by Steffen Kemmerzehl, MAAT, AATQB – The Accounting Hub Many UK contractors and subcontractors working in construction are already within the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), but still aren’t fully clear on how it actually works in day-to-day practice. A small building company paying subcontracted electricians. A self-employed plasterer working across multiple sites. A scaffolder moving …
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 …
Read more “VAT Made Simple: How Friendly Assist Accountancy Helps You Stay Compliant and Save Time”
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”
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”