Also in the news...
London-to-Accra economic growth summit ushers in new era of economic and investment agenda
The British High Commission in Accra, in partnership with the Bank of Ghana, will host the inaugural London-to-Accra Economic Growth Summit on 6 January 2026.
Overcoming Logistics Challenges in International Projects
International industrial projects promise opportunity, but also bring complications. For project leaders, engineers and logistics professionals, the question isn’t whether challenges will arise, but how they’ll be managed. From variable infrastructure to customs compliance, successful delivery across borders requires foresight, flexibility and the right partners.
Switzerland: providing services and travelling for business
Guidance for UK businesses on rules for selling services to Switzerland.
UK lands trade deal with South Korea to boost jobs and exports
UK lands momentous trade deal with South Korea to boost jobs and exports
New laws bring the world of work into the 21st century
Over 15 million people across the UK are expected to benefit as the Employment Rights Act receives Royal Assent.
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.