A Comprehensive Guide to Marketing in the UK
Marketing is the process of promoting, selling, and distributing a product or service. It involves understanding customer needs, creating valuable offerings, and communicating these offerings effectively to encourage consumer engagement and drive sales. Marketing encompasses a range of activities and strategies that businesses use to connect with their target audience and build long-lasting relationships. Effective […]
Comprehensive Guide to Accounting for UK Businesses
For UK businesses, effective accounting practices are essential for day-to-day operations and ensuring compliance with stringent financial regulations. From managing cash flow to preparing for tax obligations, proper accounting maintains transparency, offers critical insights into financial health and guides strategic decisions. In this guide, we will explore the essentials of accounting for UK businesses, covering […]
Guide to Paying Corporation Tax in the UK
Corporation tax is a tax levied on the profits of companies operating in the UK. It’s a fundamental component of the UK tax system and a significant source of revenue for the government. Companies, including limited companies, foreign companies with UK branches, and certain unincorporated associations, are liable to pay corporation tax on their profits. Understanding how corporation tax works, including the […]
HMRC Issues Further Pillar 2 Guidance
In its third update on Pillar 2, HMRC has provided clarity on various aspects of the rules and outlined its plans for the coming months, including the next phase of its Pillar 2 online service. The multinational top-up tax (MTT) and the domestic top-up tax (DTT) have been introduced as part of the UK’s adoption […]
Google U-Turns on Cookies
In an unexpected move, Google has scrapped its plans to block third-party cookies from its Chrome internet browser, which had been first announced four years ago. The UK’s data privacy watchdog expressed “disappointment” over this decision. Instead, Google says it will pursue a new approach, giving users an “informed choice that applies across their web […]
Complete Guide to Setting Up a Business in the UK
Setting up a business in the UK offers numerous advantages and opportunities. The UK boasts a stable economy, a robust legal framework, and a supportive business environment. With access to a large consumer market, strong international trade links, and a well-developed infrastructure, businesses in the UK can thrive and expand. The UK government also offers […]
Comprehensive Guide to UK Business Finance
Business owners in the UK can access a broad range of different finance options and support systems. Understanding these options can be the key to securing the necessary funding and support to grow your business successfully. Business finance is the lifeblood of any enterprise. It encompasses everything from securing start-up capital to managing day-to-day expenses […]
Holiday, Sickness & Leave
Managing employee time off ensures compliance with legal entitlements and maintains a fair and productive workplace. Section A: Holiday Entitlement Holiday entitlement is a fundamental employment right, allowing employees to take time off to rest and recharge. In the UK, statutory regulations provide clear guidelines on the minimum amount of annual leave employees […]
Contract, Hours & Pay
Employment contracts form the basis of the employer-employee relationship, outlining the terms and conditions under which employees work and are remunerated. Section A: Employment Contracts Employment contracts are essential to the employer-employee relationship, providing a formal agreement that specifies the terms and conditions of employment. These contracts should detail key aspects such as […]
Health and Wellbeing
Ensuring the health and wellbeing of employees is a fundamental responsibility for employers, not only as a legal obligation but to contribute to a productive, positive, and sustainable work environment. Employee wellbeing refers to a holistic approach that focuses on the overall health, happiness, and productivity of employees. Beyond just physical health, it encompasses mental […]
Dealing with Problems at Work
Maintaining a positive and productive work environment demands prompt and effective handling of workplace issues. Section A: Dealing with a Problem Raised by an Employee When an employee raises a problem, employers should handle the matter sensitively and in a timely manner to prevent the issue escalating to formal procedures. Initial responses should […]
Guide to Selling or Closing Your Business in the UK
Selling or closing a business in the UK involves multiple stages with various obligations on the business owner. Whether you’re winding up your business, liquidating assets or going through the company administration process, as a business owner, you are required by law to comply with certain obligations, not only to avoid penalties or adverse financial […]
New Code of Practice: Fire & Rehire
A new Statutory Code of Practice on Fire and Rehire took effect on 18 July 2024. Formally known as the Statutory Code of Practice on Dismissal and Re-engagement, the new guidance now has to be taken into account by employment tribunals on relevant cases, such as unfair dismissal claims. This new Code takes effect just […]
UK Marketing Budgets Reach Decade High
The Q2 2024 IPA Bellwether Report reveals a positive outlook for marketers as economic conditions improve. The report highlights the highest revision of marketing budgets in a decade and the second highest in nearly 25 years. The net balance of UK businesses that increased their total marketing budgets rose from +9.4% in Q1 to +15.9% […]
Consumers: Too Many Ads on Social Media’
A recent survey by online marketplace vendor Capterra found that 91% of regular UK online shoppers feel bombarded by ads on social media. The study, which surveyed 499 consumers, highlights growing frustration with the volume of advertisements. In response to excessive advertising, over a third (37%) of respondents have blocked specific ads, and 35% have […]
King’s Speech: Employment Law Changes Announced
During the State Opening of Parliament on 17 July 2024, the first since the latest UK general election, the King delivered a speech setting out the new Government’s legislative priorities for the coming months. The speech and accompanying memorandum included 40 bills, with two relating to employment law: the Employment Rights Bill and the Equality […]
Equality Watchdog Issues New Guidance on Lawful Advertising
Britain’s Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has released updated guidance for those placing or publishing advertisements to help ensure they are lawful and non-discriminatory. A discriminatory advert is one that restricts jobs, goods, services, or facilities to individuals with a protected characteristic as defined by the Equality Act 2010. Such restrictions are unlawful, except […]
ECHR Consults on Sexual Harassment Guidance
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has launched a consultation on proposed changes to its guidance on preventing workplace sexual harassment. The proposed amendments introduce a new section of guidance addressing the legal changes under the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023, which takes effect on 26 October 2024. The Act […]
UK Firms Failing to Meet Anti-Money Laundering Standards
A HM Treasury report on anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) has revealed that 18% of assessed financial services firms and over a third of accountancy firms were non-compliant with the regulations. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which supervises approximately 18,000 financial services firms in the UK for AML/CTF compliance, found that 4% of […]
Majority of Brits Support Gen AI in Marketing
Almost two-thirds (64%) of UK consumers believe personalised recommendations are important, with nearly a third (30%) considering them one of the top ways brands can enhance their overall digital experience. However, greater personalisation should not compromise privacy and data governance, as 92% of respondents emphasise the need for brands to use their data responsibly. This […]