OJW Associates

25/06/2026

📢 Mandatory Payrolling of Benefits Delayed and Phased In

Good news for employers! The move to mandatory payrolling of Benefits in Kind (BiKs) will now be introduced in two phases, giving businesses more time to prepare.

📅 Phase 1 – From 6 April 2027
✔ Company cars
✔ Car fuel
✔ Vans
✔ Van fuel
✔ Employer-provided medical benefits

📅 Phase 2 – From 6 April 2028
✔ Most other taxable Benefits in Kind

💡 The new system will replace most annual P11D forms, with benefits reported through payroll in real time instead.

Further guidance is expected later this year, so now is a good time to start reviewing your payroll processes and employee benefits.

Read more here - https://ojwassociates.co.uk/mandatory-payrolling-of-benefits-in-kind-to-be-introduced-in-two-phases/

If you'd like help preparing for the changes, we're here to help.

📞 01527 368220
📧 [email protected]

22/06/2026

💷 Extra Support for Small Businesses Facing Financial Challenges

The government has announced a £4 million funding boost for business debt advice services, helping more small businesses and self-employed individuals access expert support.

The funding is expected to help an additional 16,000 businesses over the next three years and will build on the existing Business Debtline service.

The aim is to:

✔ Provide access to professional debt advice
✔ Support businesses facing financial pressures
✔ Help business owners make informed decisions
✔ Offer additional assistance for more complex cases

If your business is experiencing cash flow difficulties or financial uncertainty, seeking advice early can often provide more options and better outcomes.

Read more on our blog - https://ojwassociates.co.uk/4-million-funding-boost-for-small-business-debt-advice-services/

📞 01527 368220
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Small businesses and self-employed individuals across the UK are set to benefit from additional financial support following the government's announcement of a

19/06/2026

🚀 Solving Fundamental Challenges in Your Business

Every business owner faces challenges that seem to keep coming back.

Maybe sales have stalled, cash flow is always tight, or staff turnover remains frustratingly high.

The key is not just fixing the symptoms — it's finding and solving the root cause.

A simple four-step approach can help:

✔ Identify the real problem
✔ Understand the impact on your business
✔ Determine the system needed to solve it
✔ Design and implement that system

Many ongoing business challenges exist because a reliable process or system is missing.

By tackling problems methodically, you can stop firefighting and focus on sustainable growth.

Take a look at our blog - https://ojwassociates.co.uk/how-to-solve-fundamental-challenges-in-your-business/

📞 01527 368220
📧 [email protected]

17/06/2026

📢 Companies House Accounts Filing Changes Delayed Until 2028

Companies House has confirmed that planned changes to company accounts filing will now take effect from April 2028, giving businesses an extra year to prepare.

Key changes include:

✔ Small companies and micro-entities will need to file profit and loss accounts.
✔ All accounts must be filed using approved software in iXBRL format.
✔ Paper and web-based accounts filing will be phased out.
✔ Abridged accounts will no longer be permitted.
✔ Stronger audit exemption requirements will be introduced.

While the reforms aim to improve transparency and tackle economic crime, businesses will need to review their accounting processes and software well ahead of the deadline.

If you'd like advice on preparing for these changes or choosing suitable accounting software, we're happy to help.

Read more on our blog - https://ojwassociates.co.uk/companies-house-accounts-filing-changes-delayed-until-april-2028/

📞 01527 368220
📧 [email protected]

15/06/2026

🏢 Changes Made to Supporting Small Business Relief

The government has updated the eligibility rules for Supporting Small Business Relief in England, making it easier for some businesses to continue receiving support after changes in occupancy.

The key changes mean that:

✔ A change of ratepayer after 31 March 2026 will no longer automatically remove eligibility.
✔ Periods of vacancy after 31 March 2026 will no longer affect eligibility.
✔ The changes have been backdated to 1 April 2026.

The only exception is where a property becomes occupied by a charity or a Community Amateur Sports Club, as eligibility will still end in those circumstances.

These updates are designed to ensure the relief continues to support businesses affected by increases in business rates following property revaluations.

If you're unsure whether your business qualifies for relief, we're happy to help. Read more here on our blog - https://ojwassociates.co.uk/supporting-small-business-relief-rules-updated-for-2026/

📞 01527 368220
📧 [email protected]

12/06/2026

🛒 Government Considers Suspending Tariffs on Everyday Essentials

The government has launched a consultation on removing tariffs from 125 everyday products in an effort to help reduce costs for businesses and consumers.

Products that could benefit include:

✔ Garlic
✔ Avocados
✔ Mangoes
✔ Nectarines
✔ Vegetable oil
✔ Baked beans
✔ Chocolate
✔ Sauces
✔ Soft drinks

The consultation is also considering tariff suspensions on certain fertilisers to help farmers manage rising costs.

💡 Lower import tariffs could help reduce supply chain costs, improve competitiveness and potentially ease some pressure on household budgets.

Businesses and stakeholders are being invited to share their views before any decisions are made.

Read more - https://ojwassociates.co.uk/government-consults-on-suspending-tariffs-for-everyday-essential-goods/

📞 01527 368220
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10/06/2026

📈 Why Every Growing Business Needs a Business Plan

Many business owners think business plans are only needed when applying for finance.

In reality, a good business plan can be one of the most valuable tools for helping your business grow.

A business plan can help you:

✔ Clarify your goals and strategy
✔ Understand your market and competition
✔ Keep your team focused on the same objectives
✔ Secure funding from banks or investors
✔ Measure progress and make better decisions

💡 A business plan doesn't need to be complicated. Even a simple one-page plan can provide valuable direction and help you spot opportunities and risks early.

If you're serious about growing your business, taking time to create a clear plan is time well spent.

Read more on our blog - https://ojwassociates.co.uk/why-every-growing-business-needs-a-business-plan/

📞 01527 368220
📧 [email protected]

08/06/2026

⚠️ Beware of Fake Companies House & Trade Mark Payment Requests

Both Companies House and the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) are warning businesses to stay alert to fraudulent invoices and payment requests.

Scammers are sending letters and emails asking businesses to pay for services such as:

❌ Setting up or claiming a Companies House account
❌ Authenticating or verifying company details
❌ Renewing trade marks or listing them on fake registers

Many of these services are available directly through official government channels for a much lower fee — or even free.

💡 Before making any payment:
✔ Check website and email addresses carefully
✔ Look for disclaimers saying the company is not affiliated with the government
✔ Contact Companies House or the IPO directly if you're unsure

If you ever receive a suspicious request and would like a second opinion, we're happy to help.

Read more: https://ojwassociates.co.uk/companies-house-and-ipo-warn-businesses-about-fake-payment-requests/

📞 01527 368220
📧 [email protected]

05/06/2026

💷 New Late Payment Rules Could Be Good News for Small Businesses

The government's Small Business Protections Bill has now been laid before Parliament, introducing measures designed to tackle the UK's late payment problem.

Proposals include:
✔ A 60-day payment cap for large businesses paying small suppliers
✔ Mandatory interest on late payments at 8% above the Bank of England base rate
✔ New powers for the Small Business Commissioner to investigate and fine persistent late payers
✔ Greater transparency around large companies' payment practices
✔ A ban on withholding retention payments in many construction contracts

Late payments continue to be one of the biggest cash flow challenges facing small businesses, so these changes could provide valuable additional protection.

We'll be keeping a close eye on the Bill as it progresses through Parliament.

Read more: https://ojwassociates.co.uk/small-business-protections-bill-new-late-payment-rules-explained/

📞 01527 368220
📧 [email protected]

03/06/2026

☀️ Temporary VAT Cut Announced for Children’s Meals and Family Attractions

Families could save money this summer thanks to a temporary VAT reduction announced by the government.

From 25 June to 1 September 2026, VAT will be reduced from 20% to 5% on certain qualifying activities, including:

✔ Children's meals eaten in restaurants
✔ Family tickets for cinemas, theatres and shows
✔ Admission to attractions such as zoos, museums, adventure parks and soft play centres

The aim is to help ease household costs while supporting tourism and hospitality businesses over the summer holidays.

Businesses affected by the changes may need to update pricing, tills, websites and accounting systems to reflect the temporary VAT rate.

Read more: https://ojwassociates.co.uk/temporary-vat-reduction-for-childrens-meals-and-family-attractions-what-businesses-need-to-know/

💡 If your business could be affected and you'd like help understanding the rules or updating your VAT processes, we're here to help.

📞 01527 368220
📧 [email protected]