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Practice News
Change to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) From April 2026
From 6 April 2026, major reforms to UK Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) come into effect that employers and employees need to prepare for.
DPC, Part of the Sumer Group, expands into Nottinghamshire with the addition of Jacksons Chartered Certified Accountants
We’ve expanded into Nottinghamshire! DPC Jacksons has joined us, expanding our footprint into the East Midlands.
DPC and Apprentice Ella Beech Celebrate Double Win at National Apprenticeship Skills Awards 2025 (West Mids)
We’re proud to announce a double victory at the National Apprenticeship Skills Awards 2025 (West Midlands). The firm has been named SME Apprenticeship Employer of the Year, while apprentice Ella Beech has been recognised as the Intermediate Apprentice of the Year.
Blogs and Articles
Spring Statement 2026: What Businesses Should Expect on 3 March
The Spring Statement will be delivered in Parliament on 3 March, giving an update on the state of the UK economy and the government’s financial outlook.
Unlike the Autumn Budget, the Spring Statement is unlikely to be used for big tax decisions. For businesses it is a useful event as it may set the tone for the months ahead and could give early clues about future tax and spending pressures.
Change to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) From April 2026
From 6 April 2026, major reforms to UK Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) come into effect that employers and employees need to prepare for.
Take the Headache Out of Payroll and Stay Compliant with Expert Support from DPC Accountants and Sumer Law
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.
DPC Accountants Respond to Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ First Budget
On the 26th of November, The Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced her Autumn Budget 2025. Read or listen to our Tax Director, Esther Hancock’s take.
Companies House Identity Verification 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.
Budget Speculation: Are Tax Rises Looming?
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, gave a surprise ‘pre-Budget’ speech last week that appeared to pave the way for tax rises in the Budget on 26 November 2025.
Important Changes Are Coming to FRS 102
Effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2026, significant changes are being introduced to FRS 102. Small (or micro) businesses that currently apply section 1A of FRS 102 will also be affected by these changes.
Making Tax Digital (MTD) – Changes coming for Income Tax Reporting
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is a new way for sole traders and landlords to report their income and expenses to HMRC.
From 6 April 2026, some sole traders and landlords must use it, based on their total annual income from self-employment and property.
Named and Shamed: Employers Failing to Pay Minimum Wage
In its latest round of investigations, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have named 518 employers who have failed to pay the National Living or National Minimum Wage correctly to their staff.
A total of £7.4 million will be paid by these employers to almost 60,000 workers. In addition, the employers face financial penalties of up to 200% of the amount they underpaid.
Cyber Security Culture Principles: Culture is Key to Resisting Attack
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has launched a new set of cyber security culture principles. These have been developed following considerable research and describe the kind of culture that can help businesses stay cyber secure.
When is Diversification a Good Business Strategy?
It’s long been said that putting all your eggs in one basket is risky. Many small business owners may fear that risk of becoming a reality. Take the UK’s farming sector as an example. Faced with extreme weather, policy shifts and volatile prices, farmers have increasingly turned to other sources of income to keep their businesses viable.
IMF Upgrades UK Growth Forecast: Steadier Ground Ahead?
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released its annual review of the UK economy and the message this year is more positive than many might have expected. The IMF has upgraded its forecast for UK growth in 2025 to 1.2%, noting that “an economic recovery is underway.”
FSB Updates Guidance on Employers’ Liability Insurance
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has recently updated its guidance on Employers’ Liability insurance – a useful reminder of the rules and risks around a business insurance that is legally required in the UK.
Bonus as Salary or Dividend: Which Pays Off?
If you run your own company, you might have the option to take a bonus either as salary or as a dividend. But which one leaves you better off? The answer depends on several factors: how much profit your company has, your existing income, the current rates of tax and National Insurance, and whether you’re taking advantage of available allowances.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Old Tech: New Guidance from the NCSC
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has released new guidance on how to properly retire old digital systems and devices – a process known as decommissioning. The guidance is aimed at IT teams, but there are useful takeaways for any small business that uses computers, software or online systems.
£30 Million Boost to HLS Payments: What It Means for Your Farm
Thousands of farmers in England are set to benefit from a £30 million uplift to Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) payments from January 2025. This could mean more money in your pocket for the work you’re already doing to protect the environment and maintain the countryside.
Changes to Planning Rules Could Make Life Easier for Small Housebuilders
The government has set out new plans aimed at helping small and medium-sized housebuilders get projects moving faster and with fewer hurdles. For housebuilders that have found themselves stuck in a slow, expensive planning process for a small site, these changes might be of interest.
Spring Statement: How is your business affected?
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, delivered her Spring Statement last week in which she outlined the government’s economic plans, including spending decisions, tax policies and efforts to boost growth while managing public finances. The Statement came on the back of the latest forecasts prepared by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).
