From 1 November 2022 businesses and agents will only be able to file VAT returns using MTD compatible software – HMRC’s online VAT return will close. The online VAT return will only remain available to those with a digital exclusion exemption. MTD VAT is just around the corner, this is the final call
Continue readingAuthor Archives: Catherine Hill
Why is effective credit control so critical for your business?
Effective credit control is fundamental to ensuring a business has a regular flow of cash. Securing a good cash flow is one of the most important aspects of running a business in order to enable sustainable growth or to support a fight for survival. As we emerge from a pattern of lockdowns and openings, it’s never been more important to ensure your business is in the strongest financial position possible.
Continue readingWe love the Apprenticeship Scheme!
We’re big fans of the apprenticeship scheme. A number of young people have now started their careers at HB this way, either as trainee accountants. Last September, we employed two new trainee accountants, Max and Taylor, on our apprenticeship scheme. This is what they told us about their first few weeks with HB.
Continue readingMeet Keith Grover – Director, Ferrari enthusiast and HB stalwart
For the past 35 years, Keith Grover has worked at the heart of HB Accountants, he is our Audit and Accounts Hero and has seen many changes over the years. He first joined us back in 1986, there was one DOS-based computer for use by the whole office (if you don’t remember DOS-based computers, Google it, it means you are young). No mobile phones and two thirds of the office was male and the women usually worked as secretaries, thankfully things have changed. Fast forward to today when over half the office is female and we’re moving to fully digitised taxation and accounting systems. The one thing that remains, as Keith explains, is that clients still expect the same dedication and thorough understanding of their business. It’s this personal touch that sets HB apart.
Phishing email – Think that you won’t open one?
We all send emails daily. Yet, an increasingly large number of emails are a phishing email. Phishing (pronounced “fishing”) emails are sent by criminals who want you to give them your personal details. The email will ask you to fill in a form or to click on a link and download code to your computer – this allows the criminals to simply gather information or more severely, attack your IT system by implanting malware: software that will disrupt or destroy your data or tools or install ransomware, which encrypts data that will only be released once the victim has paid a ransom. Cybercrime is sadly rife.
Continue reading7 Reasons why producing Management Accounts will help grow your business
Do you want to be in greater control of your business? Make decisions based on facts such as when you typically increase sales and, therefore, need to employ more sales people or to change tack and boost your marketing spend in a particular sector, for instance. The answer is a set of accounts that is not required by law and does not have to be filed with HMRC – known as management accounts, these are numbers that give you a true picture of your business and will put you in greater control of your business than ever before.
Continue readingEmploying your teenager to work for you
When your child turns 13 years old, they can legally work for your limited company. There are restrictions on what work they can and cannot do – no chimney sweeping allowed! This could be a good opportunity for your child to learn more about business and for your company to benefit from additional support.
Continue readingAccounts tools: Aged debtors report
Does your business make use of an Aged Debtors Report? All businesses compile annual accounts as part of their statutory duties. Many also use management accounting tools to improve their business performance, especially if they are mid-sized businesses. This type of financial report is often completed each month and sheds light on the effectiveness of current business strategies. Here we put one such tool, the Aged Debtors Report, into the spotlight.
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