Manufacturers question ability to expand production capacity
Reuters reports that a survey of British manufacturers suggests the UK’s ability to rapidly expand domestic production in a crisis […]
News
Iboss News updates from a Northamptonshire business mentor.
Businesses brace for new employment laws
The first reforms under the Employment Rights Act have come into force. These enhance trade union powers for the benefit of employees. Key changes include the repeal of most of the provisions of the Trade Union Act 2016. They include instead new protections against dismissal for participating in industrial action. One of the partners at Mayer Brown said that “This is a gamechanger. One that will put an even greater onus on employers to prove cause”. Additional measures, including whistleblowing protections, will take effect on 6 April,. Expectation is that employers are planning redundancies ahead of unfair dismissal reforms coming into force next January. The cap on compensation for unfair dismissal will also be lifted. This could also become a significant issue for those employing high earners.
Tax loophole favours Chinese importers
The chief executive of Associated British Foods, (owner of Primark), has warned that the Government’s delay in addressing a tax loophole benefits Chinese firms and is harming UK retailers. He has urged ministers to eliminate a rule allowing firms like Shein and Temu to ship parcels worth up to £135 without duty.
SMEs face £680m hit from Labour’s union plans
Labour’s plan to let trade unions into workplaces according to the Telegraph. It points out that this could hit small businesses with a £680m bill. Under the Employment Rights Act, union officials will be granted “statutory right of access” to workplaces on a weekly basis.
Forecast that four hospitality businesses to close daily in 2026
City AM reports that the hospitality sector in Britain is facing significant challenges, with four businesses closing daily. According to the NIQ Hospitality Market Monitor, the number of food and drink venues decreased by 0.4% between October and December 2025.
Monzo Bank launches free tax tool for traders
Monzo has introduced a free, HMRC-recognised tax tool to assist sole traders and landlords with the upcoming Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax regulations, effective April 2026. The tool allows users to submit tax updates directly through the Monzo app.
More help for struggling hospitality businesses.
Both the FT and the Telegraph report that The Chancellor has stated that only pubs will receive tax relief from the Government’s recent business rates U-turn. This leaves other hospitality businesses without the support they need. She was speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos. She went on to say “The situation the pubs face is different from others in the hospitality sector.”
News
Tax rule change forces firms to rethink vans.
The Times reports that businesses are reconsidering their vehicle choices. This is due to new tax rules introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. The problem is that the changes classify double-cab pick-up trucks as cars for tax purposes. This potentially doubles the tax bill for employees.
Be Prepared! – Cyber-attack could sink 10% of firms
Research by Vodafone Business claims that 10% of British firms could face closure as a result of cyber-attacks. According to the study a combination of poor crisis planning, weak password practices, and employee susceptibility to phishing scams are the likely sources of vulnerability.
Young Brits embark on entrepreneurship surge
According to City AM more young UK adults are considering embarking on entrepreneurship. This is based on a report by financial services firm Block. It reveals that 67% of 18–34-year-olds interviewed are interested in starting a business. This appears to be contrary to many recent reports of a decline in business confidence and rising job losses among UK SMEs.