Latest News & Updates

If you’re setting up new Making Tax Digital (MTD) bookkeeping software, one of the most important steps is entering the correct opening bank balance. A bank feed will usually import transactions from a date you choose, but it will not always know how much money was already in your bank account before that date. For example, if your bank feed starts on 6 April and your bank balance at the end of 5 April was £2,500, your software should begin with an opening balance of £2,5

The Renters' Rights Act 2025, which came into force on 1 May 2026, introduces some of the most significant changes to residential tenancy law in recent years. While much attention has focused on the abolition of Section 21 notices, there is another crucial change that directly affects farmers and rural landowners who provide accommodation to agricultural workers. One of the most important changes is the introduction of Section 24A, which requires landlords to complete and ser

Most family business owners know they should have a succession plan. Far fewer actually do. At VA Business Services, we see this time and again. After years of hard work building a business, stepping away can feel premature—or simply something to think about “later.” But in reality, the businesses that transition most successfully are almost always the ones that plan ahead. Why succession planning matters now (not later) Without a clear plan in place, decisions often end up b

The Employment Rights Act is undergoing the most significant reform we’ve seen in years, with changes rolling out across 2026 and into 2027. These updates will have a real impact on how businesses manage people, policies, pay, and risk. Below is a practical overview of the key changes employers need to be preparing for now. Sexual Harassment & Protected Disclosures Sexual harassment disclosures are being strengthened under whistleblowing legislation. Allegations of sexual har

Landlords, sole traders and self-employed individuals across the North of England are being urged to prepare for one of the biggest changes to the UK tax system in decades. From April 2026, many individuals will move to Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax, a new HMRC system that will significantly change how tax information is reported. At VA Business Services, we are already helping businesses and landlords prepare for this transition to ensure they remain compliant and