financial health

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​Understanding director responsibilities: Lessons from Ant Middleton’s disqualification​

When you think of Ant Middleton, you probably picture the no-nonsense ex-Special Forces guy from SAS: Who Dares Wins. But in a recent twist, Ant and his wife Emilie have found themselves in a spot of bother… not on a battlefield, but in the boardroom. As of March 2025, the couple has been banned from […]

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Cartoon couple putting pound coins into a giant piggy bank representing UK state pension

Securing your UK state pension: A guide to qualifying years, gaps, and pensionable age

A quick guide to the UK state pension. For small business owners, planning for the future is just as crucial as managing the day-to-day running of your company. One important aspect of financial security in later life is ensuring you qualify for the UK State Pension. This guide will help you understand how qualifying years

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cartoon of a woman with a giant calculator and notepad surrounded by pound coins representing business budgeting for the new tax year

7 tips on smart business budgeting for the new tax year

The new tax year is upon us so now’s the time to start your business budgeting, but smarter. Entering a new tax year is the perfect time to take a strategic approach to your finances for small business owners and contractors. Business budgeting can help you manage cash flow, reduce unnecessary costs, and set your

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animation of a woman sat at her home office desk looking at a laptop while decorators paint the walls and lay the floors behind her - representing claiming home renovations through your business

Home renovations & taxes: Smart business move or risky strategy?

If you’re a contractor or small business owner working from home all or some of the time, you’ve probably looked for ways to maximise your business expenses. One area that often sparks debate is home renovations: can you, or should you, put those costs through your business? On the surface, it might seem like a

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R & D LETTERS ON A TABLE TO REPRESENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Big changes to R&D tax relief: What small businesses need to know

If your business invests in innovation, you’ve likely benefited from Research & Development (R&D) tax relief. Innovation can include developing new products, processes or services, or enhancing existing ones. The incentive of R&D tax relief can lead to a cash credit or a reduction in your Corporation Tax, providing vital support for your innovation efforts.

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a paper sculpture of a head and a pattern where the brain would be, with a tie and white shirt and navy blazer to symbolise a business growth mindset

The growth mindset: New potential for established businesses

Long-term success in business doesn’t mean simply maintaining what you’ve built. It means remaining adaptable, embracing new opportunities, and continuing to innovate. For established businesses, this means adopting a growth mindset – a strategic outlook that advances expansion, resilience, and innovation. At Companion Accountancy, our team of accountants believe this mindset is essential for thriving as

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a cartoon giant orange company car parked in the car park of a small business

Company cars: What small businesses and contractors should know

Are you driving into 2025/2026 tax-efficiently? Allowable benefits, such as company cars, are affected by things like Benefit-in-Kind and National Insurance Contribution rates. Business is changing all the time and small businesses and contractors need to stay on top of these latest tax considerations to keep their businesses cruising smoothly. Whether you’re driving around town

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two hands hovering above a wad of cash

Determining your salary for 2025/2026: A guide for business owners

As a business owner and director, deciding on your salary is a crucial task that needs revisiting annually. While this decision can impact your personal income, tax obligations, and company finances, it also requires careful consideration to ensure compliance with tax legislation, including the Managed Service Company (MSC) legislation. At Companion Accountancy, we understand the

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5 strategies for sourcing your next IR35 contract

Finding your next IR35 contract can be a rewarding journey, especially when you’re equipped with the right strategies. As an accountancy firm dedicated to helping and advising small business owners, we’ve put together some key tips to help you navigate this process with confidence and success. 1. Leverage professional networks LinkedIn and specialist forums: Maintain

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