Member News

As a training company and a business whose values are: compassion, impact and family, we spend a lot of time thinking about how people engage and relate to each other. Not just in a formal training way but those everyday moments that build relationships and trust. How small shifts in mindset can change the way people and teams feel. December always seems to bring a shift in that. People slow down a little, and as the year winds down we start to naturally take stock and reflect on the year we’ve had.

Everyone is talking about the highs and lows of the year, and you find yourself celebrating others’ successes, or offering a bit of encouragement about setbacks they’ve encountered. It’s the kind of conversation that remind us we are all navigating things, and that bit of support can make such a difference heading into a new year.

Christmas events have a way of opening those conversations up, and this is one of the reasons we’re so pleased to be sponsoring this year’s Christmas at the Castle. It’s a great chance for the Norfolk business community to spend time together. It’s not about the formalities of business networking, it’s about giving our local community a chance to connect in a genuine way. A chance to enjoy the end of the year together. Share what’s been good, acknowledge the tough times and help each other step into January ready for the year ahead. The perfect opportunity to build the relationships that keep our community strong, and we are always keen to be a part of anything that encourages that.

The Swarm Directors who will be attending are really looking forward to it. Not only because of the magnificent venue and entertainment, but because it’s going to be a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make some new connections too. The local community plays such an important part in our day to day business, and we always embrace any opportunity to bring everyone together. So if you are attending, come and say hello.

Bauer Media is encouraging businesses across the UK to take advantage of the Christmas listening boom by booking a Digital Audio Campaign before the end of the year — with an added bonus.

Through its XiMas Offer, Bauer is offering 10% more impressions free of charge on every new audioXi campaign booked in November or December 2025, helping local advertisers make their budgets go further and start 2026 strong.

Christmas: The Perfect Time to Be Heard

Bauer Insights (Christmas 2024) show that radio listening remains one of the most consistent and trusted media habits during the festive period:

• 42% listen to the radio on the way to do their Christmas shopping
• 17% listened to more radio in 2024 than in 2023
• 57% of Christmas radio listeners say they start tuning in earlier each year
• 22% listen to the radio every day over Christmas, and 79% listen most days

These trends highlight how radio and Digital Audio play a powerful role in daily life — especially when people are shopping, travelling, and celebrating.

Why audioXi Is the Ultimate Local Digital Advertising Solution

audioXi is Bauer Media’s advanced Digital Audio advertising platform, connecting businesses with listeners through targeted, data-driven campaigns across trusted radio brands such as Hits Radio, Greatest Hits Radio, Magic, KISS, and Absolute Radio, as well as premium podcasts and connected devices.

With over 14 million monthly listeners and 1.3 billion monthly impressions, audioXi gives advertisers the ability to:

• Target audiences by location, behaviour, and interest
• Deliver campaigns across smart speakers, mobiles, and in-car devices
• Measure results through real-time tracking and conversion data

This makes audioXi ideal for local and regional businesses looking to raise awareness, drive footfall, and reach customers wherever they’re listening.

The XiMas Offer: More Reach for the Same Budget

Book your Digital Audio Campaign through audioXi in November or December 2025, and Bauer Media will add a 10% impression uplift completely free.

Campaigns can run anytime up to March 2026, making it the perfect way to book ahead for early-year activity while maximising festive exposure.

Audio: The Most Trusted Medium with Proven ROI

Audio remains one of the most trusted and effective forms of advertising. Research from Radiocentre shows that radio delivers an average £5 return for every £1 spent, outperforming most other media.

During the Christmas season, 27% of listeners say they remember adverts long after hearing them, and 29% actively seek more information after exposure — proving that audio advertising drives real action.

And with 83% of Bauer’s audience listening digitally, 9% above the industry average (RAJAR Q3 2025), Bauer continues to lead the digital audio market — providing businesses with a trusted and data-driven way to engage audiences at scale.

About Bauer Media

Bauer Media Audio UK is part of Bauer Media Group, Europe’s leading digital commercial radio broadcaster and audio operator. Its portfolio includes household names such as Hits Radio, Greatest Hits Radio, Magic, Absolute Radio, KISS, Jazz FM, and Planet Rock.

Through its multi-platform offering — including broadcast radio, podcasts, streaming, video, and digital audio — Bauer Media connects millions of listeners every week, offering advertisers the opportunity to reach audiences wherever they are.

📅 Book before 31 December 2025 to receive a 10% impression uplift on your Digital Audio Campaign and make your message go further this XiMas.

👉 Find out more about the XiMas Offer

Press Enquiries:
Bauer Media Group – Local Commercial Marketing
📧 [email protected]

Anglia Capital Group (ACG) is delighted to welcome Virilitas Labs into its investment portfolio following a £100,000 investment secured through ACG’s funding round in February. Based at Norwich Research Park, Virilitas Labs is developing rapid, at-home male fertility tests supported by AI-driven analysis — addressing a major gap in reproductive health diagnostics for men.

Co-founded by Dr Daniel Marcu and Professor Simone Immler, professor of genetics and reproduction at the University of East Anglia, the company aims to make clinic-level male fertility testing more accessible, helping reduce diagnostic delays, speed up access to treatment, and provide AI-driven personalised support at an earlier stage.

Virilitas Labs successfully navigated ACG’s rigorous screening process, impressing both the screening committee and investors with their scientific credibility, clear market understanding, and potential to make a meaningful difference in an underserved area of healthcare.

“The founders demonstrated a strong grasp of the clinical and commercial needs in this space. Their technology addresses an important issue that resonates strongly with our investors, who are committed to backing impactful innovation. We’re thrilled to welcome Virilitas Labs into the ACG portfolio and support their next stage of growth.”

Laura Hood, Operations Director at Anglia Capital Group.

What Comes Next?

The £100k investment will allow the company to strengthen its IP portfolio, optimise its rapid-testing technology, and further develop its accompanying digital platform and app, which explains individual fertility risks and provides personalised guidance.

Virilitas Labs’ momentum has also been recognised nationally: the company has been selected as one of just 15 UK businesses to join Innovate UK’s Global Business Innovation Programme in Singapore. This opportunity will help them explore international partnerships, R&D collaborations and market expansion as they continue building towards global commercialisation.

As Virilitas Labs advances its mission to transform male reproductive health, Anglia Capital Group is proud to support their journey and contribute to the growth of another high-potential, science-driven business emerging from the East of England.

You can have great products, friendly service and active social posts, but do your enquiries, bookings and sales feel lower than they should be?

Often, the issue isn’t effort; it’s the state of the website behind it. If pages are slow, awkward on a phone or hard for Google and other search engines to understand, your marketing won’t deliver the results you hope for.

Before adding more content or launching new campaigns, give your site a quick health check. Fixing the basics first helps people find you and makes it easier for them to get in touch, book or buy.

Check 1: Google Indexing – can your pages be found?

What to look for: Your key pages appearing in Google search results.
Simple check: Type site:yourdomain.co.uk into Google. Do your important pages show?
Typical fixes: Submit a sitemap to Google Search Console, remove accidental ‘noindex’, fix pages incorrectly blocked by robots.txt, and resolve crawl errors.

Check 2: Site Speed – fast pages keep visitors

What to look for: Pages that hesitate before showing.
Simple check: Load your homepage and a couple of other page types on a phone. If it isn’t usable within three seconds, it’s likely too slow.
Typical fixes: Compress large images, remove heavy add-ons, trim unused plugins.

Check 3: Mobile-Friendly Website – easy to read and tap

What to look for: Small text, cramped buttons, overlapping sections.
Simple check: Browse your main pages on a phone without zooming. Can you read and tap comfortably?
Typical fixes: Bigger text and buttons, clearer spacing, simpler layouts.

Check 4: HTTPS Security (SSL) – trusted by customers and search engines

What to look for: A padlock next to your web address.
Simple check: Does your site start with https:// and show a padlock?
Typical fixes: Install or renew an SSL certificate so visitors and search engines trust your site.

Check 5: Tracking Setup – GA4 and Google Search Console

What to look for: Basic visibility of visits, popular pages and search performance.
Simple check: Can you see recent traffic in GA4, and is your site verified in Search Console?
Typical fixes: Set up GA4 and Search Console, link them, and make sure your main reports show what you need to know.

Need Our Help?

At ATK Digital Marketing, we ensure these foundations are in place before investing in wider SEO, ads, email or social campaigns. Contact us to find out how we can help.

Across ten categories, they recognise a range of achievements: outstanding business performance (for small, medium, or large businesses), growth and innovation, customer service excellence, sustainability, employer practices, and positive community impact, among others. Within the ‘Large Business of the Year’ category, Alan Boswell Group was a finalist alongside well-respected Norfolk-based businesses Mills & Reeve, Norfolk Passport, and Blakely.

As well as winning the ‘Large Business of the Year’ category, ABG was also named as runner-up for the ‘Norfolk Business of the Year’ award.

Alan Boswell, Executive Chairman commented, “This award is a testament to the ethos of the whole company and the hard work our team put in every day to deliver excellent service to our clients. It’s an honour to be recognised alongside so many great Norfolk businesses; congratulations to all the finalists and winners.”

This follows other awards success for the Group this year, including ‘Insurance Broker of the Year’ at the British Insurance Awards 2025, ‘Best Landlord Insurance Insurance Provider’ at the National Landlord Investment Show Awards, and a third Which? Best Buy award.

KNP Litho has been named a global winner in the Xerox Best of the Best Awards 2025, taking home top honours for creative excellence and production innovation and standing as the only UK company to be recognised this year. The award, judged by an international panel of print and creative leaders, celebrates standout work produced using Xerox’s “Beyond CMYK” technology.

Our winning project the bold and unconventional “Keen As Mustard” marketing campaign delivered exactly what Creative Directors crave: originality, craft, and the confidence to break the rules.

Why This Matters for Creative & Marketing Agencies

In a world drowning in digital noise, the judges praised KNP for work that cuts through using speciality digital finishes (gold, silver, white, clear, digital foil) to create tactile, attention-grabbing printed pieces built for high-impact campaigns.

For agencies looking to push boundaries, this recognition reinforces what many already know:

KNP is the production partner you turn to when you want ideas to land harder, look better, and feel unforgettable.

A Win for Brave Creative

“This award proves that brave ideas deserve brave print,” said Dave Gibbons, Managing Director at KNP. “Creative Directors want work that leaps off the table and pieces clients can’t ignore. That’s the space we live in. And this global win shows the world exactly that.”

Setting a New Benchmark for Production Innovation

From design and pre-press through to finishing, fulfilment and nationwide distribution, KNP delivers creative campaigns end-to-end under one carbon neutral production site. This award highlights the company’s continued investment in high-impact digital print, tactile finishes, sustainability, and fast-turnaround premium production.

For Creative Directors, This Means:

• More freedom to experiment

• Reliable premium execution at scale

• Finishes that elevate your concept

• Fast, controlled turnaround without compromise

• A partner who says “yes” first, then figures out how”

About the Xerox Best of the Best Awards

Each year, Xerox celebrates the highest-performing print providers around the world who push creative boundaries using Beyond CMYK technology. KNP’s win firmly positions the UK company amongst the global leaders in modern digital print.

First Enterprise, a leading Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI), proudly announces a record-breaking achievement: £10 million invested in Business Loans (£25k–£250k) in just the first half of the financial year 2025/26.

This milestone marks a significant increase compared to the previous year and highlights the organisation’s commitment to supporting small businesses and driving economic growth across the UK.

Key Highlights: – Total lending: £16.5 million so far from April to November, including £10 million in Business Loans – Businesses funded: 544 businesses (461 start-ups and 83 established businesses) – Support for diverse entrepreneurs: 35% female-led businesses, 33% ethnic minority-led businesses

This achievement reflects First Enterprise’s rapid growth, expertise, and the strength of our trusted partnerships. With funding from key schemes such as the Start Up Loans, Midlands Engine Investment Fund II and Community ENABLE Fund by British Business Bank, we’ve expanded our lending capacity and capability.

Our flexible, relationship-led finance has supported hundreds of businesses across the UK, especially those underserved by traditional lenders. Our responsible approach is designed to unlock jobs, drive innovation, and create long-term economic impact, all while demonstrating strong governance and robust credit processes.

Executive Director, Daniel Carrico, commented: “Passing the £10m lending mark in just over six months is a fantastic achievement and a real sign of the trust UK entrepreneurs place in us. We’ve supported hundreds of businesses with flexible, relationship-driven finance that helps create jobs, encourages innovation, and makes a lasting difference. It shows that our approach to inclusive lending can grow at scale and still deliver genuine impact for local communities and the wider economy.”

Deputy Director, Danielle Davis, added: “Our growth is driven by the strong relationships we build with our clients and partners. By working together and supporting our team, we consistently deliver impactful solutions that help small businesses thrive and create lasting opportunities within their communities. We’re proud to be part of their journey and to help unlock their potential.”

Looking ahead, First Enterprise remains committed to expanding its support for small businesses across the UK, helping them unlock their full potential. With a strong focus on inclusive lending, the organisation is poised to continue driving positive change and creating opportunities for underserved communities.

The Autumn Budget is out, and while a lot of it focuses on personal finance, there are some important updates for small businesses, sole traders and limited companies. Here’s the simple, straight-talking version of what actually matters.

 Key Headlines at a Glance

• Income Tax & National Insurance: Income-tax thresholds and National Insurance thresholds remain frozen.

• Corporation Tax: The headline rate of corporation tax stays the same; however, some allowances are changing. See below for more information.

• VAT: No new VAT changes announced.

• Rates: The government will lower business rates tax rates for over 750,000 retail, hospitality and leisure properties.

• Minimum Wage: From April 2026, the national minimum wage for 18–20 year olds will rise to £10.85/hr, and the national living wage will rise to £12.71/hr.

What This Means for Small Businesses

Small businesses and sole traders remain at the heart of the UK economy, and this year’s Budget brings a mix of relief and caution. Here’s what’s relevant to you:

1. Business Taxation

Corporation tax rate remains unchanged, and overall tax rates on profits stay stable.

The updated capital-allowance rules: The new 40% first-year allowance for certain assets could benefit businesses making capital investments (e.g. buying equipment). However, for assets depreciated over time, the lower writing-down allowance (14% vs 18%) means future claims will be smaller, worth modelling for medium-term planning.

If you run a limited company, don’t miss your filing deadlines.  From April 2026, late-submission penalties will be twice as high.

VAT stays the same, so no relief there, but no new burdens either.

Taxi and private hire services will be excluded from using the Tour Operators’ Margin Scheme from 2 January 2026, except where these are supplied in conjunction with certain other travel services.

2. Dividend Taxes

From April 2026, the tax you pay on dividends is going up. The basic rate will rise from 8.75% to 10.75%, and the higher rate will move from 33.75% to 35.75%.

The government says this increase is happening because dividends aren’t subject to National Insurance, so they’re adjusting the rates to “balance things out”.

There’s another important change too: The Dividend Tax Credit for non-UK residents is being scrapped.  This means that if you receive dividends after a period of temporary non-residence, those dividends will now be taxable in the UK. This change is also expected to start from 6 April 2026.

If you take dividends from your company or you’re planning time abroad, it’s a good idea to get advice early and make sure you’re set up in the most tax-efficient way.

3. Business & Property Costs 

If you run a retail, hospitality, or leisure business and your premises rateable value is below £500,000, good news: your business-rate multiplier is being cut. That helps cash flow, reduces fixed overheads, and might make your high-street or shop-based business more viable in 2026.

If your premises are larger (rateable value over £500,000) or if you’re considering expansion or moving into bigger properties, expect higher property taxes. That will increase overheads for larger operations or warehouses. 

The £4.3bn support package offers a buffer for those facing steep increases but it’s worth checking if you qualify. 

4. Support & Incentives

Capital allowance changes are the main government “incentive” for investing. Businesses planning to invest in equipment or upgrades from 2026 may benefit significantly. 

No new VAT or broad grant schemes for SMEs were announced, so support remains focused on business-rate relief and tax allowances rather than fresh grants. 

5. Cashflow & Planning Considerations

For small retail, hospitality, or leisure businesses: the business-rate cut may improve cash flow and make it easier to budget, but only from April 2026; 2025/26 bills may still be under the old system.

For businesses planning growth or investing in equipment, now may be a good time to assess whether capital investments make sense under the new first-year allowances.

For larger businesses or those using big commercial premises (warehouses, distribution centres, big offices), factor in higher business rates when projecting budgets or expansion plans.

Given that tax thresholds on income and NI are frozen, individuals (owners, staff) may feel squeezed over time as wages (or prices) increase, which could affect labour costs and take-home pay.

Read the full government fact sheet here.

Need Advice Tailored to Your Situation?

We’re here to help. If you’d like to talk through how the Autumn Budget affects you or your business, get in touch with us:

E: [email protected]

T: 01603 804876

🎄 December Training Offer – End the Year with New Skills! 🎁

As we approach the end of the year, there’s no better time to invest in professional development. To celebrate the festive season, we’re excited to announce a special December offer on all training carried out during the month of December!

Whether your team needs refresher training, new certifications, or specialist skills, our qualified instructors are here to help you finish the year strong and start the new one with confidence.

🌟 December Offer Details

• Exclusive discounted rates on all courses delivered within December
• Available for both new and existing customers
• Perfect opportunity to get staff trained before the new year rush

Why Train in December?

• Take advantage of quieter periods before the new year begins
• Ensure your team is fully certified and compliant going into 2026
• Save money while maintaining high training standards
• Improve safety, efficiency, and productivity across your workplace

Book Early – Limited Availability

December is a busy month for training, and spaces fill quickly. To secure your preferred dates and benefit from our special offer, we recommend booking as soon as possible.

📞 Contact us today on 01603 652029 or email [email protected] to discuss your training needs or to reserve your December session. Let’s end the year on a high with quality training at unbeatable value!

We are incredibly proud to congratulate our Managing Director, Ian Gardner, on receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award at the Eastern Daily Press Business Awards 2025.

Ian’s recognition is richly deserved. This year marks his 50th year in the Fire Industry and over 35 years leading Delta Fire Ltd, shaping the company from a small family business into one of the UK’s most respected firefighting equipment manufacturers. His dedication, integrity, and commitment to innovation have guided Delta Fire through decades of growth, culminating in the company being honoured with a double award win in The King’s Awards for Enterprise in 2025.

Ian’s impact on the Fire Industry, on UK manufacturing, and on everyone who has worked with him over the years cannot be overstated.
His leadership continues to inspire our team every day.

Congratulations Ian an extraordinary milestone and a truly well-deserved accolade. We couldn’t be prouder.

Norfolk’s PCC wants to hear from residents as she launches Police Budget Consultation

Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Sarah Taylor, has launched her public consultation concerning the proposed budget for policing for 2026/27.

Following discussions with Norfolk’s Chief Constable, Paul Sanford, the PCC is asking residents whether they would be prepared to pay an increase in the policing element of their council tax to meet inflation-related cost pressures, nationally agreed salary increases, pension liabilities and the requirement to recruit and train new officers.

It is a statutory duty for the PCC to set the police budget and balance the books, and with this responsibility, make the decision on how much residents of Norfolk should pay.

The PCC’s consultation will run until 5pm, Friday 5 December.

This financial year (2025/26), £201.3 million (88.1%) is being spent on officers and staff, with the remaining £21.6 million (11.9%) spent on everything else, including maintaining buildings, vehicles, fuel, equipment, computers and training. This supports every aspect of policing, from the visible front lines of neighbourhood policing teams to the many roles and operations behind the scenes that make possible those investigations into complex case areas like County Lines drug crime and online fraud.

In the consultation documentation published today, Sarah said: “All of these areas need robust funding. At the same time, the demands on police time and resources continue to grow. There has been a welcome increase in the reporting of violence against women and girls that is helping us to get to grips with this critical area. The collection and processing of complex digital evidence is costly and difficult, and the ongoing challenges of addressing rural crime in the more sparsely populated parts of Norfolk are significant. On top of this, Crown Court backlogs create a huge and enduring need for the Constabulary to support victims.”

The law allows PCCs to raise the policing element of council tax to meet increased demands and costs, up to a maximum amount, before a local referendum is required. Last year, the increase was £14 (£13.95) per year for a Band D property. If the same increase were to be used for 2026/27, this would leave the constabulary with a shortfall of £1.9m against the police’s current spending plans.

Sarah said: “While I am awaiting confirmation of the Government’s spending plans, the Government has allowed me to request the maximum increase, in order to support the maintenance and improvement of policing in Norfolk. Based on last year’s maximum allowed by the Government, this would mean an increase of £13.95 per year for a Band D household.

A 4.23% rise equates to £13.95 a year or 27 pence per week for a Band D property and £10.85 or 21 pence per week for a Band B property.

“Earlier this year I launched my Police and Crime Plan, which was built on my consultations with residents and businesses across Norfolk. With the Constabulary, I am working to deliver the things that people asked me to prioritise, including a much stronger focus on prevention to tackle anti-social behaviour, drugs and knife crime, and more support for victims who have been let down by the court system.

“The outcome of this consultation on council tax precept setting will have a direct impact on the extent to which these priorities can be delivered over the coming year.”

Link to survey

More information and the consultation survey can be found here

Link to the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan

People can also take part and request a printed survey by getting in contact with the Norfolk PCC office in the following ways:

Post: OPCCN, Jubilee House, Building 7, Falconers Chase, Wymondham, NR18 0WW

Telephone: 01953 425657

Email: [email protected]

QR code for survey:

The Autumn Budget has just been announced, and we’ve been keeping a close eye so you don’t have to.

We know financial news can feel confusing (and sometimes a bit overwhelming), so we’ve pulled together the key points that actually matter for your personal finances.

Below, you’ll find the important updates that might affect your savings, pensions, mortgages, and long-term plans. We’ve also included clear next steps if you’re unsure what this means for you.

 As always, if you want to chat things through, we’re here.

Key Headlines at a Glance

• Pensions: Cap on pension salary sacrifice from 2029, but no change to the tax-free cash limits.

• ISA Allowances: Cash ISA tax-free allowance will drop to £12,000 in 2027. Over-65s retain the full £20,000. No changes to Stocks and Shares ISA limits.

• State Pension: Set to rise by 4.8% from April 2026

• Income Tax: Tax bands frozen for an additional three years.

• Other Taxes: Dividend tax increased by 2% from April 2026. No changes to Capital Gains Tax. 

• ‘Mansion Tax’: £2,500 on properties worth over £2m; £7,500 for properties over £5m

ISAs

What was announced:

The Cash ISA limit will reduce from £20,000 to £12,000 a year from April 2027. Over-65s will retain the full £20,000 allowance. 

What this means for you:

If you’re under 65, you’ll have less tax-free space each year to shelter cash savings. If you rely on ISAs as part of your savings strategy, you may need to adjust how and where you save, especially for medium-term goals such as home deposits, emergency funds, or planned spending.

Things to consider:

• Prioritise your ISA contributions before 2027 while the allowance is still at £20,000.

• Review whether a Stocks & Shares ISA is more suitable, especially if you’re saving for 3+ years, as that allowance isn’t affected.

• Don’t forget the personal savings allowance, especially if you’re a higher earner and likely to exceed it. Cash held outside ISAs may now be exposed to tax sooner.

Pensions

What was announced:

The state pension will rise by 4.8% in April 2026. Weekly payments increase to £241.30, or £12,547.60 per year.

What this means for you:

This is a welcome boost for retirees, but it still won’t replace the need for personal retirement planning. The full state pension remains a foundation, not a full income.

Things to consider:

• Check your State Pension forecast on gov.uk.

• Review your private pension contributions.

• Factor this increase into your retirement planning.

No changes to the Tax Free Cash Amounts – lots of people were concerned about this, but it didn’t materialise.

Salary Sacrifice Pension Cap

What was announced:

From 2029, a £2,000 monthly cap on salary sacrifice will apply. Anything above this will be subject to National Insurance.

What this means for you:

Earners using salary sacrifice will pay more national insurance for anything over £2,000 sacrificed per year. It does not appear that using salary sacrifice will affect the ability to reduce your salary tax efficiently; it will just cost you a little more to do so.

Things to consider:

• Review your salary sacrifice arrangement.

• Check employer matching or enhanced contributions.

• Do the sums on how much this may cost.

• Don’t panic, this is not set to come in until 2029, but start planning now.

Income Tax 

What was announced:

Tax thresholds will remain frozen for another three years.

What this means for you:

A “stealth tax” effect – you may pay more tax even if your income doesn’t rise significantly due to fiscal drag.

Things to consider:

• Review your tax position each year.

• Make use of pensions, ISAs, and charitable allowances.

• Business owners should review how they extract profit.

Property & Mortgages 

What was announced:

From 2028, a new mansion tax applies annually to properties over £2m (£2,500) and over £5m (£7,500).

What this means for you:

Most households won’t be affected. High-value homeowners may need to plan for the new annual charge.

 Things to consider:

• Check the updated valuation of your home.

• Consider how this may influence selling or buying decisions.

• Factor the annual charge into affordability calculations.

There were no announcements regarding changes to wider council taxes, which had been mooted.

Increased tax rates for income earned from property, an increase of 2%, is it time to reconsider property as part of your investment strategy?

Mileage-Based Electric Car Tax

What was announced:

Electric car drivers will be subject to a mileage-based charge on battery electric and plug-in hybrid cars from April 2028.

What this means for you:

It was confirmed that the mileage-based charge will equal 3p per mile for battery electric cars and 1.5p per mile for hybrid cars between the 2028 and 2029 financial year. Electric vans, trucks and motorcycles will initially be exempt from the charge. 

Things to consider:

• Drivers may be expected to self-report their mileage by estimating the distance they will travel each year 

• Mileage will be checked annually, either via existing MOT tests or for new cars through an annual check procedure which could be carried out at MOT stations. 

What Happens Next?

• If something in the Budget has raised a concern.
• If any of these changes affect your savings or long-term plans.
• If you’re unsure what the changes mean for your situation.

We’re here to help. Whether you’re planning for retirement, reviewing investments, or simply wanting reassurance that you’re still on the right track, just get in touch for personalised guidance.