Niels Bohr — “Prediction is difficult, especially if it’s about the future.”

SHW has today entered into a definitive merger agreement with Bonsors Penningtons to expand its reach across the South West London region.

Leading law firm Cripps has launched its first-ever Impact Report, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and accountability, as a purpose-driven business. The report, unveiled as part of B Corp Month, outlines the firm’s achievements since becoming B Corp certified in December 2023 and sets ambitious goals for the future. Cripps’ Impact Report formalises the firm’s dedication to making a positive and lasting difference to the lives and businesses of its clients, people, communities, and the environment. By embedding purpose into its strategy and daily operations, Cripps aims to lead by example in the legal sector and beyond. Key highlights from the Impact Report The report showcases Cripps’ progress across four core pillars: Clients: Demonstrating how Cripps goes beyond solving legal challenges to act as a trusted adviser, making a meaningful impact on clients’ lives and businesses. 91% of its clients say Cripps understand their objectives, and 83% feel they genuinely care. By 2027, Cripps will develop a methodology to measure the positive difference it makes to its clients through legal services. People: Highlighting how Cripps fosters a purpose-driven workplace, to attract and retain top talent aligned with its values. The firm wants to enable easier access to the legal profession and currently has 15 solicitor or paralegal apprentices, four of whom earned law degrees with the firm’s support in 2024. Cripps wants to make the legal profession accessible to all and will be joining the Social Mobility Employer Index in 2025. Planet: Cripps has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability including improvements in carbon reporting across all sources of emissions. The firm’s leadership in the Legal Climate Forum further underscores its proactive stance on environmental issues. Cripps has reduced its own carbon emissions by 25% per employee and has introduced a new car-sharing program to reduce further. Additionally, the firm co-founded Amplifi – an initiative of 180 local business working to address the complexities of sustainability together. Cripps has been transparent with their progress towards net zero, publishing their carbon footprint report on their website. Community: Showcasing Cripps’ engagement in pro bono work, partnerships with schools and charities, and local initiatives that support social causes, amounting to over £200k, or 2% of profit. Cripps will allocate an annual allowance per employee for pro bono and volunteering time to achieve 5000 hours of positive impact in 2026. James Beatton, managing partner at Cripps, commented, “For us as leaders, and for all our people, we are motivated by wanting to be the difference for our clients and in our communities, each other and in our natural world. In all our interactions, we ask ourselves how we can give more than we take, and create a positive and lasting impact.” A call for collective action Cripps’ report serves as a call to action for other responsible businesses to collaborate in addressing social and environmental challenges. The firm embraces the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence, recognising that long-term success depends on shared efforts and collective responsibility. “Our purpose is to solve problems and champion ambitions, while making a positive and lasting difference. It’s about more than delivering exceptional client service—it’s about driving meaningful change,” said Mike Scott, senior partner at Cripps. “We invite like-minded businesses to join us to use business to create a more inclusive and regenerative economy. Together, we can create a thriving future for all.”  Read the Cripps 2024 Impact Report.

How best to navigate the complexities of the current tax and investment landscape in a volatile economic environment?

A recent survey from Helen Tuddenham Consulting, “Nurturing And Retaining Talent”, discovered that only half of organisations had tried Executive Coaching as a means to solving their leadership and business challenges. The reasons given for not investing in executive coaching varied but included cost, expected return on investment, and whether it would work in smaller organisations. Other barriers preventing organisations from proceeding include confusing and off-putting terminology, difficulties finding high-quality coaches, and a lack of accreditation and regulation in the sector. A small minority in our survey also had experience with clients not engaging in the coaching process. Yet, for those who take the plunge, the results can be transformative. Every organisation that had used executive coaching in the survey had seen benefits, and nearly half had seen direct increases in profitability as a result. This is backed up by other research showing that when done well, executive coaching can produce tangible benefits to a company's bottom line. MetrixGlobal found that this return could be up to 529% in some circumstances. To support organisations wanting to take the plunge and reap the benefits for themselves, we have published a guide that addresses some concerns and myths, explains the factors you need to consider, and takes you through a step-by-step process for making the most of your investment. Although the original research was with professional services firms, “Transforming Leaders: A Practical Guide to Coaching for Organisations” is designed for businesses of any size or industry that have yet to embark on their coaching journey. You can download a copy of the report here or to find out more, get in touch using the details below.   helen@helentuddenhamconsulting.com www.helentuddenhamconsulting.com/for-organisations

Spring Statement March 2025 Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, held the Spring Statement on Wednesday 26 March 2025. In the run up to the event, the Chancellor stated that she ‘remains committed to one major fiscal event a year to give families and businesses stability and certainty on upcoming tax and spending changes and, in turn, to support the government’s growth mission’. The Chancellor did meet her commitment that there would be no major tax announcements, but tax is only one side of the equation. The other is spending, and the Spring Statement confirmed a number of the measures recently announced, namely: • Cuts to the welfare state • Cuts to the civil service • Increase in defence spending There were also announcements about the rollout of the Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax project which are covered later in this document.

Recent reports have shown that around 17,000 British citizens owned approximately 22,000 properties in Dubai as of Spring 2022. However, data suggests that only 1,900 UK tax residents reported let property profits from a Dubai property in their 2021/2022 tax returns. Given that many of these property owners will have let out their properties rather than kept them solely for private use, many of these individuals will likely have had tax reporting requirements in the UK. If you're UK tax resident and own, or have owned, property in Dubai, it's important to consider whether you need to disclose your let property profits to HMRC.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a crucial technology, with companies eager to integrate it into their operations. Microsoft Copilot for 365 is a powerful assistant that can meet various business needs. This article addresses common questions about Copilot.

Thinking of buying a commercial property? This guide breaks down commercial mortgages in a friendly, easy-to-understand way. We'll cover what they are, how to qualify, and key things to consider, helping you navigate the process with confidence.

SHW has completed the sale of the freehold interests in three South East warehouses, for a total of c. £6.3 million.

SHW has advised law firm Birketts LLP on its expansion at One Suffolk Way in Sevenoaks, Kent, as part of the firm’s continued growth across the South East region.

With the UK government revising company size thresholds from 6 April 2025, businesses should assess how these changes could impact their financial reporting and regulatory obligations.

Combining data with AI empowers SMBs to unlock valuable insights, automate tasks, and personalise customer experiences. This dynamic duo provides a competitive edge, enhances productivity, and drives better decision-making, revolutionising the way SMBs operate.

Are you eager to enhance your digital marketing skills or dive deep into the world of Adobe's creative software? Look no further than the bootcamps offered by Creative Process Digital. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking to grow your business or an aspiring professional eager to land a job in the competitive digital world or an employer who can see the benefit of giving their employees some extra training to develop their skills, our bootcamps have got you covered.

South East businesses looking to expand overseas can now navigate the financial complexities of international trade by tapping into a global support alliance through Carpenter Box accountants.

There are some dramatic changes coming into Private Rented Sector in the form of the Renters Rights Bill which are set to be the biggest shake up of the sector for decades.

SHW has secured two new occupiers for Capital Industrial’s Connaught Business Centre on Malham Road, Forest Hill.

The Video Skills Bootcamp is a face-to-face training programme designed to give you professional competence in video editing and film production. It uses the latest industry software and equipment.   Training is at the Creative Process video production studio on Kensington Street in the heart of North Laines with our film industry trainers.   Schedule: All sessions are 10:00-17:00, Courses run for 2 days per week for 8 weeks either on Tuesday and Wednesday or Thursday and Friday’   What are Video Skills Bootcamps? Video Skills Bootcamps are training room-based courses that offer the next level up for those who have already completed our Video Accelerator or have more than basic production skills. It will teach you how to take the next step towards a successful video/editing career. Whether you are a YouTuber, Insta-reeler, vlogger, business owner or aspiring filmmaker, you will learn how to make professional videos with this course.   Video Skills Bootcamps at a glance: You will cover everything from coming up with great video ideas, executing them in production and post-production, and distributing them to a wide audience online via smartphone, DSLR, or professional camera. Why Choose Us?   It’s Free: The programme offers £2,500 worth of free training if you are self-employed/freelance or unemployed. SMEs pay a 10% contribution. Large employers pay 30%.   Sign up today  - https://www.freedigitalskills.co.uk/apply-now-video-bootcamp

If you're looking to integrate sustainable energy solutions into your energy management plan, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) offer a great opportunity to drive decarbonisation without the need for significant upfront capital investment in infrastructure. However, securing these long-term contracts requires expertise and careful handling.

Managing debt can be a challenge. There’s one simple strategy that can save you thousands of pounds in the long run. This strategy is overpaying your loan. Whether it’s a mortgage, business loan, or property finance, paying more than the minimum required each month can be advantageous. You can reduce the interest paid over time. It also helps in clearing the debt faster.