Latest News & Blog

Tax due diligence: how it works

david.robinson@shorts.uk.com (David Robinson) — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:12:53 GMT

If you are looking to buy a company, tax due diligence is a vital step to take.

Tax due diligence: what is it and when is it necessary?

david.robinson@shorts.uk.com (David Robinson) — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:09:43 GMT

Acquiring a business is a major investment decision. While commercial and financial diligence often take centre stage, tax due diligence is an important tool to help a purchaser protect value and identify opportunities.

Should UK business owners reconsider exit timing?

andy.ryder@shorts.uk.com (Andy Ryder) — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 08:33:41 GMT

For any business owners considering their succession plan, the UK tax landscape can make the decision a daunting one, especially given the current discussions over potentially higher taxation of capital and wealth. Shorts Corporate Finance Partner Andy Ryder analyses the landscape and shares his thoughts on whether business owners should accelerate their exit plans, or hold and focus on future growth.

Xerocon 2026: Innovation, inspiration and a look at the future

alicia.williams@shorts.uk.com (Alicia Williams) — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 13:54:04 GMT

Last week, Alicia Williams, Alexa Conway and Malc Pope headed to Xerocon London 2026, Xero's flagship event for accountants, bookkeepers and business advisers. As always, Xerocon delivered an impressive mix of product announcements, thought-provoking speakers, practical insights and plenty of opportunities to connect with the wider Xero community.

Salary sacrifice pension changes 2029: what you need to know

david.robinson@shorts.uk.com (David Robinson) — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:12:44 GMT

Salary sacrifice has been a win-win situation for employers and their staff. By swapping a slice of salary for an employer pension contribution, employees boost their retirement savings while trimming National Insurance (NIC) bills.

How to separate a business through a demerger

david.robinson@shorts.uk.com (David Robinson) — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 07:36:31 GMT

A company or group can contain separate assets or businesses that no longer fit together. Simply extracting assets at the shareholder level can give rise to significant tax liabilities, though, for both the company and the owners. In some cases, a tax-efficient reorganisation, known as a demerger, can be implemented to achieve separation.

A case of aggressive tax avoidance: Glasgow Rangers Football Club

scott.burkinshaw@shorts.uk.com (Scott Burkinshaw) — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 14:04:20 GMT

Why should an aggressive tax avoidance scheme involving a Scottish football club affect you?

What is VAT? - Complete Guide (Updated for 2025/26)

brian.gooch@shorts.uk.com (Brian Gooch) — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:59:53 GMT

Most people will have heard of VAT. What people might not realise is that a third of all revenue collected by the government comes from VAT. This guide explains what VAT is in the UK and how it works for businesses, directors and sole traders.

Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Night Walk 2026

Andy Liversidge — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 09:13:25 GMT

What a brilliant night once again for team Sparkle Shorts at this years Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Walk.

Stocktaking guide for UK businesses

Ian Robinson — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:06:50 GMT

For businesses, stocktaking is the physical verification and recording of all the stock (or inventory) on hand at a specific time. This systematic process involves counting all products and materials and comparing this to your inventory records to verify accuracy and identify discrepancies.