Business Costs stories
Finance admin is limiting growth plans for many UK SMEs, even as 56% say they are confident about the year ahead.
Transport and storage firms are easing price plans as only 9.7% expect rises in September, far below the 14.1% sector average.
Nearly a third of UK exporters reported weaker June sales as higher costs and post-Brexit paperwork continued to squeeze margins.
UK SMEs can now spread surplus cash across more than 200 business savings accounts as Flagstone lifts its bank panel to 56.
Food businesses face refund losses and regulatory checks as AI-made complaints and images are increasingly used to allege food safety failings.
An opt-out class action over Google Play fees could see thousands of UK developers seek more than GBP £1 billion in damages.
More than half a million UK sole traders risk missing the first Making Tax Digital deadline, with just 30% saying they understand the rules.
Quick answers are winning out over professional fees, with 26% of UK sole traders now using AI for Making Tax Digital guidance as rules tighten.
Australia's labour market sent mixed signals in August, but inflation worries still leave the Reserve Bank likely to lift interest rates next week.
Many Australian firms are still using owners' personal money to prop up working capital, as cash reserves and trading confidence weaken.
Businesses using credit cards are losing insurance, longer grace periods and reward value as major lenders trim perks amid card reforms.
Softer core inflation has given households and businesses a reprieve, but the RBA says housing and wage pressures still threaten progress.
Rising ATO checks are pushing small business owners to insure against accountants' fees and other audit costs, BizCover says.
Australian businesses face tighter cash flow as overdue invoices jump to a six-year high, reinforcing expectations the RBA will hold rates at 4.35%.
Retailers could save about $40 million a year if lower limits on company card interchange fees are adopted, easing checkout costs.
Rising fuel and wage costs could keep Australian prices elevated for months, complicating the Reserve Bank of Australia's inflation fight.
Rising margins pressure and a Middle East supply shock are testing lenders, even as provisions and capital buffers are lifted.
Unexpected fees are pushing some US small businesses to cut retirement perks, as a survey found higher costs and more admin burden.
Many small businesses may delay investment and hiring unless the Federal Budget delivers tax relief and help with rising costs.
Smaller employers are under mounting compliance pressure as the combined platform aims to cut filings, renewals and fines across states.