17 December 2024

New plans revealed to help small firms and improve access to cash 

A package of new measures to support small businesses and deliver growth has been set by the Government.

The package, announced in the run up to Small Business Saturday this weekend includes targeted action to unleash the potential of disabled and female entrepreneurs, and a crackdown on late payments.  

  • Fair Payment Code launched to tackle late payments, to reward good practices and ensure SMEs are paid on time  
  • New scheme backed by biggest UK banks unveiled to help more disabled entrepreneurs get access to finance and support to start their own business  
  • Both schemes aimed at supercharging the UK’s 5.5 million small firms, helping to deliver growth and more jobs  

Read for further information

 

New Level 5 Apprenticeship Standard Launched for Aesthetic Practitioners

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) is pleased to announce the launch of a groundbreaking consultation for the Level 5 Aesthetic Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard, specialising in skin rejuvenation. This comprehensive standard represents a significant advancement in regulated education for the aesthetics industry.

Read the full Press Release here

 

Festive finances: Budget for Christmas and spread the cost of tax bills

With Christmas preparations well underway in many households, considering financial commitments may be on the agenda. So HMRC is reminding people who pay tax by Self Assessment of the opportunity to spread the cost of their bill.

More than 15,000 Self Assessment customers have already set up a Time to Pay payment plan for the 2023 to 2024 tax year to help spread the cost, and there is still an opportunity to sign up for such an arrangement.  

  • Self Assessment customers unable to pay their tax bill in full by 31 January 2025 can spread the cost using HMRC’s online Time to Pay system
  • Time to Pay plans support those who cannot pay their tax bills on time by arranging regular monthly payments in return for avoiding any further late payment penalties
  • Online payment plans can be set up for tax bills up to £30,000, without the need to contact HMRC directly

Read for further information