Business

A practising barrister has been publicly named by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) as a promoter of tax avoidance schemes – the first time a legal professional has appeared on the government’s official list.

HMRC said Setu Kamal, a barrister with 20 years’ experience, designed four arrangements marketed through umbrella companies that claimed to reduce workers’ Income Tax and National Insurance liabilities. The schemes were promoted by MLG Pay Limited, The Umbrella Agency Limited, Veqta Ltd and Vision HR Solutions Ltd.

According to HMRC, the schemes typically promised workers they could “keep more of their pay” through complex structures, including the use of contract templates created by Kamal. Officials warned that such schemes “do not work” and that those who used them face tax bills, interest and potential penalties.

Jonathan Smith, HMRC’s Director of Counter Avoidance, said legal professionals held positions of responsibility and should not be creating arrangements designed to sidestep tax obligations.

“Legal professionals have a position of trust and responsibility – they shouldn’t be involved in creating schemes that purport to let people avoid paying tax that funds our vital public services.

We want to support those who have used these schemes to exit them and bring their tax position up to date. I urge them to contact us as soon as possible so they can settle their affairs.”

The move signals HMRC’s intent to pursue not only the companies that market and sell avoidance schemes but also the individuals behind them, regardless of professional status.

Tax avoidance schemes are often promoted as clever ways to reduce liabilities but, HMRC warns, they frequently leave users worse off. Common features include loans or advances instead of wages, minimal deductions for tax, or overly complicated payment structures.

Workers employed through umbrella companies are urged to check payslips carefully. HMRC has published an online tool to help workers calculate their pay and spot warning signs of disguised remuneration.

From April 2026, new legislation will make recruitment agencies legally responsible for ensuring Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax is correctly accounted for when engaging workers through umbrella companies. The change is designed to cut down on fraud and tax avoidance in the sector.

Anyone concerned that they may have been involved in a tax avoidance scheme is advised to contact HMRC directly.

Read more:
Barrister named on HMRC’s tax avoidance promoter list for first time

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to consider a package of wealth taxes in the autumn budget, arguing that extra revenue is needed to boost public services and demonstrate that Labour is delivering change.

Paul Nowak, TUC general secretary, told the BBC that ministers should not “take anything off the table”, including a conventional wealth tax, equalising capital gains tax with income tax, and higher levies on banks and financial institutions.

“We need a progressive tax system – a tax on online gaming companies and gambling companies, a tax on windfall profits which the banks and financial institutions have seen over the last couple of years,” Nowak said.

He highlighted that Britain’s “big four” high street banks made £46bn in profits in one year alone, buoyed by a high-interest rate environment. “We think we can still have a profitable banking sector and ask them to pay their fair share,” he said.

The calls come as Reeves faces the challenge of balancing Labour’s strict fiscal rules with a funding gap estimated at up to £40bn. The prime minister has insisted those rules are “non-negotiable,” making tax rises in November look increasingly likely.

Reeves has so far resisted demands for a broad-based wealth tax, but she has pointed to recent moves to tax private jets, second homes and capital gains as evidence Labour is already asking more of the wealthy.

In a statement last month she said: “I think we’ve got the balance right in terms of how we tax those with the broadest shoulders. But any further decisions will be made at a budget in the normal way.”

Nowak warned Labour that failing to act decisively could leave voters disillusioned and drive support to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, which holds its party conference this weekend.

“Change still feels like a slogan not lived reality,” he said. “There is a real danger if the government doesn’t deliver the change people want, they will become disillusioned with mainstream politics, and some will look for divisive alternatives like Reform.”

The TUC leader argued that public opinion is supportive of wealth taxes, citing union polling showing strong backing among voters who had shifted from Labour to Reform.

Asked about market concerns that taxing banks more heavily could spook investors, Nowak said Britain remained attractive to international capital, pointing to the lack of an “exodus of millionaires” after reforms to non-dom status and VAT on school fees.

While Reeves has set a cautious tone, figures across the wider Labour movement – and in Downing Street itself – are pushing for a tougher stance on wealth. Baroness Minouche Shafik, now a senior economic adviser to the prime minister, has previously called for higher taxation on wealth and land.

“The public aren’t daft – they know there are difficult choices,” Nowak said. “We need a grown-up conversation.”

For Reeves, the debate is intensifying ahead of 26 November, when she delivers her second budget. Whether she chooses to lean on wealth taxes or other measures will be seen as a key test of Labour’s credibility on both fairness and fiscal discipline.

Read more:
TUC urges Rachel Reeves to consider wealth taxes ahead of November budget

Amidst the surge in the digital economy, cryptocurrencies have gradually become a part of the public consciousness. More and more people are viewing them not only as investment tools, but also as a way to generate stable and ongoing passive income.

However, traditional mining faces high barriers to entry and high costs, making it unsuitable for everyone. Consequently, cloud mining has emerged as a more accessible and efficient alternative. Users can join the global crypto wealth network without having to purchase their own mining machines or incur high electricity costs.

This is precisely Find Mining’s goal: to open the door to wealth for every investor, leveraging intelligent technology and green energy.

What is cloud mining?

Cloud mining is a remote mining model that can be used to mine various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin. Users rent computing power from a platform, eliminating the hassle of purchasing and maintaining their own equipment. The system relies on high-performance mining machines from large mining farms to continuously perform complex calculations and generate corresponding crypto asset returns.

How to join Find Mining

Step 1: Register and Receive a $15 Bonus
Visit www.findmining.com and register with your email address to get a $15 cloud computing power bonus and start earning mining income immediately.

Step 2: Choose a Mining Plan
The platform offers flexible plans starting from $100, covering short to long-term periods. You can choose freely based on your budget and goals.

Real Earnings Examples:

Mining Plan
Minimum Investment
Duration
Daily Earnings
Estimated Total Return

Check-in Contract
15 USD
1 Day
0.6 USD
15.6 USD

LTC/DOGE Basic Hashrate
100 USD
2 Days
4 USD
100 + 8 USD

BTC Classic Hashrate
1,200 USD
10 Days
16.2 USD
1,200 + 162 USD

BTC Advanced Contract
4,800 USD
20 Days
74.4 USD
4,800 + 1,488 USD

Dogecoin Advanced Hashrate
12,000 USD
30 Days
211.2 USD
12,000 + 6,336 USD

BTC Super Hash Power
50,000 USD
40 Days
875 USD
50,000 + 35,000 USD

(More contracts can be found on the official website)

Step 3: Activate and Earn Daily
Once your plan is activated, the system runs automatically. Daily earnings are deposited into your account. Once your balance reaches the minimum threshold, you can withdraw or reinvest to grow your income further.

Easy participation, stable income

Find Mining is dedicated to simplifying complex processes, making it especially suitable for beginners. Its user-friendly interface and clear operations allow even new users with no cryptocurrency experience to quickly get started.

For Find Mining, simplifying operations isn’t about lowering standards; it’s the key to improving the user experience. Leveraging over 100 mining farms and 1.32 million mining rigs worldwide, along with extensive use of renewable energy, the platform provides stable and secure income services to over 9.4 million users.

Security and Compliance

Find Mining prioritizes user fund security. The platform operates transparently and in compliance with regulations, ensuring that investments are protected by law. The company was registered in the UK in 2018 and is regulated there. It has earned the trust of over 9.4 million users worldwide.

Platform Advantages

Top-tier equipment: Utilizing industry-leading mining machines from Bitmain and Antminer, we deliver efficient and stable computing power.

Intuitive and easy-to-use: The simple interface and clear workflow make it easy for even beginners to operate.

Multi-currency support: Supports settlement in mainstream currencies such as DOGE, BTC, ETH, USDT, BCH, LTC, XRP, and SOL.

Stable returns: Daily returns are distributed during the contract period, with automatic principal return upon maturity.

Professional service: Experienced technical and customer service teams provide 24/7 support.

Invite rewards: Invite friends to join and earn rewards up to $60,000.

Conclusion

In the ever-changing crypto market, opportunities favor those who take action. Find Mining lowers the barrier to entry through cloud mining, making passive income possible. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced investor, you can find a suitable mining strategy.

For more information, visit:

Official Email: info@findmining.com

Official Website: https://findmining.com/

Read more:
Find Mining: Turning your phone into a mining machine could bring you $13,500 in passive income every day

The spoiler is coming in early: yes, SMS marketing is experiencing a comeback, a renaissance, if you will. Adoption rates are continually moving upwards, with engagement metrics far higher than many other, trendier marketing channels.

With businesses trying to stand out in a saturated social media space and declining email performance, text messaging is starting to emerge as the direct, most personal channel that marketers can use in 2025.

From Forgotten to Essential

Just a few short years ago, it was considered a boomer technology, an outdated marketing channel, the default last place, almost a forgotten tool.

But now, SMS is the comeback kid of marketing. If we want to answer the question of whether it’s truly back in the fold, the statistics make it super clear.

In 2025, 66% of businesses rely on SMS campaign tools, which help supercharge the campaign process. Just a few years ago, that figure stood at a relatively paltry 44%.

With open rates reaching up to 98% vs. email sitting at just over 20%, it’s easy to see why companies are starting to recognise the value in SMS campaigns. Customers also tend to respond much more frequently to a text, with a 45% response rate against just 6% for emails.

And it’s not only being used, but it’s yielding results, too: businesses that use SMS to reach consumers are 5.89 likelier to succeed in the marketing campaigns.

Exploring Real SMS Success Stories

Theory and stats, that’s the framework that may already convince you that SMS may be something worth looking at. But ultimately, examples work best to really showcase the power of the old school text message. The first is UK luxury streetwear brand Represent Clothing, which recently implemented an SMS-driven marketing strategy to great success:

Individualisation: Represent Clothing

The overarching mantra for Attentive, the company put in charge of this new direction, was personalisation. This was achieved by leveraging advanced segmentation, allowing Attentive to send individualised messages to consumers.

The strategy employed by Attentive was very much data-driven. By using clicks, for example, as well as previous purchasing trends, it was possible to categorise existing subscribers, which in part helped boost conversion rates by 15% for customers who haven’t placed an order in six months.

Sending an SMS that is targeted to an individual consumer will be far more effective than a generic marketing effort that feels anything but personal.

It not only uses data based on that specific person, improving conversions, but it also improves the relationship between brand and consumer long-term, with people feeling that they really do matter to the company, sending the message.

Patient Communication: NHS Trusts

Email used to be the go-to method of communication for most people, and it’s still very much relevant today. But it’s not quite as effective as it used to be, with people tiring of spam and providers having increasingly stringent filters. Often, you miss the important stuff, too.

That’s why the NHS has switched its attention to SMS, with appointment management being almost entirely done via text messages. Preliminary results of this new direction are promising, with some NHS Trusts reporting a reduction of ‘Did Not Attend’ rates of up to 25%.

This doesn’t mean the NHS has ditched emails completely. Rather, SMS has become part of a multi-pronged approach designed to improve communication across the board. If a patient does not really ‘do’ SMS, they will also get an email. And if they have the app installed on a smartphone, the notification will also arrive there.

Elevating Customer Service: RED Driving School

RED is one of the leading driving schools in the United Kingdom, and part of that success is due to the company’s ability to adapt to the changing customer service landscape.

SMS is now a key part of instructor updates, booking confirmations, information about refunds, and notifications of lesson cancellations. It not only keeps customers informed, but also the service provider (i.e. the drivers!).

SMS already has great open rates, but it works even better in this specific industry. The reason is obvious: instructors are always on the move, in their cars, and don’t really have the time to check their emails. But a text is quick, easy, and a very effective method of communication.

Looking Ahead to Next Year

Companies are now recognising that SMS isn’t an outdated method, but an essential one for campaigns that convert. It’s effectively a success multiplier, used best in conjunction with other marketing channels (e.g., Google Ads, Instagram, etc.); it’s not an either/or.

SMS is not the blunt tool that some people think it is; rather, if used properly, it’s one of the most powerful channels in the marketer’s toolkit. And that’s true for 2025 and beyond.

Read more:
UK Marketing in 2025 – Is SMS making a comeback?

High street cosmetics chain Lush has closed all of its UK shops, factories and its website in a one-day protest over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The Dorset-based company said the gesture, carried out on Wednesday 3 September 2025, was intended as an act of solidarity, with shop windows across the UK displaying the message: “Stop starving Gaza – we are closed in solidarity.”

In a statement, Lush said: “Across the Lush business we share the anguish that millions of people feel seeing the images of starving people in Gaza. One thing Lush can currently send into Gaza is our love and a strong message that we stand in solidarity.”

The company apologised to customers inconvenienced by the closure but said many of them shared its concern about the situation in Gaza.

Lush has previously faced criticism for its political positions. In 2023, one of its Dublin shops displayed a “Boycott Israel” poster, which the firm later described as an isolated incident. At the time, Lush stressed it was a diverse company and that its official position was to “deplore all violence and all injustice” and support human rights for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Founded in 1995 in Poole, Dorset, Lush has grown to operate 951 stores in 52 countries. Known for its ethical and activist stances, the company has previously closed some of its social media channels, saying it wanted to create a safer environment for users.

As part of its latest campaign, Lush announced the relaunch of its Watermelon Slice soap, with proceeds now directed to medical services in Palestine, including charities preparing to provide prosthetic limbs for adults and children injured in the conflict.

The company noted that closing for a day meant losing not only its own takings but also tax contributions to the UK government. “We hope they too hear the message our closure sends, with more Government action needed to bring an immediate stop to the death and destruction, including an end to arms sales from the UK,” the statement said.

Lush added that while the closure began in Britain, where the business was founded, similar actions could follow in other countries where the brand trades.

The statement was signed off: “Peace and Solidarity.”

Read more:
Lush closes all UK stores and website in one-day protest over Gaza crisis

As global e-commerce continues to surge, merchants are increasingly turning to crypto payment gateway solutions to escape the heavy fees and frictions of traditional finance.

With blockchain-based transactions, online retailers are discovering new ways to streamline cross-border payments, protect profit margins, and scale with confidence.

Why traditional payment methods are failing online retailers

High transaction fees, chargebacks, and slow settlement times have long been a thorn in the side of digital merchants. Crypto payment gateway solutions and payment aggregators often charge 2% to 4% per transaction, with hidden fees eating into earnings. For international payments, currency conversion and intermediary banking fees can push costs even higher.

Moreover, delayed settlements mean e-commerce businesses must wait days to access their funds, limiting cash flow and complicating inventory management.

The blockchain advantage for e-commerce

Drastically lower transaction costs

By eliminating banks and intermediaries, crypto transactions can reduce payment fees to as low as 0.5% or even less. For brands operating at scale, this can mean savings of up to 70% on payment processing alone. This leaner structure allows businesses to reinvest in growth or pass savings on to customers.

Instant global payments

Unlike bank transfers that take days to process, especially across borders, crypto transactions settle in minutes. This provides e-commerce stores with immediate access to capital and the ability to serve customers in underbanked or high-risk regions.

Elimination of chargebacks

Crypto transactions are irreversible. This eliminates the risk of chargeback fraud, a growing concern for online retailers. Brands can operate with greater financial predictability and reduced risk exposure.

Broader customer reach

A crypto payment gateway allows merchants to accept payments from anyone with a digital wallet, bypassing banking restrictions or card limitations. This unlocks new customer segments, especially in emerging markets where traditional financial services are limited.

A real-world solution for real results

Platforms offer seamless crypto payment integration for e-commerce stores, with support for multiple digital currencies, real-time exchange rates, and automated conversion to fiat. By using a crypto payment gateway, merchants can manage crypto transactions without the complexity or volatility risk.

Whether you’re running a Shopify storefront or managing an international online brand, adopting a crypto payment solution can dramatically cut costs and unlock global scale.

The future of e-commerce is decentralised

As digital commerce becomes more borderless and consumer expectations rise, e-commerce brands must evolve. Embracing blockchain-based payments is not just a cost-cutting measure, it’s a strategic move to future-proof operations, increase reach, and gain a competitive edge in a global marketplace.

Read more:
How crypto payment solutions help e-commerce brands cut fees by 70%

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has admitted she underpaid tax on her £800,000 Hove property, conceding she made a “mistake” but insisting she acted in good faith on legal advice.

Speaking to Sky News’ political editor Beth Rigby, Rayner confirmed reports that she failed to pay the full amount of stamp duty on her second home, a liability estimated at around £40,000. She said she has now referred herself both to HMRC and to the independent adviser on the ministerial code.

Rayner explained that the error stemmed from a complex trust arrangement established in 2020 to provide for her son, who has lifelong disabilities. The trust was set up by a court as part of an award following an injury, with a legal trustee managing the property that had been adapted for her son’s needs.

When Rayner divorced in 2023, she said the trust assumed ownership of the family home so both parents could continue to use it while caring for their children. She then withdrew her remaining equity from the property to buy the Hove home with a mortgage.

She told Rigby she had relied on advice that she was only liable for standard stamp duty because she technically owned one property. But subsequent expert counsel concluded she should have paid the additional rate due to the nature of the trust.

“As soon as I knew that was the case, I alerted HMRC and referred myself for independent scrutiny,” she said.

“Not tax dodging”

Rayner rejected accusations she had deliberately sought to avoid tax. “The trust was set up by a court to provide for my son after an injury,” she said. “I wasn’t trying to dodge tax.”

She said the confidential nature of her divorce and family arrangements, protected by a court order until recently lifted, had prevented her from giving a full account earlier.

The Labour deputy leader admitted she briefly considered stepping down, describing the episode as “devastating”. “I thought I’d done everything properly and I relied on the advice I received,” she said. “I’ve always tried to uphold the rules.”

Pressed on whether her position was sustainable, particularly given her housing brief, Rayner said: “People make mistakes, but I conducted myself in trying to do the right thing, and I hope people can see that.”

Rayner’s case will now be examined by the independent adviser on ministerial standards. HMRC has also been contacted to ensure the additional tax owed is paid.

Her political future will hinge on whether voters and colleagues accept her explanation that the mistake was one of legal misinterpretation rather than intent — and whether she can weather the fallout as Reeves prepares her November budget and Labour faces mounting pressure on economic credibility.

Read more:
Angela Rayner admits tax mistake on £800k Hove home but refuses to resign

Fewer than half of Britons now carry a wallet as the decline of cash accelerates and smartphones and watches take over as the default way to pay, according to new research.

The study, published by cash machine network Link, found that while more than 80 per cent of people still own a wallet or purse, the rapid growth of digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay means leaving the house without cash is becoming commonplace.

The research highlights a sharp generational divide. Digital wallets are now the default payment method for Generation Z and millennials, while older adults still rely most on debit cards. For those aged 35–44, nearly a third (29 per cent) now regularly leave home carrying only a digital wallet.

High earners are also far more likely to rely solely on smartphones or watches for payments compared with lower-income households.

Although cash is no longer the default for any age group, it remains part of everyday life. More than half of adults said they had used coins or notes in the past week, often for budgeting, small purchases or shops with card minimums. However, 7 per cent of the population — almost five million people — now carry no cash at all, while nearly 16 million keep none at home.

On average, Britons carry just £20 in cash when they go out, and keep about £10 at home. Usage is highest among the over-65s, three-quarters of whom typically have cash in their pocket, compared with less than half of 18–34 year olds.

Despite the shift to digital, the report warns of the risks of over-reliance. Six in ten people said they had experienced digital payment failures, with one in five abandoning purchases as a result.

Adrian Roberts, deputy chief executive of Link, said: “The old saying ‘cash is king’ may still hold true for some, but today, it’s convenience that wears the crown. We’re more digitally reliant than ever but we’re also more exposed to technology outages than ever before.”

He pointed to the recent power outage in Portugal and Spain which left consumers unable to buy food, medicines and fuel after payment systems went offline.

The report also found that more than half of adults hold all their cards with a single network, such as Visa or Mastercard, while many digital wallet users store just one card — leaving them without a back-up if systems fail.

To mitigate risks, Link recommends that consumers keep a small cash reserve, diversify cards and wallets, install a second banking app, and carry a portable charger.

For policymakers, the challenge is twofold: ensuring continued access to cash, while strengthening the resilience of digital systems. The Bank of England is leading work on a “national payments vision,” but Link said further action would be needed to protect both consumers and retailers.

The physical wallet may not have disappeared yet, but its role is fading fast. As the report suggests, in today’s markets it is no longer the thickness of your wallet that matters — but whether your phone still has a signal.

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Fewer than half of Britons carry wallets as digital payments surge

Britain’s long-term borrowing costs surged to their highest level in nearly three decades on Tuesday, underlining the scale of the fiscal challenge facing Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of her autumn budget.

The yield on 30-year gilts climbed to 5.747% in early trading, surpassing the 5.723% peak hit on Monday. The move marks the highest level since 1998 and extends a global sell-off in long-dated government bonds.

Yields on 10-year gilts — the more widely watched benchmark for government borrowing — also rose to their highest level since January.

The rise in gilt yields, which move inversely to prices, reflects growing investor concern about the sustainability of the UK’s public finances. Reeves is preparing her 26 November budget with an estimated £40bn fiscal hole to fill.

Thomas Pugh, chief economist at consultancy RSM UK, said Britain risks sliding towards a “debt trap”, where the interest rate on government debt exceeds the economy’s nominal growth rate.

“The UK economy is likely to grow by 3.5–4% a year in cash terms over the next few years. But the average interest rate on government debt is about 3.9%,” Pugh warned. “That leaves very little room for error. If Chancellor Reeves loosens the fiscal rules, markets are likely to push gilt yields even higher.”

Even so, he dismissed predictions of a 1970s-style crash and IMF bailout, noting that the UK still has the second-lowest debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7.

Analysts said the rise was part of a broader shift across global markets. Fred Repton of Neuberger Berman pointed to a surge in debt issuance as markets reopened after the US Labour Day holiday.

“Yesterday was the largest issuance day on record in Europe,” Repton said. “For the UK, the gilt syndication and today’s linker sale represent the largest sovereign issuance ever. It has caused turbulence, but one day does not make a trend.”

David Roberts of Nedgroup Investments rejected suggestions of a “buyers’ strike” in UK debt. “The UK sold £14bn of gilts yesterday, met with record demand of £150bn,” he said. “Across Europe and the US, issuance also hit records. The numbers show extraordinary demand, not the opposite.”

Market watchers noted the pressure is concentrated at the long end of the curve. Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, said: “Only when the 10-year yield shoots significantly higher should we really start to worry. For now, the government still has breathing space.”

Neil Wilson, strategist at Saxo Markets, said the shift was “more of a slow-motion train wreck than the flash-in-the-pan Truss episode,” adding: “Yields are rising across the world — US 30-year bonds have breached 5%, while French, German and Japanese yields are also climbing.”

For Reeves, the message from bond markets is clear: credibility will depend on a mix of tax and spending decisions that convince investors Britain can keep its debt burden under control.

With less than three months until budget day, gilt markets are sending Westminster an unmistakable signal — the room for manoeuvre is narrowing fast.

Read more:
UK long-term borrowing costs hit 27-year high as global bond markets wobble

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to commit to a multi-year freeze on spirits duty in her upcoming autumn budget on 26 November, warning that rising taxes are crippling the sector and wider hospitality industry.

Mark Kent, Chief Executive of the SWA, said the Chancellor has “84 days to back Scotch” following the Treasury’s confirmation of the budget date.

“At her last Budget, the Chancellor chose to increase further the duty burden on an industry already weighed down by excessive tax and regulation,” Kent said. “Despite that decision, tax receipts have not gone up; and more UK pubs and restaurants have been forced to close. Everyone connected with hospitality knows that pubs, restaurants and other venues cannot survive on beer alone – all rely on spirits for profits.”

The SWA is calling for a freeze on spirits duty across the lifetime of this parliament, arguing that Scotch is at risk of falling further behind other alcohol categories. Kent said Reeves must ensure that the tax differential with beer and wine does not widen, leaving Scotch at a competitive disadvantage in both domestic and global markets.

The association stressed the importance of Scotch to the wider UK economy, pointing out that 70% of all UK spirits are produced in Scotland. A multi-year freeze, it said, would provide much-needed stability for producers and help sustain growth across the UK.

The appeal comes as pubs, bars and restaurants continue to grapple with high inflation, soaring costs and fragile consumer confidence. The SWA argues that a duty freeze would help relieve pressure on venues which depend on spirits for profitability, particularly as closures across the sector mount.

Kent concluded: “84 days. Back Scotch, support Scotland, and sustain growth across the UK.”

The Chancellor is under intense pressure ahead of her second budget, with a fiscal hole of up to £40bn to fill and speculation mounting over possible tax increases. Business groups and industry bodies are lobbying hard to avoid being hit with further rises, arguing that tax certainty and stability are critical for growth.

For Scotch producers, the coming weeks will reveal whether Reeves honours the Prime Minister’s promise to “back Scotch producers to the hilt” or maintains her stance on higher spirits duty.

Read more:
Scotch Whisky Association urges multi-year freeze on spirits duty ahead of autumn budget