Small Business Resolutions: starting the new year right

Returning to work after a short festive break can seem daunting, but the intrepid business owner will see this as a fresh opportunity. Read the whole article on our website.

Weatherproofing a business

Operating a business in the UK has always meant accounting for the climate, which can go from droughts in the summer to the highly disruptive flooding seen during recent winters. Find out more here.

Filing your self assessment tax returns

Paper tax returns covering income for the year ending 5 April 2014 had to be submitted to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) by 31 October 2014. Online tax returns must be received by HMRC on 31 January 2015.Find out more on our website.

2015: Looking Ahead

A number of important changes come into effect with the new financial year on 6 April. Read a few of the key points on our website

UK retail enjoys 'Black Friday' boost

High street retailers have reported huge success in the wake of the national ‘Black Friday’ phenomenon which saw shops of all kinds offer sale prices in late November. Click here to read more.

Employment forecasts indicate positive 2015

According to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), 50% of British businesses are planning to hire extra workers in the new year. Read more on our website.

Carney unveils Bank of England shakeup

The Bank of England is due to cut interest rate policy meetings to eight per year, while policymakers’ discussions will be transcribed and published. Read the whole article here.

Treasury unveils new fee-free current account

HM Treasury has unveiled the template for a new fee-free current account, with the aim of providing a basic bank account that is accessible to anyone who does not currently have a bank account, or who cannot use their existing account due to financial difficulties. Read more here.

HMRC campaign targets legal profession

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has announced that solicitors are being targeted in its latest high-profile campaign to reclaim unpaid taxes. Click to read more.

TUC warns of 'two-tier' workforce

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has released a report showing that workers on temporary and zero-hours contracts are earning substantially less than permanent staff. Click here to read the whole article.

Winter 2014 Newsletter and Autumn Statement

Please click here for our Winter Newsletter and here to read our summary of the Autumn Statement

This issue of our newsletter includes important points on the value of research & development, and the new VAT service for suppliers of digital services in the EU.

We also cover options for salary sacrifice to make the most of pension auto-enrolment, and key tax dates for early 2015.

Our guide to the Chancellor's 2014 Autumn Statement offers a summary of the key business, tax and financial measures which could affect you and your business. Major topics include a complete reform of stamp duty on residential property, an additional increase to the personal income tax allowance, and a review of business rates.

If you would like more advice on these, or any other topics, please call your usual contact on 020 7240 5821.

With the upcoming festive period, please note our opening hours:
Christmas Eve: closed from 1pm
29^th-31^st December: open as usual with reduced staff in the office
Friday 2^nd January: closed all day
Open as usual from Monday 5^th January

On behalf of everyone at Bourner Bullock I would like to wish all our clients and contacts a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Finance Bill 2015 paves the way for new 'Google tax'

The Government has published draft tax legislation to implement its 2014 Budget and Autumn Statement policies, including plans to introduce a new tax on the diverted profits of large multinational enterprises, dubbed the ‘Google tax’. Read the whole article here.

Business group issues warning over early interest rate rise

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has warned that an early rise in interest rates could pose a ‘huge risk’ to the UK economy. Click here to read more.

UK real wages show biggest G20 fall

According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), in the three years to 2013 real wages in the UK showed a bigger drop than other G20 economies. Click here to find out more.

Analysts warn of 'colossal' spending cuts

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has confronted Chancellor George Osborne following the spending cuts announced in the Autumn Statement. See our website for the whole article.

Government makes pre-announcements for Autumn Statement

In advance of the Autumn Statement, Chancellor George Osborne has unveiled plans for increased spending on UK infrastructure. Read the whole article here.

Government unveils new proposals to tackle late payment

New proposals obliging large and listed companies to publish detailed information about their payment practices and performance have been unveiled by the Business Minister Matthew Hancock. Read more here.

HMRC powers of entry to be replaced

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has confirmed that five of its powers of entry into premises will have to be reviewed or replaced, following a report commissioned by Chancellor George Osborne. Click here to read more.

Scotland set to gain landmark powers over income tax and welfare

The Scottish Parliament is set to gain almost complete control over income tax rates and bands and welfare spending, following the recommendations of the Smith Commission. Read the whole article on our website.