Business news archives

Latest News - December 2025

Women in Cyber Conference 2026

Women in Cyber is hosting its third national cyber security conference on 23 March 2026 at ICC Wales.

Construction employers: Register for Open Doors 2026

Sign up to host Open Doors events in March 2026 and showcase construction careers to future talent.

Self Assessment scam warning

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is reminding Self Assessment customers to be alert to potential scams and fraudsters.

CMA seeks feedback on civil engineering market review

Have your say on the CMA’s civil engineering market study.

Horticulture Pilot Scheme to support local growers

Growers in Northern Ireland are invited to register their interest in the new Horticulture Pilot Scheme, a programme designed to help improve the production horticulture sector.

Innovate UK Growth Catalyst for late-stage startups

Funding and support are available for SMEs at seed or Series A stage with innovative projects in key sectors.

Creative Communities on a Shared Island Fund

Creative Communities Fund aims to build connections through culture and creativity across the island.

Vacant to Vibrant scheme for Belfast

Belfast City Council is inviting applications for its citywide Vacant to Vibrant scheme.

JobStart Apprenticeship Pathway Employer Information Session

Online event will highlight the JobStart Apprenticeship Pathway and the support available to help employers address key skills gaps.

Rail trade mission to Spain

UK railway suppliers, including those in Northern Ireland, can apply for a trade mission to Spain from 3 to 5 March 2026.

New €14 billion Horizon Europe Work Programme for business innovation

The European Commission has agreed a new €14 billion Horizon Europe Work Programme for 2026 to 2027, with fresh funding calls that may interest innovative businesses.

Get ready for Import Control System 2 (ICS2)

ICS2 will become mandatory from 31 December for all those moving goods from GB to NI.


Spread the cost of your Self Assessment tax bill

Self Assessment customers unable to pay their tax bill in full can plan ahead and spread the cost by using HMRC's Time to Pay arrangement.

Apply for Cinemagic Digital Film Academy 2025/26

Funded film and TV training, professional mentoring and recognised qualifications for people aged 18 and over across Northern Ireland.

Female Founders grant competition

Techstart Ventures and Women in Business are offering grants of up to £35,000 to female entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland with innovative business ideas.

Ending Violence Against Women and Girls: funding opportunity for Lisburn and Castlereagh

This funding aims to help change the attitudes, behaviours, and culture of violence against women and girls. 

Women in Innovation Awards 2025/26 now open for applications

The competition will award up to 60 women innovators, each receiving up to £75,000 in grant funding and 12 months of tailored business support.

Cyber Essentials changes from April 2026

Cyber Essentials will be updated from 27 April 2026 with new rules to strengthen cyber security for businesses.

Report Fraud service goes live

From Thursday 4 December 2025, anyone needing to report cyber crime or fraud should use the new Report Fraud service.

Employers sought for Digital Horizon Academy

Employers from Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon are encouraged to get involved in the employer experience days for Digital Horizon Academy.

UK safety guidance on cell-cultivated products

The Food Standards Agency, in partnership with Food Standards Scotland, has published the UK's first safety guidance for cell-cultivated products.

Paying staff earlier than usual at Christmas?

Guidance for employers who need to pay their employees earlier than usual in December on reporting Real Time Information to HMRC.