HMRC has issued its first-ever tax avoidance Stop Notices to an individual, targeting Paul Baxendale-Walker for promoting schemes using offshore trusts to avoid tax.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
MP launches bill to make polluters pay for climate damage and resilience
A new climate finance bill aims to tax fossil fuel firms, superyachts, and private jets to fund flood defences and home insulation, as public support for ‘polluter pays’ policies grows.
Living Wage employers rise 19% as more businesses commit to higher pay
Despite a cooling labour market, the number of UK employers voluntarily paying the higher Living Wage rose 19% to 16,040, according to the Living Wage Foundation.
Bank of London under investigation by PRA amid financial uncertainty and governance overhaul
The Bank of London is under investigation by the Bank of England’s PRA over historical matters, as it warns of “material uncertainty” over funding despite recent capital injections.
EIS investments fall sharply despite tax breaks, raising concerns over regional imbalance and complexity
EIS funding dropped 20% to £1.6bn in 2023–24 despite generous tax incentives, as investors grew cautious. SEIS funding rose 25%, driven by recent rule changes.
UK economy posts strongest growth in a year, driven by exports and business investment
The UK economy grew 0.7% in Q1 2025—its fastest pace in a year—boosted by business investment and a surge in exports ahead of US tariffs, ONS data shows.
Burberry to cut 1,700 jobs in global savings drive amid luxury slowdown
Burberry plans to cut nearly 18% of its global workforce, with 1,700 jobs at risk, as part of a £100m cost-saving drive following a £66m loss and falling sales in China.
Jaguar Land Rover celebrates decade-high profits as EV plans gather pace
Jaguar Land Rover posts its highest profit in a decade, with £2.5bn for the year, despite US tariff uncertainty. EV plans and a Freelander revival are also underway.
Rachel Reeves won’t rule out pension fund mandates as tensions rise over Mansion House accord
Chancellor Rachel Reeves refuses to rule out mandating pension fund investments in UK assets, raising concerns across the pensions industry over fiduciary duties and regulatory overreach.
Microsoft to cut nearly 3% of global workforce amid AI investment pressures
Microsoft is laying off around 6,000 employees—nearly 3% of its global workforce—as it manages rising AI infrastructure costs despite strong cloud growth.
Half of UK consumers recognise Made in Britain trademark as demand for homegrown goods grows
50% of UK adults recognise the official Made in Britain trademark, with 44% saying they’d buy more British-made goods if clearly labelled, YouGov polling reveals.
£10 million ‘Get Britain Working’ programme launches in York and North Yorkshire
A £10m government-backed programme to help people in York and North Yorkshire with health conditions return to work has launched, aiming to support 1,500 jobseekers and 150 businesses.
Business leaders warn immigration reforms could undermine growth without urgent training reform
Business groups warn that the UK’s new immigration reforms could harm economic growth unless backed by urgent investment in domestic skills and training systems.
London launches first regulated crypto derivatives platform as digital assets enter mainstream
GFO-X becomes the UK’s first FCA-regulated crypto derivatives trading platform, marking a key milestone in institutional adoption of digital assets in London.
Sunniest April on record lifts UK retail sales as consumers flock to pubs, DIY and gardening
Retail sales surged 7% in April thanks to sunny weather and a late Easter, with sharp rises in DIY, gardening, and pub spending, according to BRC, KPMG and Barclays data.
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