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UK seeks business views on response to US tariffs
Government begins process seeking business views on response to US tariffs
UK/Viet Nam: Free Trade Agreement
This treaty was presented to Parliament in April 2025.
How AI Is Fueling Creative Innovation for Startups Abroad
When most people think about starting a business overseas, their minds immediately jump to logistics: registering the company, navigating local laws, and finding office space. But one of the most exciting (and often overlooked) aspects of expanding internationally is tapping into the global pool of innovation especially in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI).
Support for UK businesses helping to rebuild Ukraine
Department for Business and Trade (DBT) initiatives to support UK businesses helping to rebuild critical infrastructure in Ukraine.
Now is the time to generate growth together with India
£400m of trade and investment wins from UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue set to boost the British economy.
Defined Benefit Pensions: VAT recovery changes
HMRC has announced changes to the VAT recovery position of employers who pay Value Added Tax (VAT) on services relating to the administration and management of a defined benefit pension plan.
This represents a major change for the UK VAT treatment of pension fund managers’ costs.
In certain circumstances, employers can recover the costs associated with the setting up and day-to-day management of the pension fund; however the opportunity does not extend to include the recovery of VAT on ‘investment activity costs’.
The prospective changes are likely to represent an additional cost to employers in running their pension funds, as well as an opportunity for employers to consider their current pension arrangements - particularly as most UK pensions operate under a trust.
Of course, the majority of UK pension plans are 'defined contribution' arrangements (rather than 'defined benefit'), so this change is only likely to affect larger employers with historic plans.