The ability to offset losses on worthless shares against other income may go some way to compensate owners of failed SMEs. Two cases, Alberg and Murray-Hession, had similar facts but different outcomes, highlighting the importance of getting the formalities of share issues right in order to secure relief. Two further cases, Uber and Ashton, relate to the hot topic of employment and worker status: Uber has potentially far reaching consequences for similar arrangements involving workers engaged within the so-called ‘gig economy’, while Ashton shows that change of status of employees to partners needs to be considered carefully. Finally, the FTT decision in Telfer provides a reminder for SMEs on the issues to consider when looking to claim capital allowances on plant which forms part of the place in which business is conducted.