Recent news
Companies House Reforms – What You Need to Know
The UK is introducing the biggest changes to company law in over 180 years under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. These reforms aim to improve transparency, tackle fraud, and strengthen trust in the Companies House register.
Key changes include:
- Identity verification for directors, PSCs, and anyone filing on behalf of a company
- New confirmation statement requirements (including a registered email and lawful purpose statement)
- Stronger powers for Companies House to query and reject information
- Fee changes and software-only filing for accounts
👉 For a full summary, visit: Changes at a glance
Article added 20th November 2025
Free workshop and networking event introducing businesses to AI and automation
Monday 24th November, 9:00am – 1:00pm
Future Skills Centre, Exeter Airport Industrial Estate. EX5 2LJ.
Prosper and the Growth Hub are hosting a free workshop to help small businesses in Devon explore how AI can support everyday business tasks. This practical session is designed for SMEs, microbusinesses, sole traders, CICs, and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Delivered by Lisa Lessware (Digital Business Advisor at the Growth Hub) and Lindsay Lucas (Head of Training and Consultancy at Cosmic), this hands-on workshop will demonstrate practical AI applications that you can use straight away – no tech expertise required!
The workshop will take place at Exeter’s Future Skills Centre, in the Touchdown room on the first floor. There is free parking on site. Light refreshments will be provided including an opportunity to network with other local businesses and hear about the digital support available to support your business’s journey into AI and automation. Spaces are limited, so booking is essential: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/generative-ai-for-everyday-business-tasks-tickets-1768385652089
Article added 13th October 2025
HSE Guidance on working in hot temperatures
Employers must ensure workers are protected during hot weather.
There's no law for maximum working temperature, or when it's too hot to work, because every workplace is different.
HSE's website has a practical step guide on temperature in the workplace.
Article added 10th July 2025
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
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