Aug 25

Is Your Business Eligible for R&D Tax Relief?

By Mark Nesbitt | R&D, Support, Tax Planning | No Comments

Is Your Business Eligible for R&D Tax Relief? A Simple Guide to What Qualifies (and What Doesn’t)

R&D tax relief isn’t just for white lab coats and cutting-edge tech firms. If your business has improved a product, developed software, or tackled a complex challenge – there’s a chance you could be missing out on a valuable tax break.

But how do you know if your project qualifies? And just as importantly, when doesn’t it? Let’s break it down in plain English so you can find out if it’s worth exploring.

Aug 18

Pay Yourself First

By Mark Nesbitt | Support | No Comments

Pay Yourself First: How Business Owners Can Build Wealth Without Sacrificing Cash Flow

Introduction

As a business owner, you’re used to putting everyone else first – paying your team, your suppliers, and your tax bill before even thinking about your own financial future. But what if that mindset is holding you back?

“Pay yourself first” isn’t just a catchy slogan. It’s a powerful way to protect your future, reduce stress, and grow long-term wealth – all while keeping your cash flow intact. Let’s explore how to make this simple shift and start building real financial security.

Aug 11

Budgeting for Business Owners

By Mark Nesbitt | Support | No Comments

Budgeting for Business Owners: Simple Steps to Take Control of Your Personal Finances

Introduction

Running a business can feel like a constant balancing act – so it’s no surprise that personal finances often take a back seat. But even the most successful business owners can find themselves unsure where the money goes each month.

A personal budget doesn’t have to be complicated or restrictive. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to reduce stress, feel in control, and build long-term financial freedom.

Aug 04

What Happens If You Miss a Tax Deadline?

By Mark Nesbitt | HMRC, Support | No Comments

What Happens If You Miss a Tax Deadline? And How to Avoid It

Missing a tax deadline can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to spell disaster. Whether you’re behind on submitting a VAT return, self-assessment, or Corporation Tax, knowing what to expect (and how to get back on track) can help you stay calm, act quickly, and avoid bigger problems.

Let’s look at what actually happens if you miss a deadline and more importantly, how to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Jul 28

Understanding Your Profit and Loss Report

By Mark Nesbitt | Support | No Comments

Understanding Your Profit and Loss Report: A Plain-English Guide

Running a business means keeping one eye on the numbers – especially your Profit and Loss report (P&L). But if you’re not a trained accountant, those reports can feel like reading a foreign language. What’s the difference between gross profit and net profit? What’s actually “profit” in the bank?

This guide strips away the jargon and shows you exactly how to make sense of your P&L – so you can make better decisions, spot trends early, and grow your business with confidence.

Jul 24

What Is the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)?

By Mark Nesbitt | HMRC, Support | No Comments

What Is the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)? A Simple Guide for Contractors and Subcontractors

Introduction

If you work in construction, chances are you’ve heard of CIS – but knowing how it works and what’s expected of you can feel a bit overwhelming. Whether you’re a contractor hiring subcontractors, or a subcontractor working on site, understanding CIS helps you stay compliant and avoid unexpected tax issues.

This quick guide breaks down what the Construction Industry Scheme is, who it applies to, and what you need to do.

Jul 21

VAT on Massage Services

By Mark Nesbitt | Support, VAT | No Comments

VAT on Massage Services: What Counts as Medical and What Doesn’t?

If you run a massage business, or you’re a physiotherapist or osteopath who also offers massage services, you might be wondering when VAT applies and when it doesn’t.

The rules around massage and VAT can be confusing, especially when some treatments are considered medical and others are seen as lifestyle or cosmetic. In this guide, we’ll break it down so you know where you stand and how to stay compliant.

Jul 14

VAT for Osteopaths, Physios and Healthcare Professionals

By Mark Nesbitt | Support, VAT | No Comments

VAT for Osteopaths, Physios and Healthcare Professionals: What’s Exempt and When to Register

If you’re an osteopath, physiotherapist, chiropractor, or other healthcare professional running your own practice, understanding VAT is essential, especially when you’re growing your business. Some services are VAT exempt, others aren’t, and knowing the difference can help you stay compliant while saving time and reducing stress.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through VAT exemptions for healthcare and teaching services, as well as the latest VAT registration threshold for UK businesses.

Jun 04

Bookkeeping Made Simple: Why We Recommend Xero

By Mark Nesbitt | Software, Support | One Comment

Bookkeeping Made Simple: Why We Recommend Xero

When you’re running a business, keeping on top of invoices, payments, and receipts can quickly become a drain on your time. That’s where smart bookkeeping software like Xero comes in – giving you everything you need to stay organised, get paid faster, and manage your finances from anywhere.

Why This Matters

Bookkeeping isn’t just about staying compliant—it’s about staying in control. With Xero’s cloud-based platform, you can raise quotes and invoices on the go, track who owes you what, and get a real-time view of your cash flow. And with Making Tax Digital (MTD) rules continuing to evolve, using compliant software like Xero helps you stay ahead of the curve. Read More

Jan 15

State Pension for Directors

By Mark Nesbitt | Support, Tax Planning | No Comments

State Pension for Directors: Why Payroll Matters More Than You Think

Introduction:

If you’re a limited company director paying yourself mainly through dividends, it’s easy to overlook one crucial detail: your state pension. Many directors don’t realise that unless they’re on payroll and earning enough, they may miss out on qualifying years toward their state pension. The fix? Simple payroll setup with the right minimum salary.

Support

Category Archives: Support