Blog
New rules for IR35 – What you need to know
Posted 8th March 2019 at 2:51 pm
The government has now published new guidance on the proposed reforms to the off-payroll working rules (IR35) for businesses in the private sector, which is due to apply from 6 April 2020. The new policies will be adapted from the existing legislation for IR35 in the public sector which launched on 6 April 2017 and will clarify the obligations of businesses hiring workers and those involved in the supply chain. It’s important to note that any changes in this area will apply to both public and private sector businesses from April 2020. Who will be affected? From the... Read more
Is AI Good for Business?
Posted 1st March 2019 at 3:43 pm
Artificial Intelligence technology is probably one of the biggest trends for 2019. AI however has had a bad rap over the years with concerns on whether workers jobs could be put at risk due to AI implementation. Some say that the development of new technologies will lead to a new revolution in the world of work and though there have been some concerns, some experts predict that the changes will have little effect on employment. Rather that those in work will need to adapt heir skills to manage and maintain the new technologies. Is AI something that businesses should... Read more
How to weather the Brexit storm
Posted 22nd February 2019 at 2:47 pm
The constant news of Brexit and the struggles within the government to settle on a deal has had a profound effect on the confidence of many small business. Many businesses have halted their plans for growth due to the confusion still surrounding the looming breakup of the UK with the EU. This is likely to continue until we officially leave on 29 March and maybe to some degree, will do for some time after this. But is there something you can do to protect your business? This week we take a look at some actions business leaders can take to... Read more
Make the most of your business
Posted 15th February 2019 at 2:36 pm
Running a business is complicated and stressful and probably takes up the majority of your time just to keep it going day to day. So it’s no surprise that thousands of SME’s are not making the most of some of the tax reliefs available to them, when it’s hard to find the time to even think about it. This is where we can help. We have put together a handy guide for all you busy bees on how you can take advantage of tax reliefs to better benefit you and your business. Get Organised Start the year afresh with... Read more
How Is Wellbeing Affecting Workplace Performance?
Posted 8th February 2019 at 3:54 pm
According to recent research, around half of UK employees have changed their jobs because of work related frustration and stress. This has also led to an increase in workers calling in sick due to the implications of their job role and work environment. Not only are these factors affecting employee wellbeing, but they could be having a damaging effect on your business. Respondents of the research stated that the main source of their workplace stress was having to chase colleagues for updates and a lack of clarity by management when ask to complete a task. These issues can be easily... Read more
Annual Investment Allowance Temporary Increase
Posted 1st February 2019 at 2:59 pm
As announced in the Budget 2018, legislation has been introduced in the Finance Bill 2018/19 to temporarily increase the Annual Investment Allowance from £200,000 to £1million. The changes will be in effect from 1st January 2019, until 1st January 2021 when it will revert back to £200,000. The AIA, in effect, enables businesses to be able to claim immediate relief for expenditures, as it enables the business to deduct 100% of qualifying capital expenditure up to the AIA limit for the chargeable period when calculating profits. There are some excluded expenditures such as expenditure on cars. Although a claim is... Read more
Exemptions Announced for MTD for VAT
Posted 25th January 2019 at 3:17 pm
MTD for VAT will come into effect from 1 April 2019. From this date businesses above the VAT threshold will be required by law to file their VAT every quarter via a digital system connected directly to HMRC or via a third party digital link. Once a business is registered, they will be required to remain registered even if they fall below the threshold at a later date. A company would have to deregister in order to no longer be required to file. After many months of trialling a pilot of the scheme and a call to the government to... Read more
Automatic Enrolment Rates Rise for Employers
Posted 18th January 2019 at 3:11 pm
Since it’s conception in 2012, automatic enrolment has helped millions of people contribute towards their pension. Employees are aided in this by having their employers also make contributions towards their retirement fund, but the rates employers and employees will need to contribute will shortly rise. Make sure that your business is prepared by checking the rates below. Under automatic enrolment, minimum contributions are required to increase over time on set dates by law. On 6 April the minimum contribution levels will rise again, with a minimum of 3% being paid by employers towards the pension. Employees will make up... Read more
Deal or No Deal: How can traders prepare for Brexit?
Posted 11th January 2019 at 3:07 pm
Now that the new year has started, there is even more focus on the approach of Brexit, when the UK will leave the EU on the 29 March. It is now a conceivable reality that the UK will leave the EU with a no deal. If this happens, your business may need to prepare for some potential changes, so that the transition can run as smooth as possible. How can you prepare? HMRC have recently published advice for VAT registered EU-only traders in the UK except Northern Ireland. It advises that the following steps should be taken by... Read more
New Year, New You: SME Trends for 2019
Posted 4th January 2019 at 3:06 pm
The start of a new year brings with it a whole host of new trends for SME’s to expect. This week we discuss the upcoming SME trends to look out for so you can stay ahead no matter what your industry is. Employee Wellness Mental health and employee wellbeing is becoming more and more acknowledged within the workplace and the effect it can have on businesses can be detrimental. Last year it was found that 71% of small to medium sized businesses had their profitability affected by low-morale, stress and mental illness. It is within your businesses interests to... Read more