B W Whiffin & Co

📱 Are private work group chats really private?

A recent Employment Appeal Tribunal ruling has highlighted an important lesson for both employers and employees: conduct in a private messaging group can still have serious consequences at work.

The case involved a Royal Mail employee who posted abusive and threatening messages about colleagues in a group chat created during industrial action. Although he argued that the comments were jokes made in the context of trade union activity, his dismissal for gross misconduct was ultimately upheld.

The ruling reinforces that legal protections surrounding trade union activities don't provide protection for threatening or abusive behaviour – and adding an emoji or claiming something was a joke doesn't necessarily change that.

For employers, it's another reminder of the importance of having clear social media, messaging and conduct policies that employees understand.

For employees, the message is equally important: what you say in a WhatsApp or other private group chat can still have consequences in the workplace.

📞 01376 570171
📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.whiffin.co.uk

💻 Could better digital skills transform your business?

Technology doesn't need to mean expensive new systems or completely changing the way you work. Sometimes, it's simply about getting more from the tools already available to you.

Automating invoices and payment reminders, using cloud accounting software, improving online collaboration or making better use of AI could save your team hours of repetitive work every week.

Better digital systems can also give you something equally valuable: better visibility over your business. Having up-to-date information on cash flow, sales and profitability makes it much easier to make informed decisions rather than relying on figures that are months old.

The goal isn't to use technology for the sake of it. It's to find practical ways to save time, reduce unnecessary admin and make running your business easier.

And with digital record keeping becoming increasingly important for UK businesses, now is a particularly good time to review how you're working.

📞 01376 570171
📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.whiffin.co.uk

📈 Why successful businesses prepare before conditions improve

When confidence is low, holding back and waiting for the economy to improve can feel like the safest option. But quieter or more uncertain periods can actually be a valuable opportunity to strengthen your business.

That could mean reviewing whether your pricing still reflects rising costs, improving cash flow, streamlining inefficient processes or investing in your team.

It's also a good time to look at your existing customers. Are there opportunities to provide more value, introduce additional services or strengthen those relationships?

Most importantly, keep your numbers in sight. Realistic budgets, cash flow forecasts and regular performance reviews can help you spot problems earlier and make better-informed decisions.

The businesses best positioned when conditions improve are often those that did the groundwork while others were waiting.

If you'd like help reviewing your figures and preparing your business for what's ahead, speak to B W Whiffin & Co.

📞 01376 570171
📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.whiffin.co.uk

💷 Will your next finance application succeed?

Securing funding isn't just about having a profitable business. Lenders want confidence that you can comfortably repay what you borrow and that the money will be put to good use.

Before applying for business finance, it pays to have:
✔ Up-to-date management accounts
✔ A realistic cash flow forecast
✔ A clear explanation of how the funding will be used
✔ A good understanding of your existing borrowing
✔ A healthy credit and payment history

The stronger the financial picture you can present, the easier it is for a lender to understand your business and assess the application.

And remember, a traditional bank loan isn't the only option. Asset finance, invoice finance and other funding routes may be more appropriate depending on what you're trying to achieve.

Planning to seek funding for your business? We can help you get your figures and forecasts in shape before you apply.

📞 01376 570171
📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.whiffin.co.uk

📅 Tax Diary: September & October 2026

There are several important tax deadlines coming up over the next two months. Make sure these dates are in your diary:

🔹 1 September – Corporation Tax due for companies with a 30 November 2025 year end.

🔹 19 September – PAYE/NIC payments and CIS300 return/payment deadline. PAYE/NIC payments made electronically are due by 22 September.

🔹 1 October – Corporation Tax due for companies with a 31 December 2025 year end.

🔹 19 October – PAYE/NIC payments and CIS return/payment deadline. PAYE/NIC payments made electronically are due by 22 October.

🔹 31 October – Deadline for filing a paper 2025–26 Self Assessment tax return.

Missing a tax deadline can result in unnecessary penalties and interest, so it pays to stay organised.

Need help keeping your accounts and tax affairs on track? Get in touch with B W Whiffin & Co.

📞 01376 570171
📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.whiffin.co.uk

🚗 Are you claiming the correct tax relief for work mileage?

If you use your own vehicle for business journeys, you may be able to receive tax-free mileage payments from your employer.

Since 6 April 2026, HMRC's approved mileage rate for cars and vans is:

✔ 55p per mile for the first 10,000 business miles
✔ 25p per mile after 10,000 miles
✔ 24p per mile for motorcycles
✔ 20p per mile for bicycles

If your employer pays less than the approved amount, you may be able to claim Mileage Allowance Relief on the difference.

There's also an additional 5p per mile allowance where you carry fellow employees as passengers on qualifying business journeys.

Keeping accurate records of your business mileage is essential to make sure you're claiming the right amount.

📞 01376 570171
📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.whiffin.co.uk

📅 Budget date announced

The next UK Budget has been confirmed for Wednesday 28 October 2026, when the Chancellor will set out the Government's latest plans for the economy and public finances.

The Budget will be published alongside updated forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), with businesses and individuals watching closely for any announcements affecting tax, spending and the wider economy.

With the date now in the diary, we'll be keeping a close eye on developments and what any changes could mean for our clients.

📞 01376 570171
📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.whiffin.co.uk

🚲 Could your business offer tax-free bikes to employees?

The Cycle to Work scheme can provide employees with bicycles and cycling equipment as a tax-efficient benefit, while encouraging a healthier and more sustainable commute.

Provided the conditions are met:
✔ Bikes and eligible safety equipment can be provided tax-free
✔ Electric bikes can qualify too
✔ Employees can still use the bike for leisure
✔ There is no Income Tax or National Insurance charge on the benefit
✔ Employers don't need to report the qualifying benefit to HMRC

The bike must mainly be used for qualifying journeys, such as travelling between home and work, and the scheme must generally be available to employees.

For businesses looking at ways to enhance their employee benefits package, Cycle to Work could be well worth considering.

📞 01376 570171
📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.whiffin.co.uk

🏡 Making the most of the £1,000 property allowance

Do you earn a small amount of income from property? The £1,000 property allowance could mean some or all of it is tax-free.

If your total gross property income is £1,000 or less in a tax year, you generally won't need to report it to HMRC, provided you're eligible for the allowance.

If you earn more than £1,000, you can usually choose between:
✔ Deducting the £1,000 property allowance
✔ Claiming your actual allowable expenses instead

And if a property is jointly owned, each owner may be entitled to their own £1,000 allowance against their share of the income.

There are exceptions, so the allowance isn't suitable in every situation. If you're receiving rental or other property-related income and aren't sure what you can claim, we can help you understand your options.

📞 01376 570171
📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.whiffin.co.uk

💡 Five practical ways to reduce business energy costs

Energy prices may have eased, but they remain a significant cost for many businesses. A few simple changes can make a real difference to your bottom line.

Start by:
✔ Reviewing your energy bills to identify usage patterns
✔ Switching to LED lighting and using motion sensors where appropriate
✔ Servicing heating and air conditioning systems regularly
✔ Turning off equipment instead of leaving it on standby
✔ Comparing energy tariffs before your contract renews

For longer-term savings, it may also be worth considering energy-efficient equipment or renewable technologies.

Small changes made consistently can help reduce overheads, improve cash flow and protect your business against future energy price rises.

📞 01376 570171
📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.whiffin.co.uk