As a business owner, you might already know that your property’s rateable value underpins how much you’ll pay in business rates, a recurring cost no one loves. But here’s a timely heads-up from the Valuation Office Agency (VOA): the next revaluation is coming, and now’s the best time to get plugged in. The VOA importantly reminds us: “It’s important to remember though that a property’s rateable value is not the same as its business rates bill.” 

What’s Changing – and When?

The VOA update rateable values every three years to reflect what similar properties are fetching in the current market. Here’s the timeline to bookmark:

• Valuation Date: 1 April 2024 (that’s the snapshot used for setting rateable values).
• Revaluation Takes Effect: 1 April 2026.
• Deadline to Challenge: If something’s off in your valuation, you’ve got until 31 March 2026 to flag it up with the VOA. 

Why Sign Up for a Valuation Account?

By registering for a business rates valuation account, you can:

1. Check the details the VOA already holds about your property.
2. Confirm how the valuation was calculated so there are no surprises.
3. Let the VOA know if there’s anything inaccurate, but don’t wait, the cut-off is fast approaching. 

As Alan Colston, the VOA’s Chief Valuer, puts it:

“We publish future valuations a few months before they come into effect – businesses can check that the facts we hold about their property are correct. They can also estimate their future bill and plan their future business rates liability.”

With a clearer view of your future liability, you can budget better and avoid nasty surprises come April 2026.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t already, set up your business rates valuation account today and “claim” your property. Take a quick peek now, and you’ll thank yourself later when your future rates bills are clearer, and you’ve got that deadline firmly marked in the diary.

A strong business is built on habits, not hope. The following ten goals work as a practical checklist you can revisit each quarter. Keep them simple, measure progress, and improve a little each month.

Protect cash flow

Run a 13 week rolling cash flow forecast and update it weekly. Watch debtor days and supplier terms and match payment timings to incoming cash. Cash timing matters more than profit timing.

Build a cash buffer

Aim to hold three to six months of fixed costs in accessible reserves. Keep tax money in a separate account so Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE and Self-Assessment bills never threaten liquidity.

Keep pricing and margin discipline

Know your gross margin by product or service. Review prices regularly, track costs, and protect margin with clear pricing rules. If costs rise, reprice, respecify, or remove low margin lines.

Diversify revenue

Reduce reliance on any single customer, sector, or channel. Set a sensible cap so no single client accounts for more than twenty percent of revenue and build alternative routes to market.

Tighten working capital

Set targets for stock turns, debtor days, and creditor days, then monitor them monthly. Use deposits, staged billing, and early payment incentives to shorten the cash cycle and free up cash.

Strengthen the balance sheet

Pursue profitable growth and sensible gearing. Match loan terms to asset life and replace expensive short term borrowing with longer term facilities where appropriate. Never use overdrafts to fund losses.

Plan for tax efficiently

Forecast tax early and keep digital records accurate and complete. Use reliefs that fit your facts, and time capital expenditure and pension contributions with care to avoid penalties and interest.

Produce timely management information

Close the month quickly and consistently. Review a simple dashboard that covers sales run rate, gross margin, overheads, cash runway, debtor days, pipeline value, and order book strength.

Manage risk and insure wisely

List your key financial and operational risks and decide how to mitigate them. Consider key person cover, cyber insurance, robust contracts, practical disaster recovery, and secure offsite backups.

Stay funding ready

Keep accounts clean, file on time, and maintain a short narrative for lenders and investors. Build relationships with your bank and alternative funders before you need them and monitor your credit score.

Adopt these goals as part of routine management, not a once a year tidy up. When you measure, review, and act on them regularly, small improvements compound into resilience. That is how you future safe a business in uncertain times.

There is no confirmed date for the Autumn Budget, although most commentary points to late October or early November. The Treasury has not announced a day, which helps explain why rumours are circulating. Market conditions have tightened since early summer, and borrowing costs remain elevated. That combination reduces fiscal headroom and increases the likelihood that revenue-raising options, or tax base reforms, will feature more prominently than giveaways.

Property taxes are doing the heavy lifting in the rumour mill

A series of briefings has put property near the top of the potential reform list. One strand is a levy paid by sellers of higher-value homes, often framed around a price threshold, for example sales above a mid to upper six-figure level. The idea is presented as a way to smooth transactions, to rebalance the burden between buyers and sellers, and to support a wider overhaul of stamp duty and council tax.

Another property angle that has been assessed in the press is a potential narrowing of the exemption for gains on main residences. The suggested approach would keep principal private residence relief for the vast majority of homes, while tapering or removing relief above a high valuation band. This would be a significant change to a long-standing relief, so treat it as a high-salience, low-certainty option until official documents appear. If something in this area does emerge, transitional rules, valuation mechanics, and anti-forestalling provisions would need careful study on the day.

Pensions stories are circulating again

Commentary has revived last year’s debate about the 25 per cent pension commencement lump sum. Some reports suggest that lowering the effective cap could raise meaningful revenue without changing contribution reliefs or headline income tax rates. Professional bodies are already engaging in the discussion. Since similar trails did not land previously, it is sensible to remind ourselves that acting solely on rumours can create irreversible tax outcomes. Any change, if pursued, could come with anti-forestalling measures to prevent a rush of withdrawals ahead of the effective date.

Inheritance tax remains a live testing ground

There is renewed talk of tightening the treatment of lifetime gifts and the taper that applies when gifts are made within seven years of death. The thrust of these suggestions is to reduce the scope for reducing an eventual inheritance tax bill through long-range planning, while avoiding a full rate increase. Specifics are scarce at this stage. If reforms appear, expect a focus on definitions, documentation requirements, and the interface with existing exemptions such as normal expenditure out of income.

Dividends and investment income are in the frame

Briefings continue to highlight the dividend regime. Possibilities include removing the small dividend allowance, now at a modest level, and adjusting dividend tax rates at the margins. For many owner-managed companies the combination of reduced allowance and possible rate shifts would raise effective liabilities on extraction. It is worth considering year-end planning that can be adapted quickly, so directors can weigh salary, dividends, pension contributions, and benefits with up-to-date figures once the Chancellor has spoken.

Income tax thresholds and the freeze question

There is ongoing speculation about the future of the personal allowance and higher rate thresholds. An extension of the freeze would quietly raise revenue as nominal incomes rise. This would be consistent with the constraint of maintaining headline rates for income tax, national insurance, and VAT, while still meeting fiscal rules. The political messaging may emphasise stability and fairness, while the numbers do the heavy lifting in the background.

A final calibration

Until the Treasury releases the official documents, everything above remains unconfirmed. The most reliable guide to what finally appears is the fiscal arithmetic calculated in the run-up to the statement. If headroom is tight, expect a bias toward base-broadening, threshold freezes, and relief adjustments. If conditions improve, do not be surprised to see targeted growth measures paired with a smaller number of highly specific tax changes that deliver revenue without breaking stated pledges.

Properties needing repairs still count as homes and false claims to recover Stamp Duty Land Tax could mean big tax bills and penalties.

HMRC has issued a warning to homebuyers about rogue tax agents promoting false Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) repayment claims, especially those based on the condition of properties. Following a recent Court of Appeal decision, it has been confirmed that properties requiring repairs remain liable for residential rates of SDLT if they retain the fundamental characteristics of a dwelling. This applies even if the properties are temporarily uninhabitable.

Some agents exploit this by misleading buyers into believing they can reclaim SDLT by arguing the property is “non-residential.” These agents often charge hefty fees and leave homeowners liable for repayment of the tax, penalties, and interest.

HMRC’s press release on the matter provides an illustrative example of a person who bought a house in London for £1,100,000 with his solicitor filing the SDLT return and SDLT being calculated at the residential rates (£53,750). The home required some modernisation and repair.

The homebuyer was then targeted by a repayment agent who claimed he could recover £9,250 in SDLT due to property repairs. The agent took a 30% fee, and the homebuyer received £6,475. Later, HMRC carried out a compliance check and found the property was residential all along. This meant that the homebuyer was left owing the full £9,250, plus interest and penalties, with the agent refusing to assist.

The case reinforces that a property’s poor condition does not alter its classification as a dwelling if it is structurally sound and previously used as a home. SDLT claims that are invalid can result in serious financial consequences for the buyer, who is ultimately responsible for the accuracy of any SDLT repayment submission.

We would be happy to help you consider where you are eligible to make a claim without incurring unnecessary fees or risks.

Banks must now give 90 days’ notice before closing accounts, giving customers more time to respond.

Since April 2026, new government rules strengthen protections for individuals and small businesses at risk of unfair bank account closures. Under the legislation, banks and payment service providers are required to give at least 90 days’ written notice before closing an account or terminating a payment service, commonly known as debanking. A significant increase from the previous 2-month limit.

Banks are also required to provide a clear explanation for the closure, allowing customers to challenge the decision including through the Financial Ombudsman Service. These changes are designed to protect customers, particularly small businesses, who have often found their accounts shut down without notice or reason, leaving them unable to operate or seek alternatives.

The new rules form part of the government’s wider Plan for Change, aimed at delivering economic security and supporting growth. The rules came into force for relevant new contracts agreed from 28 April 2026 onwards and also apply to the termination of basic personal bank accounts.

There are exceptions in cases where closure is necessary to comply with financial crime laws. Existing protections which prohibit a bank from discriminating against a UK consumer based on political opinions or beliefs remain in place.

If you cannot pay your tax bill, it’s crucial to contact HMRC as soon as possible. They may offer support through a Time to Pay arrangement, allowing you to repay your debt in instalments based on your financial situation. Ignoring the debt can lead to enforcement action, including visits to your home or business by HMRC or the use of debt collection agencies. The debt collection agencies are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and will only contact you by letter, phone, or SMS. They will not visit you in person at your home or place of work.

If these measures to do not work, HMRC can recover the debt using more serious measures. These include taking control of your possessions, recovering money directly from your bank account, adjusting your tax code or using court action. HMRC may also pursue debt through charging orders, deductions from wages or pensions or third-party debt orders.

If all else fails, insolvency proceedings may be started, including bankruptcy or winding-up orders. HMRC also has international recovery agreements that allow foreign tax authorities to collect UK tax debts if you live or have assets abroad.

If you are affected by any of these issues, please let us know so we can help you.

From April 2026, the self-employed and landlords must use MTD for IT, but exemptions may apply in limited cases.

If you are self-employed or a landlord with income over £50,000, you will need to prepare for digital record keeping, quarterly updates and a new penalty system. While most affected taxpayers will be required to comply, there are limited exemptions available.

You can apply for an exemption if you believe you are digitally excluded. HMRC will consider applications on a case-by-case basis once the process opens.

You may be eligible if:

• it is not practical for you to use software to keep or submit digital records – this could be due to age, disability, location, or another reason; or
• you are a practising member of a religious society or order whose beliefs are incompatible with electronic communication and digital record keeping.

In addition, if HMRC has already confirmed that you are exempt from Making Tax Digital for VAT, you will need to contact them again once the MTD for IT application process opens. HMRC will then review your exemption. If your circumstances remain the same then HMRC will confirm you are also exempt from MTD for IT. If not, you will need to reapply.

Some taxpayers are automatically exempt from MTD for IT and do not need to apply.

These include:

• trustees, including charitable trustees and trustees of non-registered pension schemes
• individuals without a National Insurance number, applicable only if one is not held by 31 January before the start of the tax year
• personal representatives of someone who has died
• Lloyd’s member, in relation to your underwriting business
• non-resident companies

If you are automatically exempt, you do not need to apply for an exemption. If you do not use MTD for IT, you must continue to report your income and gains by submitting a self-assessment tax return if required.

Winning new business is always positive, but before you commit to a new customer it is wise to carry out some checks. A little time spent at the start can save trouble later if the customer is unable, or unwilling, to pay. We often advise business owners to put a simple process in place for checking new customers.

1. Check who you are dealing with

Start by confirming the customer’s legal identity. If it is a company, search Companies House for free to check it is registered and still active. Make sure the person you are speaking with is authorised to place orders. If the customer is a sole trader or partnership, ask for basic details in writing so you know who is responsible.

2. Review their financial standing

A credit check can reveal whether the customer has a history of paying bills on time. For companies, filed accounts at Companies House can give a sense of size and stability. Trade references are also valuable, especially if the customer is asking for credit terms.

3. Be clear about terms and conditions

Before supplying goods or services, set out clear terms. These should cover payment dates, late payment charges, and what happens if there is a dispute. Using written contracts or standard terms gives both sides certainty. It also makes it easier to enforce your rights if payment problems arise.

4. Consider how much credit to offer

Even if the customer appears sound, it may be sensible to limit credit at the start. You can increase limits once they have shown a good payment record. Asking for deposits or stage payments reduces risk, especially for large orders.

5. Keep records of checks and agreements

Keep a simple file of all checks carried out, copies of contracts and any credit limits agreed. This helps if there are disputes later and shows that your business has acted responsibly.

6. Trust your instincts

Finally, listen to your instincts. If something feels wrong, take more time before agreeing to proceed. It is usually better to turn away a doubtful customer than to chase unpaid invoices.

Taking these steps helps protect cash flow, which is vital for every business. We can help design a straightforward customer acceptance process, so you can grow sales with greater confidence.

The government has announced permanent changes to business rates that will benefit thousands of small firms in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. From April 2026, qualifying businesses will see their bills reduced, with some enjoying discounts of up to 40%.

What has changed?

Business rates have long been a concern for high street shops, restaurants, pubs, and leisure operators. Rising property costs, combined with tight margins, have made rates one of the biggest overheads for many.

In a move designed to support growth, the government has confirmed:

• A permanent business rates discount of 40% for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure premises with a rateable value below £500,000.
• A freeze of the small business multiplier, to prevent rates bills from rising in line with inflation.
• The continuation of business rates improvement relief, so that firms making property improvements will not face immediate increases in their bills.

The government estimates that around 250,000 businesses will benefit from these measures, giving a much-needed boost to high streets and town centres across the UK.

Who qualifies?

The discount applies to occupied properties that are wholly or mainly used as:

• Shops.
• Restaurants, caf�s, pubs or bars.
• Cinemas, gyms, or other leisure facilities.
• Hotels, guesthouses or self-catering accommodation.

Properties with a rateable value of £500,000 or above will not be eligible, and relief is subject to subsidy control limits for larger groups.

Why is this being introduced?

The government has stated that the aim is to “level the playing field” between high street operators and online retailers, who do not face the same property-based costs. The measures are also intended to encourage investment in local communities by making it more affordable to run physical premises.

For many small businesses, the changes could mean significant annual savings, freeing up cash to invest in staff, marketing, or refurbishments.

What to do next

Although the relief will not take effect until April 2026, it makes sense to review your property situation now. Points to consider include:

• Checking your property’s rateable value to confirm eligibility.
• Reviewing your business structure if you operate from multiple premises.
• Considering whether improvements to your premises could be planned with improvement relief in mind.
• Budgeting ahead, as although relief is generous, it may not cover all increases in costs.

How we can help

We can review your current rates position, check eligibility for the new reliefs, and advise on planning around the April 2026 changes.

If you operate in the retail, hospitality, or leisure sectors, please contact us so we can confirm how these new rules will affect your business and ensure you make the most of the available reliefs.