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Small and micro business: news and insights

Interviews, reflections and commentary on key issues affecting small and micro businesses.
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Latest news and insights

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Are your clients’ payment systems creating unnecessary work?
  • Article
  • 27 Jul 2026
For many small businesses, accepting online payments is now essential. But behind a seemingly simple customer transaction can sit a collection of disconnected systems, unclear fees and manual processes.
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Summer reading while Daily takes a break
  • Article
  • 27 Jul 2026
Over August ICAEW’s Daily Insights newsletter will be going weekly. We’ve compiled a list of summer reading, watching and listening to make sure you’re ahead of the game after the break.
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Government sets out next steps for Small Business Plan
  • Article
  • 23 Jul 2026
Late payments and regulatory reform are the headline changes as the government issues an update on its Small Business Plan.
Bill Dodwell speaking at the Hardman lecture 2026
How can accountants help to simplify the tax system?
  • Article
  • 06 Jul 2026
At this year’s Hardman Lecture, Bill Dodwell, former Tax Director at the Office of Tax Simplification, examined the complexity of the UK tax system and explained how accountants can help to tackle it.
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Corporate reporting and audit

Companies House: accounts changes confirmed for April 2028
  • Article
  • 09 Jun 2026
Small companies and micro entities will have to file a profit and loss account with Companies House from April 2028 but won’t be forced to publish their data publicly. Meanwhile all companies will have to file their annual accounts using commercial software.
New targeted advance assurance service for R&D launched
  • Article
  • 26 May 2026
From 18 May 2026, small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can apply to HMRC for advance assurance on specific, complex or high-risk areas before making a claim for research and development (R&D) tax relief.
Five adjustments to make when auditing SMEs
  • Article
  • 30 Apr 2026
Applying International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) to small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) audits can be challenging. These firms highlight the key considerations for auditors.
How SMEs should prepare for audits
  • Article
  • 20 Apr 2026
For SMEs falling outside the scope of audit exemption – either because their annual turnover, assets or number of employers are above the threshold – the process of undergoing an audit can be daunting. Find out how to effectively prepare to ensure it goes as efficiently as possible.

Finance

Government sets out next steps for Small Business Plan
  • Article
  • 23 Jul 2026
Late payments and regulatory reform are the headline changes as the government issues an update on its Small Business Plan.
UK government ploughs ahead with late payments Bill
  • Article
  • 21 May 2026
Following its inclusion in the King’s Speech, the Small Business Protections Bill is one of the first to be put before parliament, including a cap on payment terms and new powers for the Small Business Commissioner.
Four cost management essentials for retailers
  • Article
  • 27 Apr 2026
SMEs are currently under enormous pressure from multiple sources, but savvy businesses can ease the pain.
Fines for persistent late payers under new rules
  • Article
  • 25 Mar 2026
Following years of campaigning from ICAEW, the UK government has announced new powers for the Small Business Commissioner to investigate, adjudicate on and issue fines for cases of late payments.

Management and strategy

Government sets out next steps for Small Business Plan
  • Article
  • 23 Jul 2026
Late payments and regulatory reform are the headline changes as the government issues an update on its Small Business Plan.
New targeted advance assurance service for R&D launched
  • Article
  • 26 May 2026
From 18 May 2026, small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can apply to HMRC for advance assurance on specific, complex or high-risk areas before making a claim for research and development (R&D) tax relief.
Four cost management essentials for retailers
  • Article
  • 27 Apr 2026
SMEs are currently under enormous pressure from multiple sources, but savvy businesses can ease the pain.
How to value intellectual property assets
  • Article
  • 14 Apr 2026
For small businesses in creative industries, building a credible narrative that charts the lifecycle of intellectual property assets from the start is essential for making a compelling case for investors. Find out where to start.

Sustainability

What volunteering means for these award-winning accountants
  • Article
  • 01 Jun 2026
In celebration of Volunteers Week 2026, the four winners of ICAEW’s Volunteering Award share how volunteering became an integral part of their personal and professional growth.
Four ways this SME manufacturer protected itself from volatility
  • Article
  • 25 Mar 2026
Michael Smith Switchgear Limited insulated itself from energy and supply chain issues through an approach to sustainability that permeates every aspect of its business – meeting industry net zero targets and catching the attention of King Charles.
2026: Changes to accounting standards and more
  • Article
  • 01 Jan 2026
Whether you prepare accounts under UK GAAP or IFRS Accounting Standards, 2026 will bring new standards that accountants in business and practice need to prepare for. Plus, the UK government will be conducting a holistic review of the entire annual report.
How to start discussions with clients about nature
  • Article
  • 13 May 2025
Myfanwy Neville, BKL’s Head of Sustainability and ESG, shares tips on how to talk to clients and internal teams about the risks and opportunities associated with nature.

Tax

Summer reading while Daily takes a break
  • Article
  • 27 Jul 2026
Over August ICAEW’s Daily Insights newsletter will be going weekly. We’ve compiled a list of summer reading, watching and listening to make sure you’re ahead of the game after the break.
Government sets out next steps for Small Business Plan
  • Article
  • 23 Jul 2026
Late payments and regulatory reform are the headline changes as the government issues an update on its Small Business Plan.
How can accountants help to simplify the tax system?
  • Article
  • 06 Jul 2026
At this year’s Hardman Lecture, Bill Dodwell, former Tax Director at the Office of Tax Simplification, examined the complexity of the UK tax system and explained how accountants can help to tackle it.
Exclusive Modernising the UK’s VAT system
  • Article
  • 23 Jun 2026
Yige Zu explores three challenging areas of VAT design and suggests how the UK’s VAT system could be reformed.

Useful links

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Latest Business news from Insights
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Read the latest business articles published in ICAEW's Insights hub.
Doing business in the Middle East
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Support for finance practitioners doing business in the Middle East, including insights on the implications of the geo-political situation for local and UK businesses.
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Ukraine hub
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Visit our Ukraine hub for the latest on sanctions, ethical guidance and reputational risk.
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