A return to gender rationality in the office? What does the Supreme Court ruling mean for trans people in the workplace?
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court clarified the legal interpretation of the words ‘sex’, ‘woman’ and ‘man’ in Sections 11 and 212(1) of the Equality Act (EA) 2010 with respect to gender reassignment and sexual discrimination following a challenge by For Women Scotland (FWS), a leading feminist
Buying a business – a simple due diligence checklist
Before you agree to buy a business, it is essential to carry out due diligence. This means carefully checking the facts and risks so that you can make an informed decision. Here is a basic checklist to guide you through the process.
1. Review financial records
Ask for at least three years’ worth of
Top 10 skills every business owner should acquire
Running a business involves wearing many hats. Whether you are just starting out or looking to grow, developing the right skills can make all the difference. Here are ten practical skills that will help you manage your business with greater confidence and success.
1. Financial
Could you extend Child Benefit claim?
Parents of 16-19-year-olds: confirm your child’s continued education or training by 31 August 2025 to keep Child Benefit payments going. Last year, over 870,000 families updated HMRC, most online. It only takes a few minutes and helps avoid missed payments. If your child is still in approved
How should multiple self-employed incomes be treated
Running more than one self-employed business? HMRC will not always treat them as separate. Whether they are taxed as one combined trade or multiple depends on how your activities relate to each other. It is not a matter of choice, it is about how your business is run in practice. Get it right to
Changes to IHT from April 2025
From April 2025, Agricultural Property Relief from Inheritance Tax now extends to land under qualifying environmental agreements. This means landowners entering long-term stewardship schemes will not lose IHT relief. From April 2026, a new £1 million limit will apply to combined APR and BPR
Changes to tax status of non-UK domiciles
From 6 April 2025, the remittance basis for non-doms is abolished. A new UK tax regime now applies to non-domiciled individuals, focused solely on residence. New arrivals can benefit from a 4-year exemption on foreign income and gains, but action is needed. CGT rebasing, Overseas Workday Relief, and
Deferring gains using Incorporation Relief
Thinking of transferring your sole trader or partnership business into a limited company? Incorporation Relief can help defer any capital gains tax on assets like goodwill. If the entire business is transferred in exchange for shares, the relief applies automatically, no claim needed. Make sure you
Pension tax-free lump sums
Turning 55 soon? From April 2028, the minimum pension access age rises to 57. If you are planning to draw your pension, you could take up to 25% tax-free. Make informed choices about your remaining pot, as the rest will usually be taxed as income. Get advice before you act.
Most personal pensions
The value of applying for trade marks
A trade mark is a vital tool for protecting the identity and reputation of your business. It can take the form of a name, logo, slogan, shape, or even a sound, and once registered, gives you exclusive rights to use that mark in connection with specific goods or services. In the UK, trademarks are