Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs
Articles, news and analysis on business rates issues for UK SME commercial properties, such as shops, offices, pubs, warehouses, factories, holiday rental homes or guest houses.
Accounting
What are business rates, how much are they and do tenants have to pay them? Sophie Attwood of Colliers answers your questions
News
Business rates are forecast to rise by almost £2bn in the 2024/25 tax year, adding to the strain that small firms are already facing.
News
Firms are urging the chancellor to freeze business rates in his autumn statement to stop an extra £1.56bn being added to bills.
News
Business rates relief for SMEs is 'likely' to continue into 2024/25. John Webber explains why this isn't so good in the long run.
Accounting
What is rateable value and how has it changed as of 1 April 2023? What you need to know if you want to appeal your rates bill
Accounting
50% discount for retail and hospitality business rates ends in March, just as inflation sends what companies have to pay soaring
News
Rival Liz Truss describes CBI call for Conservative leadership candidates to hold cost-of-living summit as 'bizarre' as government mulls energy blackouts for industry this winter
News
Independent retailers write to chancellor Rishi Sunak saying they are open to the idea, supported by big chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury and Waterstones
News
The £1.5bn Covid-19 Additional Relief Fund was to help businesses that did not already qualify for the £16bn pandemic business rates holiday
Tax
It’s up to you to challenge if you think you’re being asked too much in business rates. Steve Hughes of RVA Surveyors says it’s worth doing.
News
Lord Bilimoria, head of lobby group CBI, is just one voice calling on the Government to drop a £12bn tax raid on businesses in April, while the gym sector asks for business rates to be scrapped
News
Government's bruited £1.5bn business rates relief fund for businesses most affected by Covid has yet to make single payment, leaving over 400,000 businesses dangling
Business Loans
Everything you need to know on what small business loans are and what types of loan are available for your business.
Business Technology
To run an optimal business, you must have optimal tech. We explain why you must upgrade your business technology on a regular basis
Investing in a franchise
Starting a new business is an exciting venture. But – especially in well-established industry sectors – a key question is whether it would be better to buy a franchise or go solo.