Special tips to news and bookkeeping and tax planning to certain industries
by Steffen Kemmerzehl, MAAT, AATQB – see The Accounting Hub If your business manufactures, imports, stores, or distributes vaping products, an important change is coming. HM Revenue & Customs has opened applications for the new Vaping Products Duty (VPD), which comes into force later this year. This introduces a new duty on vaping liquids and …
Read more “Vaping Duty 2026: What UK businesses need to know”
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 …
Read more “AI bookkeeping is only as strong as the habits behind it”
If you’re an investor, the tax landscape you’ve known is changing. New rules are redrawing the borders on everything from selling a business to investing in global funds. It can feel complex, but think of this as your quick guide to the new terrain—what’s shifted, and what it means for your money. Chapter 1: The …
Read more “The Investor’s New Map: Navigating the 2025 Tax Shifts”
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 …
Read more “Unlock Affordable Lease Accounting Support for Small Charities Before SORP 2026 Hits”
See our weekly workshop Tax made Simple Running a small business is hard work — whether you are based in the North East, working with overseas clients, or living in the UK with international income. When margins are tight and tax rules are complex, every pound really does count. Get our Tax Savings Guide here. …
Read more “Smart & Practical Ways for Local Businesses to Save Money”
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 …
Read more “Is Your Roofing Business Built on Solid Financial Foundations?”
Why Qualified Accountants Matter More Than Ever Across the UK, small businesses and individuals are being targeted by unregulated tax advisers promising quick refunds or cheap returns. While the offer sounds appealing, many clients are later discovering missing refunds, unexpected HMRC penalties, or even fraud. Recent warnings from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England …
Running a café or restaurant in Newcastle has never been more rewarding — or more challenging.From the Quayside to Jesmond, local venues face tighter margins, higher energy bills, and shifting tax rules. Yet the city’s food scene keeps evolving, full of creativity and ambition. At Friendly Assist Accountancy, we work with independent hospitality owners across …
Read more “The Real Cost of Running a Restaurant in Newcastle — and How to Stay Ahead”
Running a business isn’t always smooth sailing. Even the most successful companies hit bumps in the road — especially when it comes to cash flow. If you’ve ever worried about making payroll, struggled with slow-paying customers, or felt overwhelmed by rising costs, you’re not alone. In fact, over 80% of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) …
Read more “How to Boost Cash flow and Overcome Financial Challenges”