Finance focus 2026: Key insights for business owners and finance leaders

More than ever, businesses are having to make decisions against a backdrop of changing tax legislation, evolving accounting standards and continued economic uncertainty.

These issues came into sharp focus in July when we held two Finance Focus webinars, one for finance directors and their teams and the other for business owners, and our experts shared insights into the legislative, financial and commercial changes shaping decision-making today. While each webinar was tailored to a different audience, common themes emerged: early planning, informed decision-making and joined-up advice are more valuable than ever.

Planning ahead

Finance Focus for Business Owners opened with its own poll which set the tone for the morning: 42% of attendees described their business as established and stable, and a further 37% as growing. Relatively few business owners appear to be actively preparing for sale or succession.

From 6 April 2026, the rules around Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) changed materially. 100% relief is now capped at £2.5 million per individual (transferable between spouses), with 50% relief above that threshold. AIM shares fare worse, with Inheritance Tax (IHT) relief cut to 50% and with no equivalent allowance.

Pensions add a further layer of urgency. Currently outside the scope of IHT, pension funds will be drawn into the IHT net from April 2027. Our wealth planning team urged attendees to revisit their expression of wishes now, warning that some existing arrangements, spousal bypass trusts being just one example, will themselves become liable to inheritance tax under the new rules.

The advice was consistent throughout: know what your lifestyle actually costs to fund and build a plan around that figure. Keep wills and powers of attorney current, lean on our joined-up advisory team spanning tax, legal and wealth planning, and revisit your plan regularly.

For owners weighing succession, sale or simply protecting what they’ve built, the message was equally clear: act on the current rules now because the window for planning under them is closing.

Supporting finance directors through increasing complexity

Corporate tax rates may have remained stable, but Finance Focus for finance directors made clear that stability at a headline level mask growing complexity underneath.

Quarterly Instalment Payments (QIPs) are catching fast-growing groups out earlier than expected: one case study showed a group, with one company tripping the QIPs threshold , resulting in three tax payments landing in a single year and materially affecting cashflow. Materially higher HMRC late-payment interest rates raise the cost of getting the timing of tax payments wrong.

On audit, audit quality remains firmly in regulators’ sights. New standards on fraud and going concern mean auditors are asking more detailed questions earlier, particularly on cashflow forecasting and downside scenarios. Businesses with well-structured digital data are best placed to benefit as AI and data analytics reshape how audits are delivered.

Internationally, widening transfer pricing rules and a mandatory shift to territorial taxation of permanent establishments from 2027 all add to the compliance load.

A section on financial risk management captured most attention, setting out the red flags finance leaders should watch for – declining dividend reserves, mounting tax liabilities, over-reliance on short-term borrowing – and the discipline of monitoring and documented decision-making that should follow.

A common message

Although the audiences differed, both our sessions reinforced the same message: businesses that review their position regularly, seek advice early and understand the changing regulatory landscape are best placed to protect value and seize new opportunities.

Whether the priority is succession planning, tax structuring or audit readiness, the businesses best placed to act are those already having these conversations early and well before a deadline forces the issue.

Our Finance Focus series forms part of our ongoing commitment to helping businesses make informed decisions through practical insight, expert guidance and timely advice.

Watch the recordings on demand

If you were unable to join us live, both Finance Focus webinars are now available to watch on demand: 

• Finance focus for business owners 
• Finance focus for finance directors

The recordings provide practical guidance and can be viewed at a time that suits you. If you would like to discuss any of the topics covered or have any questions, please get in touch.