We seem to be facing at least two years of economic challenges. Inflation, recession, rising interest rates and general cost of living (energy) increases. And let’s not forget the more imminent hose pipe bans. Our government is in limbo, electing a new leader, and an emergency budget is promised for... read more →

We all carry a list of unfinished tasks. Those more organised may use software to list and prioritise what gets done and when, but many of us depend on hand-written lists or our memory. The longer the list the heavier the weight of our to-do back-packs. There is a temptation... read more →

The race is on. Will Rishi Sunak or Liz Truss be our next Prime Minister? As both have diverging views on taxation, the outcome could be significant. Rishi Sunak has promoted his cautious, let us control inflation and repay government debt before we start to ease tax rates. At present,... read more →

Be prepared for change. Unless Rishi Sunak is elected leader of the Conservative Party as his determination to increase taxation, control government expenditure and reduce borrowing is the present general direction of economic policy. But from early September 2022, this may change if one of the other candidates pips Rishi... read more →

Many of the COVID restrictions were eased almost a year ago, and business owners in vulnerable sectors: predominantly retailers, leisure and entertainment trades, have had an opportunity to re-establish their business finances. Their hard-won capital may have been all but exhausted by the needs to meet fixed costs when income... read more →

During periods when demand for your goods and services drop – for example, if the economy moves into recession – your sales and incoming cash receipts tend to drop at a faster rate than you are able to reduce your outgoings. These outgoings or expenses tend to fall into one... read more →

Consumer and business buyers are increasingly drawn to buying online. One of the lessons we all learnt during COVID lockdown restrictions was the need to turn to virtual sources in an attempt to keep supply lines and sales platforms open. There are several “shop-type” software solutions available that can be... read more →

The next time you return from a trip abroad, you will be faced with a familiar choice; whether to follow the green (Nothing to Declare) or red lanes through Customs. It is worth considering that this is one of the few reporting obligations to HMRC that does not require the... read more →

One challenge that is a constant for business owners is to increase productivity. If the turnaround in activity – converting time or a manufacturing process into sales – can be boosted, profits can be increase without any increase in overhead costs. What the process may involve is a review of... read more →

Businesses and individuals that are starting to produce positive cashflows – and there are still a few – may be looking at the balance owing on loans taken out during the tensions of the coronavirus outbreak and thinking that they should pay them off. But it is worth considering what... read more →