Grass & Holm

19/06/2026

UK inflation holding steady at 2.8% in May may come as a surprise to many economists, who had expected it to rise.

While higher transport costs continue to put pressure on businesses and households, easing food inflation offers some welcome relief. With the Bank of England's latest interest rate decision imminent, many business owners will be watching closely for signals on borrowing costs and future economic direction.

For SMEs, the key takeaway remains the same: keep a close eye on cash flow, review budgets regularly and plan for different scenarios. Inflation may be stabilising, but costs are still significantly higher than they were just a few years ago.

Good financial visibility has never been more important.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-06-17/uk-inflation-unexpectedly-holds-steady-at-2-8-in-may?utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_content=business&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin

11/06/2026

Stress in the workplace is often viewed as an employee issue, but what if it starts at the top?

A recent survey found that CEOs are now experiencing higher levels of stress than they did at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, with AI disruption and economic uncertainty cited as the biggest challenges.

The problem is that stress doesn't stay confined to the boardroom. When leaders are under pressure, it's easier to become reactive rather than strategic. Decisions become shorter-term, uncertainty filters through teams, and organisational performance can suffer.

This is a reminder that resilience isn't just an individual skill – it's a leadership responsibility. The more clarity, communication and confidence leaders can provide during periods of change, the better equipped their teams will be to navigate uncertainty alongside them.

In a world being reshaped by AI and economic volatility, the organisations that thrive are likely to be those where leaders create stability, even when the environment around them feels anything but stable.

Today’s leaders face increasing pressure on all sides, and their stress levels are higher now than they were even at the peak of the pandemic. Though stress can sharpen performance briefly, over time it erodes judgment, narrows perspective, and increases the risk of costly missteps. Most leaders h...

08/06/2026

More than 40,000 respondents to the Treasury Committee's student loan survey said the financial impact of repayments had been worse than they expected.

What's striking is that this isn't really a story about student loans.

It's a reminder of how important financial understanding is when making major life decisions.

Whether it's university, buying a home, starting a business or planning for retirement, the long-term implications of financial commitments are often far greater than people realise at the time.

The better we understand our finances, the fewer surprises we face later.

Good financial planning isn't about avoiding every cost or obligation. It's about making informed decisions with a clear understanding of what they mean for our future.

That's why financial education and professional advice matter more than ever.

The Treasury inquiry is looking at student loan plans in England and whether repayment terms are "reasonable".

29/05/2026

Car tax rules have recently changed. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the new rules,

Find the latest information on this year's upcoming tax bands. Read our guide containing an easy-to-follow table and how any changes can impact you.

21/05/2026

Consumer confidence has seen its sharpest drop since 2022 and households across the UK are once again tightening spending.

For SMEs and those running their own businesses, this matters.

When consumers become more cautious, businesses often feel it quickly:
• Reduced discretionary spending
• Longer sales cycles
• Increased pressure on cash flow
• Greater uncertainty around forecasting and investment decisions

This is exactly why having a good accountant or financial adviser around you is so important.

Not just at year end or for compliance, but as a strategic partner who can help you:
• Understand your cash position clearly
• Forecast different trading scenarios
• Identify unnecessary costs
• Manage tax efficiently
• Protect profitability during uncertain periods
• Plan ahead rather than react under pressure

In uncertain economic climates, visibility matters.

The businesses that navigate these periods best are often the ones with strong financial oversight, good planning and access to trusted advice before problems arise - not after.

For business owners, resilience isn’t just about winning new work. It’s also about understanding your numbers well enough to make confident decisions when the market shifts.

PwC survey reports fast fall in consumer confidence with people worried about Iran war’s impact on economy and personal finances

07/05/2026

Career paths have definitely changed over time. Nowadays dynamic, non-linear career paths are shaped by skills and adaptability.

After 10 years of analysing top companies, LinkedIn has seen that employers are adapting: hiring for experience and capabilities over credentials alone, whilst also investing in internal mobility and rethinking employees’ skills and flexibility.

If you're wondering what makes a Top Company in 2026, it's worth reviewing this list and taking note.

If your company still runs like it did 10 years ago, you’ve got a problem. Back then, the rules were simple: Show up. Get the degree. Climb the ladder. Stay put. That version of work has changed. Today, it's all about dynamic, non-linear career paths shaped by skills and adaptability. And it plays...

10/04/2026

The inheritance tax landscape is changing and for family businesses and farms, the implications are significant.

Effective this week, a £2.5m threshold now applies before agricultural and business property qualifies for 100% IHT relief. For many owners and families, that changes the conversation around succession entirely.

Looking ahead to April 2027, unused pension funds and death benefits will also be drawn into the taxable estate — a fundamental shift in how pensions are treated, moving them firmly away from wealth transfer and back towards their original purpose as a retirement income vehicle.

Taken together, these aren't simply policy tweaks. They're a prompt to review ownership structures, revisit succession plans, and make sure long-term intentions are still protected under the new rules.

Happy to discuss how these changes might affect you.

A new inheritance tax regime for UK farms and family businesses took effect on Monday.

02/04/2026

If you are a UK national living in Spain it is important to be aware of these key tax documents before filing in 2026.

UK residents in Spain warned to check this key tax document before the 2026 tax season to avoid errors and delays.

27/03/2026

The UK’s new anti-profiteering framework aims to give regulators more power to challenge price hikes linked to the Middle East conflict, particularly around energy. At the same time, the government is engaging supermarkets and banks to explore how they can better support consumers.

On the surface, that might feel like a positive step but for small businesses, it adds another layer of complexity.

Here’s why this matters:

Pricing pressure is tightening

Cash flow becomes more fragile

Customer sensitivity is increasing

Planning needs to be more dynamic than ever

For small businesses, this isn’t just about policy, it’s about resilience.

Those who stay close to their numbers, understand their cost drivers and communicate transparently with customers will be in a stronger position to navigate what’s coming next.

Households across Britain set to benefit as Chancellor acts on food prices, energy bills and profiteering – taking action on cost of living pressures while securing Britain's long-term energy independence.