The Autumn Budget 2026 has brought some welcome news for Britain's high streets, with the Chancellor announcing changes to business rates designed to reduce costs for thousands of small businesses. For independent shops, cafés, restaurants, pubs and other hospitality businesses, business rates can represent a significant ongoing expense. The latest changes aim to provide some financial breathing space,...
With the Autumn Budget taking place on 28 October 2026, many UK small business owners will be watching closely for announcements that could affect their finances, tax bills and plans for growth. The Chancellor's statement will set out the government's latest tax and spending plans, alongside updated economic forecasts. Although we won't know exactly what the Budget will mean...
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...
The recent 2025 Autumn Budget brings a mix of relief and new costs. Many of which will affect UK small and medium-sized businesses. Here’s a quick rundown from the Accountants247 team of the key changes and what you should look at now. Key Impacts for SMEs Lower business rates for high-street retail, hospitality & leisure (RHL):From April 2026,...
As we move into the final quarter of the year, there’s growing talk that the Autumn Budget could bring new tax rises and many small and medium-sized businesses are already starting to prepare. According to a recent ICAEW Business Confidence Monitor, over half of UK businesses say they would have to freeze hiring, delay pay rises or cut...
Recent news about large companies being hit by cyberattacks, like Jaguar Land Rover, can make it feel like only the “big players” are at risk. But in reality, small businesses are often the easier target. Criminals know that many sole traders and small firms don’t have big IT teams or advanced security systems in place. When your business...
If your business trades with the United States - whether importing components or exporting finished goods. You’ll want to pay close attention to the latest changes in U.S. trade policy. Several new tariffs have recently been implemented, and they could directly affect your costs, margins, and supply chain strategy. Here’s a breakdown from the Accountants247 team of what’s...
Introduction The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recently provided updated projections on global interest rates, offering crucial insights for businesses. As accountants, understanding these developments is essential for advising you and planning for the future. Global Interest Rate Trends IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva indicated that while inflation is decelerating, core inflation remains persistent. Consequently, interest rates are expected to...
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, delivered the Spring Statement on Wednesday 26 March. With the full Budget now moved to the Autumn, the Spring Statement was a chance for the Labour Government to respond to the latest economic forecasts from the Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) and to set out its wider economic strategy. But, as...
The Bank of England recently announced a drop in the UK base interest rate, with a drop from 4.75% to 4.5%. The final impact of this drop can be both positive and negative for your small business, so it’s worth understanding the effect that interest rate changes can have. Let’s take a look at how a drop in...
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