Artificial Intelligence has been one of the biggest business buzzwords of recent years, but for many small business owners it has remained difficult to know where to start. Questions around cost, skills, security and return on investment have often left SMEs watching from the sidelines while larger organisations experimented with the technology. That may be about to change....
The Government’s announcement of temporary VAT relief measures has arrived at an important time for many UK small and medium-sized businesses. With rising wage costs, higher energy bills, and continued pressure on consumer spending, many SMEs have been operating with increasingly tight margins throughout 2026. For businesses in hospitality, tourism, leisure, and other customer-facing sectors, the relief measures...
From April 2026, significant changes to the business rates system are coming into effect across England. For many SMEs, this could mean changes to monthly overheads particularly for retail, hospitality, leisure, and businesses operating from larger premises. One of the biggest changes is the introduction of new business rates multipliers, alongside the 2026 property revaluation. The current Retail,...
Choosing the right business structure is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when starting or growing a business. In 2026, the choice between operating as a sole trader or a limited company still comes down to tax efficiency, risk, and how you plan to grow. Here’s a clear, practical breakdown to help you decide. Sole trader:...
From April 2026, increases to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage are set to impact businesses across the UK. For SMEs, particularly those with larger teams or tight margins, even small hourly increases can have a significant effect on overall payroll costs. The updated rates mean higher earnings for employees, but also increased financial pressure for...
Fuel prices have been on the rise again in recent months, driven by a mix of global pressures including fluctuations in oil prices, ongoing geopolitical tensions and changes in supply chains. While prices can vary week to week, the overall trend has been upward and many UK businesses are starting to feel the impact. For small businesses in...
For many UK small businesses, cash flow remains one of the biggest challenges in 2026. While inflation has eased, interest rates remain high and the cost of borrowing continues to put pressure on day-to-day finances. With the Bank of England base rate still elevated, overdrafts, loans and credit facilities are significantly more expensive than they were just a few years ago....
As we move further into 2026, cost management remains one of the biggest challenges facing small and medium-sized businesses. While there are signs of improving confidence across the UK economy, many businesses continue to feel pressure from rising wages, supplier costs and overheads. The good news is that with the right planning and financial visibility, businesses can take...
Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT and other online finance platforms are becoming a normal part of day-to-day business life. Many SME owners are already using them to draft emails, create marketing content and even ask questions about tax, payroll and financial decisions. Used well, AI can be a powerful productivity tool. Used without context or professional oversight, however,...
As we move into a new year, we’d like to wish all our clients at Accountants247 a very happy and successful year ahead. A new year is an ideal time to pause, reflect on the past 12 months and plan confidently for what’s to come. For small and medium-sized businesses, the year ahead brings fresh opportunities but also...
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