The 5.7% increase in the National Living Wage in 2024 has put substantial pressure on UK businesses, particularly SMEs, to manage higher labour costs. This article explores the impact of the NLW rise, with nearly 60% of SMEs reporting tighter profit margins and the need to raise prices or reduce staff hours. To cope with these challenges, businesses are adopting various strategies:

  • Enhancing operational efficiency through streamlining processes and outsourcing
  • Strategically adjusting pricing on select products or services
  • Investing in technology and automation to reduce reliance on manual labour
  • Upskilling employees to enhance productivity and justify higher wages
  • Implementing flexible working arrangements to improve employee engagement

Looking ahead, further NLW adjustments may be necessary due to the rising cost of living. Ward Williams advises businesses to remain proactive in monitoring economic trends and seeking professional guidance to navigate these challenges effectively. By embracing a collaborative approach, companies can capitalize on the opportunities presented by the NLW increase while maintaining profitability and competitiveness.

As summer draws to a close, many people reflect on their dreams of owning a holiday home. For some, this dream has become a reality, either through purchase or inheritance. If you’ve decided to rent out your property on platforms like Airbnb, it’s essential to understand the tax implications involved. A key aspect to consider is HMRC’s Digital Disclosure Service (DDS), which of ...

HMRC’s decision to halt its plans to restrict taxpayer helplines and direct people to online services instead has been met with relief by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The tax authority had announced that it was closing its self assessment helpline for six months every year. It was also restricting the opening times of its VAT helpline and the usage of its PAYE hel ...

In a nutshell From 1 April 2023, the rules have changed from 51% related companies back to the associated company rules. Prior to 1 April 2023, companies were connected if one company had at least a 51% shareholding in another company.  The new rules result in more companies being connected compared to the old 51% shareholding companies. Why does this matter? The result may ...

How the Autumn Statement update tax changes may affect your business Following the Autumn Statement 2023 announcing tax changes for business owners, employees and employers, updates are being released in stages informing businesses how they will be affected at the beginning of the new tax year in April 2024.  Discover below the recent updates on Capital Allowances, Corporate ...

Companies have seen some big changes lately; changes in corporation tax rates, changes back to the associated company rules from the 51% related companies, and lately, additional requirements to support R&D claims and changes to R&D rates.

  • If your company makes profits of over £1.5m then the answer is probably “yes”
  • You need to consider new rules from 1 April 2023 that bring “associated” companies into play, and may mean more companies fall into the QIPs regime
  • Companies falling into QIPs need to be mindful of payment dates to manage cashflow

Directors’ remuneration – with the new financial and tax year starting in April, it is time to consider the best level of salary for you to process for the 2023/24 tax year.

From 1 April 2023, corporation tax will increase to 25% where a company’s profits exceed £250,000 a year. The current 19% rate will however continue to apply where profits are no more than £50,000 a year. Where a company’s profits fall between £50,000 and £250,000 a year, an effective rate of 26.5% applies to profits in excess of £50,000. Some companies that are connected or i ...

The Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022 became law on 1 August 2022. This legislation applies to Overseas entities (particularly Branches) – whether already registered at Companies House or not, and individuals based overseas that wish to buy, sell, or transfer UK property or land. Overseas entities will need to register with Companies House who are their re ...