Your Local Independent 203

Page 20 January 2026 AD SALES 01204 478812 ALAIN Dilworth, one of the original architects of theMade Smarter Adoption programme, has been awarded an MBE for services to business growth and digitalisation in the King’s New Year Honours List. Alain, fromChorley, has played a pivotal role in shaping and deliver- ing Made Smarter since its incep- tion in 2018, working closely with government and industry to design a national programme that helps manufacturing SMEs adopt digital technologies, strengthen leadership capability and improve productivity. As Programme Manager for the North West adoption programme, delivered by The Growth Com- pany, he oversaw the launch of the £20million, three-year pilot initia- tive that established the blueprint for national rollout. He has since worked with the Department for Business and Trade to develop the adoption model now delivered in all English regions. In the North West, Made Smarter has engaged with more than 2,300 manufacturers, sup- porting over 400 technology pro- jects that are forecast to create almost 2,000 new jobs, upskill nearly 3,500 roles and add £287 million to the regional economy. Alain said: “This was completely BUSINESS TO ADVERTISE CALL 01204 478812 £ NOW we’ve said goodbye to 2025 and hello to the new year, here are some key dates for your diary over the next 12 months. JANUARY January 31: The online filing date for Self Assess- ment tax returns for the 2024/25 tax year is midnight – as is any balanc- ing payment. APRIL April 1: The National Living Wage (NLW) and National MinimumWage (NMW) rates announced in November will come into effect. ● NLW (for those aged 21 or over) will increase from £12.21 to £12.71 per hour ● NMW (for those aged 18-20) will increase from £10.00 to £10.85 per hour ● NMW (for those aged 16 and 17 and apprentices aged under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship) will increase from£7.55 to £8.00 per hour April 1: The energy price cap for the second quarter of the year will come into effect covering the period April 1 to June 30. April 5: The end of the UK Personal Tax Year (2025/26) and the deadline for ISA/ pension allowances. April 6: The start of the new tax year (2026/27). Crucially Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Self Assessment begins for sole trad- ers and landlords with an income of more than £50,000. Quarterly returns will have to be made. Tax rates for dividends increase by 2% to: ● Basic Rate Band 10.75% ● Higher Rate Band 35.75% ● Additional Rate Band 39.35% The tax-free dividend allowance remains at £500. Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) rate increases from 14% to 18%. Inheritance Tax (IHT): The £1 mil- lion allowance for 100% Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) will become transferable to a surviving spouse or civil partner, even if the first death occurred before this date. MAY May 31: P60 deadline, Employers must provide P60 forms to all employees who were on payroll on April 5, 2026. They need to ensure the totals match what was sent via RTI during the year. If providing digital P60s, verify employee access and retain evidence of issue for audit purposes. LANCASHIRE is bidding for up to £20mof government funding to underpin activity around defence, security and critical national infrastructure. The plan to apply for a share of the £500m national Local Innova- tion Partnership Fund (LIPF) has been endorsed by the new Lanca- shire Combined County Authority (LCCA). The bid is due to be submitted by next month and if successful it will support projects over a three- to-four-year lifespan, starting in summer 2026. A steering group has been estab- lished by the Lancashire Innova- tion Board to lead the bid process. It includes representatives from all five universities with a footprint in Lancashire and large prime businesses such as defence giant BAE Systems and Westinghouse, which operates the Springfields nuclear fuel production facility near Preston. Small and medium sized sup- ply-chain businesses are also involved in the steering group. The LIPF is a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) led programme looking to invest in the develop- ment and scaling of high-potential innovation clusters across regions of the country. It is part of the UK’s broader Industrial Strategy plan to unlock regional economic growth, creating the right conditions for innovation, productivity and sustainability. Areas bidding for the cash have to demonstrate that their plans are based on a collaboration between universities, industry and local and national government. At the LCCA’s final meeting of 2025, just before Christmas, Blackburn with Darwen Coun- cil leader Phil Riley said the bid: “Plays to Lancashire’s strengths – so it just feels like exactly the right thing that we should be get- ting started with.” A number of regions have already been successful in get- ting cash from the LIPF. Last summer it was announced that Greater Manchester, West Mid- lands and the Glasgow City region 2026: Key dates for your diary County bid for innovation cash Smarter work recognised Honour: Alain Dilworth were to receive funding to deliver more “game-changing local inno- vations” such as robotics to unlock newmedicines or AI that can spot illnesses earlier. The package is giving local lead- ers in these areas access to a total of £50m each to support innova- tions in science and technology in their areas. Announcing the funding, the gov- ernment’s science and technology secretary Liz Kendall said: “The UK is blessedwith incredible science and tech talent behind everything from life-saving vaccines to cleaner fuels that could cut bills in the years to come, improving the lives of peo- ple up and down the country. “These prized sectors are also major drivers of economic growth in local communities. By back- ing those with the knowledge to home in on local strengths and supporting valued businesses in building the facilities that can set our country apart, we can lead the next generation of life-chang- ing discoveries.” Combined Authority members have also approved and approach for allocating more than £40m of funding through the Adult Skills Fund, which supports more than 36,000 adults each year to gain skills to help them find a job. The eligibility criteria will also be extended so that people who are under a formal redundancy consul- tation can receive support. unexpected and a lovely surprise, and I would like to thank His Majesty for bestowing this hon- our upon me. “At the same time, I see this as recognition of the Made Smarter team, past and present, who have been fundamental in turning an ambitious idea into a programme that is delivering real impact for manufacturers across the country.” After a 25-year career in man- ufacturing, Alain moved into eco- nomic development with the North West Development Agency before joining The Growth Company, where he has delivered a number of regional and national govern- ment-funded programmes. JULY July 6: Employers must Submit P11D (expenses and benefits) and P11D(b) (declaration for Class 1A National Insurance). Even if you have moved to payrolling benefits, check which items still require reporting. Provide employees with copies so they can keep their per- sonal records current. July 19-22: Pay Class 1A National Insurance on benefits for 2025–26 by 19 July (post) or 22 July (electronic). Schedule the payment when you submit P11D(b) to avoid last-min- ute issues. July 31: For those who file a Self Assessment tax return, this is deadline for many people to pay their second payment on account for the 2025/26 tax year. AUGUST August 7: If you are involved in Making Tax Digital (MTD) this is the date to submit a quarterly update. OCTOBER October 5: If you need to register for Self Assessment for the 2025/26 tax year, today is the deadline. October 31: The deadline to file a paper Self Assessment tax return for 2025-26. NOVEMBER November 7: It is time to submit another quar- terly update, if you are involved in Making Tax Digital (MTD). DECEMBER December 30: This is the deadline to submit your tax return online.