Even the most advanced accounting software is built on a principle that has stood the test of time: double entry bookkeeping. First described more than 500 years ago, it remains the foundation of every set of accounts today. For business owners, understanding the basics can make reports and figures much easier to follow. What is […]

Winning new business is always positive, but before you commit to a new customer it is wise to carry out some checks. A little time spent at the start can save trouble later if the customer is unable, or unwilling, to pay. We often advise business owners to put a simple process in place for […]

The government has announced permanent changes to business rates that will benefit thousands of small firms in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. From April 2026, qualifying businesses will see their bills reduced, with some enjoying discounts of up to 40%. What has changed? Business rates have long been a concern for high street shops, […]

Paper tax returns are due 31 October 2025, and new registrants must notify HMRC by 5 October 2025. Act early to avoid penalties. Firstly, the deadline for submitting paper self-assessment tax returns is 31 October 2025. If you miss this deadline a £100 late filing penalty will usually apply, even if no tax is due, […]

If your business operates in a sector covered by the Money Laundering Regulations, you must be monitored by a supervisory authority to ensure compliance. This article outlines who needs to register with HMRC for anti-money laundering (AML) supervision. Your business must be registered with a supervisory authority if it operates in a sector covered by […]

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves has confirmed, in a video message, that the next UK Budget will take place on Wednesday, 26 November 2025. Details of all the Budget announcements will be made on a special section of the GOV.UK website which will be updated following completion of the Chancellor’s speech in November. […]

Employers must ensure they are paying staff at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or National Living Wage (NLW). The NMW and the NLW are the minimum legal amounts that employers must pay their workers. The latest NMW and NLW rates took effect on 1 April 2025. The current hourly rate for the NLW is […]