The late payment crisis is showing no signs of letting up, as new data shows that 49% of invoices sent by UK small businesses in the past year were paid late - up from 43% the year before.

A new survey of 1,300 businesses by the British Chambers of Commerce has found that small firms across the UK continue to struggle with recruitment and staff retention.

The UK tax body HMRC has clarified the rules about five common misconceptions around registering for self-assessment and paying tax as a self-employed worker.

HMRC is writing to those it believes have undeclared income from the breeding of animals, including dogs and cats.

The number of workers on zero-hours contracts has increased by 288% since 2020; however, plans by the government to crack down on unfair zero-hours contracts are likely to affect small businesses across the UK.

Small business growth plans could boost the UK economy by more than £40bn, according to new research.

Experts report that small firms are being targeted by scammers, known as "ghost brokers", that advertise fake insurance deals.

A new report by the British Chambers of Commerce concludes that UK government contracts are "out of reach" for most small businesses.

The majority of UK SMEs are still not using artificial intelligence, despite a growing acceptance by businesses that it will help boost productivity.

The Federation of Small Businesses has welcomed the creation of Skills England by the Labour government but it warns that the new body must not overlook the needs of the UK's 5.5 million small businesses.