Cheshire East Council has expressed its strong support for devolution for the Cheshire and Warrington region in its response to a government consultation on proposals. The borough, jointly with Warrington and Cheshire West and Chester councils, is looking to establish a new Mayoral Combined … [Read more...]
News for: General Business
Companies House begins identity verification for business owners
Companies House has launched a new service to conduct identity verification for those setting up, running, owning and controlling businesses in the UK. More than 6 million individuals are expected to need to comply with new identity checks in the 12 months after identity verification becomes a … [Read more...]
National Living Wage increase to take effect from 1st April
New rates of the National Minimum and National Living wage will come into effect from April 1st 2025, and businesses are reminded to ensure they are prepared for payroll changes. The new minimum rates of pay will see those aged 21 and over paid a National Living Wage of £12.21, a 77p increase on … [Read more...]
New public procurement rules take effect
New changes to make public procurement processes more efficient, transparent and competitive have taken effect from 24th February 2025. The changes come following the Procurement Act 2023 gained Royal Assent in October 2023. Among the updates to public procurement rules coming into effect … [Read more...]
Meet the Buyers event returns to Manchester Airport
SMEs from across Greater Manchester and Cheshire are being invited to connect with prospective clients at an annual Meet the Buyers event at Manchester Airport. Attendees representing over 150 companies are expected to be at Manchester Airport’s Runway Visitor Park on 13th March, including … [Read more...]
Cheshire and Warrington join Government’s devolution priority programme
The Cheshire and Warrington region is to join the Government's devolution priority programme after its three local authorities agreed to pursue greater powers earlier this year. The region, comprising the three local authorities of Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, and Warrington, is now … [Read more...]
GCBF and River Capital drive North West growth with £1.4 million NPIF II investment
GC Business Finance (GCBF) and River Capital have provided £1.4 million worth of funding to 23 businesses in the North West since the second Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF II) launched in March 2024. The two organisations manage as a consortium NPIF II - GC Business Finance & River … [Read more...]
British Business Bank reveals impact after a decade of support for small businesses in the North West
Since it was established in 2014, the British Business Bank has delivered funding to over 24,000 smaller businesses across the North West of England according to findings published in the Bank’s The Power of 10: 10 Year Impact Report. Assessment of the British Business Bank’s impact found … [Read more...]
New Year brings increased business optimism, finds Lloyds Business Barometer
Businesses in the North West have entered the New Year with increased optimism in their prospects and the wider economic picture, according to the findings of Lloyds Bank’s Business Barometer survey. Published at the end of December 2024, the high street bank found businesses nationwide had … [Read more...]
Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Warrington councils take first step towards devolution
Leaders of Cheshire and Warrington’s three councils have written to the government asking for the region to be included in its priority programme for devolution. The move is the first step towards formally opening conversations with government about potential new powers and funding Cheshire and … [Read more...]
Cheshire East Council publishes latest financial forecasts
Cheshire East Council's latest financial forecasts show some improvements to position, but outstanding funding gaps persist. As work to prepare the next financial year's Budget continues, the council has revealed it anticipates an £18.3 million funding gap for the current financial year, and … [Read more...]
5.4 million still to file Self Assessment tax returns
HMRC is reminding the 5.4 million Self Assessment taxpayers who have not yet filed a return for the 2023-24 tax year to do so before the 31st January 2025. Anyone required to file a tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year who misses the 31 January 2025 deadline could face an initial late filing … [Read more...]