• Tripartite arrangements don’t necessarily enable an agency to escape accountability

    The question was raised as to whether, in a tripartite agency relationship, an employment relationship exists between an employee and their intermediary agency. For instance, Ryanair DAC employs some pilots directly, while subcontracting others. A

  • Management buyouts: benefits for owners and teams

    A management buyout keeps the business in familiar hands. The team that already understands customers, systems, and culture steps into ownership, which reduces disruption and protects service quality. For founders, a management buyout allows a

  • Improve cash flow with smarter invoicing habits

    Why cash flow matters Profit is important, but cash pays wages, suppliers and loan repayments. Even strong businesses can struggle if money arrives late. A few disciplined habits around invoicing and collections can shorten the time it takes to get

  • VAT – digital record keeping

    HMRC requires businesses to maintain accurate VAT records to ensure correct tax payments. While all businesses must retain general records (such as invoices, bank statements, and receipts), a key requirement under the Making Tax Digital for VAT

  • Trusts and Income Tax

    Trustees must manage assets, follow tax rules, and register with HMRC where required. A trust is a legal arrangement in which a trustee, either an individual or a company, is entrusted with managing assets such as land, money, or shares on behalf of

  • Rules to protect effects of debanking

    Banks must now give 90 days’ notice before closing accounts, giving customers more time to respond. Since April 2026, new government rules strengthen protections for individuals and small businesses at risk of unfair bank account closures. Under the

  • What is Support for Mortgage Interest?

    SMI loans can help pay mortgage interest for those on benefits, but repayment is due when the home is sold. Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) is a government-backed loan provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) designed to assist

  • Help with outstanding tax bills

    HMRC’s Time to Pay lets eligible taxpayers spread tax bills over time, avoiding immediate enforcement. If you owe tax to HMRC, you may be able to set up an online ‘Time to Pay’ payment plan depending on the type of tax debt and your circumstances.

  • A magical clause does not necessarily nullify employment status

    A recent ruling has provided a timely reminder that substance trumps form in employment status disputes, and the mere insertion of a clause does not automatically change the employment status of workers. This case concerns an appeal by BCAL, a

  • Building value in your business

    For many small business owners, the focus is on day-to-day operations. However, building long-term value is just as important, whether your aim is to sell in the future, attract investors, or secure better financing. Focus on profitability and cash