Business

At the end of 2023, investors expected the US and UK central banks to reduce interest rates by 1.50 -1.75 percentage points in 2024.1 A fortnight after the spring equinox, those expectations have reduced to only 0.25 - 0.75 percentage points2 and some are now questioning whether we will see any rate cuts at all.

The cash basis is a simpler way of preparing accounts, which takes account only of cash received and cash paid out. Unlike the traditional accruals basis there is no need to match income and expenses to the period to which they relate, or take account of debtors and creditors

Basis Period Reform:
Will it affect your business?

Wednesday 5 April 2024 sees the end of the current Tax Year. Following the Chancellor's continued plans to freeze and in some case reduce Tax-free allowances, it's more important than ever to make the most of some timely Tax planning.

Further to our recent article on the National Minimum Wage (NMW) increases on 7 March 2024 – read…

STOCKS BEGIN TO MOTOR -
In June 2023 we asked whether a new bull market had begun. Nine months later, we have our answer. The MSCI World index moved to new all-time highs in February. The US and Japanese stock markets have led the way, while others are yet to catch up - including the UK’s.

Yesterday, Jeremy Hunt gave what could be the Conservative Party’s last Budget before a General Election and possibly his last as Chancellor of the Exchequer. He claimed the Spring Budget 2024 aimed to halve inflation, reduce debt and grow the economy.

All employers need to be aware that the National Living Wage (NLW) and National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates are increasing on 1‌‌‌ ‌‌April 2024. In addition, the National Living Wage will be extended to workers aged 21 and over (previously only for age 23 and over).

If you are a taxpayer and you are concerned that you cannot pay your tax bill on time, you have the option to set up an online “time to pay” arrangement with HMRC.  This means you can spread the cost of you tax bill over a period of 6-12 months, helping improve cash flow.

In the future, owners of Airbnb and short-term let properties in England will have to get planning permission before renting out rooms.

From 1 May 2024 it has been confirmed that Companies House are increasing their fees. Companies House fees are often…

A Steady Start to 2024 -
The year has begun on a tentative footing following the excesses of November and December, when asset prices galloped higher. Investors have paused to reflect on the ‘wall of worry’ that is said to accompany most bull markets.