Recent news
Changes to HMRC Late Payment Penalties
New late payment penalties were introduced for VAT and income tax Self Assessment following the 2025 Spring Budget, and the following article by insurance company, Simply Business provides a useful overview of the changes and explains when penalties might become payable:
Simply Business Article about Late Payment Penalties
Article added 27th May 2025
Free Cyber Security Training for employees
The National Cyber Security Centre is offering a free online training package that employers can make available to staff, covering top tips for managing cybersecurity risks.
For further information, visit the NCSC Website
Article added 27th May 2025
Learn Devon have launched a series of short, free online workshops designed for those who are self-employed or are considering going into business:
- First steps to writing a business plan – starting Thursday 5th June from 10.30am t0 12.30pm. Delivered over 3 sessions.
- Introduction to creating a profit and loss statement for your business – starting Thursday 26th June from 10.30am – 12.30pm. Delivered over 2 sessions.
- First steps to developing a logo for your business – starting Tuesday 1st July from 6pm t0 8.30pm. Delivered over 5 sessions.
- Thinking about self-employment – starting Thursday 10th July from 10.30am t0 1pm. Delivered over 1 session.
For further information, visit the Learn Devon website
Article added 27th May 2025
New plans revealed to save small firms £22,000 a year and improve access to cash
A new Fair Payments and Disability Finance Code launched to support SMEs click here for more details
Article added 3rd December 2024
North Devon Plus appoints Clean Maritime and Green Energy Officer
Fiona at the recent North Devon and Torridge Maritime Network event
Fiona Henderson has joined North Devon Plus, the business support partner for Torridge and North Devon councils as the Clean Maritime and Green Energy Officer. Fiona has already started working on impactful projects, including the development of the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre, which is set to emerge as a cornerstone of the South West's maritime potential and a leader in the pursuit of a sustainable green energy future, and the North Devon and Torridge Green Hydrogen Route Map, setting out the potential future supply and demand of green hydrogen in the area.
Fiona, originally from Devon, is excited to bring her extensive knowledge and expertise to the new role. Fiona honed her skills as an environmental consultant in the private sector, working on large scale energy projects.
The aim of Fiona's role is to promote sustainable practices within the maritime sector and the green energy industry including, but not limited to, clean propulsion, seaweed, environmental intelligence, and wider floating offshore wind-related technologies.
Fiona is passionate about improving the social and economic opportunities in North Devon, as well as protecting the environment by reducing carbon emissions and accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources. She feels strongly about creating training opportunities and new skilled jobs for young people and those looking to change to a greener career in North Devon.
Fiona recently played a major role in organising the North Devon and Torridge Maritime Network event in October held at the Royal George in Appledore. The event was a great success, and the North Devon and Torridge Maritime Network will now hold quarterly local events aimed to enable maritime related businesses to meet, share information, and learn about technological advancements and innovation within the industry.
For further information, please refer to the North Devon and Torridge Maritime Network on LinkedIn or contact fhenderson@northdevonplus.co.uk.
Lead Member for Economy and Estates at Torridge District Council, Councillor Bob Hicks said:
"We are incredibly fortunate to have Fiona join our team, bringing with her a wealth of experience and expertise. Her involvement will be pivotal in several key initiatives on the horizon, particularly the Appledore Clean Maritime project. This project promises a number of exciting opportunities as we move forward, and Fiona's contributions will undoubtedly enhance our efforts and success in these important areas."
Lead Member for Economic Development and Regeneration at North Devon Council, Councillor Malcolm Prowse said:
"We are thrilled to welcome Fiona to the North Devon Plus team. We're confident her knowledge and expertise will be instrumental in driving forward North Devon and Torridge's maritime and green energy projects, fostering a sustainable, innovative and dynamic future for the local area."
The North Devon and Torridge Maritime Network event featured a tour of the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre site
CDS Mobile Boost Scheme has re-opened
We are pleased to share that Connecting Devon and Somerset’s (CDS) Mobile Boost scheme has re-opened offering businesses and residents in Somerset and Devon vouchers of up to £1,300 towards technology to improve their indoor mobile coverage and connectivity.
For further information, visit the Connecting Devon and Somerset Website
Article added 21st August 2024
How your rural business can get a £4,500 boost for better broadband
The UK Gigabit Voucher Scheme aims to support small businesses in rural areas. Here's how to get your broadband voucher. Vouchers worth up to £4,500 will be available for rural small businesses to help cover the costs of installing gigabit broadband.
See the Small Business.co.uk article here for more information:
Warning of false claims about Deadlines for appealing Business Rates valuations
Be aware of false claims about deadlines to appeal the 2023 list for business rates.
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is aware of false claims that the deadline for appeals to the 2023 rating lists is 30 June.
This is not true. You should be wary of anyone making this claim.
You are generally able to challenge your property valuation on the 2023 list at any time until March 2026.
For further information about this, visit the Gov.UK Website
Article added 20th June 2024
Boost for small business as VAT threshold raised and rates frozen
- 28,000 small businesses freed from paying VAT, encouraging them to invest and grow as the threshold is raised from £85,000 to £90,000
- Over one million properties protected from higher bills by freezing the small business rates multiplier for a fourth consecutive year
- Government backs British businesses as it sticks to the plan to cut taxes, reward hard work and grow the economy
Small businesses have today (Monday 1 April 2024) received a boost as the VAT registration threshold is raised from £85,000 to £90,000, and £4.3 billion of business rates relief comes into force. More details
Article added 01.04.2024
Farming Grants available in 2024
A summary of the grants to look out for this year.
The information published in this post is correct at the time of publication but please note that blog posts do go out of date. For the definitive, up-to-date list of all farming payments and guidance in England, bookmark Funding for Farmers and Land Managers on GOV.UK. The page contains both grants and payments. It also includes Countryside Stewardship grants and it is updated regularly.
Rural Payments Agency opens claim windows for farm payments for 2024
The claim window for existing Countryside Stewardship (CS) revenue and Environmental Stewardship (ES) agreements has opened on Thursday 14 March.
Rural Payments Agency opens claim windows for farm payments for 2024 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
New guidance to help farmers through planning process
Farmers in northern Devon can now benefit from new guidance before submitting planning applications thanks to a new document from North Devon and Torridge district councils.
The councils have produced the Planning Advice for Farmers guidance document to assist those in the agriculture industry with the submission of planning applications, as well providing advice on permitted development for farm businesses.
It gives advice on what when applications are required and what a good planning application looks at with respect to new farm buildings, slurry storage and engineering operations.
It also looks at what is required for those looking to diversify their business, including through renewable energy, the conversion of buildings, or development for tourism.
The guidance has been put together following discussions with North Devon Plus and the National Farmers Union, as well as local farmers from across northern Devon. While the document is not formal planning policy, it is intended to act as signposting guidance for farmers.
Lead Member for Economic Development and Strategic Planning Policy at North Devon Council, Councillor Malcolm Prowse, says: "We know the planning system is not always the easiest to navigate, and with changes to how farm subsidy payments are received, we felt it would be useful as district councils to produce guidance for our local agricultural industry to make it that bit easier for those looking to adapt, expand or diversify their business. We hope our farming communities find it useful."
Lead Member for Planning at Torridge District Council, Councillor Rosemary Lock, says: "We have worked closely with the farming community and the National Farmers Union on this new planning guidance, with the collective goal of making the planning process an easier and smoother one to navigate for our farming community. We hope that it will be a welcome new tool for farming businesses, whether they are looking to adapt, expand or diversify, helping them to respond to market challenges and opportunities.”
You can find the Planning Advice for Farmers guidance document online here and on the North Devon Council website and on the Torridge District Council website.
Article added 12th February 2024
Using online services safely
First changes to UK company law expected on 4 March
Companies House is aiming to introduce the first set of measures under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act on 4 March 2024. The introduction of these changes needs secondary legislation so this date is still dependent on parliamentary timetables. It will not be earlier than 4 March.
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act gives Companies House the power to play a more significant role in disrupting economic crime and supporting economic growth. The act received royal assent on 26 October 2023.
Find out more about these changes here and what actions you may need to take here
Article added 23rd January 2024
Town centre businesses - upgrade, repair or refurbish your shopfront!
North Devon Council's Town Centre Enhancement Scheme awards small grants to support existing independent businesses that would like to replace, improve or carry out repairs to their shop fronts or for other potential enhancement projects. The aim of this scheme is to encourage businesses to upgrade, repair and refurbish shopfronts in North Devon’s town centres in order to emphasise both the individuality of the business premises and, where appropriate, the historic character of the town centres. This is a capital grants scheme based on the award to North Devon Council within the UK Shared Prosperity fund investment plan for 2022/2024 within the ‘improvements to town centres and high streets’ strand. The Council will contribute up to 50% of total eligible project costs, with businesses expected to match their contribution. The maximum grant available is £2000 or 50% of eligible project costs; whichever is the lower amount. The grant is ideal for supporting small repair or improvement projects such as fascia repairs, signage, painting and decorating, guttering, lighting and more. As the grant is paid in arrears applicants will initially need to pay for the total project upfront. There is an open-application approach with no set deadlines throughout the year, meaning applications will be determined on their own eligibility and merit on a first-come, first-served basis. |
For further information, visit North Devon Council's website
Article added 8th January 2024
Free Cyber Security Support
If you - or any of your contacts - are involved in running a small to medium sized business, a local charity, a public sector or local community group, and you are concerned about the security of your IT systems or website, the South West Cyber Resilience Centre SWCRC may be able to help. Superintendent Mark Moore from Devon and Cornwall Police, heads up the South West’s CRC. They are a not-for-profit organisation, funded by the Home Office and regional policing. They exist to help south-west based small to medium sized businesses, charities, voluntary groups and public sector organisations, with their cyber security. Cyber security can feel complicated, expensive and unmanageable. It can be hard to know where to start, or how to improve resilience. Professional cyber security support is often costly and, for many, obtaining such assistance can be well beyond their financial means. These regional CRC’s have been set up by Government to help small to medium sized businesses, groups and organisations who find themselves in just this position. Much of what is on offer to you from the CRC is absolutely free. Should you wish to sign up you can do so at Membership | Cyber Resilience Centre for the South West (swcrc.co.uk) |
Article added 8th January 2024
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