Fur and finance – Tax compliance in animal sales

If breeding and selling animals has turned into a source of income for you, you need to make sure your earnings are declared correctly to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). You can earn up to £1,000 annually from casual trading or self-employment without needing to report it. However, once your income exceeds this threshold, you…

Optimising your credit control policies to deal with chronic late payers

Despite repeated calls for reform, the Government has shown little support for tackling chronic late payments, leaving businesses to fend for themselves. One effective solution is to tighten your credit control policies to manage the issue. Strengthening credit control A solid credit control system helps you keep payments on track. Here are some ideas on…

Budgeting for the unknown – Contingency strategies and tips for businesses

No matter how well-prepared you may think you are, things will not always go to plan. It could be a sudden shift in the market, supply chain disruptions, unexpected repairs to your office or equipment, or even a personal emergency. That is why having a budget that accounts for the unknown is essential. How to…

How to capitalise on the Government’s AI push

In January, the Government unveiled its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Opportunities Plan, outlining how the UK hopes to shape the AI trajectory by driving economic growth, enhancing public services, and creating new job opportunities while ensuring AI benefits society. While there is still a lot we do not know about the full capabilities of AI, we…

Received a ‘One to Many’ letter recently?

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has recently issued One to Many (OTM) letters to private equity businesses and estate agents. These letters can be sent to any business and usually highlight HMRC’s focus on compliance, urging you to review your practices. What are One to Many letters? OTM letters are not threatening and do not…

Will a minimum wage rise trigger unexpected student loan repayments?

From 1 April 2025, the National Minimum Wage will rise to £12.21 per hour (an increase of 6.7 per cent), meaning rising employment costs for businesses. For graduates, higher earnings can trigger student loan repayments, a factor you should consider when managing your payroll. Graduates start repaying their student loans when their income exceeds specific…