September 1, 2026
Energy prices set to rise
Energy regulator Ofgem has announced a 4% increase in the energy price cap for the period covering 1 October to 31 December 2026. This increase reflects higher wholesale gas prices due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with volatile global gas markets remaining the dominant driver of price changes.
August 27, 2026
Cost of business crisis for British SMEs
UK businesses are facing a “cost of business crisis”, according to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Its new cost-stack calculator shows government policy alone has pushed up an average firm's expenses by 70% over the past decade, adding roughly £827,000 a year in costs for a typical mid-sized business. About a quarter of the rise stems from the increase in employer National Insurance contributions, with the higher minimum wage and mandatory pension auto-enrolment also major contributors.
January 21, 2026
Changes in Funding to Apprenticeships
The Government has announced a £725 million package of reforms aimed at increasing apprenticeship and training opportunities for young people. While much of the announcement centres on tackling youth unemployment, there could be benefits for small and medium-sized businesses.
January 21, 2026
Self-Assessment: A Reminder That You Can Spread Your Tax Payments
With the festive season underway and household budgets feeling the pressure, it may be useful to know that if you are worried about paying your tax bill in one lump sum, you may be able to spread the cost.
January 21, 2026
2026 Business Rates Revaluation Completed
If your business is based in England and Wales, you can now view the future rateable value of your property.
January 21, 2026
Charity Trustees Gain New Powers for Moral Payments
Charity trustees in England and Wales now have new legal powers when considering moral payments: payments made because there is a moral rather than strictly legal obligation to transfer some of a charity’s property.
January 21, 2026
Self Assessment Deadline Approaching - Are You Ready?
The deadline for filing your 2024/25 Self Assessment tax return is fast approaching. You must submit your return and pay any tax due by 31 January 2026 to avoid penalties and interest.
January 21, 2026
HSE Reports 1.9 Million Workers Affected by Work-Related Ill Health in 2024/25
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its latest annual statistics on work-related ill health and workplace injuries for 2024/25.
January 21, 2026
Government Announces Rail Fare Freeze Until 2027
The government has confirmed that regulated rail fares in England will be frozen until March 2027. The freeze, announced prior to the Budget, follows a 4.6% rise in March 2025.
January 21, 2026
HMRC Fixes SA302 Issue Affecting Class 2 National Insurance for 2024/25
Some self-employed taxpayers who filed their 2024/25 self-assessment tax return may have been incorrectly asked to pay class 2 national insurance contributions (NIC) on their SA302 tax calculation. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has now confirmed that this issue has been fixed.
Our Core Services
Bookkeeping
Stressed out with paperwork? Let Butterworths Accountants take it off your hands. Simply drop off your invoices, bank statements and records, and we will take care of all the processing for you.
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax
From 6 April 2026, the major change under Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Self-Assessment (MTD for ITSA) comes into effect in the UK. This is a significant update to how certain self-employed individuals and landlords report their income to HMRC.
Business start-up
Starting a business is a really exciting time, but we know it is also a very busy time. You will no doubt have your plans in place and the drive to succeed, but you may not be aware of all the financial aspects involved.
Accounting
Butterworths can help reduce the time you spend on admin work, letting you focus on what is really important to your business.
VAT
Value Added Tax (VAT) is a tax that must be paid when purchasing services or goods. At Butterworths we can help you through the whole VAT process, including:
Payroll
Worried about a PAYE inspection? Butterworths Accountants’ PAYE Healthcheck service is designed to identify PAYE issues before HMRC does.
Tax
Need help with your tax return or want to pay less tax? Butterworths Accountants provide personal tax services for both business owners and private individuals.