28 January 2025
Survive & Thrive: How NHBF's Budget Calculator is Transforming Hair and Beauty Businesses
In a sector where creativity meets commerce, staying on top of economic change can be the difference between merely surviving and truly thriving. As the April 2025 employment law changes approach, NHBF Members are discovering a powerful ally in their business journey: the new NHBF Budget Calculators.
The calculator provides instant clarity on the upcoming Minimum & Living Wage increases, National Insurance rate increases, National Insurance threshold decreases, and the Employment Allowance increase. It transforms complex calculations into clear, actionable information that business owners can use immediately.
Take part in a new system test for Companies House
Companies House is looking for small business owners to take part in a new system test pilot for its ‘find and update company information’ service before it’s rolled out to all website users. Participants will still be able to search all relevant information through the Companies House website. To take part, business owners should email signinhelp@companieshouse.gov.uk, confirming their registered email address.
The Low Pay Commission Regional Visits
The Low Pay Commission (LPC) is conducting regional visits in 2025 to gather first-hand evidence on the impact of the National Minimum Wage from individuals and employers. As an independent body that advises the Government, the LPC seeks to understand local economic conditions, employment outlook, and the effects of rising minimum wage on both employers and workers.
They invite participants to share their insights on the local economy, wage trends, and the future of the minimum wage. The evidence collected will inform the LPC's recommendations for minimum wage rates, with all information treated confidentially and anonymised where necessary.
Last year, the National Hair & Beauty Federation contributed to the LPC's report, advocating for any wage increases to happen gradually and be coupled with support for businesses hiring apprentices. For more information and to get involved in the regional visits please, contact rosina.robson@nhbf.co.uk
The list of locations for the Low Pay Commission’s regional visits programme in 2025.
NI Economy Minister allocates £45m Regional Balance Fund
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has allocated £45million across all 11 councils to drive economic development across the north.
The news follows the publication of the Minister's Sub-Regional Economic Plan which includes the establishment of Local Economic Partnerships (LEPs) in each council area to identify their specific needs and the interventions needed to aid their economic development.
The Minister announced the allocations at the first meeting of Newry, Mourne and Down's Local Economic Partnership.
The full details of the allocation to each of the 11 council areas is available on the Department's website at https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/articles/regional-balance-fund
Supported by the Department and Invest Northern Ireland, each of the Partnerships will now develop proposals in line with Minister's economic plan of creating good jobs, increasing productivity, improving regional balance and decarbonisation.
Have your say - Influence HMRC guidance on rent a chair
Some NHBF members have already taken part in research to shape the HMRC’s rent a chair guidance for businesses and the self-employed. Would you like to input too?
What’s it about? HMRC are looking for around 20 individuals to test video content on rent a chair. They will send you a link to a short (under 2 minutes) video including a short survey to complete afterwards with your feedback.
What’s the time commitment? It’s flexible, around 15-20 minutes, i.e. the time to look at the video and give your comments. You can complete the exercise in your own time, i.e. in the evenings, at a time that suits you. You will also be entered into a prize draw, where you will have the chance to win Love2shop vouchers.
Please contact rosina.robson@nhbf.co.uk to get involved.