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Image: Vehicle theft. Learn about key stats from UK Met Police data, tips for tool theft prevention and how insurance could help
Trades Life

Tool theft in the UK is an all-year problem, Met data shows

UK police tool theft figures show longer days don’t deter thieves, suggesting tradespeople should keep their guard up whatever the…

Image: agency meeting. Ryan Dawson discusses urgent need for HMRC contracted-out services tool for IR35
IR35

A HMRC contracted-out services tool is already long overdue

If the taxman can nip in the bud ‘contracted out’ issues, it would reassure us, APSCo and the CBI. It…

Image: Parliament Street. HMRC rejects calls for CEST-style IR35 tool. Experts react after Employment Status and Intermediaries forum June 2025
IR35

IR35: Contracted-out difficulties don’t justify CEST-style tool, says HMRC

APSCo and Kingsbridge echo the CBI’s call for HMRC to build employers a tool to determine fully contracted-out services (or…

Businessperson discussing contractor status and IR35 determination during a compliance meeting, with paperwork and a laptop on the table
IR35

When IR35 applies, and when two OPW wrongs warrant a right

‘If there’s no intermediary, there’s no place for the Intermediaries legislation.’ Rinse, repeat – appeals Kingsbridge’s Ryan Dawson. If you…

Image: self-employed managing tax. Article discussing decline in taxpayer usage of HMRC CEST tool
IR35

Taxpayer usage of HMRC’s IR35 tool, CEST, plummets

‘Horrific examples’ of taxpayers ‘gaming’ Check Employment Status for Tax (CEST) are being linked to a 73% drop in engagement. …

Image: business shaking hands. Article discusses the recent employer's national insurance contribution changes, day-1 worker rights and the possible impact of hiring strategies
IR35

National Insurance changes & day-1 rights could see shifts in hiring strategies

With the new Labour Government have come many changes (both actioned and announced) including the recent Employer’s National Insurance contributions…

Image of business meeting. Article discussing IR35 blanket bans vs blanket status determinations
IR35

Blanket bans v blanket determinations: what the ‘IR35’ is the difference?

Misunderstood. Misinterpreted. Misinformed. Kingsbridge sets the record straight on three flavours of the same thing; all making PSCs wince.  As…

coloured umbrella photo - experts discuss Joint and Several Liability legislation for umbrella companies and potential for HMRC to 'pick and choose' tax rules
IR35

New umbrella company legislation ‘may see HMRC pick which tax rule, like IR35, fits best’

Kingsbridge learns that framing ‘umbrella company’ too narrowly could lead to loopholes, whereas too widely may trigger a ‘pick and…

Image is Tradesman with tools. Read about tool theft insurance, including what it covers and policy considerations
Trades Life

Tool theft insurance guide: policy insights and tips

Occupational hazards are a given and for tradespeople it can include (unfortunately) tool theft and damage. No matter your trade,…

Rachel Reeves Spending Review 2025 in Parliament. Anthony Mellor comments on shift to fixed-term, no benefit working
Small business insurance

‘Fixed-term, no benefits’ jobs: The new employment boil Labour must lance

Spending Review 2025 just talked tough on workforce casualisation. But beneath the surface bubbles false self-employment masquerading as employment –…