Businesses have to pay business rates as a contribution to the cost of services provided by local authorities. The guide will outline what business rates are and the types of premises on which they are payable. It explains how business rates are calculated and how the rateable value of business premises is determined in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.   (more…)

From the 1st April 2019 Making Tax Digital (MTD) is a key part of the Governments plans to make it easier for individuals and businesses to get their tax right and keep on top of their affairs. The primary aim of Making Tax Digital is to make the administration of tax effective and easier for taxpayers through the fully digitalised tax system by 2020, which in turn will reduce the overheads for HMRC for managing tax. HMRC’s ambition is to become one of the most digitally advanced tax administrations in the world. Making Tax Digital is making fundamental changes to (more…)

The law on pensions has changed and all employees, no matter how small a business, will need to put a pension scheme in place and automatically enrol all eligible employees.   If you are still unsure how workplace pension auto-enrolment works download our free guide to find out what needs to be done to prepare your business. Not complying with staging dates can incur serious consequences to the employer. Members can obtain a free consultation and report on your pension obligations. (more…)

Accountants provide small businesses with a range of services including bookkeeping, preparing financial statements, calculating tax and advice on minimising tax and other costs. Our guide explains the services offered by accountants, what to look for when choosing an accountant and how to find and appoint one. We provide information on monitoring and assessing the service you receive and give an indication of the likely costs to you and your business. (more…)

Their importance for the economy – exporting, innovation and growth. The Forum’s comprehensive range of insurance and risk management solutions are designed to protect small employers and help them to survive traumatic events. A guide to the Importance of Protecting the UK’s Small Businesses. (more…)

Are you looking to start a new business? Do you have an idea and you’re not sure where to start? Our Forum of Private Business Start-up guide gives tips to starting a new business from scratch, showing you the basics of what you need to do.   (more…)

The law on workplace pensions has now changed and under the Pensions Act 2008 every employer in the UK must put certain staff into a pension scheme and contribute towards it. If you employ at least one person you are an employer and you, therefore, have legal duties to comply with the automatic enrolment. (more…)