PREDICTING the future is never easy, but one thing Essex businesses will undoubtedly face in 2016 is change, according to business advisers, Grant Thornton.

With talk of possible interest rate rises, an EU referendum and uncertainty in overseas markets, there are many variables on the horizon for local businesses during the next 12 months.

Trevor Ling, tax director at Grant Thornton’s Chelmsford office, has selected the top five “things to watch” in 2016 to help local businesses keep ahead of the game.

BUSINESS RATE RISES

Business rates are a major cost formany companies, particularly those in the retail sector, and the demise of the high street in some parts of the country has been blamed on extortionate rates.

Revised rates are to be announced in March with predictions showing some areas of London could see rates soar by as much as 400 per cent while conversely, rates could plummet in parts of the north.

It remains to be seen how the East of England will fare but this is certainly an area businesses need to watch and factor into future budgets.

EU REFERENDUM

The “Brexit” referendum has to happen by the end of 2017, with many expecting the vote to go head at some point this year.

It’s too early to guess what will happen and with issues such as the continued weak recovery in Europe and the migrant crisis to contend with, public opinion is a moveable feast.

Uncertainty about the UK’s future in Europe is playing a part in wavering business confidence.

The best thing would be for the EU referendum to take place as soon as possible and one way or the other, produce a decisive result.

INTEREST RATE INCREASES

Almost six years after the Bank of England cut interests rates to an historic low of 0.5 per cent, the talk now is not if, but when, rates will begin to rise.

Even though the US raised interest rates at the end of last year, it’s unlikely the UK will follow suit until at least the third quarter of 2016 – and even if this happens, the increase will be gradual.

With inflation remaining low and not expected to reach the Bank of England’s two per cent target until well into 2017, there’s simply no need for a change in tack in the near future. This should provide welcome news for business and help to spur on any investment for future growth.

NATIONAL LIVING WAGE

From April this year, a new national living wage of £7.20 an hour will be introduced, applying to workers aged 25 and over. This will rise to £9 an hour by 2020.

The payment is being billed as a new ‘premium’ on top of the existing national minimum wage (NMW) which will continue for those under the age of 25. The NMW is currently £6.70 for those aged 21 or over and £5.30 for 18 to 20 year olds.

DIVIDEND TAX RATES CHANGES

The way dividends are taxed is set to change from April 2016 with the introduction of a new 7.5 per cent levy for basic rate tax payers who at the moment are not required to pay any tax on dividends.

Higher rate taxpayers will see their tax level rise from 25 per cent to 32.5 per cent, while additional rate taxpayers will be taxed at a rate of 38.1 per cent compared to the current rate of 30.6 per cent.

Although the new dividend taxation rules are simpler, they will be costly for some including pensioners who rely on dividend payments as a vital source of income in retirement.

Trevor said: “While 2015 was primarily a year of consolidation and cautious growth, 2016 looks set to be a year of challenge and change.

“There are series of unknowns looming ahead, not least the EU referendum, a possible interest rate rise, slowing of the Chinese economy and a US election.

“Add to these wider variables a series of confirmed changes including business rate reform and the introduction of the new National Living Wage and the landscape for our region’s business is looking very different to the picture we were experiencing 12 months ago.

“It’s imperative businesses keep a close eye on the shifting environment and both prepare and budget for the challenges ahead to ensure they are on the best footing to capitalise on opportunities for growth as they arise in 2016.”

Future issues facing local businesses will be the topic of discussion at Grant Thornton’s event, Horizon scanning – Business Models Beyond 2016, held on Tuesday, March 8, at the firm’s Chelmsford office in Priory Place. Further information on 01245 204070.