We previously posted about government efforts to get high street banks lending more to small businesses. Now it’s paying off. SME lending has hit £4.6 billion in Q1 2025, the highest since 2022. Positive signs for business owners looking to borrow

The Bank of England announced on 19 June that rates will stay at 4.25%, but signs point to a cut soon.Three members voted to lower them, and August is looking likely. Positive news for small businesses hoping for lower borrowing costs.

New research from the FSB shows UK small businesses spend nearly £25 billion a year on tax compliance, the equivalent of 27,000 years of admin.The report calls for a better HMRC service, simpler systems, and clearer tax reliefs to ease the pressure.

Some small businesses have waited over four months for tax refunds, up from the usual four to six weeks.With HMRC’s free filing service set to close in 2026, are small businesses being pushed to adapt faster than HMRC can keep up?

81% of UK Gen Z would go remote for better pay, even if it means working for a company overseas.With pay outweighing proximity, how can UK employers stay competitive?

HMRC plans a major overhaul of the £8bn Research and Development tax credit scheme. The government aims to combat £4.1bn in fraudulent claims while improving certainty for legitimate businesses. However Industry experts warn HMRC may lack specialist staff to process claims efficiently – potentially creating further delays.

Filter by business size, industry, and location to find relevant funding opportunities for your business. Explore the latest financial support at – gov.uk/business-finance-support

The Making Tax Digital income tax threshold will drop to £20,000 from April 2028! Key changes include: • First mandated returns due January 2028 • New exemptions for power of attorney holders and foreign entertainers • Temporary deferrals for ministers of religion and Lloyd’s underwriters • No HMRC online service – third-party software required for…

Their key concerns: • SMEs repaying debt at 20 times pre-pandemic levels • Net lending fell by £7 billion last year • Loan approval rates dropped from 67% in 2019 to below 50% today • High street banks increased lending by 13%, but access remains difficult

Your next career move is just a train ride away. Here at Hunts in Sherborne, we’re always looking for talented accountants to join our growing team. With direct trains from Salisbury (41 mins) and Exeter (1hr 10mins), your new opportunity could be closer than you think. Find out more – https://www.huntsaccountants.co.uk/#recruitment