Wokingham Borough Connect
 Helping everyone stay fit for 21st century business
All businesses in Wokingham Borough are being asked to give their views on how they use technology now - and how this could improve in future.
The Berkshire Digital Infrastructure Group (DIG) survey, which runs until Sunday, 31 March, aims to achieve three things:
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Evaluate current digital infrastructure by understanding the existing hardware, software, networking, cybersecurity measures and more that are used by businesses across Berkshire
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Identify local needs and aspirations by pinpointing gaps in the infrastructure and learning more about the technologies that businesses want to adopt to ensure their future growth
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Assess the workforce's digital skills and identify areas for training and development to ensure people are up to date
Please take a few moments to share what you know and help our region's economy to thrive for many years to come.
We're getting in touch with some important updates that can't wait until the next edition because they have a deadline. Your next regular Business Matters will be out as usual on Tuesday, 2 April.
 Spring Budget 2024: headlines for business
The Chancellor delivered his Spring Budget on Wednesday, 6 March and the Institute for Fiscal Studies has produced a detailed summary and analysis.
The main headlines for businesses and residents were:
Decrease in national insurance - from April 2024, employees' National Insurance contributions on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270 will be cut from 10 per cent to eight per cent, following a cut from 12 per cent in the last Autumn Budget.
Increase in state pension - from April 2024, the state pension will rise 8.5 per cent in line with the triple lock. For someone on the new full state pension, their pension will grow from £203.85 to £221.20 per week, an additional £902.20 per year.
VAT registration - the threshold has been increased from £85,000 to £90,000 from 1 April 2024. The taxable turnover threshold, which determines whether you can apply for deregistration, will be increased from £83,000 to £88,000.
Increase in living wage - this will become £11.44 per hour for over-23s and £10.18 per hour for workers aged 21 to 22, which is expected to affect 2.7 million workers.
Creative industries - Tax relief is being offered to encourage film makers to shoot more movies in the UK, and eligible studios can get 40 per cent relief on their gross business rates until 2034. Independent film makers can make use of a new tax credit scheme at a rate of 53 per cent for films with a budget under £15m.
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