In the recent Spring Budget, a new £7.4 million flexible AI business upskilling fund was unveiled. This pilot initiative aims to help SMEs unlock the potential of AI and develop future AI skills to drive economic growth. Following the Chancellor’s announcement, the Science and Technology Secretary called on eligible small and medium enterprises in the Professional and Business Services sector to register their interest in the scheme with an information webinar scheduled for April and the application process set to commence in May. The pilot will help small and medium enterprises to unlock the ..read more

For five decades, MB Brand Communications has thrived in the competitive landscape of marketing and brand comms, weathering economic storms and adapting to industry changes. Throughout the majority of this, Plus Accounting has been an indispensable partner, especially in the recent milestone project of establishing an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), marking a significant step towards securing the company’s future legacy. MB operates as a brand communications agency with two distinct branches: MB Brand Communications, catering to global brands like American Express, Uber ..read more

Justablip Limited instructed Plus Accounting as their advisors, following a recommendation from their solicitor. They rely on Plus Accounting for all of their accounting work, with a particular focus on business related tax matters. The Plus Accounting team, led by director Jake Standing, has played a critical role in Justablip’s growth by helping them navigate the complexities of the SEIS and EIS tax relief schemes. Jake’s expertise has enabled Justablip to present clear financial projections to HMRC, securing over £1 million in funding from investors through these tax efficient schemes. “Plu ..read more

Navigating the complexities of property ownership in the UK, one key aspect demands our attention: Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED) returns. These returns, designed to ensure tax compliance, are obligatory for both UK-based and overseas companies possessing residential properties in the UK. We will explore the essentials of ATED returns, covering who needs to file them, the submission process, associated charges, available reliefs, and submission deadlines. Who Must File ATED Returns? Understanding the scope of ATED returns is paramount. Companies owning UK residential properties valu ..read more

Easing the Burden on Small and Medium Businesses The UK Government have announced that they will raise the monetary thresholds for determining company size, which they feel will be a welcome move that promises to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses, particularly smaller entities. By increasing the turnover and balance sheet total thresholds by 50%, the new measures aim to strike a balance between promoting transparency and minimizing administrative complexities. Auditor’s Perspective: Adapting to Evolving Business Needs From an auditor’s perspective, this reform acknowledges the evolvin ..read more

In the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce, gift cards have emerged as a popular choice for both customers and businesses alike. They offer convenience, flexibility, and often serve as a go-to solution for gifting occasions. However, when it comes to VAT treatment, businesses must navigate through regulations to ensure compliance and accurate accounting. At Plus Accounting, our team understand the complexities involved. We will look into the VAT treatment of gift cards for e-commerce businesses to shed light on this critical aspect of financial management. Understanding VAT Treatment: VAT t ..read more

Further changes announced in the Spring Budget include two key areas in National Insurance Contributions (NIC) and the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). In this blog, we’ll explore the details of these changes and how they might affect you. National Insurance Cut Employee National Insurance Rate Reduction: One of the headline changes is the reduction in the main rate of employee National Insurance (NI) from 10% to 8% effective April 2024. This follows a previous 2p cut in the Autumn Statement, which took effect from January 2024. The combined effect of these reductions means that empl ..read more

From automated processes to real-time data analysis, technology has become a driving force behind the evolution of accounting practices. We look at the impact of technology in accounting and how it has transformed and reshaped the way financial professionals operate including what we are doing here at Plus Accounting.  Automation of Repetitive Tasks: One of the most significant impacts of technology in accounting is the automation of routine and repetitive tasks. Manual data entry, calculations, and bookkeeping have given way to sophisticated software solutions that handle these tasks se ..read more

In the recent Spring Budget 2024, a significant change has been announced to the VAT registration threshold which will provide a boost for small businesses.  From 1 April 2024, the VAT registration threshold will increase from £85,000 to £90,000. This adjustment signifies the first change to the threshold since it was frozen as of 1 April 2017. Simultaneously, the taxable turnover threshold which determines whether a person may apply for deregistration will rise from £83,000 to £88,000. The Chancellor said this would “reduce the administrative and financial impact” for SMEs, explaining i ..read more

In today’s competitive business landscape, attracting and retaining top talent is crucial for companies, particularly in the fast-paced world of tech and high-growth industries. One powerful tool that has gained popularity among businesses looking to incentivize their key employees and drive growth is the Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) scheme. In this article, we will explore how EMI schemes work and why companies, especially those in the tech and high-growth sectors, should consider utilising them. Understanding EMI Schemes EMI schemes are a tax-efficient and flexible way for companie ..read more