There can’t be many people left who still deny that the activities of mankind are having a profound and troubling effect on our planet. Scientists call this geological age the Anthropocene; an age in which human activity is the dominant influence on our environment and climate. The UK was the first country in the world to announce that it will be net zero by 2050, and to enshrine this into law. We are all now having to play an element of catch-up upon realising what that actually means and, of course, at what cost. With some estimations for infrastructure investment…
Author: sme-admin
Access2Funding has recruited four new tax specialists from a range of accountancy backgrounds, all with experience at the top 20 accountancy firms or hailing from the ‘big four’. One of the fastest-growing research and development (R&D) tax specialists in the UK has onboarded the new team to help maximise client R&D tax credit claims, as well as to provide training to the rest of the team and to feed in to HMRC’s R&D consultation documents. Craig Flynn joins with a background in corporation tax, having worked abroad previously. He brings specialist knowledge in the construction sector, after working for the likes of Kier…
If you are thinking of selling your business, now is a good time. The M&A market has recovered well since last year and is currently strong with a good level of confidence. The dip in activity last year means many larger corporates, particularly those backed by private equity, are looking to make acquisitions in order to achieve their growth targets. In addition, debt is readily available from both banks and private lenders. So the market is strong and you are considering selling. What next? Preparation is key The sale of a business is one of the biggest single events in a…
Most people would agree that things like nutrition and exercise lead to a healthier and happier individual. This same principle applies to the financial health of your business. In order to maintain a successful and thriving business, it’s important to stay healthy when it comes to your finances. Here are five ways to boost your financial wellbeing as we come out of lockdown this summer: 1. Take Control Of Your Financial Situation Establishing a comprehensive bookkeeping system is essential to monitoring your financial situation. Cloud accounting software, like Xero, can be used from any device – all you need is…
Despite the regular cadence of ransomware attacks on unsuspecting victims, poor password practices are still very much alive. This is of increasing concern, as many ransomware attacks are the result of poor credential and password management practices, as well as a lack of using multi-factor authentication (MFA). Although many SMEs regard MFA as costly and technically challenging, MFA is now table stakes and a key component to achieving zero trust. While there are easily accessible open-source alternatives to MFA that don’t require any investment, there are other affordable and practical alternatives that can help SMEs secure their business operations, Ryan Weeks, CISO at Datto…
An AI matchmaking platform called ‘whatimpact’ has launched in order to connect companies and charities, and help implement CSR programmes in line with the new requirements in the Social Value Act (SVA). The Procurement Policy Note that came into effect in January requires all companies that bid for public contracts to present a social value delivery plan and to report back on their social value impact, or risk losing their contract. As a result of the new procurement policy note, simply adding general corporate policies and corporate responsibility statements to a tender is no longer sufficient. Now, companies will need…
Software company, Glow, has hit the market with an all-in-one WordPress maintenance tool to allow digital agencies and web developers to manage multiple WordPress sites from a single dashboard. The launch follows a successful 12 months of Glow providing outsourced WordPress website maintenance services to agencies and end users via a web-based app. The new to market version of the Glow app will meet the needs of agencies and developers maintaining multiple WordPress websites, by allowing them to do so more efficiently and more profitably. As an all-in-one product, Glow will eliminate the need for multiple tools and systems ordinarily…
HR Consultancy firm, Realise, has launched a new service which will help businesses improve employee engagement and boost productivity as we emerge from the Pandemic. The Pandemic has completely transformed workplace culture as more people demand flexible working and also consider inclusion and diversity high on their priorities when choosing an employer. Recent data from People Management found that 44% of people are feeling anxious about returning to the workplace whilst 76% of employees believe their company should be doing more to support their mental health. Realise’s valuable service for both SMEs and corporates brings a strategy to help businesses…
One of the fastest growing R&D tax specialists in the UK has launched its first menopause policy. The business wants to change attitudes towards menopause in the workplace and help to create a better understanding, therefore helping to alleviate potential embarrassment for those suffering from menopausal symptoms. Access2Funding’s new policy aims to raise awareness and understanding, outline the support available and allow colleagues to openly and comfortably instigate conversations about the menopause. Dawn Coker, Chief Operating Officer at Access2Funding, went through early menopause following a hysterectomy and uterotomy at the ages of 35 and 37, and is calling for improved…
Accountants and business advisers Haines Watts have achieved 7th place in the prestigious Best Companies ‘Top Ten Accountancy Firms To Work For’ list. The firm which has offices all over the UK and is the 14th largest accountancy brand in the country, has also been named among the top 50 companies to work for in the South West. Jonathan Austin, founder and CEO of Best Companies, said: “I would like to congratulate Haines Watts on its achievement. Best Companies have been producing the accreditation standard since 2006 to acknowledge excellence in the workplace. Organisations like this have continued to focus on…