Key Stories

Q1 2025 Quarterly Economic Survey Report

We are proud to have sponsored the Q1 2025 Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) Report, recently published by the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce (TVCC). This report follows the release of the national results by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), providing invaluable insights into the economic landscape. The national Q1 2025 survey from the BCC highlights low business confidence following the Autumn Budget, with taxation emerging as the primary concern.

To read our article in full and to download a copy of the report in full, please click below.

IHT Agricultural Property and Business Property Reliefs

As you may be aware, the Spring Statement did not include any suggestion that that proposals contained in the Autumn Budget will be changed and in fact the consultation on trusts, which closed last week, appears to be predicated on the basis that the changes to the reliefs will be introduced as announced.

The consultation document contains useful further detail but is something of a mixture of both positive and negative proposals.

To read our article in full, please read more by clicking below.

Join our upcoming webinar!

The October 2024 budget announced significant inheritance tax changes to Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR). While the news has been predominantly focused on the agricultural sector, this webinar will specifically cover the significant repercussions for family-owned trading companies and the actions owners might legitimately take to mitigate against increased inheritance tax liabilities resulting from the BPR changes.

During the webinar we will cover:

An overview of the current BPR regime

Detailed explanation of changes effective from April 2026

Inheritance tax impact for shareholders in owner-managed companies

Strategies to navigate the new landscape and reduce tax liabilities – including limited time opportunities available in period before April 2026

Event Details:

Date: Thursday 1st May 2025

Time: 1.30pm – 2.15pm

Platform: Your desk (Zoom)

Cost: Free

Kreston Global Interpreneur UK Report 2025

Kreston Global have recently released the Interpreneur Report 2025, a comprehensive analysis of the UK's attractiveness for foreign businesses seeking to expand internationally. This report provides valuable insights into the current business landscape, post-Brexit challenges, and opportunities for interpreneurs.

Key Highlights:

56% of survey respondents view the UK as a favourable location for foreign businesses, with younger demographics showing the highest positivity rates
Businesses prioritise a stable economy, favourable tax conditions, and strong trade links to improve the UK's attractiveness
UK interpreneurs are motivated by market growth opportunities and gaining a competitive advantage, but express caution regarding compliance and economic risks
45% of respondents affirm that international expansion positively impacts profitability

Download here

Tax Cards 2025/26

You can now download your copy of our tax card, which summarises many of the rates and allowances fundamental to our business and personal lives, containing lots of information on personal, business, employment, property and capital taxes and is intended for use as a quick point of reference.

We are sure that you will find it a useful throughout the coming tax year. Download the tax cards below, for easy access to all the details you need in one place.

After downloading on your mobile, tap the share icon and select "Add to Books" or "Save to Files" to keep the tax card easily accessible on the go.

Download here

Minimum wage rose on 1 April

Increases to the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage took effect from 1 April.

From April 2025, the NLW increased by 6.7% and the NMW by as much as 18% depending on the category of the worker. The NMW is the minimum amount per hour workers are entitled to be paid by law. Different rates apply depending on the category of the worker.

Companies House begins to verify identities

A new service has been launched that allows individuals to verify their identity directly with Companies House through GOV.UK. The introduction of identity verification is one of the key changes to company law as part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. Companies House has landmark new and enhanced powers to combat economic crime and boost economic growth.

More than six million people will be required to comply in the 12 months after identity verification becomes a legal requirement later this year. According to Companies House, identity verification will provide more assurance about who is setting up, running, owning and controlling companies in the UK.

Terminated employee’s probation and received a complaint? What now?

It’s a common scenario for employers, and if you’ve ever wondered what the options are both tactically and based on the risk of a successful claim, you’ll enjoy this latest article from JCHR, our combined payroll and HR outsourcing service.

JCHR’s HR lead, Bill Larke, sets out the common steps between the dismissal itself and the development of a possible claim. This guide contains invaluable advice on the options available as a claim progresses, and of the pitfalls that await the unwise! Whether to settle or to fight is a decision that should be taken on the objective merits of the case, and Bill recalls a time where emotion led to expensive problems for a client’s CEO.

To read more about this, please click below.

Contact Us

James Cowper Kreston is a leading firm of accountants and business advisers with offices across the South of England. We deliver focused, innovative advice to a diverse range of businesses and individuals helping our clients to maximise their potential.

If you have any questions about the topics covered in this newsletter or want to explore how we can help you please contact us here:

Email: info@jamescowperkreston.co.uk

Call: 01635 35255

James Cowper Kreston

The information in this newsletter must not be relied on as giving sufficient advice in any specific case.