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Our take While economic pressures remain a challenge for UK businesses, many are responding by strengthening financial planning and improving efficiency. Recent research highlights how businesses can build resilience in order to protect value. This article is a useful reminder to maintain visibility over cash flow and financial performance to enable future success. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/uk-business-confidence-2026-cautious-costpressured-focused-dickson-g20be/

Our take Small businesses continue to play a vital role in the growth of the UK economy, contributing significantly to employment, innovation and local communities. As a small business ourselves, we understand both the challenges and rewards that come with running an independent company. Small Business Week is an important reminder of the value that SMEs bring to the economy, for us it highlights the importance of making sure SMEs have the right support in place to grow and s

Our take The government's new Small Business Protection Bill aims to tackle one of the biggest challenges SMEs face: late payments. Proposed measures include a 60-day payment cap for large firms and mandatory interest on late payments. For small business owners, changes to payment practices means improved cash flow, spending less time chasing invoices and further confidence when planning and budgeting for growth. It's worth reading this article to stay up to date with the lat

The cost of starting a business in the UK can range from £0 - £50,000+, depending on the industry, business model and startup requirements. Understanding the difference between startup costs and ongoing business expenses is essential for creating a realistic budget and maintaining cash flow in your first six months. Planning for unexpected costs and securing the right finance support can help new businesses launch with confidence and build a stronger foundation for growth

Our take On the 6th of April, changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) took place, which are the most significant changes since the system was restructured in 1985. Three changes were announced: Removal of the three-day waiting period Removal of the lower earning threshold Statutory Sick Pay is now calculated differently for lower earners From a payroll perspective, businesses should ensure absence tracking systems are accurate and payroll teams stay informed. Here is a useful ove

Our take Last week, we hosted our second networking event in partnership with BQ Watches. It was fantastic to see clients, partners and fellow professionals from near and far enjoying great conversations and making new connections. We are proud to host Time to Network, bringing together clients and contacts from local travel agents to property auctioneers. Take a look at the photos from the event and be sure to get in touch to attend the next one!

Our take We are continuing to work with Radlett News and are excited to share that we are featured in the May edition of their magazine. If you have not seen our article yet, be sure to check it out on page 20.

Exiting: what you need to know

Our take From April, the National Living Wage will increase to £12.71 per hour for workers aged 21 and over. While the change is intended to support low-paid workers during the cost-of-living pressures, it will also increase payroll for many employers. From a payroll perspective, it is also important to remember that any pay increases need to be communicated clearly to your payroll team. Ensuring changes are submitted in good time helps avoid errors and keeps your payroll com

Our take From April many businesses will see their business rates increase, the impact will vary depending on location and size of the premises. If you are a business owner, this is an important reminder to keep an eye on rateable valuations and check you’re claiming any business rates relief you’re entitled to. This article is worth a read if you would like a clearer picture of the changes coming into effect this April. https://news.sky.com/story/what-business-cost-increases

Our take Working with businesses in our community is a really important part of what we do at SJC, so we are excited to share that we are advertising this month in Radlett news magazine. It is great to see our brand featured in print and another milestone as we continue to grow our local presence. Check out the magazine here.

Exiting: what you need to know

Our take Rachel Reeves' Spring Budget didn't contain any new initiatives or tax changes. Instead, it was billed as an interim 'forecast' updating the country on our overall financial situation. In future, it looks like there will be just one annual 'fiscal event' and not two. So, the Autumn budget will be where the big changes are made. Worth a read if you’d like a clearer picture of the governments current economic outlook.

Our take A fantastic evening of making new connections and building relationships. A couple of weeks ago we hosted our first networking event in partnership with BQ Watches, it was wonderful to see so many people having great conversations and a lot of fun! Check out the pictures from the event and why not come to the next one?

Our take The Times have brought out a campaign that highlights the importance of building stronger financial foundations to improve confidence in that area, particularly among young people. The Smarter with Money campaign articles are worth a read no matter your age. It’s great to see awareness being raised, something that we are supporting by starting up SJC Academy, our one-day training course that gives insight to how finance works inside a business. Visit the link and sig

Exiting: what you need to know

Alternatives to debit and credit cards

New funding to help SME cut their costs

News: Risks every SME founder should be aware of

News: our first podcast