External risks can affect even well managed businesses. Many threats arise outside the control of business owners, yet they can have a significant impact on profitability, cash flow and long term stability. Economic change, regulatory developments, market disruption and supply chain pressures can all create uncertainty. Forward planning allows businesses to prepare for these risks […]
Author Archives: R.A. Leslie & Co.
The launch of HMRC’s Tax Confident website represents a clear attempt to simplify the UK tax system and help individuals better understand their obligations. The site is structured around real life situations such as starting work, running a small business, or approaching retirement, and aims to present tax concepts in plain English without technical jargon. […]
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is no longer a distant reform. From April 2026, next month, many sole traders and landlords will be required to comply with a new system of digital record keeping and quarterly reporting. The key question for many is simple. Are you affected, and are you ready? The rules will […]
The recent disclosure of a software glitch at Companies House has raised important questions about the reliability and security of the UK’s corporate register. For many business owners and advisers, this incident is a timely reminder that even core government systems are not immune from failure. The issue centred on a flaw within the WebFiling […]
Starting a business involves many decisions, but one of the most important is selecting the right sector. The most successful start-ups tend to occur where three factors align: the skills of the business owner, the amount of funding available, and the level of demand for the service or product being offered. When these elements are […]
Income tax is often viewed as a permanent feature of the UK tax system, but historically it began as a temporary wartime measure. Its origins lie at the end of the eighteenth century, when the British government faced the enormous cost of financing the war against Napoleonic France. The first modern income tax was introduced […]
The continuing conflict involving Iran has raised concerns about its potential impact on the global economy. While the fighting is taking place thousands of miles from the UK, events in the Middle East often have significant economic consequences around the world. If the conflict continues for an extended period, it could place renewed pressure on […]
Artificial intelligence has moved from a future concept to a present day business issue, and over the past week it has been one of the most talked about topics among UK companies. What is driving this surge of interest is not just innovation, but a growing fear of being left behind. Many businesses now see […]
The Chancellor’s Spring Statement, presented to Parliament 3 March 2026, was packed with political content that has no real impact for UK taxpayers, business owners or employees. The substance of her presentation was a summary of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) Economic and fiscal outlook released on the same date. Our summary that follows […]
If you are self-employed, it is important to understand which car and travel costs can be claimed. You can claim allowable business expenses for car, van, or travel costs, which reduce your taxable profit. Typical allowable costs include: Vehicle insurance Repairs and servicing Fuel Parking Hire charges Vehicle tax and licence fees Breakdown cover Train, […]