by Steffen Kemmerzehl, MAAT, AATQB – see The Accounting Hub Simple, practical ways to make sure you are not paying more tax than you need to. Running a business is demanding, and tax rules are not always easy to navigate. It is easy to miss allowable expenses, overlook simple savings, or feel unsure about what …
Read more “Newcastle Small Business Tax Saving Checklist (2026)”
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”
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 …
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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”