Blog – Grant-Jones Accountancy

13 April 2026

Cash Flow Planning for the New Financial Year: Why It Matters More Than You Think

Now the new financial year has started, many business owners are reviewing the last 12-months, finalising their numbers, and setting plans for what’s ahead. It’s a natural business reset point with a focus on new goals, new opportunities, and often...

Know Your Numbers Comments: 0

11 December 2025

Don’t Let Your Tax Return Spoil Your Christmas

December is here and the countdown to Christmas is well and truly on. And if I were to whip out my crystal ball and predict the future, I can almost guarantee this is the scene I’d see… Christmas day has...

Personal Tax Comments: 0

18 November 2025

Is a staff Christmas party a business expense? Is it tax deductible?

Providing an annual party for your employees is a great way to thank them for their hard work and Christmas is the most popular time for companies to show their appreciation. The good news is that the parties are exempt from tax and National Insurance, based on three main stipulations…

Business Tax Comments: 0

20 October 2025

HMRC’s Debt Recovery Powers Are Back – Don’t Get Caught Off Guard

We’re heading into another busy tax season, so thought now would be a good time to talk about something that could catch many taxpayers off guard this year: the return of HMRC’s Direct Recovery of Debt (DRD) powers! While most...

Business Tax/News/Personal Tax Comments: 0

10 September 2025

The Companies House Roadmap: What’s Changing and What it Means for You

You might have seen headlines about changes coming to Companies House, and if you’re running a limited company, it’s well worth knowing what’s on the horizon. While much of this is still being shaped, the Companies House roadmap gives a strong indication of where things are headed.

News/Small Businesses Comments: 0

27 August 2025

Employment Rights Bill: Are You Ready for Holiday and Sick Pay Changes?

The Employment Rights Bill is making its way through Parliament, and while the headlines focus on workers’ rights, there’s a very real impact coming for employers’ budgets, payroll, and cash flow.

News/Small Businesses Comments: 0

22 July 2025

Making Tax Digital: Why “Later” is Suddenly Right Around the Corner

If you file a tax return, you’ve probably heard murmurings about Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD for IT). It’s the biggest shake-up to Self-Assessment in 25-years and, like it or not, it’s mandatory. Miss a deadline and HMRC’s new penalty regime will be ready and waiting.

Business Tax/Personal Tax Comments: 0

16 June 2025

Scaling Fast? 9 Financial Mistakes Start-ups Must Avoid

Every entrepreneur expects a steep learning curve, but when it comes to money mistakes, let’s be honest, they can feel painfully personal and especially when your business is otherwise flying. Here are nine common pitfalls we’ve helped clients overcome…

New Business Startup Comments: 0

22 May 2025

Avoid a P11D Panic: Are Your Benefits in Kind Ready for 6 July?

Many employers breathe a sigh of relief once the payroll year-end is out of the way in April, and yet the job is only half-done. Every taxable Benefit in Kind (BIK) your staff enjoyed during 2024/25 must be reported to HMRC on form P11D by 6 July. And you really don’t want to miss that date because the penalties start mounting up from day one.

Business Tax Comments: 0

17 April 2025

The Importance of a Business Plan: Why Every Business Needs One

Picture this: you’re driving from A to B, but you don’t know exactly where A is, or which roads will lead you to B. You might manage to stumble onto the right track, but you’ll probably waste time (and fuel) along the way. It’s the same in business – you need a plan, or you risk wandering off-course.

Business Basics Comments: 0

17 March 2025

Time to Go Digital: Why It’s Time to Give MTD for Income Tax Your Attention

Most VAT registered businesses have already felt the impact of Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT, which kicked off back in April 2019, and now applies to all VAT registered firms.
MTD for Income Tax is the next major deadline, and if you’re self-employed or receive income from property, you’ll soon need to take action to stay compliant.

Business Tax Comments: 0

19 February 2025

Cut Your Tax Bill: Tax-Saving Moves Before 5 April 2025

As we head towards the end of the 2024/25 tax year (which runs from 6th April 2024 to 5th April 2025), now is a good time to double-check if you’re paying the right amount of tax.
Whether you’re focusing on personal tax or looking at your company’s tax position, there are some simple steps that could help you reduce your tax bill.

Business Tax/Personal Tax Comments: 0

6 January 2025

Landlords Beware! The Risks of Property Tax Avoidance Schemes

If you are a landlord or property investor you may have been approached by someone offering you some attractive sounding advice or offers of different ways to manage your portfolio, telling you it is a more tax efficient way to arrange things.

Property Basics Comments: 0

14 November 2024

Don’t Let the Autumn Budget Headlines Panic You

Generally, budgets come with an element of trepidation, and especially when there’s been a change in government. And, because of the provocative style of reporting our mainstream media adopts, it’s understandable that for many, there’s a natural inclination to panic or make knee-jerk decisions in response. But, while this budget isn’t perfect, it’s not as severe as some of the more sensationalised reports suggest.

News Comments: 0

16 October 2024

Should HMO or buy-to-let landlords set up a limited company?

There are several considerations to take into account when deciding whether or not to set up a limited company for your HMO or buy-to-let business. Some key factors to consider are the level of personal liability you’re willing to accept, the tax implications, compliance requirements and mortgage relief.

Business Basics Comments: 0

9 September 2024

5 essential steps to successfully establish and grow your new business

If you are embarking on the exciting journey of starting your own business, then we wish you many congratulations! As you navigate the path to entrepreneurship, it’s crucial to lay a solid foundation that sets your venture up for success and sustainable growth. Here are five important steps to consider as you establish and grow your new business…

Business Basics Comments: 0

7 August 2024

Increasing your profit – why it’s not the same as growing sales

A business can increase turnover by simply selling more products or services, but if costs increase at the same rate or faster, profitability may not improve or could even decline.
So, how can you improve profits in your business? Here are 4-ways…

Business Basics Comments: 0

11 July 2024

How can you save on capital gains tax?

Over the last two years, the tax-free allowance for capital gains tax has been cut by over three-quarters. For the tax year that recently began on 6 April 2024, the Annual Exempt Amount has been reduced to £3,000 (£1,500 for trustees). These reductions mean that more and more of us are likely to be affected by capital gains tax.

Personal Tax Comments: 0

6 June 2024

Avoiding Business Pitfalls: 7 things you should NOT do as a business owner

As a business owner, you’re constantly juggling multiple responsibilities and facing a myriad of challenges. While there are countless strategies for success, it’s equally important to be aware of potential pitfalls that could derail your efforts.
In this article, we’ll explore seven common mistakes that business owners should avoid at all costs.

Business Basics Comments: 0

8 May 2024

Are you better off as a Limited Company or a Sole Trader

When starting a business, or indeed as an established business, choosing the most suitable legal structure for your business is an important thing to consider.

Business Basics Comments: 0

16 April 2024

Unlocking efficiency and growth: The benefits of cloud accounting

In business, staying ahead of, or at least up with, the curve is crucial for success. Over recent years, one of the revolutionary tools that has transformed the way businesses manage their finances is cloud accounting.

Small Businesses Comments: 0

14 March 2024

Navigating uncertainty: Key considerations for your business

According to the Office of National Statistics the UK is now officially in recession. Recession is defined as a fall in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in two consecutive months.
Is it all doom and gloom?

Business Basics Comments: 0

19 February 2024

Adapting to Change: Essential Strategies for Business Success

Businesses that embrace change as an opportunity rather than a threat are better positioned to thrive in today’s dynamic environments.

Business Basics Comments: 0

16 January 2024

Paying off debt – what you need to know

Being in debt – whether a loan taken out or hitting cashflow issues which mean you can’t pay bills on time – can be a millstone round the neck of many small businesses. Here is our advice on quick and easy solutions to help you manage your business debt.

Business Spending & Debt Comments: 0

7 December 2023

Creating a business budget

Having a budget for your business means you can track your spending at any given time, whether it’s a month, quarter or year you’re monitoring. It enables you to look at where your money is going day to day against what your business projections are.

Business Spending & Debt Comments: 0