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
Choosing the Right Accounting System for Your Business
For many sole traders and small business owners, reviewing their accounting system only happens when something forces the issue. For instance, many sole traders are currently looking at whether their accounting system meets the requirements for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
January 21, 2026
UK Inflation Slows to 3.6% as Energy and Hotel Costs Ease
UK inflation eased to 3.6% in the year to October, down from 3.8% in September, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
January 21, 2026
FSCS Deposit Protection Limit to Rise to £120,000 from December
The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) has confirmed that the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) deposit protection limit will increase from £85,000 to £120,000 from the start of December.
January 21, 2026
IPO Announces 25% Fee Increase from April 2026
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has confirmed plans to raise its fees by an average of 25% from 1 April 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. The change will affect applications and renewals for patents, trademarks, and designs.
January 21, 2026
Have You Received a Letter from HMRC About Making Tax Digital?
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are writing to some taxpayers to tell them what they need to do to get ready for the new Making Tax Digital rules that come into force next April.
January 21, 2026
UK Unemployment Rises to 5% as Job Market Shows Signs of Strain
The UK unemployment rate has risen to 5% in the three months to September, the highest since early 2021, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The increase was slightly higher than expected and adds to signs that the jobs market is starting to soften.
January 21, 2026
Free Recruitment Support Available to UK Businesses Through Jobcentre Plus
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a national campaign to offer UK businesses access to no-fee specialist recruitment support through Jobcentre Plus. The service is available to all businesses, regardless of size or sector.
January 21, 2026
Reminder: Companies House Identity Verification Becomes Mandatory from 18 November 2025
From 18 November 2025, identity verification with Companies House will start to be required for company directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs). The measure is intended to improve the reliability of information on the UK’s company register and support efforts to reduce economic crime.
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.