The 2024 Autumn Budget has introduced several impactful changes for businesses in the UK, from increased labour costs to new tax obligations. For many businesses, these changes pose both immediate and long-term challenges that could strain profitability and disrupt growth plans. In this shifting fiscal landscape, robust financial and strategic planning is more essential than ever. Planning not only equips businesses to adapt to these specific changes but also builds resilience, allowing them to anticipate future challenges and make informed decisions that strengthen their position in the market. By actively planning around these budget impacts, businesses can safeguard their financial stability, respond proactively to rising costs, and seize opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked.
Key Budget Changes
- National Minimum Wage Increase (NMW)
From April 2025, the NMW will rise from £11.44 to £12.21 per hour, a 6.7% increase, aimed at supporting over three million workers. While beneficial for employees, this change brings increased labour costs.
- Employer National Insurance Contributions
The main rate of class 1 employer national insurance contributions (NICs) will be increased from 13.8% to 15.0% with effect from 6 April 2025 and the secondary threshold
at which NICs are payable will be reduced from £9,100 to £5,000, meaning more employees will fall within the taxable bracket, and increasing the overall cost of employment.
- Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR)
The main rates of capital gains tax will increase with immediate effect to 18% for non and basic rate taxpayers and 24% for higher and additional rate taxpayers. The rate for business asset disposal relief will rise to 14% for 2025/26 and 18% from 2026/27. These adjustments will reduce net proceeds for business owners considering asset sales and could influence the timing of disposals.
Strategic and Financial Planning Considerations
1. Comprehensive Financial Review
Conducting a detailed financial review is a vital first step. Examine cash flows, overhead costs, and capital reserves to get a clear picture of your current financial health. Assess profit margins across different areas of the business, identifying high-cost, low-return segments that may benefit from cost-saving initiatives. This review should help you anticipate the impact of the budget and adjust accordingly. Consider working with a suitable advisor or using advanced financial tools for deeper insights.
2. Budgeting
With changes in employment and tax obligations, revisit your budgets and forecasts to align with the anticipated increase in expenses. This includes adjusting payroll to account for minimum wage hikes and National Insurance contributions increases. Evaluate each expense category for potential cost-cutting opportunities while ensuring that essential spending related to revenue generation and core operations remains prioritised. Establish a process for regular expense audits, as these help track the effectiveness of cost-saving measures and identify new opportunities for improvement. Regularly revisiting your budget will ensure that you remain financially flexible, enabling you to adapt quickly.
3. Pricing Strategy Evaluation
Rising labour and tax costs may necessitate adjustments to your pricing strategy. Begin by understanding how your customers might respond to price changes—if demand is relatively inelastic, a slight increase may be absorbed without loss of business. Transparent communication around price adjustments can foster customer trust, helping to retain loyalty as your business adapts to rising costs.
4. Tax Planning
With higher Capital Gains Tax rates and adjusted National Insurance contributions, effective tax planning is now critical. Consulting with a tax professional can help you identify reliefs or deductions applicable to your business. Consider strategic timing for asset sales, as the phased increases in BADR rates could influence when to make disposals.
5. Employee Engagement
Higher employment costs highlight the importance of fostering productivity and morale within your workforce. Engage employees with options such as flexible working arrangements or performance-based incentives. Upskilling programs can improve productivity and potentially reduce the need for additional hires. Transparent communication around company goals and financial health can also build loyalty, encouraging employees to suggest process improvements or cost-saving ideas. A motivated workforce is more likely to remain engaged, reducing costs and contributing positively to the wider business strategy.
6. Scenario Planning
Scenario planning allows businesses to prepare for different financial outcomes, such as further tax changes or unexpected increases in operational costs. By creating alternative action plans for various scenarios, you can address risks with a proactive approach, reducing the likelihood of disruptions to cash flow or operations. Regularly reviewing and updating scenarios can help identify areas of vulnerability and ensure your business remains resilient in a changing economic landscape.
The Autumn Budget 2024 presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses, emphasising the need for careful financial and strategic planning. By reviewing financials, adjusting budgets, managing costs, and planning for contingencies, businesses can navigate the impacts confidence. Proactive planning will be essential to maintaining stability and fostering growth in an evolving fiscal environment.