Life sciences

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has launched two new security tools aimed at small businesses, microbusinesses, organisations and sole traders that lack the resources to address cyber issues. The National Cyber Security Centre – a part of Government Communications Headquarters – unveiled the services to coincide with the latest phase of its Cyber Aware campaign. The Cyber Action Plan can be completed online in under 5 minutes and results in tailored advice for businesses...

The programme is designed to provide high-quality, practical education and business support to leaders of high-growth small businesses and social enterprises across the UK. Participants of the programme will benefit from: specialist workshops one-on-one business advising business coaching access to professional experts networking opportunities a network of graduates The closing date for applications is spring 2023, interviews will be held summer 2023 and the programme will begin autumn 2023. For further information and to apply...

Through a planned statutory code of practice, the UK Government is protecting employees and cracking down on employers that use controversial dismissal tactics. The code, subject to a consultation first, will make it explicitly clear to employers that they must not use threats of dismissal to pressurise employees into accepting new terms, and that they should have honest and open-minded discussions with their employees and representatives. ‘Fire and rehire’ refers to when an employer fires...

Update on Land Transaction Tax (LTT) services and guidance for tax professionals. Important changes to the tax management system and exciting training webinars in April on: multiple dwellings relief (MDR) higher rate transactions derelict buildings The webinars focus on areas of the tax where solicitors and conveyancers have asked for more training. Limited places available, allocated on a first come basis. For further information please select the following link Land Transaction Tax update: spring 2023...

The £11 million Programme ARFOR, which aims to deliver an economic boost and strengthen the Welsh language across counties Gwynedd, Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire, and Anglesey, is now inviting applications to its Enterprising Communities Fund. The second phase of this pioneering Programme comes as part of the Cooperation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru. Following on from the success of its first phase, the Programme is now open to tenders for the Enterprising Communities work...

The Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee announced on 23 March 2023 to increase the Bank of England base rate to 4.25% from 4%. HMRC interest rates are linked to the Bank of England base rate. As a consequence of the change in the base rate, HMRC interest rates for late payment and repayment will increase. These changes will come into effect on: 3 April 2023 for quarterly instalment payments 13 April 2023 for non-quarterly...

Energy Systems Catapult has developed a Place-based Net Zero Toolkit for local authorities, energy networks, businesses, communities and innovators to accelerate zero carbon solutions. Each local place is unique and the right decarbonisation strategy will depend on the geography, building types, energy infrastructure, energy demand, resources, urban growth plans and low carbon ambitions of the local community. The toolkit helps clean companies and communities flourish, combining cutting edge whole system models, tools, guides, case studies...

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is investing up to £25 million in the best game-changing and world-leading ideas, designed for swift, successful commercialisation. Ideas need to be genuinely new and novel, not just disruptive within their sector. Your proposal must be business focused, with deliverable, realistic, adequately resourced plans to achieve return on investment, growth and market share following project completion. Applications can come from any area of technology and be applied...

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new requirement for people who do not need a visa to come to the UK. It gives you permission to travel to the UK, and it is electronically linked to your passport. You’ll be allowed to: come to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or study come to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa...

The UK Government has announced an additional bank holiday for 2023 in honour of the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. The bank holiday will fall on Monday 8 May following the coronation on Saturday 6 May. People across the country and the Commonwealth are invited to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort over a weekend of special events from 6 to 8 May. There are...