UK Business Round-Up: Tariff Cuts, AgriTech Funding, Predevelopment Tax Changes & Cybersecurity Lessons

As part of our ongoing support for business owners and directors across the UK, here’s a summary of key updates that could affect your planning, strategy, and compliance. This month’s highlights include tariff cuts on imported goods, new agricultural tech funding, developments in capital allowances, and an important reminder about data protection following a significant fine.

Zero Import Tariffs Announced for 89 Products

In a positive move for importers, the UK Government has temporarily suspended import tariffs on 89 products until July 2027. These reductions aim to ease cost pressures for construction, food and hospitality, and horticulture sectors.

Products include:

• Plywood and plastics
• Coconut oil and fruit juices
• Pasta and pine nuts
• Agave syrup and plant bulbs

If your business imports any of these goods without preferential treatment under free trade agreements, the UK Global Tariff applies, and this change could result in meaningful cost savings.

See the full list and details here

£45.6 Million in Tech Grants for Farmers

On 14 April 2025, the Government announced a £45.6 million investment in agricultural technology to help farmers improve profitability, efficiency, and sustainability.

This includes:

• Fruit-picking robots
• Livestock health monitoring
• Smarter irrigation systems

Key opportunities:

• ADOPT Competition (launches 28 April): £20.6 million to support on-farm tech trials
• Two further rounds under the Farming Innovation Programme (launching 5 May):
  • £12.5 million for low-emissions farming
  • £12.5 million for precision-bred crops under the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023

Farmers will also receive application guidance and a £2,500 support grant through the ADOPT Support Hub.

These programmes allow farms of all sizes to benefit from cutting-edge tech.
The ADOPT Support Hub can be found here.

Delay to Predevelopment Costs Consultation After Landmark Court Ruling

Businesses waiting for guidance on the tax treatment of predevelopment expenditure will need to wait a bit longer. The Government has delayed its consultation following a ruling in Orsted West of Duddon Sands v HMRC [2025] EWCA Civ 279.

The Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the taxpayer, confirming that certain pre-construction costs can qualify for capital allowances, including:

• Environmental impact assessments
• Design work
• Geotechnical studies

The Court applied a new three-limb test:

1. The cost must contribute to the design or installation of the asset
2. The asset must eventually be built or acquired
3. The cost should not be based solely on a business’s unique financial circumstances

While HMRC may still appeal, this ruling provides clarity for now. Businesses with substantial early-stage development costs may benefit from reassessing their capital allowance claims.

Read more about the consultation delay

£60,000 Cybersecurity Fine Offers Crucial Warning to All Businesses

DPP Law Ltd, a Merseyside-based firm, has been fined £60,000 by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) after a 2022 cyberattack compromised sensitive client data.

What went wrong?

• The breach occurred due to poor cybersecurity controls, including using an outdated admin account without multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Over 32GB of confidential client data was accessed and posted on the dark web.
• DPP delayed reporting the breach to the ICO by 43 days, beyond the legal 72-hour window.

Key lessons for your business:

• Always enable MFA on admin accounts.
• Keep software and systems up to date.
• Review your data breach protocols, especially around reporting obligations.

If your business stores or processes customer data, ensuring robust cybersecurity isn’t just best practice, it’s a legal requirement.

See ICO’s summary and penalty announcement

Need Help Navigating These Changes?

At Naseems Accountants, our team is here to support you with reviewing your capital allowance claims.

Book a consultation today to see how we can help you adapt, grow, and stay compliant in an evolving business landscape.

This blog post is for general guidance and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Please get in touch with us directly for personalised support.