Shop price inflation slowed to 1.1% in February, according to the BRC, as food and fashion discounts eased cost of living pressures ahead of the spring statement.
Category: News
Stay informed with the latest UK self-employed news, small-business policy changes, tax updates and freelancer market trends.
‘Exhilarating’ teenage entrepreneurs take their ideas to Westminster
Teenage entrepreneurs swapped classrooms for committee rooms this week as groups of 16 and 17-year-olds pitched their start-ups inside the House of Commons, offering ministers a vivid reminder of the ambition bubbling beneath Britain’s youth unemployment statistics.
Public fears over finances push UK consumer confidence back down
UK consumer confidence slipped to -19 in February, according to GfK, as concerns over personal finances and economic uncertainty depress spending and savings expectations.
Most young Britons cannot name a single entrepreneur
More than 56% of 18-25 year-olds cannot name a single entrepreneur, with Richard Branson still the most recognised, according to new YouGov research for Enterprise Britain.
Economic volatility keeps majority of London’s small business owners awake at night
Nearly 80% of London small business owners say economic volatility, tax fears and cashflow pressures keep them awake at night, despite rising growth expectations for 2026, according to Novuna research.
Taxpayers warned to pay HMRC by 3 March or face 5% surcharge
One million taxpayers who missed the 31 January self-assessment deadline must pay HMRC by 3 March or face a 5% surcharge plus 7.75% interest on unpaid tax.
More than 860,000 to move to Making Tax Digital from April as quarterly reporting begins
More than 860,000 self-employed people and landlords will have to start filing regular digital tax updates with HMRC from April as the government’s long-planned Making Tax Digital (MTD) programme enters its next phase.
Sole traders spend 27 hours a year on tax admin ahead of Making Tax Digital changes
New research shows UK sole traders lose 27 hours a year to tax admin as Making Tax Digital reforms approach, with many unprepared for April changes.
New guidance set to tackle the mental health toll of late payments
New guidance highlights the mental health impact of late payments, but freelancers say enforcement — not wellbeing advice — is what’s really needed.
NatWest targets 50,000 founders as more small businesses look for support beyond funding
NatWest aims to expand its Accelerator community to 50,000 UK founders in 2026, offering mentoring, peer networks and practical support beyond funding.
Electricians and welders set to be UK’s highest-earning trades in 2026, research finds
New research shows electricians and welders will lead UK trade salaries in 2026, with average earnings rivaling national pay levels.
Most self-employed and freelancers failing to save for retirement, Aviva finds
Fewer than four in ten self-employed workers and freelancers are saving for retirement, according to Aviva, with low awareness of pension options leaving many exposed later in life.
Eight days left to file self assessment as HMRC warns of automatic £100 penalty
HMRC is urging taxpayers to file their self assessment tax return before the 31 January deadline, warning late filers face an automatic £100 fine and further penalties.
January tax windfall set to boost HMRC coffers amid self-assessment rush
HMRC is set for a January tax windfall driven by the self-assessment deadline and employee bonuses, with advisers warning rising receipts are being fuelled by tax rises and fiscal drag.
Tax returns driving regret as self-employed Brits rethink going solo
New research shows tax stress is pushing self-employed Brits to delay filing, pay fines and even reconsider working for themselves.
