Category: Industry Updates (page 1 of 18)

Pandemic-born businesses could add £20.4 billion to UK economy

More than £20 billion could be added to the UK economy in the future from the number of additional businesses created during the pandemic, according to research carried out by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

Around 800,000 companies were registered in the first year of the pandemic, a 22% increase compared with the previous year. Only 13% of these start-ups cited regulation as a challenge when starting their business.

However, access to finance was a key concern for many burgeoning business leaders, with 55% highlighting this post-2020, compared with 42% pre-Covid.

The research also found that businesses born during the pandemic are 20% more likely to embrace sustainability than firms established prior to 2020.

Tony Danker, Director General of the CBI, said:

‘Pandemic-born businesses – led by ambitious, resilient entrepreneurs – have innovated in so many ways, and at such speed, giving me great sense of optimism. It’s crucial we give these leaders the support they need to grow and succeed.

‘Rising energy prices, supply chain challenges, an uncertain economic outlook and cost-of-living crisis mean we’ve some testing months, and possibly years, ahead. For start-ups which count their experience in months, not years, that environment is even tougher. Continue reading...

Insurer warns of rise in fraudulent claims amid cost-of-living crisis

Insurer Zurich UK has stated that there has been a significant increase in the number of fraudulent claims as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.

Zurich found that between 1 January and 31 May 2022, the number of fraudulent property claims rose by 25% compared to the same period in 2021. It also stated that in the last five months, it has prevented fraud amounting to £4.2 million, which equates to more than £40,000 a day.

TVs, mobile phones and jewellery were some of the most common items fraudsters claimed to have had stolen or to have lost.

Scott Clayton, Head of Claims Fraud at Zurich UK, said:

‘Sadly, many more people are facing hardships as a result of the cost-of-living crisis, which is contributing to an increase in fraudulent claims. Since the start of the year, we’ve seen a significant rise in bogus property claims as households and businesses come under increased financial strain.

‘While exaggerating or faking a claim might seem like a chance worth taking, the consequences can be severe, with fraudsters facing criminal prosecution and potentially even a prison sentence.’

Internet link: Zurich website

Reform required to combat staff shortages, says BCC

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has called for action to help firms employ more staff amidst recruitment difficulties.

A survey carried out by the business group revealed that 61% of firms are looking to recruit more employees, but many are facing difficulties in doing so.

According to the BCC, the construction sector is facing the most severe recruitment challenges, with 83% of construction businesses reporting issues with recruiting skilled workers.

The BCC has outlined a three-point plan to help businesses recruit. This plan includes encouraging firms to ‘find new ways of unlocking pools of talent’; helping employers invest in training; and reforming the Shortage Occupation List (SOL).

Jane Gratton, Head of People Policy at the BCC, said:

‘Businesses remain under huge pressure to fill jobs, but record levels of recruitment difficulty are showing no signs of improvement. Solutions are urgently needed so that firms can keep their doors open throughout these tough times.

‘We have written to the government outlining a three-point plan on how they can work with businesses to solve this.’

Internet link: BCC website

IMF warns UK is set for slowest rate of growth of G7 countries

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that the UK faces the slowest rate of growth in the G7 next year.

The IMF predicts that UK economic growth will fall to 0.5% in 2023, which is considerably lower than its previous prediction of 1.2%, which was forecast in April.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the Covid-19 pandemic has caused the global economy to shrink, the IMF stated. It has consequently cut its 2022 global growth forecast to 3.2%.

It also said that rising prices and higher borrowing costs are continuing to squeeze households and businesses around the world. The data revealed that in the three months to July, global economic growth contracted, marking the first decline since the onset of the pandemic.

The IMF predicts a 15% probability of recessions in the G7 economies, which include Germany, France, the US, the UK, Japan, Canada and Italy. This is almost four times higher than usual, according to the IMF.

Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, Economic Counsellor and the Director of Research at the IMF, said:

‘The global economy, still reeling from the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, is facing an increasingly gloomy and uncertain outlook.

‘Higher-than-expected inflation, especially in the United States and major European economies, is triggering a tightening of global financial conditions. China’s slowdown has been worse than anticipated amid Covid-19 outbreaks and lockdowns, and there have been further negative spillovers from the war in Ukraine. As a result, global output contracted in the second quarter of this year. Continue reading...

National insurance threshold rises to £12,570

The level at which people start paying national insurance rose from £9,880 to £12,570 from 6 July.

According to the government, 30 million people across the UK will benefit from this tax cut. It says the increase will lift 2.2 million people out of paying any personal tax.

The threshold change means that 70% of UK workers will pay less national insurance, even after accounting for the Health and Social Care Levy, the government added.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

‘We know it’s tough for many families across the UK, but we want you to know that this government is on your side.

‘Today’s tax cut means around 70% of British workers will pay less national insurance – even after accounting for the Health and Social Care Levy that is funding the biggest catch-up programme in NHS history and putting an end to spiralling social care costs.

‘So whether you are a receptionist, work in hospitality or are a delivery driver, this tax cut is likely to make you and your family better off.’

Internet links: HM Treasury press release

Recovery Loan Scheme to be relaunched

The Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) will be relaunched during August 2022 as the government aims to continue supporting recovering small businesses.

The RLS launched in April 2021 and was originally scheduled to run until 31 December 2021.

At Autumn Budget 2021, the government extended the scheme by six months to 30 June 2022 and made some adjustments to its terms. The government provided a guarantee of 80% for loans made before 1 January 2022 and 70% for loans after that date. The borrower remains 100% liable for the debt.

According to the British Business Bank, accredited lenders have offered over £4.5 billion, through the RLS, to smaller UK businesses as they steer a path towards a sustainable recovery.

The relaunched RLS will support facility sizes of up to £2 million for borrowers outside the scope of the Northern Ireland Protocol, and up to £1 million for those in scope of the Northern Ireland Protocol.

The scheme will be open to smaller businesses with a turnover of up to £45 million.

Catherine Lewis La Torre, CEO, British Business Bank, said:

‘The British Business Bank is committed to supporting smaller businesses in accessing the finance they need to grow sustainably. Thousands of businesses in all sectors and from right across the UK have taken out loans under the RLS. This will better position them to confront both the challenges and opportunities that are ahead.’ Continue reading...

New homeowners warned over tax refund claims

New homeowners are being warned about cold calls from rogue tax repayment agents advising them to make speculative Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) refund claims, which could leave them with large tax bills.

The warning comes after a recent spate of Stamp Duty refund claims to HMRC failed to meet specific criteria.

The agents have been known to call new property owners after finding them through Land Registry records and property search websites, promising money back on ‘unknowingly overpaid’ SDLT.

Recent analysis undertaken by HMRC suggests that up to a third of claims for ‘multiple dwelling relief’ refunds were incorrect.

HMRC raises enquiries on these claims, but sometimes that is after the agent has taken their fee, leaving the homeowner to pick up the difference. Incorrect refund claims must be repaid with interest, with some potentially facing penalties as well.

Nicole Newbury, HMRC Director for Wealthy and Mid-sized Business, said:

‘We are seeing obviously spurious refund claims that are never going to succeed; but will lead to an unnecessary bill for the customer.

‘So, we are warning new homeowners not to get caught out by tax repayment agents promising easy money on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. We want to help people get it right and avoid unnecessary tax bills, so treat promises of easy money with real caution.’ Continue reading...

Latest guidance for employers

HMRC has published the latest issue of the Employer Bulletin. The June issue has information on various topics, including:

Please contact us for help with tax matters.

Internet link: Employer Bulletin

NICs increase has immediate impact on businesses

Four out of five employers stated that they were immediately impacted by the increase in national insurance contributions (NICs), according to research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

The BCC surveyed more than 1,100 UK employers and found that the NICs increase has caused negative impacts to 81% of businesses.

Firms said the rise in employer NICs from 13.8% to 15.05% has increased staffing costs, forced some to put up their prices and meant they would be limiting their investment.

As part of its call for an Emergency Budget, the BCC said the rise should be immediately reversed for at least a year, as firms battle surging costs on multiple fronts.

The BCC is calling for action to give businesses a chance to keep a lid on rising prices, boost productivity and ease cost pressures.

Hannah Essex, Co-Executive Director at the BCC, said:

‘Businesses are telling us that the rise in NICs has been a body blow as they try to get back on their feet. With firms’ profits also taking a further hit, after two years of the pandemic, it is no surprise that their investment intentions are also weakening.

‘But it is not too late to change tack and push the increase back until firms are in a better place to take on the extra burden. The costs crises facing firms and people in the street are two sides of the same coin. If we can ease the pressure on businesses, then they can keep a lid on the price rises.’ Continue reading...

Bank of England raises UK interest rates to 13-year high of 1.25%

The Bank of England (BoE) has raised UK interest rates to a 13-year high of 1.25% and is now predicting inflation will hit 11% this autumn, when energy bills are set to rise again.

Six out of nine Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) members voted for a 0.25 basis point hike, leading to a fifth consecutive rise.

It is the first time since January 2009 that the rate has been higher than 1%. Three members of the MPC voted to raise interest rates to 1.5%, which would have been the biggest rise since 1995.

David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

‘While expected, the decision to raise the interest rate will add further concern to businesses amid a weakened economic outlook, soaring cost pressures and labour shortages.

‘The increase signals the Bank’s intention to tackle inflation but businesses have been raising the alarm about spiralling prices since the start of 2021 and a higher interest rate is unlikely to address many of the global causes of this.

‘The increase could impact smaller businesses who may be reliant on banking or overdraft facilities, for instance, those buying goods in bulk in an attempt to offset raw material shortages.’

Internet link: Bank of England website

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