Latest blogs for Services

Exporting is GREAT Campaign: Bid for real export contracts. As 2015 draws to a close the Government have launched a new 5 year campaign with the objective of creating 100,000 new exporters. https://www.exportingisgreat.gov.uk This new website platform lists real export contract opportunities that are currently out to tender, inviting SME’s to register an interest. Blog entry by:…

Green Finance: Santander now lending on energy efficient CapEx. Santander, through their partners Macquarie Equipment Finance, have recently announced that they will lend on the following energy efficient asset purchases: Batteries/storage Biomass Boilers Boilers (condensing/gas) Building Management Systems CHP systems Energy Efficient Lighting (LED) Gas turbines Heating/ventilation air conditioning systems Metering Power factor correction Roof ventilation Solar…

Putting off Preparing your first Accounts? Have you started in business between 6 April 2013 and 5 April 2014? If so, it is likely that you are due to prepare your first set of accounts. If you are self-employed these would have to be included on a self-assessment tax return, due for filing by the…

Tax Investigations Insurance: £800 million more for HMRC, to close the ‘tax gap’. Among the many announcements affecting HMRC and the way it administers the tax system in future years, Chancellor George Osborne has pledged £800 million of funding for additional work to tackle tax evasion and non-compliance. The aim is to raise an additional…

Property Investors: Chancellor announces further tax changes. In his Autumn Statement George Osborne has announced two significant further tax changes for residential property investors: Firstly, Stamp Duty Land Tax rates will be increased by3% on purchases of residential properties, such as buy to let properties and second homes. This measure takes effect from 1 April…

IR35: CIOT and HMRC both suggesting changes required. The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) has suggested a new approach to tackle those who are ignoring or manipulating IR35 rules so they can avoid tax payments to HMRC. HMRC have recently suggested transferring the IR35 compliance obligation from the worker and his/her personal service company (PSC) to…

Export Insurance: Mitigating export risk. Whilst commercial banks and insurers will be your first source of support, if you can’t get export insurance from the private market, UK Export Finance may be able to help.  UK Export Finance is the UK’s export credit agency and is the operating name of the Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD)…

Slow Broadband: £3k grants available. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport have grants available for up to £3,000 to cover the broadband installation costs of upgrading to a faster and more reliable connection for your business. They say you could get a fibre optic, cable or wireless broadband connection,n amongst other options.  Most businesses…

New Dividend Tax Rules: Planning opportunities during transition. In his 2015 Summer Budget George Osborne rewrote the rules for calculating the income tax that individuals and trusts pay on their dividend income: Abolished the tax credit, Introduced a £5k tax free dividend allowance, Increased all of the tax rates on dividend income by +7.5%. As these…

The Banks that like to say ‘No’: Raise finance through CrowdFunding instead. The green shoots have sprouted, the UK economy is on the rise and it’s never been a better time to start that expansion programme you were considering before the recession. However, you’ve seen your bank manager and they’ve DECLINED your funding application. All…