Managing 13 branches, 49 staff, and hundreds of services a month is a good challenge to have, as R Banks and Son Funerals Ltd seeks to expand. This article discusses how the business gives its community an unparalleled and highly personal level of service, thanks to financial confidence and a trusted reputation. Here’s what we […]
Most workforce plans are out of date before the ink even dries. If your planning process still relies on last year’s headcount data, a manager meeting and an educated guess about what’s coming, you’ll end up lagging in the past. That gap’s exactly what AI workforce planning is built to close. For UK businesses navigating […]
Key takeaways A financial close checklist standardises reconciliations, reviews and sign-off into one repeatable sequence. It matters most when teams change, systems change, or transaction volume grows. Good checklists separate pre-close prep, in-close tasks, and post-close review. Month-end and year-end checklists share a core structure, but year-end adds extra review steps. Financial management software turns […]
Key takeaways Every acquisition changes finance immediately—close, consolidation and reporting all get harder with each new entity. Day-one data migration and system alignment set the tone for how smoothly an entity integrates. Standardising processes before the next deal saves far more time than fixing them after. Sector-specific requirements—regulatory, asset-heavy, or otherwise—add extra layers to group […]
Key takeaways AccountingWEB research in association with Sage reveals that just 7% of accountants report a “transformational impact” from AI, while 53% report only “minimal or moderate benefits”. Two-thirds already believe their core accounting software includes AI—so any first adoption decision for AI may cost a practice nothing at all. The one benefit that shows […]
AI isn’t just for large corporations but for small businesses, too, offering the power to transform operations, improve customer experiences, and boost efficiency. One expert in the use of AI for business is Heather Murray, who specialises in training non-technical people in the use of Microsoft Copilot. Heather talked to Sound Advice podcast host Bex Burn-Callander to demystify […]
Key takeaways MTD’s quarterly updates means you’re in the best position to know about your tax bill, thanks to HMRC’s estimate. MTD’s focus on better accounting and up-to-the-minute records could help you get finance such as loans or mortgages. MTD is your time to finally get on top of your accounting by making it digital—and […]
From The Apprentice to Dragons’ Den, we’ve all seen TV shows where would-be entrepreneurs pitch for funding to start a small business (or scale a company later down the line). While these shows make for great entertainment, they can make the idea of getting investment seem rather scary. In the real world, there are several ways to get funding to start a business […]
Recent Sage research revealed that 49% of invoices owed to UK small and medium-sized enterprises are overdue. That’s a big problem, because when clients miss agreed payment deadlines, the resulting cash-flow pressure can affect day-to-day operations, investment plans, and profitability. The good news is that UK law provides Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with a number of measures to encourage timely payment, and modern […]
Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax is HMRC’s move to make eligible sole traders and landlords keep digital records and submit Income Tax updates using compatible software. It starts in phases from 6 April 2026, depending on your qualifying income from self-employment and property. In practical terms, MTD for Income Tax means using software to keep records […]
