Blog
Announcing the launch of Payroll Junction!
Posted 1st August 2023 at 8:27 am
E R Grove and Co are proud to announce the official launch of our latest venture, Payroll Junction, on 13th July 2023. Payroll Junction has been conceived as a response to the growing demand for streamlined and efficient payroll management. With E R Grove and Co’s decades of experience in accountancy and payroll management, the new platform bridges the gap between traditional payroll processes and modern advancements, enabling businesses to effortlessly manage their payroll responsibilities with unmatched precision and reliability. Payroll Junction harnesses the power of the latest technologies to streamline processes and reduce manual intervention, whilst incorporating robust... Read more
Two new Business Information Hubs launched by the government
Posted 24th July 2023 at 9:50 am
Director Information Hub The Insolvency Service has launched a new online information hub to support company directors. The hub hosts guidance and information on a range of business themes commonly faced by companies and aims to help company directors to push their business forward by being more aware of potential pitfalls. It is specifically designed for directors of micro, small, and medium-size limited companies, although it will also be useful to others. Examples of the kind of advice available on the information hub include: understanding company finances, director duties and obligations; how to recognise early warning signs of financial distress; and... Read more
Why Customer Service matters
Posted 18th July 2023 at 3:50 pm
According to the Institute of Customer Service’s (ICS) most recent UK Customer Satisfaction Index more companies have declined in service than improved. In 2021 and 2022, customer satisfaction with complaint handling showed a steady improvement but this has now stalled and other areas of customer satisfaction that are predictive of business performance, such as measures of a company’s emotional connection with its customers, their customer ethos, and ethics, have also declined. ICS chief executive Joanna Causon comments, ”We are seeing a greater polarisation in customer satisfaction performance, with some companies pulling away from the pack and others alas falling considerably... Read more
Payments on Account: due date approaching
Posted 10th July 2023 at 10:12 am
Payments on account are advance payments towards your next Self Assessment bill. You will need to make payments on account if you complete a tax return and your last tax bill under Self Assessment (ignoring any Class 2 National Insurance that you paid) was £1,000 or more, unless at least 80% of the tax that you owe is collected at source, for example, under PAYE. Each payment on account is 50% of the previous year’s tax and Class 4 National Insurance liability. You must make the first payment on account by 31 January in the tax year (together with any... Read more
Find A Grant service launches
Posted 4th July 2023 at 1:39 pm
The government has launched a digital service for organisations applying for government grants, which could save up to £270m over the next two years Find a Grant will make it easier for organisations to access government grant funding, as well as reduce duplication and cut time spent on grant applications by 72%. According to the Cabinet Office, the new digital service could save up to £270m through efficiences and fraud prevention. In addition, the service also intends to level the playing field, with 43% more funding awarded to organisations in the north of England. Currently most departments that provide grant... Read more
HR Challenges: Retention, engagement, and diversity
Posted 27th June 2023 at 2:19 pm
In today’s competitive marketplace, attracting and retaining top talent, fostering employee engagement, and managing workplace diversity can be complex issues that require a strategic approach. To start with, recruiting and retaining talented employees in the current market is a major challenge for many small and medium-sized businesses. While you may not be able to offer the same salary and benefits packages as larger firms, there are several ways to attract and retain top talent. For example, you could consider offering unique employee benefits that align with the values of your business. These could include flexible working arrangements, paid... Read more
Empowering businesses for success: Porter’s Five Forces Model
Posted 15th June 2023 at 1:51 pm
In today’s fiercely competitive business landscape, it is crucial for organizations to gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry they operate in and the forces that shape it. Porter’s Five Forces Model, developed by renowned strategy expert Michael E. Porter, provides a valuable framework for analysing and assessing competitive dynamics. By examining five key forces, businesses can identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and strategically position themselves for success. In this blog, we will explore how businesses can effectively use Porter’s Five Forces Model to gain a competitive edge. 1. Threat of New Entrants: The first force examined in Porter’s model... Read more
Is your website accessible and inclusive?
Posted 14th June 2023 at 11:34 am
In our highly digitalised business world, creating a website that is accessible and inclusive is no longer just an optional add-on, but rather a crucial element for success. Not only does it ensure that all users can access and navigate your content, but it also sends a positive message about your brand’s values and commitment to creating an inclusive experience. Here are some approaches that can help you make your website more accessible and inclusive: Alt text for images Ensure that all images on your website are accompanied by descriptive alternative text. Alt text provides a textual description of... Read more
Can you create more ‘productive’ time?
Posted 6th June 2023 at 1:34 pm
For many small business owners, one consistent issue is that there is simply not enough time in the day to achieve all the things that need to be done. Have you ever got to the end of the day, having worked non-stop for the entire day, and still found yourself thinking “what on earth have I achieved today?” If the answer is yes, then you might need to consider some strategies to free up some time for productive and focussed activities. Strategy 1: Do Not Disturb! All too often we come into our business premises with a list of... Read more
Achieving work-life balance
Posted 29th May 2023 at 5:04 pm
The concept of work-life balance has become increasingly important in recent years, as people recognize the need to maintain a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives. Achieving a work-life balance can be challenging, but it is essential for our physical and mental wellbeing. The term “work-life balance” refers to the equilibrium between the time and energy spent on work and the time and energy spent on personal activities such as hobbies, family, and leisure. The idea is to achieve a healthy balance between work and personal life, so one can be productive and happy in both areas. ... Read more