What's been in the news
If you follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook, you will know that we regularly publish news that we think you find interesting, of use or insightful. Below are direct links to recent news that we've posted:
February 2023
smallbusiness.co.uk
A study of the working week has reported its findings and it makes for interesting reading. Originally reported in the Financial Times, this article on smallbusiness.co.uk goes on to detail how, of the 61 UK organisations participating in the 4 Day Week Campaign study which lasted 6 months, revenue was found to rise by over a third over the trial period, compared with the same time in 2021.
More here:
December 2022
BBC Business
Despite a brief respite in October when the economy grew by 0.5% (according to the Office for National Statistics). Martin Beck, chief economic adviser to the EY Item Club, a leading UK economic forecasting group, declares:
"The near-term outlook remains gloomy, as consumers continue to struggle under the weight of high inflation and with much of the impact of this year's interest rate rises still to be realised.”
UK economy will get worse before it gets better warns chancellor
November 2022
thisismoney.co.uk
This article published back in July 2022, details how small firms can still grow their workforce by hiring an apprentice - and grow.
Could hiring an apprentice give your business the boost it needs?
October 2022
Which?
Article
As part of our series on the cost of living crisis and how you can possibly cut costs, this article published in Which? has Sarah Ingram’s offering what you can do to save money on electricity and gas by making your home more energy efficient.
smallbusiness.co.uk
Another in our series on the cost of living criss and this article by Aaron Hurst writing for smallbusiness.co.uk suggests 7 tips for companies and staff to keep energy bills down whilst continuing to innovate with IT.
September 2022
smallbusiness.co.uk
Article
Martin McTague, FSB Chair states that small businesses need ‘a comprehensive response’ from Liz Truss, the UK’s new PM and offer them support including tax cuts and direct cash support.
Croner-i
Now that children in the UK are back in school after the summer break, many parents may find their current working situation no longer fits their needs. Business owners should be prepared for a spike in flexible working requests.
August 2022
BBC
Article
It's announced today that interest rates have increased today by half-point to 1.75%.
What does this mean for UK businesses as the UK looks to head into recession? The BBC reports that the economy is to shrink in the final three months of this year and keep shrinking until the end of 2023.
Bank of England warns the UK will fall into recession this year
Accounting Web
This article by Richard Hattersley on Accounting Web reports the views of key commentators - those in favour and those who are vehemently against today's (4 Aug 2022) rise in interest rates to 1.75%.
Xero
Xero has announced a three year partnership between itself and the Lewes FC to support its mission to drive greater equality in the women’s game:
July 2022
Croner-i
Article
The mass ministerial resignations prior to the resignation of Boris Johnson had many of us wondering if it could happen in the very hub of government where and to what effect could something similar occur? This excellent Croner-i article points out the key lessons to be learned for both the private and public sector.
What lessons can be learned from Boris Johnson's resignation?
June 2022
smallbusiness.co.uk
Article
Did you know that by 2050, avatars could be running small businesses and as such, give their human counterparts a better work/life balance? Fascinating insight by UK futurologist, Dave Coplin.
SMEs will be run by avatars in time for 2050 – study
HMRC
A reminder from HMRC that the filing deadline is 6 July for the P11D. If you're one of our clients for whom we provide this service, you should have already heard from us - all is in hand.
Diagnostax
Almost every R&D Tax Relief claim that we process includes some form of software costs. However, certain software costs cannot be claimed and this blog from Diagnostax sheds some light on the fundamental rules when it comes to software costs.
May 2022
HRD Connect
Article
So many of us are familiar with formal organisational structures but as Global HR analyst Josh Bersin reports in this HRD Connect article, 'Change from org chart hierarchies that don’t help to something that does: Work design' this type of structure restricts business growth.
April 2022
Xero
Article
Xero has recently released its new App Launcher which integrates the Xero App Store’s apps into the My Xero dashboard via a single dropdown tab.
There’s now no need to leave Xero!
Xero’s new App Launcher: Bringing apps closer to Xero small businesses and their advisors
ZDNet
Danny Palmer reports on how phishing emails targeting LinkedIn accounts are on the rise. Danny details what to watch out for and help you spot a phishing attack
March 2022
BBC
Article
The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, delivered his Spring Statement on 23 March. Faced with the task of creating a ‘strong economy’ for the UK, against the challenging background of high inflation, rising costs and the threat of conflict in Europe, he announced a raft of new measures.
Here's a full breakdown of the Spring Statement from BBC News
And here's our blog Spring Statement 2022 - good news for business?
Croner-i
This article from Croner-i reports on the mixed response to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak's Spring Statement last week from various industry bodies including the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), CIPD, Federation of Master Builders IFMB), Institute of Directors (IoD) and Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
Croner-taxwise
Are you up to date with the changes to the national minimum and living wage and statutory payments? With the new tax year 2022/23 heralding various increases, as a business owner, you will want to know the impact on your business costs.
Here are details of the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage (NMW/NLW)
December 2021
Croner-i
Article
Do you know the extent of your digital carbon footprint within your business’ operations?
This article by Max Starr gives some useful advice for businesses looking to implement quick and effective emission savings in the face of their digital carbon footprint.
November 2021
Sky News
Article
According to Jon Craig, chief political correspondent at Sky News, Rishi Sunak's budget last week ‘can be summed up as the good, the bad and the bubbly’.
Budget 2021: Chancellor Rishi Sunak's address a case of the good, the bad and the bubbly
Recovery Loan Scheme
With most of the Government’s Covid financial support schemes now closed, the Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) has been a last route to funding for many Covid-impacted businesses.
In the Autumn Budget & Spending Review 2021, the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced an extension of 6 months to the RLS, making it possible to apply for a recovery loan until 30 June 2022.
Is your business eligible for this funding?
October 2021
HMRC
Article
The deadline for HMRC Self Assessment is 31 Jan 2022 but there's no need to wait until then - it can be submitted online at any time.
AccountingWEB.co.uk
Thought provoking article from management accountant, Makbul Patel on AccountingWEB.co.uk who gives his insight into England's health and social issues ahead of the upcoming Budget.
The 2021 Autumn Budget: Health and social funding predictions
Xero
If you’re thinking of recruiting, this short guide from Xero will help you get the ball rolling and remember, we’re always on hand to help and provide the technical know-how.
dogtime.com
For those of you who have a canine friend to amuse whilst you WFH, here’s some advice for dog owners to help keep your dog — or other distractions — from eating into your work day.
Xero
How many of us would love to work a 4 day week but don't think it's realistic or indeed, possible? Don't let things get to burnout before deciding to make the change - this is worth a watch from the guys at Xero.