A Spring Statement & the Middle East in flames – but what else has happened closer to home?

One thing March has shown us is that the outlook for any business can fundamentally change within days and weeks. 

This means you have to reconfigure your expectations for the rest of the year and adapt accordingly – which is something of a strength for accountants and the clients they serve. 

There’s been a lot of news over the past month so we’ve gathered together some interesting stories you might have missed together in one place. 

You can also catch up on all the other business and insolvency news stories from the week right here. 

We also have our Accountants Hub so you’ll be able to access the most important and timely insolvency information whenever you need it. 

We’re always keen to hear what you think so please email us at ask@businessrescueexpert.co.uk because we really want to write what you really want to read!

New Chair of Companies House

Dr Ros Rivaz has been appointed as the new Chair of Companies House. She began her role on March 1st, succeeding John Clarke who had been in post since March 2023. 

Dr Rivaz brings extensive leadership experience across the public and private sectors. She currently holds board positions at several organisations including Anglian Water Services and Group, the chemicals company Victrex plc and specialised steel company Aperam SA. She has previously held a range of other board roles including serving as Chair of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

Supported by CEO Andy King, she will lead the Companies House Board as the organisation continues to drive forward the Government’s transparency agenda. 

Dr Rivaz said: “I’m delighted to be appointed as Chair of Companies House.

“We stand at a pivotal moment – our shift to digital, together with the economic crime reforms, gives us the chance to further enhance trust, transparency and compliance.

“Companies House now plays a critical role in safeguarding the UK’s corporate landscape and our digital transformation will be the engine of stronger compliance.”

Chancellor’s Spring Statement Update

The Chancellor gave her Spring Statement earlier in the month which has been buried by the news landslide since but her main points deserve repeating/remembering. 

  • OBR Growth Forecasts

The Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) has cut its growth forecast for this year to 1.1%. However in response to announced changes, the OBR has increased growth forecasts for future years – 1.6% in 2027; 1.6% in 2028; 1.5% in 2029 and 1.5% in 2030. The Chancellor added that the average household is expected to be £1,000 a year better off by the next election (after accounting for inflation).

  • Energy Bills

The government pledged to cut household energy bills by £300 a year by 2030 with Reeves reminding the house in her forecast that energy bills are to be cut by £150 in April (7% reduction in the domestic price cap for households). Although this didn’t take into account the spikes in prices caused by The joint USA/Israel attack on Iran. Additional risks could mean that the cost of energy could go back up when a new price cap is set for the following three months from July.

  • Business rates relief

While no new measures were announced regarding business rates, the OBR forecast did cover how the latest relief package will be funded. Pubs and music venues in England are getting a £300 million support package with a 15% business rates discount for 2026/27 and rates frozen for two further tax years. This is funded by new standard rates, a reduction in relief for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses and inflation. 

  • Fuel Duty and Income Tax freezes

Fuel duty will remain frozen at 5p for every litre of fuel until August 31st 2026 – a measure announced in the 2025 Autumn Budget. The income tax and National Insurance rates are to remain frozen until April 2031.

HMRC plans online only filing of company tax return amendments

Starting next year, companies will only be able to amend tax returns online in another move to modernise corporate tax filings and end the acceptance of amendments by letter. 

From April 1st 2027, it will be mandatory to file amendments to company tax returns online within standard time limits which will affect the 3.2 million firms which currently submit corporation tax returns.

HMRC said: “This change will be extensively communicated prior to this date. Companies submitting amendments to returns via correspondence after this date will be asked to submit their amended return online.”

There are some statutory exemptions such as companies in insolvency (although companies closed through a Members Voluntary Liquidation (MVL) would have to submit electronically) or those run by individuals whose beliefs are incompatible with the use of electronic communications.

Why accountants hold the key to the UK’s productivity problems 

Frederik Vinten, Grant Thornton’s new Chief Commercial Officer, outlines why he thinks professional services firms have a crucial role to play in improving the UK’s stagnant productivity trajectory.

He thinks that government policy is limited in its aim to promote growth. He said: “The Spring Budget may have been positioned as support for growth, but in practice it offered little that will meaningfully shift the UK’s stagnant productivity trajectory.”

He defined productivity as: “Productivity has never been about working harder; it’s about working smarter. Organisations perform best when their people are supported by clear processes, modern systems and leadership behaviours that enable great work.

“If the UK is to make real progress, it needs a new type of collaboration between government, industry and professional services. Governments can set direction and provide targeted incentives, while businesses can invest in modernising how they work. 

“Accountants and professional service firms are uniquely placed to bridge the gap – translating ambition into practical, lasting change. 

“We can help organisations adopt new technologies in ways that genuinely improve performance, We can build leadership capability that endures. We can support shifts in culture and behaviour that unlock the full potential of people and teams. Critically, we can share insights across sectors, identifying what works and scaling it more widely. Productivity isn’t a challenge any one actor can solve. It demands coordinated action, and our sector must be an active contributor.

“Professional services have both the insight and the influence to drive meaningful progress if they’re willing to evolve and step into a broader role. What businesses need now is not another set of recommendations, but partners who can help them build the confidence, capability and resilience to deliver lasting change themselves.”