January is always a busy and important month for business owners, with lots to get your head around and plans which must be made to hit the ground running for the year ahead. This sentiment particularly rings true in 2025 – a year which follows a period of mass upheaval and announcements set to directly affect employers. 

2024 saw a change in government and a complex Autumn Budget which brought news of a range of tax rises for employers. Most of these changes are scheduled to be fully implemented this year and this means that there are a number of key dates for business owners to be aware of in 2025. To help you prepare effectively, we have compiled a list of these noteworthy events and deadlines in this article.

1st February – Alcohol Duty Changes

One of the first key dates for business owners in 2025 is the 1st February, when significant changes to Alcohol Duty come into effect following announcements in the Autumn Budget.

The duty on draught alcohol products will decrease by 1.7% offering some much-needed relief to hospitality businesses grappling with other tax hikes. However, this benefit is counterbalanced by a rise in duty for non-draught alcohol, which will increase in line with the Retail Price Index. Business owners in the hospitality sector will therefore need to factor these changes into pricing strategies and cash flow planning sooner rather than later to avoid any nasty surprises. 

25th March – Spring Budget

Before many of the changes from the Autumn Budget have even fully taken effect, the government is set to deliver its Spring Budget on the 25th March. 

This is another key date for business owners to watch, as the Spring Budget will almost definitely bring further reforms or adjustments and inform your diary for the second half of the calendar year. Based on previous announcements, it is likely that the Spring Budget will continue to focus on economic recovery and addressing public spending shortfalls. It may also revise or update some of the deadlines and measures we have laid out in this article so staying informed and flexible in your financial planning will be crucial as this date approaches. 

1st April – National Minimum Wage Increase

April always marks the start of the new tax year, which naturally means a wave of changes for business owners to be aware of. The first notable adjustment is an increase in National Minimum Wage rates, effective from 1st April.

Employees aged 21 and over will see their hourly pay rise to £12.21, while those aged 18-20 will earn a minimum of £10 per hour. Apprentices also benefit from an 18% increase in pay. For employers, this is a significant cost to account for in workplace budgets and steps may need to be taken to mitigate the impact.

6th April – Changes To Employer National Insurance Contributions

Another major change taking effect in April is the reform of Employer National Insurance contributions. Along with the need to pay staff more, from 6th April, the rate at which employers pay National Insurance will increase from 13.8% to 15%. Additionally, the salary threshold at which employers must start paying National Insurance will drop from £9,100 to £5,000.

While this represents an increased burden for many, small business owners should be mindful that there is some relief available. The employment allowance will rise from £5,000 to £10,500 so be certain to check eligibility ahead of time and ahead of implementing any mitigating cost-saving measures. 

6th April – Business Rate Relief Introduced

Also taking effect on the 6th April is the introduction of a new business rate relief scheme. Businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors will be able to claim 40% relief on business rates, up to a maximum of £110,000. 

For business owners with premises located in high-cost locations or areas significantly affected by the drop in footfall which characterised 2024, this relief provides an opportunity to offset some of the other financial pressures coming into play this year. Take time to review your eligibility and ensure you’re ready to apply for this valuable support. 

6th April – Capital Gains Tax Allowances Changed

One of the standout announcements from the Autumn Budget was the adjustment to Capital Gains Tax allowances, with further changes scheduled for the 6th April.

While a rate increase from 10% to 18% (and 20% to 24% for higher-rate taxpayers) has already taken effect, April introduces higher rates for assets qualifying under Business Asset Disposal Relief and Investors’ Relief. Disposals made after 6th April 2025 will be taxed at 14%, rising to 18% in 2026. For business owners considering a Members Voluntary Liquidation or other asset disposal, acting before 6th April may therefore save thousands in tax liability. 

TBC in October – Autumn Budget

For now, the final significant date to note for 2025 is the as-yet-unconfirmed Autumn Budget in October. Although exact details will not be confirmed until later in the calendar year, the Spring Budget and the implementation of April’s reforms will likely shape this Budget’s direction.

Need Support?

Navigating these key dates for business owners is one of the biggest challenges you will face in 2025. From managing increased payroll costs to optimising asset disposal, the year ahead brings both significant challenges and opportunities.

If any of the above dates are of concern to your business, and you need advice about how to prepare or the appropriate steps to take, Ballard Business Recovery can help. With extensive experience advising businesses in financial difficulty, our business rescue experts are best positioned to guide you through a challenging 2025. Contact us today to find out more.