Spring Budget 2024 Tax E-News

On 6 March 2024, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt presented his Spring Budget to Parliament. In the knowledge that the government must hold a general election before 28 January 2025, this was a Budget designed to restore confidence and win voters. But on the heels of Britain entering a recession and downgraded Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) forecasts, the Chancellor had his work cut out. Headlines included further cuts in National Insurance…  Read more

Is the 4-Day Work Week for You? Pros, Cons and Tips

When was the last time you felt that you had a week’s worth of energy to pour into just four days of work? As COVID-19 has reshaped our work-life balance and continues to redefine what is essential in our professional world, the concept of a shorter workweek is gaining traction. With proposed legislation in various states and countries, and the ongoing conversation among professionals, it’s evident that the discussion around…  Read more

The Power of Core Values in Business

As a business owner, you’re the architect of your business’s vision and culture. But in the hustle to develop products, chase sales, and keep the lights on, some of the foundation often gets lost in the mix. Core values—those guiding principles that shape your company’s identity—are more than just words on a wall or a statement in a handbook. These aren’t just buzzwords to sprinkle throughout your website – your…  Read more

Your Phone Habits: Are they the key to your success?

Let’s talk about your phone habits. It may not be a pleasant topic to discuss, but it does matter. How you use your phone can have a huge impact on your life and on your business. Sounds dramatic? Not at all. These mini pocket-sized computers are with us all the time and the constant flow of notifications can interrupt our workflow incessantly. Your mobile habits significantly impact your concentration span.…  Read more

February 2024 Tax E-News

Welcome to our latest monthly tax newswire. We hope you enjoy reading this newsletter and find it useful. Contact us if you wish to discuss any issues further. YEAR END TAX PLANNING It’s not too late to undertake some end of year tax planning. If you have some spare cash, an obvious tax planning point would be to maximise your ISA allowances for the 2023/24 tax year (currently £20,000 each).…  Read more

Stop putting off the little things

As a business owner, you often find yourself pulled in different directions by competing responsibilities. It can feel daunting to classify tasks and tackle the most time-consuming ones first. But why is it so hard for us to start – or even finish – seemingly insignificant tasks? Why do these tiny tasks become the bane of our existence, tempting us into procrastination limbo? Let’s explore why we get stuck on…  Read more

The leap of hiring your first employee

When starting a business, you often wear all the hats – CEO, salesperson, marketer, and even janitor. But as your business grows, you’ll eventually hit a wall. There’s only so much you can do on your own. That’s when you might need to consider hiring your first employee. Hiring someone brings many benefits. It can double your workforce, free up your time to focus on the business, and introduce new…  Read more

Make life easier with AI

AI (Artificial intelligence) has been both a huge disrupter and enabler for businesses of all shapes and sizes. (AI) is no longer just a pipe dream of science-fiction. It has become a vital aspect of today’s world and has meant businesses or employees can and are becoming more productive by leveraging the many AI tools for business activities.  In the past, the application of AI was limited to big corporations…  Read more

January 2024 Tax E-News

Happy New Year and welcome to the January edition of Tax E-News. We hope that you find this informative. Please contact us if you wish to discuss any matters in more detail. NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS TO SAVE TAX At this time of year, we think about New Year’s resolutions. It is also a good time to start planning your tax affairs before the end of the tax year on 5th…  Read more

Budgeting and cash flow forecasting: key to your business success

In the unpredictable world of business, finding a little certainty can make all the difference. While the future remains a mystery, tools such as budgeting and cash flow forecasting can significantly reduce the level of uncertainty, allowing you to anticipate challenges, learn from past events, and enhance your ability to navigate your business. Budget vs. Cash Flow: the crucial distinction A common misconception is that a budget and cash flow…  Read more

Managing work-life balance as a small business owner

As a small business owner, it can be incredibly difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. The obligations and responsibilities of running your own business often take priority over any personal pursuits, no matter how important they may be for your overall well-being. But, with the right strategies and mindset in place, it is possible to strike an effective balance between working hard on your business and making time for…  Read more

Autumn Statement 2023 Tax E-News

On 22 November 2023, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt presented his Autumn Statement to Parliament and started making, in his words, the long-term decisions necessary to strengthen the economy and build a brighter future. Fueled by falling inflation and stabilised public finances, focus is now being applied to reducing debt, cutting tax and rewarding hard work. Headlines included generous National Insurance Contribution (NIC) cuts for workers and the self-employed and the ‘biggest…  Read more

Effective strategies for boosting your startup’s cash flow

In the unpredictable world of startups, maintaining a cash surplus can be a lifesaver. It provides a safety net in case sales don’t meet expectations or unexpected expenses arise. Aside from providing security, surplus cash also paves the way for expansion opportunities, handling large bills, or purchasing essential equipment. While injecting personal capital or taking out a loan can aid in creating a cash surplus, let’s explore some other effective…  Read more

How to unlock cash within your business

As a business owner, have you ever been caught short of cash? What if I told you that the solution to your cash flow woes might be hiding in plain sight? Yes, you heard it right. Your business may already possess the funds you need, locked up in assets, stock, or your debtors. In this post, we’ll break down three areas you can check to free up funds within your…  Read more

November 2023 Tax E-News

Welcome to the November edition of Tax E-News. We hope that you find this informative. Please contact us if you wish to discuss any matters in more detail. SALARY OR DIVIDEND BEST IN 2023/24? In recent years many accountants have advised their director/shareholder clients that the most tax efficient method of extracting profit from their family company was to pay themselves a low salary, at or around the £12,570 personal…  Read more

Understanding and improving working capital

When it comes to running a thriving business, understanding and effectively managing your working capital is crucial. Essentially, working capital is the cash readily available for the day-to-day running of operations. The more protracted the business cycle, the higher the working capital requirement tends to be. Your goal? To ensure you have enough working capital on hand to cover operational expenses, with a reasonable buffer in place. How to improve…  Read more

Unravelling the mystery of missing profits: A guide for new business owners

Starting a business is a wild ride with its fair share of ups and downs. One hurdle many new entrepreneurs encounter is the difference between the profits they expected and the hard cash available at the financial year-end. This guide aims to alleviate these concerns by shedding light on where your missing revenue might be hiding. Possible causes of missing profits There may be several reasons why your business has…  Read more

5 essential steps to crafting a solid business plan

Creating a robust business plan is crucial to the success of any startup. It not just provides a roadmap for your business, but also helps to attract potential investors. Here’s a practical guide to help you put together your business plan. Gather Relevant Information Start by collecting all the necessary information about your business. This includes understanding who will run the business, who will advise you, and a thorough analysis…  Read more

October 2023 Tax E-News

Welcome to the October edition of Tax E-News. We hope that you find this informative. Please contact us if you wish to discuss any matters in more detail. IT’S IMPORTANT TO HAVE UP TO DATE PROFIT FORECASTS FOR TAX In order that we can help predict your taxable profits and tax liabilities we need up to date profit figures and projections. One of the advantages of keeping your business accounts…  Read more

The ultimate guide to improving business cash flow

In the business world, cash flow remains the lifeblood that keeps your operations running smoothly. Whether you’re a start-up finding your feet or a seasoned business, maintaining a steady cash flow can be quite a challenge. But a few small changes can make a world of difference to your cash flow and overall revenue. So, let’s dive into some practical strategies you can implement to boost your cash flow. Get…  Read more

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