Announcements From Government

New support for Small Business from HMRC

HMRC highlights online support for small businesses to help them understand their tax responsibilities

Huge boost for high streets as councils get new powers

Legal changes empower councils to auction off leases for long-term empty lots

New plans revealed to help small firms and improve access to cash

New Fair Payments and Disability Finance Codes launched to support SMEs

PM speech on Plan for Change: 5 December 2024

Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a speech on the government's Plan for Change at Pinewood Studios.

 

Office for Product Safety and Standards

General product safety regulations: Northern Ireland

Link to the published guidance for the new GPSR. As you may be aware, the EU’s new General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) takes effect in Northern Ireland on 13 December, in line with our Windsor Framework obligations. The updated GPSR largely formalises the reality of how businesses already operate in the UK, with most UK businesses that sell goods in the UK having sufficient arrangements in place to comply with these changes, so we expect the update to have limited impact in practice.

 

Department of Health and Social Care

Less healthy food or drink: advertising and promotions restrictions - Collection

Information about regulations restricting the advertising and promotion of less healthy food or drink, also known as foods high in fat, salt or sugar.

 

Competition and Markets Authority

UK competition law enforcement: a look ahead

A speech by Juliette Enser, interim Executive Director for Competition Enforcement at the CMA, delivered at King's College London.

Trade

UK beauty brands mark grand debut at Cosmoprof India 2024

Over a dozen UK beauty companies will be displaying at Cosmoprof India 2024, with three renowned British brands announcing new launches.

 

£60 million land improvement deal announced at UK’s West & Central Francophone Africa Trade Forum

Nine country delegations convened in London for UK government’s third West & Central Africa Trade and Investment Forum, 4 December.

 

UKEF partners with business group to support female entrepreneurs

New partnership with Derbyshire-based business helps more women-owned businesses access financing support.