Author Archives: Gary Stoker

The degree of speculation about this year’s Budget announcements was further compounded when the Office of Budgetary Responsibility uploaded their report on Budget changes prior to Rachel Reeves announcements to Parliament. However, there are to be no changes to the main rates of Income Tax, NIC and VAT that affect wage earners across the UK, […]

Most business decisions are shaped by the pressure of the moment. Cash flow, deadlines, staffing changes, and new opportunities often push long term questions to one side. Yet the most resilient businesses tend to be those that step back and take a wider view. Long term planning is not an abstract exercise. It is a […]

From 18 November 2025, Companies House introduced major identity verification requirements for all company directors and people with significant control. This is part of a wider shift towards greater corporate transparency and a stronger response to economic crime. The changes may appear administrative at first glance, but they carry real implications for businesses of all […]

Artificial intelligence has moved rapidly from being a futuristic idea to an everyday business tool. For small firms, AI now offers genuine, low-cost benefits that save time, reduce stress, and improve decision-making. Many of these tools are already built into accounting, marketing, and communication systems that businesses use daily. Below are ten practical ways AI […]

There is growing speculation that the Chancellor may soon raise the basic rate of Income Tax from 20% to 22%. At the same time, it is thought that a corresponding 2% cut in employee National Insurance contributions could be introduced. Together, these changes would shift how the overall tax burden is shared, particularly between working […]

There is a common hesitation that many business owners and individuals experience when considering professional advice. People often look at the fee first and think of it simply as an expense. However, when advice is viewed only through the lens of cost, the real value can be overlooked. Good advice is an investment. It is […]

And what it may mean for tax planning and business decision making Rachel Reeves’ recent speech has provided a clear indication of the Government’s direction on economic management, taxation, and public investment. While the next Budget will be needed to confirm specific measures, it is already possible to see the themes that are likely to […]

The Winter Fuel Payment is a familiar part of the support many older people receive each year. It is designed to help with heating costs over the colder months and is paid as a tax-free lump sum. However, the rules have changed in recent years, and the payment is no longer a universal benefit. It […]

Many people put off writing a Will. It is easy to understand why. It feels like planning for something that is hopefully far away, and it can feel uncomfortable to think about what will happen after we are no longer here. Yet having a Will in place is one of the most considerate and practical […]