1 March 2025 – Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 31 May 2024.

2 March 2025 – Self-Assessment tax for 2023-24 paid after this date will incur a 5% surcharge unless liabilities are cleared by 1 April 2025, or an agreement has been reached with HMRC under their time to pay facility by the same date.

19 March 2025 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 March 2025 (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 March 2025).

19 March 2025 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly return for the month ended 5 March 2025.

19 March 2025 – CIS tax deducted for the month ended 5 March 2025 is payable by today.

1 April 2025 – Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 30 June 2024.

19 April 2025 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 April 2025. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 April 2025).

19 April 2025 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly return for the month ended 5 April 2025.

19 April 2025 – CIS tax deducted for the month ended 5 April 2025 is payable by today.

30 April 2025 – 2023-24 tax returns filed after this date will be subject to an additional £10 per day late filing penalty for a maximum of 90 days.

The UK is making significant strides in promoting gender equality within its top companies. According to the latest FTSE Women Leaders Review, women now occupy over 43% of board positions across FTSE 350 companies, marking a notable increase from previous years. This progress underscores the UK’s commitment to fostering inclusive leadership and harnessing the diverse perspectives that women bring to the boardroom.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, emphasised the importance of this development, stating that while the UK leads in gender equality in boardrooms, continuous efforts are necessary to dismantle barriers preventing women from ascending to decision-making roles. Her sentiments highlight the ongoing need to ensure that top talent, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive in leadership positions, thereby driving economic growth across the nation.

Minister for Investment, Baroness Gustafsson OBE, reflected on her personal experience, noting that strong female voices inspire positive change within organisations by introducing new ideas and adding greater value. Her insights reinforce the notion that diverse leadership not only benefits company culture but also contributes to enhanced business performance.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. The number of female CEOs in FTSE 350 companies has slightly decreased, with only 19 women holding such positions, down from 20 the previous year. This indicates that while board representation is improving, translating this progress into executive leadership roles requires sustained focus and action.

The government’s Plan for Change places equal opportunities for women at its core, recognising that inclusive leadership is pivotal for a dynamic economy. By collaborating with businesses to promote women into key roles such as Chairs and CEOs, the UK aims to unlock billions in economic growth and set a global standard for gender equality in corporate governance.

In summary, the UK’s dedication to increasing female representation in leadership positions is yielding positive results. However, continued efforts are essential to ensure that this momentum extends beyond boardrooms into the highest executive roles, fostering an environment where talent and innovation can flourish irrespective of gender.

On 24th February 2025, the Arbitration Act received Royal Assent, marking a significant milestone in modernising dispute resolution in England and Wales. This new legislation is set to bolster the UK’s position as a global leader in arbitration, attracting more international businesses and investments.

Arbitration offers companies a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to traditional court proceedings, reducing legal fees and easing tensions between disputing parties. Each year, over 5,000 domestic and international arbitrations take place in England and Wales, contributing at least £2.5 billion to the UK economy in fees alone. With the new Act, the UK aims to outpace competitors like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Paris, ensuring it remains the top choice for legal services worldwide.

Minister for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman KC MP, highlighted the importance of this development, stating that the UK’s legal sector contributes billions to the economy and employs hundreds of thousands across the country. She emphasised that companies worldwide look to the UK for legal services and dispute resolution, and this new Act ensures that arbitration law keeps the country ahead, supporting economic growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

The Arbitration Act introduces several key reforms to make the process fairer and more efficient:

• Simplified Procedures: Streamlining arbitration processes to reduce costs and time for businesses.
• Protection for Arbitrators: Safeguarding arbitrators from unreasonable lawsuits, encouraging impartial decision-making.
• Enhanced Emergency Arbitration: Strengthening court powers to support urgent arbitration, facilitating timely decisions in critical situations.

The international arbitration sector has seen substantial growth, with industry estimates indicating a 26% increase between 2016 and 2020. Over the past decade, UK exports of legal services have risen by more than 80%, underscoring the global demand for British legal expertise.

Cristen Bauer, Head of Policy at the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, expressed enthusiasm for the Act’s enactment. She noted that the Institute worked closely with the UK Law Commission during the review of the previous Arbitration Act 1996, and many of their recommendations were incorporated into the final report. Bauer believes the new Act will strengthen London’s position as a premier arbitration hub and set high international standards.

In summary, the Arbitration Act 2025 is poised to enhance the UK’s legal framework, making arbitration more accessible and efficient for businesses worldwide. This development not only reinforces the UK’s reputation in the legal arena but also promises significant economic benefits by attracting global enterprises to resolve their disputes on British shores.