The impact of COVID-19 on the UK’s retail sector has been devastating, with many retailers having already been forced to close their doors for good. However, this coming month has bought a small chink of light to retailers who have been unable to trade since non-essential stores were ordered to shut up shop.

It’s that time of year again. No, not dry January, but the yearly update from HMRC on the worst excuses they receive from people who failed to submit their tax return on time.

When it comes to setting up your own business, the red tape can be overwhelming. Here are the legal-musts and good-to-haves of business insurance…

Typically referred to as IR35, the Intermediaries Legislation was implemented in 2000 to tackle tax avoidance by contractors who did the work of permanent employees but bill through their services via limited companies.

You browse suitable properties. You arrange a viewing. You’re all set. You call the letting agent to discuss the deposit. Before you know it, you must pay a deposit, one month of rent and ‘referencing fees’ before you’re handed the keys.

A new report by Multiply found some worrying statistics for self-employed people surrounding their pensions and the age in which they’ll be able to retire.

Building a business is a bit like raising a child: you nurture it through the delicate early stages, then all of a sudden the company finds its feet and the risks start multiplying. Scaling up is hugely exciting, but as the pace of trade quickens, it’s easy to feel a bit lost and uncertain about your risk profile. More > "What kinds of business need commercial insurance?"

New figures from the SME Confidence Tracker reveal a boost for small business owners as confidence in SMEs rebounds to levels last seen in 2015. More > "Confidence in SME’s hits highest level since 2015"

From a Picasso that’s travelling across the world for an exhibition, to a Pollock lent to a gallery by a private collector, art travels more than you might think.  And when artworks – in particular high value and fragile pieces – are in transit, insurance becomes a priority. But, what are the concerns affecting the art world when it comes to insurance? More > "Fine art insurance – what do you need to know?"

More and more of us are discovering the joys of working for ourselves, leaving traditional workplaces to become self-employed or start our own small companies. Since 2008, the number of freelancers working in the UK has increased 36% from 1.4million to a staggering 1.91million. More > "Do I need professional indemnity insurance if I’m self-employed?"