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Small and micro business: news and insights

Interviews, reflections and commentary on key issues affecting small and micro businesses.
Displaying 1-30 of 257 results
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Re-consultation on ISA 250: has FRC listened to concerns?
  • 09 Apr 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
Three years after first consulting on revisions to ISA 250, the Financial Reporting Council is re-consulting on a re-worded version of the proposed changes. The original consultation raised many concerns within the profession, have they been addressed effectively?
Ben Nevis
Scottish Manifesto: key actions for growth
  • 30 Mar 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
ICAEW Scotland has sent a list of recommendations to Scotland’s parliament in its Scottish Manifesto, outlining the major steps needed to improve conditions for businesses. Its suggestions have relevancy beyond the region.
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FRC sets out next steps for SME audit following study
  • 26 Mar 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
The Financial Reporting Council has issued its final report from its SME Market Study, outlining four steps to address the issues highlighted by the study.
Solar panels on the roof of Michael Smith Switchgear Limited. A Leicester-based SME that manufactures low-voltage switchgear which received a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise for sustainable development.
Four ways this SME manufacturer protected itself from volatility
  • 25 Mar 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
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.
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Fines for persistent late payers under new rules
  • 25 Mar 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
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.
Image of Victoria Street and West Bow in Edinburgh, on a sunny day. Shoppers are in the street and bunting hangs between the shops.
Support entrepreneurship through stability in the tax system, says ICAEW
  • 02 Mar 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
Responding to the government’s call for evidence on tax support for entrepreneurs, ICAEW has called for a stable tax framework and targeted technical changes to strengthen key tax incentives and to encourage investment.
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FRC issues amendments to FRS 102 and FRS 105
  • 02 Mar 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
Revisions to FRS 102 have been published that are relevant to preparers that choose to adapt the formats of the financial statements, alongside clarifications to the Periodic Review 2024 amendments relevant to all UK GAAP preparers.
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Cyber: the dangers of agents and vibe coding
  • 26 Feb 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
While artificial intelligence can be an opportunity and a risk for cyber security, events in February highlighted the threat that AI tools and agents can pose to organisations’ cyber security.
Image of Victoria Street and West Bow in Edinburgh, on a sunny day. Shoppers are in the street and bunting hangs between the shops.
Prepare for 2026/27: Individuals
  • 16 Feb 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
ICAEW’s Tax Faculty provides a summary of some of the key changes affecting individuals from 6 April 2026, including increases to some of the rates of income tax and capital gains tax (CGT), as well as reforms to inheritance tax (IHT).
Prepare for 2026/27: Employees
  • 10 Feb 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
There is good and bad news for employees for 2026/27 as more low-value benefits can be provided by employers without incurring a tax charge, however the ability to make a claim for tax relief for homeworking expenses is withdrawn.
Image of Victoria Street and West Bow in Edinburgh, on a sunny day. Shoppers are in the street and bunting hangs between the shops.
Prepare for 2026/27: Employers
  • 03 Feb 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
In the first of a series of articles looking ahead to 2026/27, the Tax Faculty highlights five changes affecting employers from April 2026 including new rules for supply chains and increases in the national minimum wage (NMW).
Image of Victoria Street and West Bow in Edinburgh, on a sunny day. Shoppers are in the street and bunting hangs between the shops.
Winners and losers from capital allowances changes
  • 02 Feb 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
The new 40% first year allowance (FYA) may benefit some businesses, including those in the leasing sector. However, more businesses could lose out because of the cut in the main rate of the writing down allowance (WDA).
Five ways to compete for finance talent in SMEs and small practices
  • 30 Jan 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
With software industry salaries tempting career entrants away from the accountancy profession, finance recruitment in small businesses and practices must emphasise human factors.
Image of Victoria Street and West Bow in Edinburgh, on a sunny day. Shoppers are in the street and bunting hangs between the shops.
Managing tax risks for practices and businesses
  • 26 Jan 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
A new report from Accountancy Europe highlights the challenges facing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and their advisers, in complying with their tax obligations. It also provides practical guidance on how to manage tax risk.
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Transformation: how to manage the people factor
  • 14 Jan 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
It must never be forgotten that people deliver transformation programmes. When it comes to any transformation project, bringing your people with you can be one of the most difficult elements to manage.
MTD: How to prepare your clients
  • 12 Jan 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
While Making Tax Digital (MTD) for income tax is only months away, many small businesses are unaware of what is required of them.
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The FRC’s proposed Practice Note for SME audits: will it move the dial?
  • 12 Jan 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
ICAEW responds to two much-anticipated FRC consultations on SME audits, taking the unusual step of providing only conditional support to proposed guidance for applying the ISAs to SME audits.
Sally Baker, ICAEW Head of Corporate Reporting Strategy
2026: Changes to accounting standards and more
  • 01 Jan 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
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.
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Member Insights 2025: Lessons in resilience
  • 18 Dec 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
Across the year, members navigated a challenging mix of rising employment costs, geopolitical tensions, tariff disruption, subdued consumer confidence and a persistent lack of policy certainty.
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Cyber roundup: Learnings from 2025
  • 18 Dec 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
This year has been eventful, marked by high-profile cyber incidents, advancements in technology and AI influencing cybercrime and security, evolving AI regulation, and an increased focus on national cyber resilience. In light of these developments, this month's cyber roundup outlines the key lessons learned from 2025.
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Your membership: Support on running businesses
  • 15 Dec 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
ICAEW provides a whole host of resources for members working in industry, whether you’re working for a start-up, an established business looking to grow or an organisation managing change.
Can the government’s Business Growth Service get small businesses growing?
  • 15 Dec 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
The Business Growth Service is designed to make it easier for small businesses to find the support they need.
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Cyber resilience: key considerations for 2026
  • 15 Dec 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
Which cyber developments will be particularly vital to watch in the next 12 months? The Financial Times's 2025 Cyber Resilience Summit picked out key trends.
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Non-Big Four firms grow PIE audit share
  • 08 Dec 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
The FRC’s latest Audit Market and Competition Update shows that, while the Big Four still lead when it comes to number of PIE audits, the share going to other firms is growing.
Image of Victoria Street and West Bow in Edinburgh, on a sunny day. Shoppers are in the street and bunting hangs between the shops.
Budget: Key changes impacting business taxation
  • 26 Nov 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
ICAEW’s Tax Faculty provides a summary of some of the changes affecting businesses announced at the Budget, including capital allowances and business rates as well as adjustments to penalty rates for late corporation tax filings and increasing the limits for venture capital reliefs.
Extending deemed reseller rules to combat VAT fraud – can it work?
  • 26 Nov 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
Amazon proposes a change to the rules for online marketplaces that would mean the marketplace collects VAT on all third-party sales. Ed Saltmarsh analyses the practicality of the proposal ahead of the Budget.
More tax return tips for sole traders
  • 17 Nov 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
In the run up to the 31 January 2026 deadline for filing the 2024/25 tax return, ICAEW’s Tax Faculty highlights key points for applying the tax year basis, non-business expenditure and Making Tax Digital (MTD) for income tax.
How to adapt to tariffs
  • 11 Nov 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
To respond effectively to recent and emerging trade tariffs, businesses must have a comprehensive grasp of the three pillars of customs compliance.
Free CPD: Getting started on global trade
  • 07 Nov 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
Branching out into international sales can feel like a big step, but it holds many opportunities. Your ICAEW membership offers access to resources that will expand your export knowledge and confidence this International Trade Week.
ITW: Five steps to identify new trade opportunities in volatile markets
  • 07 Nov 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
Importing or exporting to new territories can be risky, especially when global conditions are volatile. Here’s a step-by-step guide to assessing an opportunity.
Displaying 1-30 of 257 results
Insights hub

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