News & Insights
R&D Tax Claims in today’s environment (S3. E1.)
In this Lumina podcast, Nigel Adams is joined by Glenn Collins from ACCA, Suzanne Clements, Head of R&D Tax at Ad Valorem Group
5/14/2026
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Do I Need a Business Lasting Power of Attorney?
When was the last time you reviewed your Will? Regular reviews help prevent issues such as outdated beneficiaries, incorrect executor details
5/12/2026
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Common Mistakes in Wills
When was the last time you reviewed your Will? Regular reviews help prevent issues such as outdated beneficiaries, incorrect executor details
4/29/2026
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Unlocking R&D Tax Relief in Electronics & Embedded Systems
Unlocking R&D Tax Relief in Electronics & Embedded Systems Electronics and embedded systems companies are often doing far more than routine product development. In many […]
4/23/2026
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Unlocking R&D Tax Relief in AI-Ready Data Centre Engineering
Unlocking R&D Tax Relief in AI-Ready Data Centre Engineering AI-ready data centre engineering is becoming one of the most technically demanding areas in digital infrastructure. […]
4/23/2026
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Shortlisted for Tolley’s Tax Awards 2026
Ad Valorem Group shortlisted for Tolley’s Tax Awards 2026, recognising the Lumina R&D Specialist Team and Suzanne Clements for excellence in specialist tax and client support.
4/20/2026
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Partnering with Northamptonshire County Cricket Club for the 2026 Season
We’re proud to be partnering with Northamptonshire County Cricket Club as an Official Club Partner for the 2026 season.
4/20/2026
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Aren’t Wills just for older people?
Do you need a Will if you’re young? Discover why Estate Planning & Wills matter at any age and how to protect your family and assets with Ad Valorem.
4/16/2026
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Unlocking R&D Tax Relief in Smart Connected Products & Industrial IoT
Explore how Smart Connected Products & Industrial IoT projects can qualify for R&D tax relief, including key challenges in security, connectivity, scalability and compliance.
4/15/2026
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Key Changes from April 2026
Explore the key tax changes from April 2026, including SSP updates, National Living Wage increases, NI thresholds, MTD rollout, IHT changes and dividend tax increases.
4/15/2026
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S2. E7. How Do You Know If You’re Doing R&D?
For many business owners, R&D tax relief sits in that grey area of “we’ve heard of it… but does it actually apply to us
4/9/2026
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Fintech, Market Trends, and Innovation Opportunities
Fintech continues to evolve at pace, creating both opportunity and complexity for ambitious businesses.
3/31/2026
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Pre-Year End Tax Planning for Limited Companies
A pre-year end review for limited companies allows business owners to assess their current position and make adjustments that may improve tax efficiency, cash flow and overall financial planning.
3/16/2026
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HMRC R&D Communication Forum Update
Key updates from the HMRC R&D Communication Forum. Changes to compliance strategy, increased AI use in enquiries and government commitment to stability in R&D tax relief.
3/12/2026
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Changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Rules from April 2026
Statutory Sick Pay is changing in April 2026. Discover what the updates mean for employers and how to prepare your payroll and policies.
2/19/2026
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R&D HMRC Enquiry Defence with Lumina
Specialist R&D HMRC enquiry defence for innovative businesses. Discover how Lumina resolves HMRC enquiries, and protects R&D tax relief.
1/14/2026
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S2. E6. From a Dining Room to a 10,000 sq ft Office: The Story Behind National Locums
From humble beginnings at a dining room table to leading award winning medical recruitment agencies, Glenn Cook shares how he, his brother, and sister-in-law built […]
12/16/2025
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Autumn Budget Summary 2025
With the release of the UK Autumn Budget 2025, we’ve prepared a concise summary of the key highlights and their potential impact on both your business and personal finances.
11/27/2025
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S2. E5. Beyond Faster Horses: CloudCapcha’s Journey to Real Innovation
In this episode of Behind the Business, we sit down with Brian Coventry, Founder of CloudCapcha, to explore what it really means to innovate with […]
11/10/2025
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Budget Breakfast 2025
Join Ad Valorem’s Budget Breakfast in Milton Keynes on 3 Dec 2025. Hear insights on how the Autumn Budget 2025 impacts SMEs.
11/6/2025
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S2. E2. Common Payroll Errors
Payroll plays a crucial role in every business — but with evolving rules, systems and deadlines, it’s not always straightforward. In this episode, Sophie is […]
10/29/2025
Read ArticleS2. E4. R&D Tax Credit Enquiries – HMRC Process Explained
Getting a letter from HMRC about your R&D tax credit claim can be nerve-wracking — but it doesn’t always mean there’s a problem. In this […]
10/29/2025
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S2. E3. Will Power – Why Estate Planning isn't just for the Wealthy
Most of us put off thinking about wills and estate planning — but it’s one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. In […]
10/29/2025
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S2. E1. How to Prepare for Your First Audit
In this episode of the Lumina Podcast, we break down what an audit really involves, who needs one, and how to make the process as smooth as possible.
10/2/2025
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HMRC’s Let Property Campaign (LPC) – What is it and why does it matter?
HMRC’s let Property Campaign (LPC) has recently been in the spotlight with a number of individuals receiving correspondence from HMRC
9/26/2025
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S1. E7. What Triggers an Enquiry? Common Mistakes in R&D Claims
Worried about getting an enquiry from HMRC? You’re not alone. In this episode, Nikki and Nigel are joined by Suzanne Clements
9/4/2025
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S1. E2. Side Hustles – When Does Extra Income Become Taxable?
In this episode we tackle the common questions - when does a side hustle become taxable? Watch to discover more
9/4/2025
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S1. E6. R&D vs HMRC – What the 2024 Tribunal Decisions Mean for You
2024 has seen a major shake-up in the R&D Tax Relief space, and in this episode, we break down what it means for your business. […]
9/4/2025
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S1. E8. Making the Move – Manual to Digital
Still using spreadsheets, paper invoices, or that trusty shoebox of receipts? You’re not alone - but it might be costing you more than you realise.
9/4/2025
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S1. E5. The Hidden Costs of Being the Boss
Hosts Nikki and Nigel sit down with Kate Greenhough, to unpack the tax challenges that come with managing multiple income streams.
9/4/2025
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S1. E4. Managing Your Team’s Performance: Metrics That Matter
Hosts Nikki and Nigel sit down with Neil Woolmer, Group Operations Director, to explore how to manage team performance
9/4/2025
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S1. E3. Managing tax across multiple income sources
Hosts Nikki and Nigel sit down with Kate Greenhough, to unpack the tax challenges that come with managing multiple income streams.
9/4/2025
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S1. E1. Real-time, real impact: navigating Making Tax Digital
We’re diving into: Why real-time financial data is a game changer, What Making Tax Digital (MTD) really means for your business
9/4/2025
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Companies House ID Verification: What You Need to Know
From 18 November 2025, Companies House will require all company directors and PSCs to verify their identity. Learn more.
9/2/2025
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Company sales – A whistlestop tour of the terminology
"Planning to sell your business? Discover key company sale terminology including EBITDA, due diligence, share vs asset sales and earn-outs.
9/2/2025
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How to Prepare for HMRC’s New R&D Tax Relief Requirements in 2025
Confused by the new reliefs for R&D? Our guide explains the merged scheme R&D expenditure credit (new RDEC) and enhanced R&D intensive support (ERIS)
8/7/2025
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What UK Companies Need to Know About Overseas R&D Restrictions
For accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2024, R&D activity will have to be physically located in the UK for the costs to be included in R&D tax relief claims. Discover what UK SMEs need to know to keep claims compliant and eligible under HMRC’s rules.
8/7/2025
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Understanding the Reformed Reliefs for R&D
Confused by the new reliefs for R&D? Our guide explains the merged scheme R&D expenditure credit (new RDEC) and enhanced R&D intensive support (ERIS)
8/7/2025
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Backing Innovation: Highlights from the UK Government's Spending Review – for R&D
The UK Government’s Spending Review outlines a £22.6bn annual commitment to R&D by 2029–30, with major investment in AI...
6/16/2025
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P11Ds – Key Things to Know for the 2024/25 Tax Year
Learn everything SMEs need to know about P11D forms for the 2024/25 tax year – from filing deadlines and taxable benefits to how Ad Valorem
6/12/2025
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News & Insights hub
Discover the key updates from the Spring Statement 2025 relevant to small businesses and individuals. From HMRC enforcement to MTD changes and more.
4/9/2025
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Year-End Accounts: What Every SME Needs to Know (and why it matters more than you think)
Don't let year-end accounts be a tick-box exercise. Discover how SMEs can use year-end reports as a powerful tool for planning, tax savings,
4/3/2025
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Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED)
Learn about ATED (Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings), who needs to file, deadlines, reliefs, and penalties.
3/17/2025
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Making Tax Digital for Income Tax:What You Need to Know
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax starts in April 2026, self-employed individuals and landlords must comply. Learn who’s affected
3/17/2025
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R&D Tax Credit: Latest Developments and Impact
Latest HMRC updates on R&D tax credits: key tribunal decisions, SME claim impacts & expert insights from Ad Valorem.
3/10/2025
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What is a Director’s Loan?
What is a director's loan? There are two ways of looking at a director’s loan; either lending to your company or borrowing from your company.
3/4/2025
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Labour Budget - Employer’s National Insurance Changes
The largest change to taxes in the Autumn budget was their changes to Employer’s National Insurance (NI)which take effect from 1st April 2025. Increasing the […]
12/4/2024
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Exploring Changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) in the UK: An Analysis of Current and Proposed Rules
The recent UK budget announcement on 30 October 2024 introduced several significant changes to the Capital Gains Tax (CGT). This article discusses the existing CGT […]
12/4/2024
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Changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR): Impact and Examples
The UK government announced significant changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) reliefs, namely Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR), during the Autumn Budget […]
12/4/2024
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Double Cab Pick-up trucks
Those of you with double cab pick-ups may remember the previous government’s flip flopping back in February where they initially changed the treatment of Double […]
12/4/2024
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Autumn Budget Summary 2024
Autumn Budget Summary 2024 With the release of the UK Autumn Budget 2024, we’ve prepared a concise summary of the key highlights and their potential […]
10/31/2024
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Budget Rumour 1: Capital Gains Tax
This document has been prepared based on rumours and speculation around the new Labour Government’s budget which is taking place on 30th October 2024. This document […]
10/9/2024
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Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) Relief Extended
Overview The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) was due to end in April 2025 however HMRC have recently confirmed that both of these schemes will be […]
10/8/2024
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Mandatory Deadline Approaching: PAYROLLING for Benefits in Kind (BIK)
Learn about the mandatory HMRC deadline for payrolling for Benefits in Kind (BIK). Register early and update your payroll system to stay compliant by April 2026.
9/26/2024
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From Complexity to Clarity? Unpacking the New IHT100 Forms
HMRC’s New IHT100 Forms: Simplifying the Process or Adding to the Confusion? If you’ve ever had to report a chargeable lifetime transfer or a trust […]
9/9/2024
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If National Insurance is Payable on Salary, why Can’t I Pay My Employees in Gold or Jewels?
On the turn of the new millennium NMB Holdings Ltd made the decision to pay its directors bonuses in platinum sponge. Platinum sponge is a […]
9/9/2024
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Financial Due Diligence on the Purchase or Sale of a Business
What is Company Due Diligence? Due diligence is a comprehensive appraisal of a business that is taken by a prospective buyer before deciding to buy […]
8/28/2024
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Preparing to sell your dental practice
Join Makayla Combes ACCA CTA and Mark Taylor FCA for a webinar focused on preparing to sell your dental practice.
8/28/2024
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Jaffa Cakes – Biscuit or Cake? And Other Quirky Food-Related VAT Cases
Many VAT rules have been determined by court cases and, as a result, important questions such as “is a Jaffa Cake a biscuit or cake?”
8/19/2024
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Furnished Holidays Lettings Relief (FHLR): The Party's Over
Furnished Holiday Lettings, also known as FHLs, are properties you can rent as a holiday home.
8/19/2024
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An Overview of Policy Changes Under the New Labour Government
With the recent change in Government, many clients are understandably curious about what to expect from the new Labour administration, particularly after 14 years of […]
7/17/2024
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Non-resident Landlord Scheme
What is a non-resident landlord? Although the UK does not usually tax non-UK resident individuals, it does tax income derived from activities in the UK […]
6/25/2024
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Group Restructuring: The Why, The When, and The How
The Why? There are several advantages to implementing a group structure, such as the ability to relieve losses across group members, transfer assets like plant […]
6/18/2024
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Capital Gains Tax on UK Land and Property FAQs
I have just sold my rental property, do I need to tell HMRC? Where an individual sells or gifts UK residential property this is a […]
5/30/2024
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Spring Budget Summary 2024
Spring Budget Summary 2024 Overview Key points for the Spring Budget 2024: Personal tax Business tax Other measures Please complete the form below to download […]
3/12/2024
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Pre-Year-End Guide
Pre-Year-End Guide. As a small business owner, the end of the year is a crucial time to prepare for the upcoming year
12/4/2023
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What is Patent Box?
For UK limited companies, the Patent Box scheme is a valuable incentive that encourages the development and exploitation of patented...
12/4/2023
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What is a trivial benefit?
In the context of UK limited companies, a trivial benefit refers to a small, incidental perk or gift provided by an employer to an employee
12/1/2023
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Autumn Statement Summary 2023
To help digest the Autumn Statement 2023, we’ve highlighted some key areas below. To read our full summary...
11/24/2023
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What do auditors do?
What do auditors do? Demystifying the audit process for SMEs, shedding light on what auditors do and the valuable contributions they provide
11/13/2023
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Pros and Cons of Company Cars
In this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of company cars for both employees and employers in the UK with a particular focus on the tax
11/8/2023
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How much should I save for my tax bill?
If you're a director of a limited company who pays yourself through a combination of salary and dividends, it's crucial to understand your tax
11/8/2023
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What tax reliefs are available for my business?
There are several tax reliefs and incentives designed to help small businesses thrive. In this article, we will explore common tax reliefs
10/27/2023
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How much should I be paying for my accounts?
How much should I be paying for my accounts? In this video Alex Black talks through the various elements that can affect how much you pay
10/26/2023
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What is the most tax-efficient way to pay myself?
What is the most tax-efficient way to pay myself, through a limited company: Salary vs. Salary & Dividends.
10/18/2023
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5 Top Tips for Using Reports in Xero
As specialists in Xero accounting, we've put together our top five tips for harnessing the full power of Xero reports to drive your business
10/16/2023
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Webinar – Employee Ownership Options for SMEs
Employee Ownership Options are becoming more and more popular for SMEs for two main reasons. Firstly, as a potential tax efficient exit strategy
10/13/2023
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Top Tips for Keeping on Top of Xero
Whether a seasoned Xero user, or new, this video outlines top tips for staying on top of your book-keeping in Xero.
10/13/2023
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SOLE TRADER AND PARTNERSHIP TAX CHANGES
HMRC have introduced new rules related to the way sole-trader and partnership profits are taxed, coming into force from the 2024/25 tax year.
10/10/2023
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What is Cash Flow?
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any small business. In this article, we'll cover the basics of cash flow, its importance and...
10/3/2023
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What Expenses Can I Claim Through My Limited Company?
Running a limited company in the UK comes with certain tax advantages, including the ability to claim various expenses.
9/29/2023
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Do I need a Business LPA?
While entrepreneurs meticulously prepare for various aspects of their ventures, one crucial element is often overlooked – the Business LPA.
9/28/2023
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How to read a Balance Sheet
Understanding a balance sheet is crucial for anyone interested in assessing a company's financial health. In this video we explain how to...
9/25/2023
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R&D Tax Relief – Updates 2023
R&D Tax Relief - Updates 2023. From April 2023, the SME scheme additional deduction will reduce from 130% to 86%.
9/12/2023
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Can I Change My Year-End?
Can I Change My Year-End? A guide for UK limited companies. If you’re running a limited company, you might be wondering whether it’s possible to […]
9/11/2023
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Why is cash tight even though I've made a profit?
Why is cash tight even though I've made a profit? Cash can be tight even when a business is making a profit due to several factors.
9/11/2023
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A Guide to becoming Self-Employed
If you’re thinking about going self-employed, it’s both an exciting and also slightly daunting time.
8/31/2023
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Xero invite users to apply for “Beautiful Business Fund”
Xero have launched a fund for small businesses, designed to celebrate success and encourage growth, called the “Beautiful Business Fund”.
8/30/2023
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A Guide to becoming Self-Employed
A Guide to becoming Self-Employed. In this video we cover some essential tips to ensure a smooth transition into becoming self-employed.
8/23/2023
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Limited Company vs. Sole Trade vs. Partnership
Limited Company vs. Sole Trade vs. Partnership. Choosing the right structure is one of the most critical decisions entrepreneurs face.
8/23/2023
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Can I reduce my Inheritance Tax?
Can I reduce my Inheritance Tax? Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a tax imposed based on the value your estate when you pass away.
8/22/2023
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Extension to top up Class 3 NIC
Extension to top up Class 3 NIC. If you have any any gaps dating back to 6 April 2006 in your National Insurance, you have until...
8/17/2023
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HMRC potentially merge R&D schemes
HMRC potentially merge R&D schemes, SME and large company (RDEC), into one single scheme, as part of announced reforms.
8/15/2023
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Don’t put off writing your Will
Don’t put off writing your WillPlanning for the future is essential, and one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is creating a will.
7/27/2023
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Deadline for renewing TAX CREDITS
If you claim either Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, your renewal deadline is most likely to be 31st July 2023.
7/25/2023
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A guide to Self-Assessment tax returns
A self-assessment tax return is an annual return in which you declare any income or gains you received in the previous tax year.
7/19/2023
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What is a Payment on Account?
What is a Payment on Account? A payment on account is a prepayment of tax that certain individuals are required to make to HMRC
7/10/2023
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How do I change accountants?
Are you considering changing accountants? Perhaps your service requirements have changed, or you’ve been disappointed with a service, or your current accountant is retiring. When […]
7/3/2023
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What are the responsibilities of a Director?
What are the responsibilities of a Director?Directors play a crucial role in the successful operation and management of a company.
6/13/2023
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How to write a business plan
How to write a business plan A well-crafted business plan is the cornerstone to any successful venture. It serves as a roadmap, outlining your goals, […]
6/13/2023
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What is a balance sheet?
What is a balance sheet? A balance sheet is a crucial financial statement that provides a snapshot of a company's financial health.
6/13/2023
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When does my business need an Audit?
When does my business need an audit? Under the Companies Act 2006, certain types of UK companies are legally required to conduct an audit.
6/13/2023
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When do I need to register for VAT?
In the UK, businesses must register for VAT if their taxable turnover exceeds a specific threshold set by HMRC.
6/13/2023
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What is EBITDA?
What is EBITDA? Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation is a universal way of measuring a company's value
6/13/2023
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