Brexit

The UK is due to leave the EU on 31 October 2019 – or is it?   Frustratingly for businesses, the answer is still 'who knows?'.   The UK will leave the EU automatically on Halloween unless the deadline is extended (again).   UK legislation requires the Prime Minister to seek an extension unless a deal has been agreed and approved by 19 October 2019 (a prospect which currently seems elusive).  But the Prime Minister maintains that we will leave on 31 October come what may.   In the meantime, businesses should ensure they are prepared for the prospect of a no-deal Brexit (which may still happen on 31 October or at a later date). 

SMCR

The Senior Managers and Certification Regime will apply to all FCA-regulated firms from 9 December 2019.   The FCA has made it clear that it expects firms to be compliant from day 1.   A key deadline is submitting Form K, the form that enhanced firms must submit to the FCA identifying the approved persons who will be senior managers under the new regime.  Form K must be submitted by 11.59 pm on 24 November 2019.

Tax changes

Are you preparing for changes to the IR35 rules for self-employed contractors?  Read our detailed guide here.