Blog

There are hundreds of software packages on the market. Our team at Friend and Grant have tried quite a few and based on our findings we have taken the decision to encourage our clients to use Xero, although we also support QuickBooks and SageOne.

From 6 April 2024 millions of self-employed businesses and landlords will need to adhere to HMRC’s new MTD for Income Tax rules. So, the question is, how can you best prepare for the changes?

For many people building their perfect home is just a dream. However over recent years we are seeing more and more cases of individuals looking to do just that. To ensure that individuals enjoy the same VAT advantages as professional builders check out the DIY Housebuilders Scheme.

On Friday we were presented with a ‘Mini-Budget’ – in light of the new parliamentary changes. PM Truss’ campaign came with promise of bold plans to cut taxes and stimulate growth in the economy, and although a ‘mini’ budget by name, it was not ‘mini’ by nature in respect of the changes ahead.

Whether you’re a property investor looking to add to your portfolio or an individual acquiring your next home, Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) can be a costly and burdensome chunk of cash to find. Your conveyancer will often deal with the calculation and submission of the SDLT Return and you as a purchaser will see this cost on your completion statement. SDLT is often begrudgingly accepted as a necessary cost to purchase and it is rarely questioned, but could you potentially be missing out on the valuable SDLT Multiple Dwellings Relief (MDR)?

Are you building your own business or looking to climb the corporate ladder? How many hours should you work? Is a four hour work week possible? If not what is realistic for success?

You meet with your accountant and they tell you you've made a profit of £150,000. You look confused and think "I don't understand this. How am I doing so well yet there is no money in the bank account? Where has my cash gone?"

During our more than 30 years trading as Chartered Accountants and Business and Tax advisers we have frequently been asked whether we could provide financial advice of one sort or another. Previously the response has been no, but we built up a strong network of third-party financial advisors who have helped our clients with all kinds of financial advice such as investments, pensions, protection and mortgages. In recent times, however, we have seen the number of independent financial advisors (financial advisors who go to the whole market rather than a few selected providers) decline and we now find that most financial advisors are tied.

Research from Mental Health First Aid England has revealed that during the past year 48% of workers did not receive a wellbeing check-in from their employer. In light of this, it’s important to consider whether you could be doing more to support your employees.