Business News England, Key Updates for UK Businesses in 2025
Business News England
Minister urges businesses to take cyber security seriously.
The Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, has urged business leaders across the UK to act now to strengthen their cyber resilience, warning that cybercrime remains one of the biggest threats to the national economy.
Speaking at the launch of the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) 2025 Annual Review, Jarvis reminded business owners that cyber security is no longer simply a technical concern, it is now a board-level responsibility.
A growing threat
The statistics speak for themselves.
Over the past year, the NCSC has handled more than 200 serious cyber incidents, a figure more than double that reported in the previous year. These are the types of attacks capable of disrupting essential services, causing significant financial losses, and even posing risks to national security.
Well-known organisations such as Marks & Spencer, The Co-op, and Jaguar Land Rover have all experienced cyber-attacks this year. However, Jarvis stressed that no business is too small to be targeted, all organisations, regardless of size, are potential victims of cybercrime.
Tools to help businesses
The good news is that there is practical, accessible support available to help businesses improve their cyber resilience. The NCSC has expanded its range of resources to assist companies of all sizes, including:
- Cyber Action Toolkit: Designed to help sole traders and small firms take their first steps in protecting their systems and data.
- Cyber Essentials Certification: A recognised badge demonstrating that your business is protected against common threats. For smaller organisations (with turnover under £20 million), full certification also includes automatic cyber liability insurance.
- Early Warning Service: Used by over 13,000 organisations, this service alerts businesses to potential cyber-attacks, giving them valuable time to take action.
- Takedown Service: Responsible for removing more than 1.2 million phishing campaigns, with half taken down within an hour of detection.
Why this matters for business owners
Many small and medium-sized businesses still treat cybersecurity as a low priority, often only taking it seriously after an incident occurs. Jarvis warned that this approach is risky and outdated, stating:
“It’s not a case of if you will be the victim of a cyber-attack, it’s about being prepared for when it does happen.”
The financial costs of a cyber-attack can be severe, but the damage to your reputation can be even more long-lasting. Increasingly, customers, suppliers, and investors expect the businesses they deal with to demonstrate strong cyber resilience.
It’s not just an IT issue.
Jarvis revealed that government ministers and security chiefs have written to the CEOs of all FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 companies, as well as several other leading UK firms.
The letter urges these organisations to:
- Make cyber risk a board-level priority, and
- Sign up for the NCSC’s Early Warning service.
In addition, the government recommends that companies require Cyber Essentials certification across their supply chains, as supply chain-related attacks are on the rise. Alarmingly, only 14% of UK businesses currently assess the cyber risks associated with their immediate suppliers.
What to do next
If your business has not reviewed its cyber protections recently, now is the time to act.
- Start with the basics: Visit the NCSC website and make use of the Cyber Action Toolkit.
- Consider Cyber Essentials certification: As more organisations begin to require this certification, it may soon become a customer expectation. You might also benefit from asking your suppliers to achieve the same standard.
The message from the Minister’s speech is clear, cyber security is no longer optional. It is an essential part of protecting your business, your staff, and your reputation.
Source: Minister calls on business leaders to act now against cyber risks
New Cyber Toolkit Helps Small Businesses Strengthen Their Defences
Small businesses across the UK are being encouraged to take simple, practical steps to protect themselves against increasing online threats, and a new free toolkit from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) aims to make that easier than ever.
The Cyber Action Toolkit, launched this week at the NCSC’s Annual Review, provides tailored guidance to help sole traders, micro businesses, and small organisations strengthen their cybersecurity measures.
In its latest review, the NCSC warned that every organisation with digital assets is a potential target for criminal cyber attackers. NCSC’s CEO, Dr Richard Horne, urged business owners to “act now” and not delay improving their cyber defences.
A growing problem
Recent research reveals that 42% of small businesses reported experiencing a cyber breach in 2024, while more than one in three micro businesses faced phishing attempts.
Many small firms admit they simply don’t know where to start, often finding cyber protection confusing, technical, or time-consuming.
The NCSC’s new toolkit aims to remove these barriers by breaking cyber security down into simple, achievable steps, with straightforward actions tailored to each business’s size and needs.
What the new toolkit offers
The Cyber Action Toolkit is completely free to use and provides:
- Personalised cyber security guidance.
- Step-by-step actions tailored to the size and nature of your business.
- Progress tracking and achievement rewards to recognise improvements as you go.
The toolkit is structured around three progressive levels, Foundation, Improver, and Enhanced, allowing businesses to build their cyber resilience gradually and at their own pace.
Implementing the recommended foundation measures can also be a significant first step towards achieving Cyber Essentials certification, which demonstrates to customers and partners that your business takes cyber security seriously.
Taking the first step
For many busy business owners, cybersecurity often slips down the to-do list. However, taking small actions now can prevent significant disruption and financial loss later.
The new NCSC Toolkit is designed to make getting started straightforward, helping you protect your systems, your data, and your customers with minimal hassle.
You can access the Cyber Action Toolkit free of charge on the NCSC website.
Explore the Cyber Action Toolkit here
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Source: https://cybertoolkit.service.ncsc.gov.uk
Why Getting Minimum Wage Calculations Right Matters More Than Ever
Matthew Taylor CBE, author of the influential Taylor Review of Modern Working Practices, has been appointed as the first Chair of the new Fair Work Agency, a body set to transform how the UK enforces employment rights.
The Fair Work Agency, due to launch in April 2026, will act as a single point of contact for both workers and employers, making it easier to report issues and resolve disputes.
According to government figures, around 900,000 UK workers have their holiday pay withheld each year, and nearly one in five minimum wage workers are underpaid.
A stronger approach to enforcement
The new Agency will be given enhanced powers to investigate and take action against employers who breach employment laws. These powers will include:
- Workplace inspections to check compliance.
- Civil penalties for underpayments.
- The ability to bring proceedings against employers on behalf of workers.
Alongside its enforcement role, the Agency will also provide guidance and support to help businesses comply with employment law, ensuring that employers who play by the rules aren’t being undercut by those who don’t.
Why this matters for employers
With the Fair Work Agency launching next April, now is the perfect time for employers to review their payroll and pay calculation systems.
Even minor errors in calculating wages or holiday pay can lead to financial penalties, reputational damage, and costly investigations.
Taking proactive steps now can help ensure that your business remains fully compliant, protecting both your employees and your bottom line.
How Naseems Accountants can help
If you’re unsure whether your payroll systems are up to date or need help understanding how changes in employment law may affect your business, our team at Naseems Accountants is here to help.
- We can review your payroll processes to identify any risks or errors.
- We’ll ensure you’re meeting all your legal obligations.
- And we can help you prepare for the Fair Work Agency’s new compliance framework.
A quick review now could save you from a costly investigation later.
Book a free consultation with our payroll and compliance specialists today to discuss how we can help your business stay compliant and efficient.
What the CMA’s new powers over Google mean for UK businesses
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has confirmed that Google has been designated as a Strategic Market Status (SMS) holder for its general search and search advertising services, marking a significant step in how the UK regulates big tech companies.
This follows an in-depth investigation and consultation which concluded that Google holds substantial and entrenched market power in general search and search advertising. Currently, it’s estimated that over 90% of all searches in the UK are conducted via Google’s platform.
While this new designation does not accuse Google of any wrongdoing or introduce immediate changes, it does give the CMA the authority to implement targeted and proportionate interventions. These measures are intended to ensure that general search services remain competitive and that businesses reliant on Google can be confident they are being treated fairly.
This move forms part of the UK’s new digital markets competition regime, which came into force at the beginning of 2025.
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the potential advantages could be substantial. Over time, we could see:
- Fairer advertising costs,
- Greater transparency in how search results and ad placements are managed, and
- Reduced barriers for emerging platforms and services looking to compete.
Although there are no immediate changes, consultations on possible interventions are anticipated later this year. It’s certainly an area to monitor closely, particularly for businesses that rely heavily on Google Ads or organic search visibility.
If your business depends on online visibility or paid advertising, now is an excellent time to review your digital marketing strategy.
How to Save on Childcare Costs with the Tax-Free Childcare Scheme
Running your own business often means juggling multiple responsibilities, and for many parents, childcare is a major one. With the autumn school breaks fast approaching, HMRC is reminding working families that the Tax-Free Childcare scheme could help them make meaningful savings on childcare costs.
What’s on offer
Through this scheme, you can receive up to £2,000 per year towards childcare costs for each child under the age of 11, or up to £4,000 per year (for children under 16) if your child has a disability.
For every £8 you pay into your Tax-Free Childcare account, the government adds an extra £2. The funds can then be used to pay for approved childcare providers, including:
- Nurseries
- After-school or wraparound care
- Holiday clubs
Before making payments, ensure your childcare provider is registered with the scheme. You can confirm this directly with them.
The account is entirely flexible, you can pay in as and when you wish, use the funds immediately, or leave them in the account until needed. If your circumstances change, any unused balance can be withdrawn.
Who can use it
You don’t have to be on a company payroll to qualify, self-employed parents are eligible too. Your family may qualify if:
- Your child is 11 or under (or 16 if they have a disability).
- You and your partner (if applicable) each earn at least the National Minimum or Living Wage for an average of 16 hours per week.
- You each earn less than £100,000 per year.
- You are not claiming Universal Credit or childcare vouchers.
How to get started
You can apply online through the Tax-Free Childcare section of the GOV.UK website. Each child requires their own account, and the government top-up is applied separately to each one.
Once your account is open, you’ll need to reconfirm your details every three months to continue receiving the top-up payments.
With school holidays approaching, now is an ideal time to check your eligibility and set up your account, especially if you’re self-employed or running a small business and need dependable childcare to keep your work running smoothly.
Need guidance on managing your family finances or self-employment tax planning? Book a free meeting with our team at Naseems Accountants, we’re here to help you make the most of government support while keeping your finances in order.
New funding announced to help UK communities showcase local traditions.
A new £1 million “Best of British” fund has been launched by Airbnb, in partnership with VisitBritain, to support communities and small tourism businesses in transforming local customs and traditions into engaging visitor experiences.
The fund will provide grants of up to £100,000 to help local enterprises develop experiences that highlight Britain’s culture, heritage, and creativity, from long-standing customs such as maypole dancing and cheese rolling, to regional food festivals, music events, and arts celebrations.
Promoting authentic British experiences
The initiative follows research showing that while many holidaymakers seek authentic local experiences, half of UK adults have never taken part in a traditional British event. There’s a growing demand for change, 61% of respondents said they would be more likely to book a UK stay “off the beaten track” if such traditions were better showcased.
Visit Britain’s Chief Executive, Patricia Yates, said:
“We encourage all eligible tourism businesses and organisations to apply to the fund.”
What’s available and who can apply
The scheme will award funding across four key categories:
- Nature & Outdoors
- Food & Dining
- Music & Arts
- Culture & Heritage
Applications are open until 23 November 2025, with funding to be distributed next year.
A boost for local economies and tourism growth
For small tourism operators, community organisations, or heritage sites, this initiative offers a fantastic opportunity to:
- Secure investment to develop new visitor experiences
- Attract more visitors and boost local economies
- Preserve and promote regional identity
- Support the growth of sustainable, experience-led tourism across the UK
This fund not only helps communities celebrate their heritage, but also drives economic opportunities for local businesses, a step towards a more connected and culturally rich tourism landscape.
If your business operates within the tourism or hospitality sector, book a free consultation with our team at Naseems Accountants, who can help you manage your funding, plan for growth, and make the most of new opportunities like this.
For full details and to apply, visit: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/e/bestofbritishfund.
CMA Publishes Review and Proposals for the Vet Industry
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published proposals to reform how the veterinary market operates. Although the review focuses on veterinary businesses, its findings offer valuable lessons for businesses across all sectors, particularly around transparency, communication, and building customer confidence.
What’s happening
The CMA’s investigation found that many pet owners struggle to understand what they are paying for when visiting a vet. Pricing is often unclear, making comparisons difficult, and customers can face challenges when trying to make complaints if things go wrong.
The veterinary market has also changed significantly in recent years. Large corporate groups have acquired many independent practices, often without clients realising who actually owns their local surgery. Between 2016 and 2023, the average cost of veterinary services rose by more than 60%, outpacing inflation. In some cases, prices increased even faster following takeovers by larger groups.
The CMA concluded that the current regulatory framework has not kept pace with how the sector now operates. While it regulates individual professionals, it does not effectively oversee the businesses behind them.
The proposed changes
To tackle these issues, the CMA has put forward a comprehensive package of 21 proposed measures, including:
- Requiring veterinary businesses to clearly display ownership information and be more transparent about their services and fees. A price cap of £16 on prescriptions is also being proposed.
- Requiring vets to inform clients about cheaper medicine options and to automatically provide prescriptions, with limits on what they can charge for issuing them.
- Ensuring clear price information is given when treatment options are discussed, including written estimates for procedures over £500 and itemised invoices.
- Helping customers compare local practices through an improved “Find a Vet” website, which will include price details.
- Modernising regulation to cover veterinary businesses as well as individual practitioners, ensuring fairer standards and better complaint handling.
The CMA’s consultation on these proposals runs until 12 November 2025, with a final decision expected by March 2026. In the meantime, the CMA is encouraging vet businesses to start making changes that will benefit their customers.
What it means for other business owners
Even if your business isn’t in the pet care industry, this review carries essential lessons.
The CMA’s findings highlight the increasing importance of transparency and clarity in how businesses communicate with clients. Today’s customers want to know who they’re dealing with, how services are priced, and what value they are receiving.
In essence, transparency builds trust, and trust is the foundation of strong, long-term client relationships.
If you’re a business owner looking to strengthen trust, improve transparency, or review your pricing strategy, our team at Naseems Accountants can help. We offer expert business advisory and compliance support to help you stay ahead of regulatory expectations and build more substantial client confidence.
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