A growing digital divide is holding businesses back, according to new research from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Just over half (55 per cent) of firms openly adopt and evolve through the use of digital technology, whilst the remaining 45 per cent fall behind. Despite the
Read more →Since 6 April 2016, higher rate capital gains have been charged at 20 per cent, down from 28 per cent and basic rate gains have a 10 per cent levy, down from 18 per cent. Capital Gains Tax is applied on the profit you make when an
Read more →The Government has introduced a plethora of measures since 2013 to discourage high value UK residential properties from being held indirectly, e.g. through a company, in order to minimise or avoid tax. As of 1 April 2016, the lower valuation limit fell to £500,000, meaning more residential
Read more →Thousands of businesses were left without power and faced untold damage to property and infrastructure after Storm Desmond breached flood defences and inundated large swathes of the north of England in December 2015. Combine this with the growing number of firms, large and small, that are being
Read more →National Insurance has undergone a plethora of changes in recent years that have kept employers on their toes. Businesses that employ apprentices saw a change in the law back in April 2015 when the Government introduced a zero per cent rate of Secondary National Insurance Contributions (NIC)
Read more →Businesses looking to preserve and subsequently boost their IT operating systems can rejoice as Microsoft is offering Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users a free upgrade to Windows 10 – a first for the tech giant. Most SMEs are working with the six-year-old Windows 7 operating platform
Read more →A hike in Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is due to take a bigger bite out of individuals and families purchasing properties on or after 1 April 2016. Whilst the reforms are yet to be finalised, the Treasury has published a consultation paper which sheds more light
Read more →The recent passing of the Finance Bill 2016 (a vehicle for renewing taxes, delivering new proposals and maintaining administration) saw many of the measures unveiled by the chancellor come to fruition. To separate fact from fiction, we’ve put together a handy breakdown of the most relevant tax-related
Read more →We all want to live comfortably during retirement, yet the type of lifestyle you’ll experience is determined by the decisions you make early on in life. To ensure a relaxing and somewhat care-free retirement, here’s what you need to consider in order to bridge any gaps between
Read more →Although by no means impossible, it’s fair to say that organising a mortgage when you’re self-employed can be a bit of a headache. Sharon Duckworth, director of Key Mortgage Advice, answers your questions and lays out the options available. How will my self-employment mortgage be calculated?
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