Small businesses up to five years old are being urged to find out more about a support package provided through a Staffordshire County Council programme. Get Started and Grow offers FREE, fully-funded 1:1 support and advice. Pick the support that suits you: Expert accountancy & cash flow planning Legal advice to keep you compliant A professional website (up to 7 pages – FREE!) Branding & logo design that stands out Social media & digital marketing support tailored to your nee
Innovate UK Growth Catalyst - Investor Partnership Round 2 Applications close: 3 Feb 2026 Innovate UK Growth Catalyst is a programme designed to help growth-oriented start-ups from seed to Series A. This competition combines grant funding, aligned private investment and structured support services to help innovators progress through key growth milestones. This competition comprises a £100 million programme to support innovative companies in these fields: Advanced Manufactur
Applications close: 4 Feb 2026 Up to 60 awardees, more than any previous round, will receive a package of support that includes a grant of up to £75,000, bespoke business support, and a suite of training, networking and role-modelling opportunities. There has been 10 key changes to the Awards based on feedback from the business community - including clearer eligibility, improved application processes and closer alignment with the UK’s Industrial Strategy. Find out more or a
Free 28 January 2026 10am – 1pm Foxlowe Arts Centre - ST13 6AD Rural businesses in the Staffordshire Moorlands can access funding, expert advice, and practical support at a newly announced workshop this month. In partnership with Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce are bringing together programmes, advice and expert guidance that rural businesses in the Staffordshire Moorlands can use to grow. Businesses looking to expand, diversify or start a new
It’s the biggest change since HMRC launched Self Assessment more than 30 years ago. If you work for yourself as a sole trader or earn money from property then yo'll need to consider that tax returns are changing – with a new way to record and report your income and expenses. This is called Making Tax Digital for Income Tax or MTD for Income Tax. You won’t fill out your tax return all at once, instead, you’ll split and spread the admin throughout the year. You'll need to: Use
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves MP, presented her Autumn Budget to Parliament on 26 November 2025. There were no rises in income tax, national insurance or VAT, a new High Value Council Tax Surcharge on properties worth £2 million or more from April 2028 and Mayors to gain a new tourist levy power on overnight stays. Minimum wage for 18 to 20-year-olds rises to £10.85, and National Living Wage increases to £12.71. 0.5% reduction in departmental budgets in 20
