With Cyber Security Awareness Month upon us it’s a useful time to consider how to stay secure online. Small businesses have suffered from increasingly sophisticated cybercrimes, including phishing, invoice fraud and malware attacks. So how can you protect your business? Recent research shows the enormous growth in cybercrime and fraud against new businesses. More than […]
The UK offers a variety of grant funding opportunities to support SMEs. These grants often aim to promote innovation, business growth, sustainability, or regional development. But it can be difficult to know where to start! Here are some of the main UK grants and funding programs currently available to SMEs: Innovate UK GrantsInnovate UK is […]
If you’re selling goods and services online, new tax rules could affect you. HMRC has recently issued an alert for online sellers achieving profits from buying or making goods, or selling services, to check whether they are considered a trader. In this situation tax on any earnings over £1,000 would need to be paid. The […]
Introducing flexible working and condensed hours can be extremely beneficial for both business owners and employees. The 4 Day Week Campaign has picked up pace since the pandemic, based around the idea that a “9-to-5, five-day working week is outdated and no longer fit for purpose.” Reported benefits include increased productivity, higher employee satisfaction and […]
11,000 SMEs across the UK could enjoy a boost to their growth through a new small business loan scheme. Securing finance can be a struggle for new or existing small businesses, so opportunities to access additional funding are always welcome. More details have now been shared about the new Growth Guarantee Scheme, which will replace […]
With the new Labour government taking office earlier this month, and after a rather turbulent few years for the Conservatives, there’s a feeling that some certainly is now in the mix. This should help stabilise the economy and the landscape for business. But what should we expect from the new order? It’s fair to say […]
Understanding whether to register your small business for VAT can be confusing. You might need to consider your current revenue, how much you plan to grow, and your customer base. Recent research has shown that 26,000 businesses are delaying their growth plans to avoid hitting the VAT threshold, with concern about increased costs and admin […]
Scenario planning might feel like an unnecessary step in your business strategy, especially if you run a small business. But it can help you prepare for future uncertainties by considering some possible situations and their consequences. If you’re keen to plan ahead for certain events how should you get started? Step 1 – Research Firstly, […]
A new online training course for small business leaders – called Help to Grow: Management Essentials – has been launched by the Government. The free self-guided course has been designed to offer practical advice and resources for small business leaders and is an introductory version of the full Help to Grow: Management course launched in […]
With the digital marketing industry expected to increase to 82 billion in 2024 and continue growing, implementing a strong digital marketing strategy is essential to build brand awareness, and increase sales, and conversions. Carla Forder, Founder and Director of Fandango Digital, a Digital Marketing Agency in Chichester, shares some tips on how to increase your […]
As a result of the pandemic, new working patterns have emerged, and many companies have adopted hybrid working policies for employees. But with the news that more businesses are keen for staff to return the office there’s been a call from hybrid workers for their travel expenses to be reimbursed. So, from a tax perspective, […]
The complexity of the tax system means that there are a number of business expenses which you might have overlooked or are unaware of. The following are particularly useful for sole traders or if you’re self-employed. So what will HMRC allow you to claim? Don’t forget that to be classed as allowable expenses, any of […]