Category Archives: Uncategorized

Spring Budget 2021 Summary

COVID-19 related support measures for UK businesses The Treasury is to continue the two existing major support schemes in an attempt to hold back a significant increase in unemployment rates as business owners grapple with the effects of COVID-19 disruption. Details are set out below. Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme This scheme, nicknamed the Furlough Scheme, […]

Challenges as we emerge from lockdown

There is no guarantee that the heady mix of vaccination and easing of lockdown will contain the spread of COVID-19. However, based on government predictions, they are willing to start the process of easing lockdown restrictions. The relaxation of restrictions will depend on four tests. They are: The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully. Evidence shows […]

UK Pensions Bill receives Royal Assent

The UK Pensions Act will bolster protections for savers and further the government’s green agenda by supporting progress towards net zero. New powers to penalise errant bosses The Act will strengthen protections for pension savers by extending the powers of the Pensions Regulator, introducing the power to issue civil penalties of up to £1 million, […]

Prospects for 2021

The short-term outlook for UK businesses operating in sectors badly affected by the present COVID lock-down directives is not good. Many cannot trade, many others are facing reduced turnover. Both will be struggling to maintain reserves – stay solvent – and cash-flow. There are strategies that affected businesses can use to reduce fixed costs and […]

New UK subsidies to replace EU State Aid

The following announcement provides encouragement that a replacement for the EU State Aid process is in development. Details from a recent Government press release are set out below. A new UK-wide system for providing more flexible and tailored financial support to businesses has been set out under plans by the Business Secretary, taking advantage of […]