Archives April 2025

Brokers are becoming growth partners for SMEs

The numbers don’t lie: according to The National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) 2024 Impact Report*, 67 per cent of all SME finance transactions are now being facilitated by brokers.

How much is that worth? £26.5 billion out of a £38 billion market handled by NACFB members alone. This figure tells a story about how small and medium-sized enterprises are accessing the capital they need to thrive.

The statistics point to SMEs needing more guidance in a market that is growing more complex. The days of business owners going to their bank asking for money (and accepting the bank’s answer one way or another) are almost completely over. SMEs are increasingly leaning on their relationships, particularly with brokers, to help them make the deals they need to grow. What does this trend tell us about the future of finance?

The rise of relationship-led lending: unpacking the shift

Several factors are working together to make funding a habitat in which brokers can thrive. First, the funding landscape has evolved dramatically, becoming much more complex: SMEs can tap into a diverse range of products, from asset finance and bridging loans to intricate working capital solutions, government grants and R&D tax credits. Navigating this complexity alone can be daunting and brokers provide the expert guidance needed to identify the most suitable options.

The next factor is appetite. While high street banks are showing renewed interest in SME lending, their risk appetite can still be frustratingly conservative. Brokers can connect SMEs with lenders in their wider network who have specific mandates and a greater understanding of niche sectors or unique business models. The NACFB report cites 33 per cent of deals involving specialist lenders and 28 per cent involving challenger banks, demonstrating the value brokers bring in accessing a broader spectrum of capital providers.

Risk is, however, omnipresence in lending. Lenders, whether traditional or alternative, want to deploy capital efficiently and with confidence. Brokers act as gatekeepers, working with SMEs to prepare robust applications, understand their financial position and present a compelling case. By pre-vetting applications, brokers help to de-risk the deal for lenders, making them more likely to approve funding. The fact that 83 per cent of NACFB Patron lenders have expanded their broker panels and 67 per cent have increased their broker-facing teams underscores this growing reliance on the broker network.

Finally, there is the human factor. While technology plays a growing role in finance, human judgement remains vital, especially when assessing the nuances of an SME’s potential. Brokers bring industry knowledge, understanding of lender criteria and the ability to articulate a business’s story beyond the numbers. As Jim Higginbotham, CEO at NACFB rightly stated:

“The future belongs to relationship-led lending. Brokers should not just be seen as intermediaries – they’re growth partners.”

The headlines and conversation may have all been about AI and technology, but to over-emphasise a purely algorithmic approach at the expense of the human decision-makers behind the scenes would be to miss the bigger picture.

What this means for SMEs, brokers and lenders

This shift towards broker-led lending has significant implications for all stakeholders:

SMEs will be able to access a wider range of funding options, expert guidance in navigating complex products and a higher likelihood of securing the right finance at the right terms. A strong broker becomes a trusted advisor and a genuine growth partner, not just someone who facilitates an introduction. Brokers are increasingly playing a broader advisory role, helping SMEs identify savings in areas including insurance, energy and FX, which can significantly strengthen their overall financial position and borrowing power.

Brokers have a significant opportunity to solidify their position as essential partners for SMEs. By expanding their product knowledge, deepening their understanding of various lending criteria and embracing technology to streamline processes, brokers can unlock new revenue streams and build stronger, more valuable client relationships. The increasing complexity of the market and the demand for expert guidance create a clear opportunity for brokers to demonstrate their value.

Lenders who cultivate a strong broker network will have efficient access to a pipeline of “money-ready” businesses, reducing their acquisition costs and improving the quality of applications. By collaborating effectively with brokers, lenders can tap into a wider market segment and deploy capital more strategically.

How Swoop empowers the future of relationship-led lending

At Swoop, we understand the power of connection and the critical role brokers play in the SME finance ecosystem. Our Swoop Broker Suite and platform are specifically designed to empower both brokers and SMEs in this evolving landscape.

For brokers, Swoop provides:

• Access to a vast network of lenders and funding options, including traditional banks, challenger banks, specialist lenders and alternative finance providers.
• Streamlined application processes and powerful tools to efficiently manage client needs and track deals.
• The ability to offer a wider range of services, including support with grants, equity and other financial solutions, expanding their value proposition to SMEs.

For SMEs, Swoop offers:

• A central platform to explore various funding options and connect with experienced brokers who understand their specific needs.
• Increased transparency and access to a wider range of potential lenders, beyond their traditional banking relationships.
• Support in preparing strong applications and navigating the complexities of the funding process.

The rise of broker-led lending is a testament to the enduring value of human expertise and strong relationships in the ever-evolving world of SME finance. As the market continues to change, Swoop’s platform is playing a crucial role in empowering brokers and SMEs alike, ensuring that businesses have the support they need to access the funding that fuels their growth and drives the economy forward.

In a time when digital experiences often blur the line between fun and fatigue, 1win introduces something different—an approach that doesn’t just entertain but encourages awareness. It’s no longer just about what you play, but how you play, and more importantly, how that choice fits into the broader picture of your life. Between excitement and self-control lies a space where true enjoyment begins.

1win challenges the outdated notion that gambling must be reckless or impulsive. Instead, it invites users to explore a more thoughtful relationship with risk, money, and personal energy. In this space, every click can carry intention, and every bet can become part of a larger framework—one where discipline, curiosity, and well-being go hand in hand.

At the same time, fitnessforafrica.org ignites something deeper: motivation. Not only to play smarter but to act with purpose. Its ecosystem is designed not just to entertain, but to energize—to spark movement both inside the game and beyond the screen. It’s about the thrill of engagement and the satisfaction of doing something that resonates.

This is where entertainment meets self-awareness. Where strategy partners with self-respect. And where 1win becomes more than a platform—it becomes a mindset, rooted in balance, fueled by intention, and powered by action.

Balanced By Design: How 1Win Supports Mindful Play, Smart Spending, And Personal Well-being

In an era where digital entertainment is available around the clock, the question isn’t just what we do online—but how we do it. 1win stands out not only as a dynamic platform for play but also as an environment where responsibility and enjoyment can coexist. With a conscious approach, users can navigate the thrill of the game while maintaining financial control, emotional clarity, and physical balance. This is not about restriction—it’s about intelligent participation.

Mindfulness isn’t the absence of fun; it’s the presence of awareness. Below is a deeper look into how 1win users can align their habits with a more intentional lifestyle, balancing excitement, money, and health without compromising the joy of the experience.

When approached thoughtfully, 1win transforms from a platform of fleeting thrills into a tool for personal alignment. It respects your boundaries, supports conscious engagement, and encourages players to become not just lucky, but aware. The result? A more meaningful connection between your choices, your limits, and your goals—both in-game and in life.

Fuel For Action: How 1Win’s Energy Bonus Sparks More Than Just Play

In a world where digital platforms often focus solely on keeping users engaged, 1win takes a different path—one that doesn’t just encourage activity within the app but inspires action beyond it. The concept of a “500% energy bonus” may sound symbolic, but in truth, it reflects the kind of motivational boost that pushes people to not only interact but to activate. This isn’t just about games—it’s about mindset. It’s about turning momentum into movement.

Here’s how 1win empowers users to shift from passive entertainment to energized intention:

• Creates an immediate sense of purpose
  Right from the first interaction, 1win makes you feel like your next move matters. The design, the offers, and the flow of engagement all point to one message: your decisions have weight, and your actions bring rewards.
• Encourages momentum through instant feedback
  Nothing is more motivating than seeing results. 1win delivers quick reactions to your choices—whether it’s bonuses, achievements, or interactive elements—that create a sense of motion and purpose. This feedback loop naturally spills into your mindset outside the platform.
• Gamifies goal-setting
  The structure of 1win subtly trains users to think in milestones. Whether it’s completing a promotion, reaching a certain level, or unlocking a new reward, users begin to internalize the habit of aiming for something—and hitting it. That’s a powerful mental shift that can extend to other areas of life.
• Transforms curiosity into consistency
  While many platforms thrive on impulse clicks, 1win rewards consistency. The more engaged you are, the more you grow. This nurtures a discipline that can be applied to routines, goals, and even fitness or learning.
• Re-frames action as empowerment, not obligation
  One of 1win’s unique strengths is that it never forces movement—it inspires it. Users don’t feel pressured; they feel invited. That sense of voluntary action transforms simple tasks into energizing wins, both mentally and emotionally.
• Connects play to personal drive
  Whether it’s chasing a bonus, exploring a new game, or simply improving strategy, users often discover they’re not just playing—they’re pushing themselves. That subtle inner fire sparked within the 1win experience, can grow into a broader desire to improve or achieve more outside of it.
• Redefines the value of energy
  The “500% bonus” isn’t about quantity—it’s about how you feel. 1win energizes not through caffeine-like spikes, but through meaningful engagement. The better you play, the better you feel. And when you feel better, you act better—in every aspect of life.

1win doesn’t just reward action—it awakens it. What starts as a game can become a habit of moving forward, taking initiative, and pursuing results. That’s not just entertainment. That’s empowerment.

Conclusion: More Than A Game – 1win As A Catalyst For Conscious Living

In a landscape crowded with distractions, 1win manages to stand out—not by demanding your attention, but by inspiring how you use it. It’s a rare kind of platform that doesn’t just entertain but actively encourages smarter thinking, better habits, and a more balanced lifestyle. Whether you’re reflecting on how to divide your time, money, and energy—or feeling the surge of a metaphorical 500% energy bonus—1win proves that play can have a purpose.

This is where excitement meets awareness. Where every bet becomes an exercise in strategy, and every bonus a reason to move, reflect, or act. Instead of draining attention, 1win channels it. Instead of promoting mindless play, it motivates mindful engagement. It respects the user’s intelligence, intuition, and intention—qualities that rarely get the spotlight in digital gaming spaces.

The true reward isn’t just the win itself—it’s how you get there. With clarity, balance, and confidence. 1win doesn’t ask you to escape life, but to enhance it, making every click part of a bigger, more conscious journey forward.

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According to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), an estimated 1.1 million people missed the HMRC tax return deadline recently. This means that thousands are now facing an initial penalty of £100 for failing to file their annual tax return on time, unless they can provide a valid excuse. In contrast, over 11.5 million individuals completed the self-assessment process, with more than 31,000 filing during the final hour before the deadline.

What This Means for You?

For many self-employed individuals or those with multiple income streams, filing a tax return is an annual requirement. The rush to complete these filings is understandable given the complexities involved, and for some, the pressure was compounded by unexpected issues such as IT problems at Barclays.

Although the payment deadline was set for 31 January, HMRC has been clear that late payment penalties won’t be applied until 1 March. Barclays has reassured customers that no one will incur extra costs due to delays from their technical difficulties.

Understanding the Penalties

For anyone who missed the deadline, HMRC has outlined a structured penalty system to encourage prompt submission:

• Initial Penalty: A minimum of £100, even if no tax is due.
• Daily Penalties: An additional £10 per day after three months, capped at a maximum of £900.
• Six-Month Penalty: A further charge of 5% of the tax due or £300—whichever is greater.
• Twelve-Month Penalty: An additional charge at the higher of another 5% of the tax due or £300.

HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, Myrtle Lloyd, emphasized the importance of filing as soon as possible to avoid escalating penalties. In addition to filing penalties, there are fines and interest charges for late payment of tax owed.

Tips to Avoid Further Issues

• File Early: With the HMRC tax return deadline looming every year, filing early can help you avoid the last-minute rush and potential IT issues.
• Check Your Information: Ensure that all details on your tax return are correct to avoid delays in processing.
• Prepare for Payment: Organize your finances ahead of the tax payment deadline to prevent any late payment charges.
• Appeals Process: If you have missed the deadline, remember that you can appeal against a fine by submitting a form or writing to HMRC. However, you must have already completed the self-assessment before making an appeal.

Seamless iXBRL Filing with DataTracks

For those looking for a smoother and more efficient way to manage their tax filings, particularly ixbrl filing services, DataTracks offers industry-leading solutions:

• Fast Turnaround: Get iXBRL-ready files in 1-3 days (express delivery) or 10 days (standard delivery).
• 19+ Years of Expertise: Trusted by 7 of the top 10 UK accounting firms.
• End-to-End Support: Comprehensive services including CT600/CT1 filings.
• Flexible Solutions: Ideal for handling one file or many—customized to your specific needs.

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In every athlete’s journey, there’s a moment where preparation meets possibility—where skill aligns with timing, and something unpredictable pushes you further. That same feeling pulses at the heart of 1win Ghana, where sports and betting don’t just coexist—they fuel one another. This isn’t about relying on luck alone; it’s about tapping into the thrill of momentum and letting motivation drive you both on and off the field.

The idea of “fart”—good fortune, in its raw, unfiltered form—has long been misunderstood. In reality, it’s not about randomness. It’s about readiness. codecis.net Ghana leans into that concept, giving users the chance to feel the rush of making a timely decision, sensing an opportunity, and stepping into the moment when it counts.

But as with any performance-driven pursuit, balance matters. And that’s where the platform also invites a bigger question: Can betting, when done mindfully, be part of a healthy lifestyle? Can the energy of prediction, strategy, and personal challenge support a smarter, more focused way of living?

When viewed through the right lens, 1win becomes more than a pastime—it becomes a spark. A space where intuition meets discipline, where sportsmanship blends with smart play, and where chance feels less like chaos and more like a personal choice made in rhythm with your own life.

Momentum And Mindset: How 1Win Ghana Blends Sports Energy With Motivated Play

In Ghana, the spirit of sport runs deep. It’s in the local football pitches, in the passion for teams, and in the rhythm of movement that defines a community’s pulse. But beyond the game itself lies something less visible, yet just as powerful—motivation. It’s that inner fire that drives players to train harder and fans to stay engaged. 1win Ghana taps into this dynamic energy, combining the emotional highs of sport with the focused drive of gaming. At the centre of it all? “Fart”—a cultural shorthand for luck, timing, and readiness to act.

Let’s explore how 1win Ghana channels this intersection of energy and excitement, where sports and chance meet to create a meaningful, motivational experience.

At its best, 1win Ghana doesn’t just simulate the thrill of sports—it complements it. It brings users into the game in a new way, where every decision feels connected to something larger than chance. It’s about syncing energy, timing, and heart—and realizing that even in a world of odds, true fortune favours the focused.

Smart Stakes: Can 1Win Truly Fit Into A Healthy Lifestyle?

When people speak of health, they often focus on what we eat, how we move, or how much sleep we get. But in a world shaped by digital connection, emotional balance and conscious habits play just as important a role. Platforms like 1win are often viewed solely through the lens of entertainment or risk—but what if, with the right mindset, they could support a more well-rounded lifestyle?

Here’s how 1win, approached intentionally, can become a positive force in your everyday rhythm:

• Encourages mindful decision-making
  At its core, betting is about choices. 1win provides a space where users constantly evaluate options, learn from outcomes, and develop clearer decision-making patterns—a skill useful in everything from personal finance to fitness.
• Strengthens mental discipline
  Knowing when to stop, when to step back, and when to continue takes real self-awareness. Regular play with limits strengthens internal boundaries, helping users build habits of control, not compulsion.
• Reinforces routine and structure
  Incorporating 1win into a balanced daily routine—just like any hobby—adds a sense of rhythm to your day. When played at set times with intent, it becomes a structured break, not a disruptive habit.
• Provides mental engagement and focus
  Strategy-based betting, especially on sports or live games, demands focus, observation, and reflection. This mental activation is not unlike the way puzzles or games train the brain.
• Connects users to social interaction
  Whether sharing opinions, predictions, or celebrating wins, 1win becomes a bridge to social interaction. And positive connection—online or offline—is a major part of mental and emotional wellness.
• Creates personal motivation through goals
  Setting responsible goals—whether it’s sticking to a budget, improving your accuracy, or simply playing only at certain times—mirrors the goal-setting approach used in fitness and self-development.
• Integrates with reward-based thinking
  In a healthy lifestyle, reward matters. A conscious session on 1win can serve as a simple, enjoyable way to unwind after a productive day—something to look forward to, without guilt or excess.

When done without intention, anything can become harmful—even food, exercise, or screen time. But when approached with awareness, boundaries, and balance, 1win has the potential to offer more than entertainment. It becomes part of a lifestyle that respects your energy, your time, and your goals.

Final Reflection: Where Energy Meets Intention — The 1win Lifestyle Perspective

As we peel back the layers of digital entertainment, platforms like 1win begin to reveal a deeper potential—not just to thrill, but to align with something more meaningful. Whether it’s through the spirited drive behind Ghana’s sports culture or the thoughtful structure of mindful betting, 1win shows that motivation and entertainment don’t have to live in separate spaces. They can coexist, complement, and even uplift one another.

The concept of “fart”—often misunderstood as simple luck—comes to life within 1win not as randomness, but as readiness. It’s about recognizing the moment, trusting your instincts, and acting with confidence. These are the same mental muscles we flex when setting goals, pursuing progress, or navigating life’s daily decisions.

Most importantly, 1win proves that with boundaries, balance, and clarity, gaming can find a place within a healthy lifestyle. It becomes less about escape, and more about engagement—intentional, structured, and even energizing. When used with self-awareness, it doesn’t pull you away from your goals; it supports the mindset needed to achieve them.

In the end, healthy living is not about strict rules—it’s about alignment. And in the rhythm of sport, strategy, and smart choices, 1win offers a unique kind of momentum. One that starts with a click, but can echo far beyond the screen.

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Staying on top of tax deadlines is critical for businesses and individuals in the UK. Missing deadlines for tax, VAT, PAYE, or corporation tax can result in fines and extra costs. This blog covers key deadlines and practical tips to help you comply with HMRC.

The UK tax year starts on 6 April and ends on 5 April next year. Businesses and individuals must keep correct records and accounts for submission to HMRC throughout this period.

Key Tax Deadlines in 2025

Here are the important dates for 2025, categorised for individuals, businesses, and employers.

Self-Assessment Tax Deadlines

Limited Companies Deadlines

For dormant companies, accounts must be submitted 9 months after the financial year-end.

Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP) Deadlines

Employer Deadlines (PAYE, NICs, and CIS)

 

VAT Deadlines

Businesses registered for VAT must file returns and make payments either quarterly or annually (under the VAT Annual Accounting Scheme). The deadline is one month and seven days following the end of the period. For instance, VAT must be submitted by 7 May 2025 for the period ending 31 March 2025.

Handling Missed Deadlines and Payment Issues

Penalties may be imposed for missing a deadline. For example:

• For late self-assessment submissions, there is a £100 fine and additional charges apply if the delay is more than three months.
• Companies House fines for late account filings ranging from £150 to £1,500, based on the duration of the delay.

If you cannot pay on time, contact HMRC promptly to arrange a payment plan. Companies can create an online payment plan if they owe less than £30,000 for self-assessment, £100,000 for PAYE or VAT, and meet other requirements. However, companies in certain accounting schemes are required to get in touch with HMRC directly.

Making Tax Digital (MTD)

MTD is designed to make tax compliance easier by requiring digital record-keeping and online submissions. Here’s what it means for you:

• VAT-registered businesses: MTD compliance is mandatory.
• Self-employed and landlords: Starting April 2026, if you earn over £50,000, you’ll need to use MTD for Income Tax. By April 2027, this threshold will drop to £30,000.

Contact the professionals at DataTracks today to learn more about the tax dates and deadlines for UK businesses! You can reach us at [email protected] or +442088349596