Author: Glenn

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court clarified the legal interpretation of the words ‘sex’, ‘woman’ and ‘man’ in Sections 11 and 212(1) of the Equality Act (EA) 2010 with respect to gender reassignment and sexual discrimination following a challenge by For Women Scotland (FWS), a leading feminist organisation. FWS had challenged the statutory guidance issued by the Scottish Ministers under the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018 which stipulated that a trans woman with a full Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) should be treated as a woman for the purposes of achieving the gender representation objective of 50% women on public boards. FWS argued that this interpretation was unlawful and outside the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament. FWS contended that the definition of a ‘woman’ under the EA 2010 refers to biological sex, and a trans woman with a GRC is not a woman under this Act, while the Scottish Ministers argued that woman refers to ‘certificated sex’.

The Supreme Court unanimously allows the appeal and ruled that the terms “man”, “woman” and “sex” in the EA 2010 refer to biological sex citing the centrality of a woman’s capacity for pregnancy and giving birth, declaring that such provisions are “unworkable unless 'man' and 'woman' have a biological meaning”. Crucially, they further noted that the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 defines a ‘man’ and ‘woman’ in relation to biological sex and that “interpreting 'sex' as certificated sex would cut across the definitions of “man” and “woman” and thus the protected characteristic of sex in an incoherent way [thus] creating heterogeneous groupings.”

This decision has significant implications for the interpretation of anti-discrimination law, ensuring that the protections afforded by the EA 2010 are applied consistently and coherently. Although this case is not an employment case, prima facie, the ruling will impact separate-sex and single-sex services and will have important implications for gender pay gap reporting. However, this judgement should not be regarded as diminishing the protections afforded to trans employees in relation to discrimination, harassment, and victimisation on the grounds of gender reassignment. Employers must continue to create a workplace that is inclusive and respectful of trans employees. However, for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010, they will not be recognised on the basis of their certified sex.

Running a business involves wearing many hats. Whether you are just starting out or looking to grow, developing the right skills can make all the difference. Here are ten practical skills that will help you manage your business with greater confidence and success.

1. Financial literacy
Understanding your numbers is vital. Learn how to read basic accounts, track cash flow, calculate profit margins, and understand tax obligations. This allows better decision-making and helps avoid costly surprises.

2. Time management
Managing your time well means focusing on what matters most. Learn to plan your day, delegate when needed, and avoid distractions so you can keep your business moving forward.

3. Leadership
Whether you employ staff or work with freelancers, good leadership helps you bring out the best in others. Clear direction, honest communication and the ability to motivate people all matter.

4. Problem-solving
Every business faces challenges. Building the habit of thinking through problems calmly, exploring options, and finding practical solutions will save time and reduce stress.

5. Basic marketing
You do not need to be a marketing expert, but you should understand the basics. Learn how to identify your ideal customer, promote your services, and use tools like social media or email newsletters effectively.

6. Sales skills
Being able to explain the value of your product or service, handle objections, and close deals is essential. Sales is not about pressure – it is about confidence and clarity.

7. Negotiation
Whether agreeing prices with suppliers or finalising a contract, negotiation skills can lead to better deals and long-term relationships.

8. Digital confidence
Modern businesses depend on digital tools. Learn how to use accounting software, manage online bookings or orders, and keep data safe. Embracing technology saves time and improves accuracy.

9. Strategic thinking
This means stepping back from daily tasks and thinking about where your business is going. Set goals, measure progress, and review what is working – and what is not.

10. Adaptability
Markets change, rules change, and customer needs evolve. Being open to new ideas and willing to adjust your approach is what keeps businesses alive and thriving.

Developing these skills takes time, but each one will give you more control and clarity in running your business.

Before you agree to buy a business, it is essential to carry out due diligence. This means carefully checking the facts and risks so that you can make an informed decision. Here is a basic checklist to guide you through the process.

1. Review financial records
Ask for at least three years’ worth of accounts, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and tax returns. Make sure the figures are consistent and professionally prepared. Check for signs of financial difficulty, falling profits, or unusual expenses.

2. Check VAT, PAYE and tax compliance
Request confirmation that the business is up to date with VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax and Self-Assessment filings. Ask to see HMRC correspondence and payment records to ensure there are no outstanding liabilities.

3. Look at cash flow and working capital
A profitable business may still have cash flow issues. Review recent bank statements, aged debtor and creditor reports, and understand how money flows in and out of the business.

4. Understand what is being sold
Clarify what you are buying – assets, goodwill, stock, customer lists, contracts, premises, or an entire company. Make sure the seller has legal ownership of these and that contracts can be transferred.

5. Review key contracts and agreements
Look at customer contracts, supplier terms, leases, loans, and employee contracts. Check for clauses that may affect your ability to continue trading in the same way after purchase.

6. Investigate legal matters
Ask if there are any ongoing legal disputes, unpaid claims, or employment issues. You may need a solicitor to help you with this part of the due diligence.

7. Assess staff arrangements
Find out how many staff are employed, what their roles are, and what their terms and conditions include. You may need to honour these under TUPE regulations.

8. Review systems and processes
Check whether the business has good systems for bookkeeping, payroll, compliance, and customer management. Poor systems may mean extra costs after purchase.

Final advice
Proper due diligence helps protect you from future problems and ensures you are paying a fair price.

Always work with your accountant and solicitor when buying a business.

Turning 55 soon? From April 2028, the minimum pension access age rises to 57. If you are planning to draw your pension, you could take up to 25% tax-free. Make informed choices about your remaining pot, as the rest will usually be taxed as income. Get advice before you act.

Most personal pensions have a minimum age for access, currently set at 55 (this will increase to 57 from 6 April 2028). When you reach this age, you can begin withdrawing from your pension, and some of the benefits can be taken tax-free.

In most cases, you’re entitled to take 25% of your pension pot as a tax-free lump sum, up to a maximum of £268,275. If you have protected allowances, you may be able to take a larger tax-free amount.

In specific circumstances, such as serious illness or where certain lump sum death benefits are paid to your beneficiaries, you or your beneficiaries may be eligible to take up to £1,073,100 tax-free. This is referred to as the Lump Sum and Death Benefit Allowance.

Once you’ve taken your tax-free lump sum, you generally have up to six months to decide how to access the remaining 75%, which is usually taxable. Your options include taking further cash withdrawals, buying an annuity for guaranteed income for life and using flexi-access drawdown to invest and withdraw flexibly.

It’s important to remember that pension income (beyond any tax-free amounts) is treated as earned income and taxed under standard Income Tax rules. This includes income from your personal pension, State Pension, employment, or other taxable sources.

From 6 April 2025, the remittance basis for non-doms is abolished. A new UK tax regime now applies to non-domiciled individuals, focused solely on residence. New arrivals can benefit from a 4-year exemption on foreign income and gains, but action is needed. CGT rebasing, Overseas Workday Relief, and a limited-time 12%–15% repatriation facility could all offer planning opportunities. Review your position now.

Since 6 April 2025, significant changes to the UK tax status for non-UK domiciled individuals have come into force. The remittance basis of taxation has been abolished, and a simplified, residence-based regime is now in place. This marks a fundamental shift in how foreign income and gains (FIG) are taxed for individuals living in the UK.

Under the new system, a 4-year FIG regime has been introduced. Individuals newly arriving in the UK, who have not been UK tax residents in the previous ten consecutive years, can claim 100% tax relief on their foreign income and gains for their first four years of UK residence.

To ease the transition, Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rebasing is available. Those who previously used the remittance basis may rebase personally held foreign assets to their 5 April 2017 value, subject to conditions.

Overseas Workday Relief has also been extended to a four-year term, matching the FIG regime. From now on, this relief no longer requires employment income to remain offshore.

A Temporary Repatriation Facility (TRF) has also been launched. Running for three years from April 2025, it allows individuals taxed under the old remittance rules to bring in pre-reform foreign income and gains at reduced tax rates—12% for the first two years and 15% in the final year. This includes income and gains held in trust structures that were previously untaxed.