Accountancy & business insight
When Should You Hire an Outsourced FD?
You may need finance leadership before you can justify a full-time FD. Here are the signs, and what an outsourced FD does.
7 Xero Automations That Save You a Day a Month
Xero can do far more than store your numbers. Here are seven automations that quietly give you back a day a month.
Dext Done Right: Stop Typing In Receipts
Dext reads your receipts and bills and pushes them into Xero. Here is how to set it up so it does the typing for you.
Syft: Turning Xero Data Into Forecasts You Can Act On
Xero holds your numbers. Syft turns them into dashboards, forecasts and board-ready insight. Here is how we use it.
How We Use AI Safely in the Practice, and What It Means for Your Data
AI is powerful, but your financial data is sensitive. Here is how we use it responsibly, and what it means for you.
The VAT Margin Scheme Explained for Used Car Dealers
The VAT margin scheme lets used car dealers pay VAT on the margin, not the full sale price. Here is how it works, and the traps.
Getting Keyloop or Pinewood Automation Ready
Keyloop or Pinewood holds a goldmine of data. Here is how to get it automation ready and talking to your accounts.
5 Ways to Protect Your Margin When Food and Energy Costs Rise
When food and energy costs climb, margin is everything. Five practical ways for hospitality businesses to protect it.
Getting EPOS, Bookings and Xero Working Together
Your till, booking system and Xero should talk to each other. Here is how to connect them and stop rekeying.
Van vs Car: What Trades Can Actually Claim
For a trade, van or car makes a big difference to your tax. Here is how capital allowances and benefit in kind compare.
Retentions and Cashflow: Getting Paid on Construction Contracts
Retentions can quietly strangle a construction firm's cashflow. Here is how to track them, chase them and plan for them.
Retainers vs Projects: How to Price for Profit
How an agency prices shapes its profit and cashflow. Here is how retainers and project fees compare.
Personal Holding Companies: What They Are and When They Help
A holding company can protect assets and add flexibility. Here is what a personal holding company is, and when it helps.
Planning Your Exit: How, When and Who to Sell To
The best business exits are planned years ahead. Here is how to think about how, when and who you sell to, and the tax.
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: What Sole Traders and Landlords Must Do Now
MTD for Income Tax changes how sole traders and landlords keep records and report. Here is who is affected, when, and how to get ready.
Salary vs Dividends: The Tax-Efficient Way to Pay Yourself in 2026/27
Most director-shareholders take a mix of salary and dividends. The balance changed again in April 2026. Here is how it works in 2026/27.
The Easy Tax Savings You May Be Missing
You do not need clever schemes to save tax. Trivial benefits, working from home, mileage and pensions all add up. Here is how to use them.
Employing Family Members: The Rules and the Savings
Employing a family member can be sensible and tax-efficient, but HMRC expects it to be genuine. Here are the rules and the savings.
Do I Need to Register for VAT? Thresholds, Flat Rate and the Traps
VAT registration catches a lot of growing businesses by surprise. Here is when you must register, when you might choose to, and the traps.
P11Ds and the Move to Payrolling Benefits: What Employers Need to Know
The rules for reporting benefits in kind are changing. Here is what payrolling means, when it starts, and how to get ahead of it.
How Zapier Connects to Xero: 5 Basics to Get Right
Zapier is the glue between your apps and Xero. Before you build your first automation, get these five basics right.
Electric Company Cars: The Tax Benefit, and How Best to Buy One
An electric company car is hard to beat on tax. Here is the benefit in kind saving, and how lease, PCP and contract hire compare.
The Tronc System Explained: Tips, NIC and Keeping Staff Happy
Since October 2024 you must pass on all tips in full. A properly run tronc does that and saves National Insurance for everyone. Here is how.
Getting Started with Automation: Where to Begin in Your Business
Every business has repetitive tasks that eat time. Here is how to start automating them sensibly, without boiling the ocean.
Why Your Motor Trade Business Needs a Specialist Accountant
Margin schemes, stocking finance, department profitability. The motor trade is unlike any other sector, and here is why a specialist accountant pays for itself.
Xero for the Motor Trade: The Add-Ons That Save Hours (and the Margin VAT Trap)
Xero plus the right add-ons can transform a dealership's numbers, but margin VAT is where many motor traders come unstuck.
7 Numbers Every Pub, Restaurant or Hotel Should Watch
Hospitality runs on thin margins. Track these seven numbers to protect your profit.
CIS & the VAT Reverse Charge: A Plain-English Guide
The Construction Industry Scheme and VAT reverse charge explained, and what contractors and subcontractors must do.
How AI & Automation Are Changing Accountancy
Less admin, faster insight, better decisions. What the shift means for your business.
Autumn Budget 2025: The Key Points You Need to Know
Frozen thresholds, selected rate rises and targeted support, and what it means for you.
Autumn Budget 2025: The Key Points You Need to Know
The Autumn Budget 2025 focuses on raising revenue through frozen tax thresholds and selected rate increases, while offering targeted support to...
Scaling Your Business
Growing a business often requires more than just ambition — it needs funding. External capital can accelerate product development, hiring,...
September Round-Up: Key Business and Economic Updates
As we move into autumn, there have been several important developments affecting businesses, from HMRC compliance campaigns to shifts in the UK...
News Roundup June 2025
The UK-India trade deal cuts major tariffs, boosting UK exports. HMRC ends phone support for UTRs from May 2025. Interest rates drop to 4.25% amid...
Abbeygate Goes to Accountex 2025 – Insights, Innovation & a Mad Dash for the Train
On Wednesday, the entire Abbeygate Accountancy team made the trip to London for Accountex 2025, the UK’s flagship event for accounting and finance...
News Roundup May 2025
UK businesses face rising employment taxes, weak confidence, and hiring cutbacks. Interest rate cuts are expected as trade tensions grow, and the...
New Tax Year, New Numbers: Key 2025/26 Tax Changes You Should Know
With changes to allowances and tax bands, it's more important than ever to stay informed and plan proactively. Whether you're a business owner,...
Spring Statement 2025 – What it Means for You
While no major tax changes were announced, this year’s Spring Statement still holds important insights for individuals and businesses alike. From...
News Roundup March 2025
Following the Bank of England’s base rate cut to 4.5% on 6 February, HMRC will lower its late payment and repayment interest rates from 25 February.
News Roundup February 2025
Most UK businesses are optimistic about the start of 2025, with economic confidence surveys showing plans for growth following a difficult period....
Spotlight On: Understanding the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)
A GUIDE FOR CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) is a vital part of the tax system for workers in construction....
News Roundup January 2025
HMRC DELAYS AGENT SERVICES ACCOUNT APPROVALS HMRC has extended the processing time for agent services account (ASA) and VAT agent reference number...
How You Can Avoid 5 Common Tax Mistakes Small Business Make
Tax regulations can feel daunting for small business owners. Here are five mistakes we often see and how you can steer clear of them: 1. Not...
What Entertainment Expenses Can Your Business Claim For?
Here's a short guide: 1. Client Hospitality and Entertainment: Generally, costs incurred entertaining clients, including meals and events, are not...
The Beginner's Guide to Understanding Financial Statements
We believe in demystifying finance for everyone. Today, we're breaking down the basics of financial statements - the essential tools for...
What's Your Business Worth?
The value of your business is not just about numbers - it's about your hard work, dedication, and the potential for future growth. Knowing your...
Unlocking Business Growth: The Power of Strategic Financial Planning
Understanding the financial nuances of your business is not just about keeping the books in order; it's about unlocking the full potential of your...
Will Ai take my Job? How AI is Transforming the Job Market
Introduction Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a hot topic in the business world for some time now. With AI’s rapid advancements, it’s no...
How to Prepare for Exit: A Strategic Guide for Business Owners
Exiting a business is a significant milestone in an entrepreneur's journey. Whether it's for retirement, pursuing new ventures, or personal...
10 Common Financial Terms Explained in Everyday English
We know financial jargon can be confusing, which is why we do our best to stick to plain English. But there’s no escaping some terms. Here are our...
When Is The Right Time To Invest In Your Business?
Investment decisions are pivotal for growth and sustainability. Here's when to channel resources back into your business. 1. Solid Financial...
How our Outsourced MD & FD Service Can Add Value To Your Business
You’re probably familiar with how Non-Executive Directors can bring considerable experience, impartial advice and fresh perspectives to help your...