A strong business is built on habits, not hope. The following ten goals work as a practical checklist you can revisit each quarter. Keep them simple, measure progress, and improve a little each month.

Protect cash flow

Run a 13 week rolling cash flow forecast and update it weekly. Watch debtor days and supplier terms and match payment timings to incoming cash. Cash timing matters more than profit timing.

Build a cash buffer

Aim to hold three to six months of fixed costs in accessible reserves. Keep tax money in a separate account so Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE and Self-Assessment bills never threaten liquidity.

Keep pricing and margin discipline

Know your gross margin by product or service. Review prices regularly, track costs, and protect margin with clear pricing rules. If costs rise, reprice, respecify, or remove low margin lines.

Diversify revenue

Reduce reliance on any single customer, sector, or channel. Set a sensible cap so no single client accounts for more than twenty percent of revenue and build alternative routes to market.

Tighten working capital

Set targets for stock turns, debtor days, and creditor days, then monitor them monthly. Use deposits, staged billing, and early payment incentives to shorten the cash cycle and free up cash.

Strengthen the balance sheet

Pursue profitable growth and sensible gearing. Match loan terms to asset life and replace expensive short term borrowing with longer term facilities where appropriate. Never use overdrafts to fund losses.

Plan for tax efficiently

Forecast tax early and keep digital records accurate and complete. Use reliefs that fit your facts, and time capital expenditure and pension contributions with care to avoid penalties and interest.

Produce timely management information

Close the month quickly and consistently. Review a simple dashboard that covers sales run rate, gross margin, overheads, cash runway, debtor days, pipeline value, and order book strength.

Manage risk and insure wisely

List your key financial and operational risks and decide how to mitigate them. Consider key person cover, cyber insurance, robust contracts, practical disaster recovery, and secure offsite backups.

Stay funding ready

Keep accounts clean, file on time, and maintain a short narrative for lenders and investors. Build relationships with your bank and alternative funders before you need them and monitor your credit score.

Adopt these goals as part of routine management, not a once a year tidy up. When you measure, review, and act on them regularly, small improvements compound into resilience. That is how you future safe a business in uncertain times.

As a business owner, you might already know that your property’s rateable value underpins how much you’ll pay in business rates, a recurring cost no one loves. But here’s a timely heads-up from the Valuation Office Agency (VOA): the next revaluation is coming, and now’s the best time to get plugged in. The VOA importantly reminds us: “It’s important to remember though that a property’s rateable value is not the same as its business rates bill.” 

What’s Changing – and When?

The VOA update rateable values every three years to reflect what similar properties are fetching in the current market. Here’s the timeline to bookmark:

• Valuation Date: 1 April 2024 (that’s the snapshot used for setting rateable values).
• Revaluation Takes Effect: 1 April 2026.
• Deadline to Challenge: If something’s off in your valuation, you’ve got until 31 March 2026 to flag it up with the VOA. 

Why Sign Up for a Valuation Account?

By registering for a business rates valuation account, you can:

1. Check the details the VOA already holds about your property.
2. Confirm how the valuation was calculated so there are no surprises.
3. Let the VOA know if there’s anything inaccurate, but don’t wait, the cut-off is fast approaching. 

As Alan Colston, the VOA’s Chief Valuer, puts it:

“We publish future valuations a few months before they come into effect – businesses can check that the facts we hold about their property are correct. They can also estimate their future bill and plan their future business rates liability.”

With a clearer view of your future liability, you can budget better and avoid nasty surprises come April 2026.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t already, set up your business rates valuation account today and “claim” your property. Take a quick peek now, and you’ll thank yourself later when your future rates bills are clearer, and you’ve got that deadline firmly marked in the diary.

Taking on your first employee is a big step for any business. It can bring exciting opportunities for growth, but it also comes with important legal and administrative responsibilities. Getting things right at the start will save time, reduce risk and help you build a strong foundation as an employer.

Registering as an employer

Before you pay your first member of staff, you need to register with HM Revenue and Customs as an employer. This ensures that you can operate PAYE, which is the system used to collect Income Tax and National Insurance from your employees’ pay. Registration is usually completed online, and it is best to allow time for HMRC to set up your details before your first payday.

Checking the right to work

You must confirm that your new employee has the legal right to work in the UK. This usually means checking original documents such as a passport or using the government’s online service. Failing to carry out the proper checks can lead to penalties, so make sure this step is completed before employment begins.

Setting up payroll

Once registered, you need to put in place a system to calculate pay, deduct tax and National Insurance, and report these details to HMRC. Many small businesses use payroll software, and some prefer to outsource the process to their accountant. Whichever route you choose, make sure your system is accurate and compliant.

Employment contracts and policies

An employee must be given a written statement of employment terms, covering pay, working hours, holidays and other rights. You may also want to establish policies for absence, health and safety, and grievance procedures. Clear documentation reduces misunderstandings and protects both employer and employee.

Pension responsibilities

Most employers must set up a workplace pension and automatically enrol eligible staff. Even if your first employee does not qualify, you still have reporting duties with The Pensions Regulator. Ignoring pension rules can lead to significant fines, so it is important to understand your obligations from the outset.

Keeping records

Employers are required to keep records of pay, tax, National Insurance and pension contributions. These records must be accurate and retained for several years. Good record keeping will also help you manage your business finances more effectively.

Health and safety duties

You have a duty of care to provide a safe working environment. Depending on the nature of your business, this may involve risk assessments, provide training, or supply protective equipment. Even in a low-risk office environment, you must still ensure staff safety and wellbeing.

Summary

Employing staff for the first time can feel like a steep learning curve, but the process is manageable when broken down into clear steps. Register as an employer, check the right to work, set up payroll, issue contracts, comply with pension rules, keep proper records and look after health and safety. By taking each stage seriously, you will build a reputation as a responsible and fair employer.

If this process seems a little forbidding, please call, we can help.

From 13 October 2025, the way you log into Companies House WebFiling is changing. You will need to use GOV.UK One Login to access your WebFiling account. This means that the old style logins will no longer work. When you next try to sign in after that date, you will be prompted to link your existing WebFiling account with a GOV.UK One Login account before you can continue filing.

Why this change is being made

The government is moving towards a single, more secure login system across all GOV.UK services. GOV.UK One Login will allow you to use the same details for multiple services. It comes with two factor authentication and the option to verify your identity for Companies House. Over time, GOV.UK One Login will replace systems such as Government Gateway.

What you should do now

There are some steps that businesses and company directors can take before October to make the change smoother.

• Check and update your email address. If you also use the “Find and update company information” service, make sure both accounts use the same email. This will make linking the accounts simpler.
• Create a GOV.UK One Login account in advance, preferably with the same email address.
• Review your list of companies in WebFiling. If there are companies that you no longer file for, remove them from your list to avoid confusion.
• Make sure you have your authentication codes to hand. You may need them when linking your account.
• If you share a WebFiling account, only one person can link it to GOV.UK One Login. Other users will need to set up their own One Login accounts with different email addresses. This means they will lose access to the shared account.

Looking ahead

From 18 November 2025, new legal requirements mean that all directors and people with significant control (PSCs) will need to verify their identity with Companies House. You can complete this through GOV.UK One Login now or wait until later in the year.

Conclusion

The move to GOV.UK One Login is designed to provide a safer and more joined up experience when using government services. By preparing now, making sure your email and login details are ready, and checking your company authentication codes, you can ensure that the October switch does not disrupt your filing.

From April 2026, the self-employed and landlords must use MTD for IT, but exemptions may apply in limited cases.

If you are self-employed or a landlord with income over £50,000, you will need to prepare for digital record keeping, quarterly updates and a new penalty system. While most affected taxpayers will be required to comply, there are limited exemptions available.

You can apply for an exemption if you believe you are digitally excluded. HMRC will consider applications on a case-by-case basis once the process opens.

You may be eligible if:

• it is not practical for you to use software to keep or submit digital records – this could be due to age, disability, location, or another reason; or
• you are a practising member of a religious society or order whose beliefs are incompatible with electronic communication and digital record keeping.

In addition, if HMRC has already confirmed that you are exempt from Making Tax Digital for VAT, you will need to contact them again once the MTD for IT application process opens. HMRC will then review your exemption. If your circumstances remain the same then HMRC will confirm you are also exempt from MTD for IT. If not, you will need to reapply.

Some taxpayers are automatically exempt from MTD for IT and do not need to apply.

These include:

• trustees, including charitable trustees and trustees of non-registered pension schemes
• individuals without a National Insurance number, applicable only if one is not held by 31 January before the start of the tax year
• personal representatives of someone who has died
• Lloyd’s member, in relation to your underwriting business
• non-resident companies

If you are automatically exempt, you do not need to apply for an exemption. If you do not use MTD for IT, you must continue to report your income and gains by submitting a self-assessment tax return if required.

Winning new business is always positive, but before you commit to a new customer it is wise to carry out some checks. A little time spent at the start can save trouble later if the customer is unable, or unwilling, to pay. We often advise business owners to put a simple process in place for checking new customers.

1. Check who you are dealing with

Start by confirming the customer’s legal identity. If it is a company, search Companies House for free to check it is registered and still active. Make sure the person you are speaking with is authorised to place orders. If the customer is a sole trader or partnership, ask for basic details in writing so you know who is responsible.

2. Review their financial standing

A credit check can reveal whether the customer has a history of paying bills on time. For companies, filed accounts at Companies House can give a sense of size and stability. Trade references are also valuable, especially if the customer is asking for credit terms.

3. Be clear about terms and conditions

Before supplying goods or services, set out clear terms. These should cover payment dates, late payment charges, and what happens if there is a dispute. Using written contracts or standard terms gives both sides certainty. It also makes it easier to enforce your rights if payment problems arise.

4. Consider how much credit to offer

Even if the customer appears sound, it may be sensible to limit credit at the start. You can increase limits once they have shown a good payment record. Asking for deposits or stage payments reduces risk, especially for large orders.

5. Keep records of checks and agreements

Keep a simple file of all checks carried out, copies of contracts and any credit limits agreed. This helps if there are disputes later and shows that your business has acted responsibly.

6. Trust your instincts

Finally, listen to your instincts. If something feels wrong, take more time before agreeing to proceed. It is usually better to turn away a doubtful customer than to chase unpaid invoices.

Taking these steps helps protect cash flow, which is vital for every business. We can help design a straightforward customer acceptance process, so you can grow sales with greater confidence.

The government has announced permanent changes to business rates that will benefit thousands of small firms in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. From April 2026, qualifying businesses will see their bills reduced, with some enjoying discounts of up to 40%.

What has changed?

Business rates have long been a concern for high street shops, restaurants, pubs, and leisure operators. Rising property costs, combined with tight margins, have made rates one of the biggest overheads for many.

In a move designed to support growth, the government has confirmed:

• A permanent business rates discount of 40% for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure premises with a rateable value below £500,000.
• A freeze of the small business multiplier, to prevent rates bills from rising in line with inflation.
• The continuation of business rates improvement relief, so that firms making property improvements will not face immediate increases in their bills.

The government estimates that around 250,000 businesses will benefit from these measures, giving a much-needed boost to high streets and town centres across the UK.

Who qualifies?

The discount applies to occupied properties that are wholly or mainly used as:

• Shops.
• Restaurants, caf�s, pubs or bars.
• Cinemas, gyms, or other leisure facilities.
• Hotels, guesthouses or self-catering accommodation.

Properties with a rateable value of £500,000 or above will not be eligible, and relief is subject to subsidy control limits for larger groups.

Why is this being introduced?

The government has stated that the aim is to “level the playing field” between high street operators and online retailers, who do not face the same property-based costs. The measures are also intended to encourage investment in local communities by making it more affordable to run physical premises.

For many small businesses, the changes could mean significant annual savings, freeing up cash to invest in staff, marketing, or refurbishments.

What to do next

Although the relief will not take effect until April 2026, it makes sense to review your property situation now. Points to consider include:

• Checking your property’s rateable value to confirm eligibility.
• Reviewing your business structure if you operate from multiple premises.
• Considering whether improvements to your premises could be planned with improvement relief in mind.
• Budgeting ahead, as although relief is generous, it may not cover all increases in costs.

How we can help

We can review your current rates position, check eligibility for the new reliefs, and advise on planning around the April 2026 changes.

If you operate in the retail, hospitality, or leisure sectors, please contact us so we can confirm how these new rules will affect your business and ensure you make the most of the available reliefs.

1 October 2025 – Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 31 December 2024.

19 October 2025 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 October 2025. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 October 2025.)

19 October 2025 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly return for the month ended 5 October 2025. 

19 October 2025 – CIS tax deducted for the month ended 5 October 2025 is payable by today.

31 October 2025 – Latest date you can file a paper version of your 2024-25 self-assessment tax return.

1 November 2025 – Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 31 January 2025.

19 November 2025 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 November 2025. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 November 2025.)

19 November 2025 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly return for the month ended 5 November 2025. 

19 November 2025 – CIS tax deducted for the month ended 5 November 2025 is payable by today.

Employers must ensure they are paying staff at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or National Living Wage (NLW). The NMW and the NLW are the minimum legal amounts that employers must pay their workers. The latest NMW and NLW rates took effect on 1 April 2025. The current hourly rate for the NLW is £12.21. For those aged 18 to 20, the NMW is £10.00 per hour. Workers aged 16 to 17 and apprentices are entitled to £7.55 per hour.

The minimum wage is calculated as an hourly rate, but it applies to all eligible workers however they are paid. This means that even if someone is paid an annual salary, and it is paid by the piece or in other ways, they must still calculate their equivalent hourly rate to check whether they are receiving at least the minimum wage.

To do this correctly, it is also important to understand what counts as working time under NMW rules.

According to HMRC guidance, for all types of work, this includes time spent:

• at work and required to be working, or on standby near the workplace (but do not include rest breaks that are taken);
• not working because of machine breakdown, but kept at the workplace;
• waiting to collect goods, meet someone for work or start a job;
• travelling in connection with work, including travelling from one work assignment to another;
• training or travelling to training;
• at work and under certain work-related responsibilities even when workers are allowed to sleep (whether or not a place to sleep is provided).

Working time does not include time spent:

• travelling between home and work;
• away from work on rest breaks, holidays, sick leave or maternity leave;
• on industrial action; and
• not working but at the workplace or available for work at or near the workplace during a time when workers are allowed to sleep (and you provide a place to sleep).

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves has confirmed, in a video message, that the next UK Budget will take place on Wednesday, 26 November 2025.

Details of all the Budget announcements will be made on a special section of the GOV.UK website which will be updated following completion of the Chancellor’s speech in November.

HM Treasury is inviting written representations for the Autumn Budget 2025 from individuals, interested groups, MPs and organisations. Submissions should propose evidence-based policy ideas or comment on existing policies, with clear rationale, costs, benefits, and deliverability. The deadline for submissions is 23:59 on Wednesday, 15 October 2025.

The Budget will be published alongside the latest forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). This forecast will be in addition to that published for the Spring Statement and fulfil the obligation for the OBR to produce at least two forecasts in a financial year, as is required by legislation.

The OBR has executive responsibility for producing the official UK economic and fiscal forecasts, evaluating the government’s performance against its fiscal targets, assessing the sustainability of and risks to the public finances and scrutinising government tax and welfare spending.