Business News

In the world of business, cash flow is king and, for small business owners, it is a lifeline that keeps their ventures afloat and enables growth.

However, in recent times, late payments have been an issue that has been casting a shadow over small businesses across the UK.

Below, we investigate this pressing concern and how it might impact your business finances.

The late payment predicament

Recent data has revealed that late payments to small businesses have reached a concerning three-year high.

On average, small businesses are now waiting for nearly 30 days to receive payments from their customers.

This represents an increase of half a day compared to the earlier part of the year.

September witnessed payments arriving a staggering 7.7 days after their due date.

The impact on small businesses

For small business owners, the repercussions of late payments are multifaceted.

They extend beyond mere financial inconvenience:

• Cash flow crunch: Late payments can lead to cash flow challenges, making it difficult for businesses to meet their immediate expenses, including supplier payments, salaries, and operational costs.
• Disrupted planning: Managing a business requires careful planning and budgeting. Late payments disrupt this planning, as businesses struggle to predict when funds will become available.
• Financial strain: In cases where customers delay payments, business owners may find themselves personally covering expenses or relying on personal credit, leading to financial stress and instability.
• Professional image: Constantly chasing payments can impact the professionalism of your business, as it reflects poorly on your ability to manage your finances effectively.

The Prompt Payment Code

The Prompt Payment Code (PPC) sets the standard for prompt payments from larger businesses to their small business suppliers.

According to the PPC, 95 per cent of invoices from small businesses with fewer than 50 employees should be paid within 30 days.

However, it’s important to note that adherence to the PPC is voluntary, which has led to concerns about its effectiveness.

Seeking solutions

While the Government has launched a review to address late payment issues, it’s crucial for small business owners to take proactive steps to mitigate the impact:

• Clear payment terms: Establish clear payment terms and policies with your customers to ensure they understand your expectations.
• Invoicing efficiency: Streamline your invoicing process to make it easier for customers to pay promptly.
• Diversify income streams: Consider diversifying your income sources to reduce reliance on a single customer or client.
• Communication: Open and regular communication with customers about payment expectations can help prevent delays.

Late payments represent a genuine challenge for small business owners and, as such, it is vital to remain vigilant and proactive in managing this issue to safeguard the financial health and sustainability of your business.

By adopting sound financial practices and advocating for timely payments, you can navigate this challenge effectively and ensure the continued success of your enterprise.

To find out how we could help you manage the consequences of late payments, please get in touch.

During the 2023 Autumn Statement, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt made a significant announcement about investment zones that could impact numerous businesses across the UK.  

The four new investment zones in Greater Manchester, West Midlands, East Midlands (England), and Wrexham and Flintshire (Wales) signify a concerted effort to bolster economic development and stimulate business growth alongside the previously announced investment zones across the UK.

Extending the investment horizon 

One of the standout commitments made by the Chancellor is the extension of the investment programme from five to 10 years.  

This extension effectively doubles the financial envelope from £80 million to £160 million.  

This significant increase in available funds paves the way for more substantial investments and a more profound impact on the designated regions. 

Greater Manchester 

The Greater Manchester Investment Zone emerges as a standout player in this initiative.  

With an estimated £1.1 billion in private investments anticipated, this region is set to become a thriving hub for advanced manufacturing and materials.  

Collaborations with local partners further solidify the strategic focus on fostering innovation and growth. 

West Midlands 

In the West Midlands Investment Zone, which encompasses Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and Coventry, the potential for business growth is significant.  

With plans to leverage £2 billion in investments, the region is poised to drive innovation and economic prosperity.  

Private contributions of £70 million, along with an additional £5 million allocated to digital platforms, will fuel entrepreneurial ventures and technological advancements. 

East Midlands 

The East Midlands Investment Zone, with an allocation of £383 million, is poised to experience a notable economic revival.  

Industry giants Rolls Royce and Laing O’Rourke have pledged substantial contributions, amounting to £9.3 million.  

This financial injection will play a pivotal role in driving growth and development in the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire regions.

Leaders and officials across the area have voiced their enthusiasm and support for these initiatives.  

Nottinghamshire County Council leader Ben Bradley (Conservative) has praised the scheme as “fantastic news” for his region, echoing the sentiments of many who are eagerly anticipating the positive transformation these investment zones promise. 

How these investment zones benefit businesses 

The creation of these investment zones holds immense potential for businesses.  

Here’s a more detailed look at how businesses stand to benefit: 

• Tax relief: Tax incentives are available for up to 600 hectares across a maximum of three sites, with a duration of five years. In cases where the full 600-hectare tax incentive is not utilised, there’s an option to exchange this for increased spending benefits. Furthermore, locations hosting investment zones may be eligible to retain 100 per cent of the growth in business rates on designated sites, above a predetermined baseline, for a period of 25 years. Additionally, these areas will receive support and guidance from central Government on key policies, including export support, planning, and infrastructure.
• Increased investment: The infusion of private and Government funds into these regions presents businesses with opportunities for expansion, research and development, and infrastructure improvement. 
• Job creation: The Treasury’s estimates of 66,200 new jobs over the next decade signify increased employment opportunities, leading to economic stability and growth. 
• Innovation hub: The focus on advanced manufacturing and technology within these zones encourages innovation and the development of cutting-edge products and services. 
• Collaboration: Collaboration with local partners and industry leaders opens doors for networking and potential partnerships, fostering business growth. 
• Long-term sustainability: The extension of the investment programme to 10 years ensures a sustained period of financial support, allowing businesses to plan for the future. 

The unveiling of these investment zones marks a pivotal moment for businesses across the UK.  

The increased funding, strategic focus, and regional collaborations present an unprecedented opportunity for growth and prosperity.  

By tapping into these investment zones, businesses can position themselves for long-term success, innovation, and economic sustainability. 

To find out how you could benefit from these new investment zones, please contact one of our team.

In retirement planning, you may encounter a multitude of options and strategies to increase your pot, but some have a catch.

However, some prospects are more valuable, and one such opportunity is currently presenting itself to individuals aged 40 to 73 in the United Kingdom.

If you fall within this age bracket, it is imperative to consider purchasing missing National Insurance (NI) years from the period between 2006 and 2016, a move that could significantly enhance your State Pension.

The deadline: Act before 5 April 2025

The deadline for seizing this opportunity is set at 5 April 2025.

While the primary focus is on those aged 40 to 73, even individuals under 40 can benefit from assessing whether it’s worth topping up their NI record.

Recognising the overwhelming demand for this opportunity, the Government has extended the deadline not once but twice.

Initially scheduled to conclude on 5 April 2023, it was then extended to 31 July 2023, and subsequently, to 5 April 2025.

Moreover, the cost of making voluntary NI contributions remains frozen until the latter date.

The significance of National Insurance years

At present, the ‘new’ State Pension stands at £203.85 per week.

However, the precise amount you receive hinges on the number of qualifying full National Insurance (NI) years in your record.

While most individuals accumulate NI years through employment and NI contributions, it’s essential to note that claiming benefits or providing care for others can also count towards your qualifying years.

Generally, around 35 full NI years are required to attain the maximum State Pension.

Nevertheless, some individuals may require more years in employment, contingent on their age and NI record up to this point.

A rare opportunity to buy back years

Ordinarily, individuals are allowed to buy back up to six years of missing NI contributions.

However, when the ‘new’ State Pension was introduced, transitional arrangements were established to enable individuals to fill gaps all the way back to 2006.

The initial deadline extension now grants individuals until 5 April 2025 to take advantage of this rare opportunity.

In conclusion, for individuals aged 40 to 73 in the UK, the option to purchase missing National Insurance years is a financial opportunity that should not be overlooked.

Given the potential for significant financial gain and the extended deadline until 5 April 2025, it is advisable for you to evaluate this option as a vital component of your retirement planning strategy.

Your State Pension could be substantially enhanced, ensuring a more secure and comfortable retirement.

To discuss this with a qualified and experienced accountant, please get in touch.

Alongside measures designed to support growing businesses and workers, the Chancellor’s 2023 Autumn Statement saw the publication of the Future of Payments Review.

Chaired by former HSBC Chief Executive, Joe Garner, the review comes as many retailers are struggling with the shift to digital and card payment exclusively.

The past few years have seen many larger retailers prefer card payments or refuse cash payments outright – and recovery of cash has been slow.

As a result, consumers are also moving towards cashless spending – both through the expectation of needing to use a card, and the convenience of card payments.

A cashless solution?

Only 1.5 per cent of the UK population use cash as their main form of payment, according to a UK Finance study in 2023. In contrast, almost one-third of people use cash once per month or less.

What these figures reveal is a general trend towards cashless spending. But is this right for small businesses?

Many independent business owners struggle to operate a card-only payment system because many card providers charge a small percentage of the total payment as a transaction fee.

For most providers, this is between one and four per cent, which can have a huge impact on profitability for a business with low-profit margins and small sales volumes. Very small businesses may also operate without a buffer fund to cover these additional costs.

Alternatively, operators have to pass this cost onto the customer, which many are not willing to do as the cost of living remains high and consumers seek good value.

An alternative vision

The Future of Payments Review has made 10 recommendations to the Government to improve the payment landscape for consumers and business operators. It seeks to provide retailers with a wider range of options for accepting customer payments.

Primarily, it recommended the creation of a National Payments Vision and Strategy, which prioritises customer experience, retailers and security.

Open banking, which enables consumers to share certain financial details with retailers in order to make a direct bank-to-bank payment, has been central to the review.

The benefit to consumers is clear, with a straightforward payment option that rivals card payments in convenience. Retailers, too, may be able to reduce card payment costs and streamline their finances.

However, the current climate has made the adoption of open banking challenging.

Traditional banks currently have a virtual monopoly on card payments – which the review has found the current system to be too reliant upon – and not enough is being done to incentivise open banking alternatives.

This monopoly makes it hard for retailers to actively choose which payment methods to accept based on their associated costs because consumers are most comfortable with the ‘journey’ of card payments.

The idea is to create a ‘customer journey’ for open banking, making it as familiar and viable a choice for consumers as a credit or debit card.

This will give retailers a larger choice of payment methods to accept, meaning they can take payments without additional costs or losing business from consumers who do not use particular payment methods.

Safeguarding your operation

We understand that you want to provide your customers with the best possible experience, which may mean offering a variety of payment options.

You will also want to review which payment options provide the most benefit and the least cost to your business as more payment options become available.

As Government policy evolves, it is likely that retailers will face uncertainty as well as reaping the benefits of innovation.

For advice on covering the costs of card payments and planning for new payment methods, please contact our team today.

Designed to reduce the tax gap and simplify tax management for individuals and businesses, the Government’s Tax Administration Strategy is set to introduce Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Self-Assessment (ITSA) by 6 April 2026.

It will allow those who are self-employed, are landlords or are otherwise responsible for their own tax returns to keep digital records through the MTD system.

With a view to reducing tax lost to avoidable errors, MTD requires taxpayers to send digital records directly to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

MTD taxpayers will be required to use compatible accounting software which, the Government hopes, will encourage wider efficiency and digitisation.

However, certain elements of the proposal have met with resistance due to confusion over new requirements.

As the scheme comes into force, the Government has now made a number of practical tweaks to the policy – seizing the opportunity presented by the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement

Tax and self-employment

MTD seeks to reduce the amount of tax lost by the Government due to errors made on an individual level.

A key element of the scheme is Income Tax Self-Assessment (ITSA), requiring self-employed individuals and landlords to use the MTD software to record their earnings and calculate tax liabilities.

Starting in April 2026, self-employed persons and landlords earning over £50,000 will need to maintain digital records and submit quarterly updates on their earnings and expenses to HMRC using software compatible with Making Tax Digital (MTD). For those earning between £30,000 and £50,000, this requirement will come into effect from April 2027.

Each quarter, these taxpayers will be required to submit financial records including earnings, profit and loss.

Under existing proposals for MTD ITSA, taxpayers would have been required to submit an End of Period Statement (EOPS) in two parts:

• EOPS reporting taxable profit/loss
• A Final Declaration containing EOPS data, other income, allowances and reliefs

However, the EOPS caused a stir among taxpayers as it would have separated the current year-end process into two steps, resulting in confusion and uncertainty for traders.

It may have also actively harmed the overall aim of the scheme by introducing a new potential source of error.

What has changed?

The Government has now announced that the EOPS will not be a separate requirement to the Final Declaration, instead being built into a single process.

The change should simplify the ITSA process and reduce the possibility of mistakes and inaccurate reporting.

Supporting the Final Declaration is another change to the proposed policy, making the required quarterly updates cumulative.

What will this mean for taxpayers?

Taxpayers will now face a more straightforward process for submitting year-end reports under MTD.

Taxpayers can easily access their financial reports throughout the year with quarterly updates, making end-of-year submissions easier.

You’ll also be able to correct past errors in the next quarter, rather than needing to resubmit in the same quarter.

Overall, these new measures will go a long way to achieving the scheme’s goal of streamlining finances for self-employed individuals and sole traders, encouraging operators to embrace digital solutions for efficiency more widely.

How can we help?

If you are self-employed or a landlord, you may benefit from seeking professional financial advice before MTD comes into law.

Making a mistake and paying less tax than you owe could result in a large bill later on, or even legal difficulties.

We can advise you on using the MTD system, integrating it with your current accounting software and complying with all the accompanying regulations.

To access bespoke support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today.

The recent Royal Assent of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act introduces robust measures that bolster the capacity of UK authorities to dismantle criminal networks and thwart those exploiting the nation’s economic openness.

Companies House will receive strengthened authority to verify the identities of company directors, purge fraudulent entities from its records, and collaborate by sharing vital data with law enforcement bodies.

The Act extends greater control to authorities over cryptoassets, allowing them to seize, freeze, and reclaim such assets. In a significant legal shift, courts will also have the power to dismiss insubstantial legal claims that are intended to suppress free speech. These advancements will lead to more effective legal action against corporate wrongdoing.

These legislative changes are designed to create a fairer environment for businesses and cement the UK’s reputation as a premier global centre for legitimate commercial activities.

Failure to prevent fraud – Implications for businesses

The new “failure to prevent fraud” requirement obliges businesses, as well as individuals within these organisations, to undertake reasonable measures to avert fraud.

While many firms may have such processes already in place, the Government’s regulations are designed to clamp down on those unscrupulous entities that have not taken steps to prevent fraud, thereby placing their customers at increased risk.

For businesses, this could necessitate a thorough reassessment of their current fraud prevention strategies and a close examination of potential vulnerabilities.

Who is at risk of conviction?

Under the Act, as it stands, only large companies, which are those with over 250 employees, a turnover exceeding £36 million, and total assets above £18 million, are within the remit of this offence.

A conviction can result in an unlimited fine, the amount of which is determined by the court. It is critical to note that, while individuals can be prosecuted for engaging in or aiding fraud, the new legislation does not extend to prosecuting individuals for a failure to prevent fraud.

Measures to avert fraud The new law mandates that all large organisations, including charities, implement reasonable fraud prevention measures. These measures may encompass:

• Employing secure authentication processes
• Utilising secure payment systems
• Encrypting confidential data
• Training staff to recognise and respond to common fraud types
• Conducting random audits of inventory and finances
• Informing customers about potential fraudulent schemes

If an organisation’s risk of fraud is deemed very low or non-existent, it may also be reasonable to not have any measures in place.

Changes to Companies House requirements

Companies House will undergo its most significant transformation in its 180-year history. The agency will take immediate action to improve the reliability of its company register, including the removal of invalid office addresses and tighter verification checks.

New rules around public beneficial ownership will close existing loopholes, enabling a more transparent business environment. This will help in revealing corrupt actors and building public trust.

However, one of the most profound changes is the requirement for all companies to publish full accounts, removing the option for small companies to file ‘filleted’ accounts, which previously allowed them to withhold their Profit and Loss (P&L) statement from public disclosure.

This shift towards full transparency will mean that the detailed financials of SMEs will now be available for public scrutiny, including by competitors and employees.

The Government intends to deter fraud and promote transparency, but it may inadvertently lead to privacy concerns for small businesses.

Many will consider alternative business structures or practices to maintain confidentiality.

Reverting to historical practices

This move represents a reversion to practices predating 1985 when all companies were required to publish comprehensive financial details.

The potential consequences of these changes are complex, with businesses likely to explore various strategies to address the resulting loss of financial privacy.

These strategies may include:

• Disincorporation
• Business splitting
• Changing company names and other identifying details frequently
• Utilising holding company and subsidiary structures
• Creating new service companies for cost recharging, which could reduce the apparent profitability of the primary company

Some of these strategies can be compliance nightmares, so consulting with a qualified solicitor is always advised.

Increased transparency for limited partnerships

For SMEs operating as limited partnerships, the Act tightens registration requirements and demands greater transparency.

This is likely to result in more stringent reporting obligations for your business.

Non-compliance could lead to penalties or, worse, intensive tax audits, which could disrupt business operations.

Strengthened anti-money laundering measures

The Act also enhances anti-money laundering regulations, necessitating a higher level of financial disclosure.

This increased scrutiny could uncover discrepancies in bookkeeping that may attract HMRC investigations – a situation most businesses strive to avoid.

Safeguarding your enterprise

An uptick in corporate responsibility for fraud prevention, particularly within larger firms, is anticipated.

In light of these changes, business leaders and key decision-makers may find it increasingly necessary to seek specialised assistance. To find out how we can help, please contact us.