Running more than one self-employed business? HMRC will not always treat them as separate. Whether they are taxed as one combined trade or multiple depends on how your activities relate to each other. It is not a matter of choice, it is about how your business is run in practice. Get it right to avoid costly mistakes.

When someone has more than one self-employed income, one of the key issues to consider is whether to combine all profits under a single business activity or treat each separately. This depends on the nature and relationship of the activities. HMRC’s manuals set out three possible scenarios:

1. Separate Trades

If the new activity is run independently, with different staff, stock, or customers, it is treated as a separate trade. This means each business is taxed individually, and the commencement rules apply to the new one. No merging takes place unless operations later combine in substance.

2. A New Single Trade

If the new activity transforms the original business significantly, so much so that the old trade effectively ends, then both are treated as forming a new trade. The cessation rules apply to the original trade, and commencement rules apply to the new, combined business.

3. Continuation of Existing Trade

If the new activity merely expands the existing business without fundamentally changing its nature, it is treated as a continuation. Profits are combined and taxed as one ongoing trade, with no change in basis.

Understanding whether activities form one trade or multiple is crucial for correct tax treatment. It’s not just a matter of choice. It also depends on the facts and how the businesses operate and interact.

We would be happy to help you review the structure of your business to ensure compliance with HMRC guidance and avoid unexpected tax consequences.

HMRC has launched a campaign targeting informal money transfer networks like Hawala, aiming to combat money laundering and protect communities. Businesses must register for AML supervision or risk fines, prosecution, or closure.

It is estimated that some £2 billion is laundered annually through these networks in the UK. This is a practice that is exploited by criminals to conceal the proceeds of serious organised crime.

These networks, often used by diaspora communities to send money abroad, rely on informal, trust-based systems like Hawala. These systems allow money to be transferred without crossing borders physically, relying instead on local trust networks between operators, or Hawaladars, to ensure the funds reach recipients in countries with limited banking access.

HMRC urges businesses offering these services to register for anti-money laundering supervision to protect themselves from criminal exploitation. Registration ensures that businesses implement proper controls to prevent money laundering. Failure to register can result in civil penalties, criminal prosecution, or business closure.

The campaign aims to educate Hawaladars about their legal responsibilities through community radio broadcasts, digital advertising, and local outreach. The initiative follows recent joint visits by HMRC and the National Crime Agency (NCA) to over 40 businesses to help operators understand their obligations.

HMRC’s Deputy Director for Economic Crime said:

“Informal money transfer networks, like Hawala, enable people to support family members in parts of the world where conventional banking is limited. These are vital services that we want to protect from criminal exploitation.

When criminals launder money through these networks, it funds serious organised crime that directly harms the very communities these services support.

By registering with HMRC, businesses can safeguard their services, protect their communities and operate within the law.”

Flexible planning is essential for adapting to uncertainty, responding to challenges, and seizing new opportunities. The world is unpredictable, and rigid plans can quickly become outdated. Whether in business or personal life, flexibility ensures resilience and long-term success.

Unexpected events such as economic shifts, technological advancements, or personal changes can derail strict plans. A flexible approach allows for quick adjustments without having to start over. Businesses, for instance, benefit from adapting to market trends or supply chain disruptions, ensuring they remain competitive.

Opportunities often arise unexpectedly. A business that initially planned to operate solely in physical stores but later noticed a surge in online shopping must be able to pivot. Those who rigidly stick to their original plans may miss out on growth.

Managing risks is another advantage of flexible planning. If a strategy is not working, adjustments can be made rather than continuing down an unproductive path. This is particularly important in business, where adapting marketing tactics or reallocating resources can make a significant difference.

Innovation thrives in flexible environments. Companies that allow for iterative development and experimentation can improve products and services based on real-time feedback rather than relying on outdated assumptions.

Employee morale and productivity also improve when people are empowered to adapt. A rigid plan can create stress, while flexibility fosters a more dynamic, responsive workplace.

Customer satisfaction depends on adaptability. Consumer preferences change, and businesses that adjust their offerings accordingly are more likely to retain loyal customers.

Ultimately, flexible planning ensures better resource allocation, the ability to respond to competitive pressures, and the freedom to evolve with changing circumstances. Rather than being a sign of weakness, flexibility is a strategic advantage that helps individuals and organisations thrive in an ever-changing world.

The Online Accounts and Company Tax Return (CATO) service is scheduled to close on 31 March 2026. ​

This service has enabled businesses to file their company accounts and tax returns simultaneously with both Companies House and HMRC. However, due to its outdated nature and misalignment with modern digital standards and recent changes in UK company law under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCT Act), the decision has been made to discontinue it.​

Key Actions for Businesses:

• Download Past Filings: It's advisable to download and save at least three years of your company's account filings before 31 March 2026, as access to previous submissions will not be available after this date.​
• Explore Software Options: Begin researching and selecting suitable commercial accounting software that meets the filing requirements for both Companies House and HMRC. Transitioning to software-based filing can offer enhanced features, improved accuracy, and better integration with your financial records.​

This shift aligns with the broader Making Tax Digital (MTD) initiative, aiming to streamline tax compliance through digital tools. While adapting to new software may present challenges, the benefits include increased efficiency and reduced errors in tax filings.​

For detailed guidance and updates, visit the official GOV.UK website.​

By proactively preparing for this transition, businesses can ensure continued compliance and take advantage of the efficiencies offered by modern digital filing systems.

The UK is making significant strides in promoting gender equality within its top companies. According to the latest FTSE Women Leaders Review, women now occupy nearly 43% of board positions across FTSE 350 companies, totalling 1,275 roles. Additionally, women hold 35% of leadership roles, equating to 6,743 positions.

This progress indicates that the voluntary target of 40% women's representation by the end of this year is within reach for many businesses. Over 60% of FTSE 350 companies are close to achieving this goal, reflecting ongoing efforts to dismantle barriers and foster inclusive leadership.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves emphasised the importance of this momentum, stating that while the UK leads in gender equality in boardrooms, continuous efforts are necessary to eliminate obstacles preventing women from ascending to decision-making roles.

Minister for Investment Baroness Gustafsson OBE highlighted the positive impact of female leadership, noting that strong female voices inspire change and add value throughout organisations.

Despite these advancements, challenges persist, particularly in increasing the number of women in top executive positions such as Chairs and CEOs. The government remains committed to collaborating with businesses to ensure equal opportunities for all, aiming to unlock economic growth and enhance living standards across the nation.

This concerted effort underscores the UK's dedication to fostering a diverse and dynamic business environment, recognising that inclusive leadership is key to driving innovation and economic success.