional investment for Britain’s fastest-growing companies.
Labour’s tax uncertainty is pushing Britain’s wealthiest towards the exit
Two-thirds of Britain’s ultra-wealthy have considered leaving the UK, with inconsistent tax policies cited as a bigger factor than high rates, according to a new BDO survey of multi-millionaires.
Reform UK becomes first British political party to launch its own podcast
Reform UK is launching a weekly podcast offering behind-the-scenes access to Nigel Farage and senior party figures, becoming the first British political party to produce its own show.
NI pension cap risks hitting middle earners hardest, analysis warns
New analysis warns the £2,000 NI cap on salary sacrifice could disproportionately hit middle earners and reduce pension benefits for millions.
Inheritance tax overhaul sparks backlash as family firms warn of lasting damage
Family businesses warn inheritance tax reforms will force sales and curb growth as new £2.5m cap on business relief takes effect.
Middle East conflict hits UK firms but business confidence holds firm
Barclays research shows most UK firms face rising energy costs and disruption from the Middle East conflict, but confidence in their own prospects remains strong.
YouTube named world’s most influential brand as tech dominance grows
YouTube tops global influence rankings as tech giants dominate media impact, with AI brands rising and Elon Musk named most influential CEO.
Fuel price crisis risks pushing small firms to brink as pressure mounts on chancellor
Rising fuel prices risk pushing UK small businesses to collapse, with campaigners urging Rachel Reeves to cut fuel duty and reform pricing.
