Benefits in Kind and Making Tax Digital – What UK Businesses and Charities Need to Know

The UK tax system is getting more digital, and two key changes are on the horizon: the mandatory payrolling of Benefits in Kind (BIKs) and the wider rollout of Making Tax Digital (MTD). Whether you’re a business, charity, sole trader or landlord, understanding these developments now will make compliance easier in the years ahead. What …

Tax Essentials for UK Residents with Foreign Income (And How I Can Help You Get It Right)

If you live in the UK and have income from abroad, it can be hard to know what HMRC expects – especially if your situation feels a bit messy or complicated. As a Newcastle‑based accountant specialising in international and cross‑border tax, I help clients with overseas income, EU connections and late returns understand their position …

AI bookkeeping is only as strong as the habits behind it

AI-powered bookkeeping tools are advancing quickly. Platforms such as Xero, QuickBooks, Sage and FreeAgent now automate bank feeds, VAT coding and transaction explanations at scale. Used well, they save time. Used badly, they accelerate errors. The issue is not the technology. It is the quality of the bookkeeping underneath it. Automation does not fix weak …

VAT Made Simple: How Friendly Assist Accountancy Helps You Stay Compliant and Save Time

The Autumn 2025 Budget introduced several updates to the VAT system that will matter to many UK businesses. Some are helpful, some require attention, and all are worth understanding early. Below is a clear, client-focused overview that keeps things simple and practical. At Friendly Assist Accountancy, we combine local expertise with extensive international experience. Whether …

Upcoming Business, Tax & Driving Rule Changes — What You Need to Know

November 2025 version We work daily to keep our clients ahead of the curve on relevant regulatory changes. While there are no major tax or accounting rules kicking in today, several important changes are coming up — and your business (or your clients’) can benefit by getting ready now. What’s On the Horizon 1. Company …

Unlock Affordable Lease Accounting Support for Small Charities Before SORP 2026 Hits

As charities prepare for the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) 2026, one of the most significant accounting changes is the new treatment of leases. This update impacts all charities with lease agreements—whether for premises, vehicles, or equipment—and especially those with income under £250,000. What is Changing? From 1 January 2026, the Charities SORP requires …

Is Your Roofing Business Built on Solid Financial Foundations?

As a roofer in the North East, you know what it takes to build a structure that lasts. You pay attention to the foundations, the rafters, and the final weatherproof finish. But how much attention are you paying to the financial foundations of your business itself? Many hardworking roofers in Newcastle, Sunderland, and across Durham …