Insights

From April 2026, National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates will increase across the UK. Hospitality businesses must ensure they apply the new rates correctly or risk HMRC penalties, financial exposure, and reputational damage.

Alfie Knapman shares how a proactive review of your pay structure can help ensure your business remains compliant.

Selling your business is a significant milestone, and one that many founders will only experience once in their lifetime. While valuation is often the headline focus for sellers, choosing the right buyer and the right long-term home for your business is equally important.

It is often assumed that gifts made during a person’s lifetime, particularly in cash, remain invisible to HMRC unless they are disclosed. In practice, HMRC has wide access to financial data and uses a range of tools to identify undisclosed gifts when reviewing an estate for Inheritance Tax (IHT). Without proper records or advice, this can lead to delays, additional tax, or penalties when an estate is reviewed.

Buzzacott advised Astra Holding on their acquisition of J Manny Ltd, providing financial due diligence, tax due diligence and transaction advisory services.

Led by George Thresh, Buzzacott provided Financial and Tax Due Diligence, Transaction Advisory and Tax Structuring services to Norte Partners on their acquisition of Kid Ease.

Divorce is never easy. Beyond the emotional toll, it often brings financial complexities that can attract the attention of HMRC. For those with significant assets or intricate financial arrangements, HMRC may initiate enquiries during a divorce to ensure tax compliance.

The Financial Reporting Council’s (FRC’s) second periodic review of FRS 102 will become mandatory for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2026. In addition to key changes to revenue recognition and lease accounting, the amendments also expand the disclosure requirements that businesses reporting under UK GAAP will need to make in their financial statements.

Grant funding remains a valuable source of nondilutive finance for UK businesses developing innovative products, processes and services. However, the funding landscape has changed. Some longstanding programmes have been paused, while others, notably Horizon Europe, are now firmly re-established and open to UK applicants. For SMEs, scaleups and large companies, securing grant funding now requires a more targeted and strategic approach than in previous years.