Category: London Accountants

Choosing a Financial Planner: A Comprehensive Guide

No matter your current financial situation, it is wise to consult with a financial planner sooner rather than later. Seeking professional advice is the best way to develop investment and savings strategies that align with your short and long-term financial goals.

Financial planners can assist you in various areas, such as purchasing a house or commercial property, investing in a business, or planning for retirement. By leveraging their expertise, you can make informed financial decisions that not only grow your wealth but also enhance your financial security.

To help you find the right financial planner for your specific needs, consider the following tips:

1. Clarify Your Goals: Before embarking on your search for a financial planner, take some time to define your financial goals. Remember that most individuals have multiple objectives, which can initially feel overwhelming. Utilize free online planning tools offered by financial institutions to help you narrow down your goals and calculate the necessary funds required to achieve them. Consider goals such as major life events, down payments on a home, your child’s university fund, and retirement. Documenting both short and long-term objectives will facilitate effective communication with a financial planner whose expertise aligns with your goals.
   
2. Verify Qualifications: While there is no shortage of financial planners available, not every planner possesses the necessary licenses, credentials, training, or experience to meet your specific requirements. With your goals in mind, conduct thorough research on financial planners in your area who hold relevant professional designations and appropriate licenses. Seek referrals from trusted friends and family members who are in a similar stage of life as you. Additionally, consider asking potential financial planners these 10 essential questions, as they cover the basics and provide insights into whether a planner may be a suitable match.
   
3. Understand the Payment Structure: For individuals starting their financial planning journey, a fee-based advisor is often the best choice. Fee-based advisors charge either by the hour, a flat fee, or a percentage of the assets under management. This payment model is preferable, especially if your planning needs are not particularly complex. Ensure that the advisor you choose does not steer you towards options that primarily benefit themselves. By opting for a fee-based advisor, you can mitigate conflicts of interest and ensure that your best interests are the top priority.
   
4. Additional Tips: If you reviewed the earlier interview questions mentioned in this article, you are already familiar with the concept of fiduciaries. However, it is crucial to emphasize that financial planners who are fiduciaries are legally obligated to act in their clients’ best interests at all times. It is highly recommended to work only with financial planners who hold this designation, as they adhere to the highest professional standards. Finally, do not hesitate to ask for references from a planner’s clients and professional colleagues such as accountants, insurance agents, or lawyers. Gathering insights from those who have worked with the planner will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the individual entrusted with your most significant financial decisions.

By following these guidelines, you can confidently navigate the process of selecting a financial planner who will guide you towards a secure financial future.

Looking for a Fulham accountant for your business, or a tax advisor in London? Get in touch – we’d love to help.

e: office@londonaccountants.co   t: 0203 137 9791

Kind Regards,
The Team at London Accountants

Whether you’re an entrepreneur or an individual planning for the future, having the right questions to ask your accountant is a valuable asset. Creating a comprehensive list of questions, both for the present and future, ensures that your discussions are productive, well-prepared, and aligned with your financial objectives. Here is a compilation of the top 40 questions you should ask your accountant.

20 Questions for Businesses to Ask Their Accountant

1. How does the legal structure of my business impact my tax obligations?
2. Am I making progress towards achieving my growth objectives?
3. What are the industry-specific tax regulations that I need to be aware of?
4. Which expenses can I reduce to improve cash flow?
5. Could you provide recommendations on collection policies to expedite sales?
6. Should I consider pursuing equity or debt financing?
7. Do I require an audit for my employee benefit plan?
8. Can you refer me to potential lenders and investors?
9. Is a financial statement audit necessary for my business?
10. Do I qualify for research and development (R&D) tax credits?
11. How can I avoid triggering red flags or encountering issues during tax returns or audits?
12. What are the optimal methods for inventory valuation for tax purposes?
13. When should I start paying estimated taxes?
14. Which accounting software do you recommend?
15. What is the breakeven point for my business?
16. How can I best prepare for the upcoming tax season?
17. How long should I retain my business records?
18. What expenses qualify as business deductions?
19. How does the 2017 Tax Reform Act affect my business?
20. Am I required to collect sales tax?

20 Questions for Individuals to Ask Their Accountant

1. What information and records should I retain, discard, and for how long should I keep the retained documents?
2. How does the 2017 Tax Reform Act impact my personal tax situation?
3. Can I deduct any car expenses related to my business activities?
4. What direct business expenses can I deduct, and are there any limitations?
5. To what extent can I deduct household bills and equipment as business expenses?
6. When is the appropriate time to establish an estate and trust?
7. Should I consider charitable donations as a means of transferring wealth?
8. How many dependents am I eligible to claim?
9. Are there any deductions that I am currently overlooking?
10. How frequently should I consult with you regarding my taxes?
11. Can you assist me in estimating my taxes for the upcoming year?
12. Should I increase my contributions to my 401(k)?
13. Is it advisable to adjust my tax withholding?
14. Do you have any recommendations for a financial advisor?
15. Am I on track to meet my retirement goals?
16. What is the most effective way to transfer my wealth to my children?
17. How can I protect my dependents from tax implications after my passing?
18. What significant life events should you be aware of for tax purposes?
19. As a business owner, what steps should I take to separate my personal and business expenses?
20. How can I maximize my deductions more effectively?

Note: It’s important to customize these questions based on your specific circumstances and consult with a qualified accountant for personalized advice.

Looking for a Fulham accountant for your business, or a tax advisor in London? Get in touch – we’d love to help.

e: office@londonaccountants.co   t: 0203 137 9791

Kind Regards,
The Team at London Accountants

Hiring the right accounting firm is crucial for entrepreneurs looking to take their business to the next level. While some may view accountants as solely responsible for accounts and tax returns, a skilled accountant offers much more.

Here are the reasons why you should hire an accountant for your small business:

Improve Cash Flow: Effective cash flow management is vital for business success. A good accountant will help establish credit control and cash management policies, ensuring you have the necessary funds and information to make informed decisions.

Reduce Workload: As your business grows, handling compliance, tax obligations, and bookkeeping becomes time-consuming. An accountant can take charge of financial and tax matters, recommend process improvements, and introduce time-saving tools.

Manage Sustainable Growth: An accountant is essential when managing business growth. They provide guidance on funding, hiring, cash flow management, and navigating unexpected growth, turning challenges into advantages.

Provide Valuable Business Advice: Accountants possess expertise and serve as valuable business advisors. They offer unbiased input, identify risks, and highlight opportunities. Their network connections can help with complex problem-solving and strategy implementation.

Stay Ahead of Trends and Regulations: Accountants stay updated on emerging trends, technology, and regulatory changes. They analyse financial data, anticipate challenges, and help you prepare through financial forecasting and smart solutions.

Improve Cost Efficiency: Accountants can help optimize costs by analyzing expenses, identifying alternatives, and offering tax planning strategies. They contribute to profitability, increase business value, and ensure tax compliance.

Process Payroll: Accountants proficient in payroll services ensure proper compliance with payroll regulations, avoiding penalties and tax issues. They manage payroll records, submission, and ensure accuracy.

Measure Business Performance: Accountants assist in setting objectives and measuring performance against them. They develop evaluations to assess business performance, identify areas for improvement, and support long-term growth.

Virtual CFO Services: For businesses needing CFO expertise but lacking the budget for a full-time hire, virtual CFO services provide cost-effective solutions. A virtual CFO can assist with financial controls, budgeting, forecasting, strategic planning, and reporting.

By hiring an accountant, you gain a trusted partner who contributes to your business’s financial success, enables informed decision-making, and supports sustainable growth.

Looking for a Fulham accountant for your business, or a tax advisor in London? Get in touch – we’d love to help.

e: office@londonaccountants.co   t: 0203 137 9791

Kind Regards,
The Team at London Accountants

Starting a small business is both exciting and daunting. While the entrepreneurial spirit may drive you to take the leap of faith, the reality is that you may be entering a market that has already attracted some large competitors. 

It can be intimidating to think about competing against larger, more established competitors, but it’s not impossible. Here are some steps you can take to help your small business take on larger, more established companies.

1. Identify your unique selling proposition (USP)

Your USP is what sets you apart from everyone else. That USP could be the quality of your product, your excellent customer service, your laser-like focus on one area of expertise, or your innovative approach to solving a problem. 

When identifying your USP, ask yourself what it is that makes you different. Explore why you felt there was a need for your offering–what pain point are you solving that others aren’t already solving? Did you create this business because you noticed a gap in the market? Did you see a problem that didn’t yet have a solution?

Take time to identify what makes your business unique and use that to your advantage. Highlight your USP in your branding and marketing strategies.

2. Focus on your niche

One of the advantages of being a small business is you can be more niched than larger companies. Focus on a specific niche within your industry and become an expert in that area. By honing in on a particular area or pain point, you can create a loyal customer base that appreciates your expertise and the value you bring to the market.

3. Build strong relationships with your customers

As a small business owner, you have the opportunity to build personal relationships with your customers. Take the time to get to know your customers and their needs. Provide excellent customer service and go the extra mile to make them feel valued. Ask them what they’d like to see you offer, or how you can serve them better. 

Clients and customers like the personal touch, and they appreciate feeling seen and understood. When you can have a one-on-one relationship with your customers, they’re more likely to stick with you. 

4. Embrace technology

Technology can level the playing field for small businesses. You can use technology to automate processes, streamline operations, and reach customers online. Embrace social media and digital marketing to expand your reach and build your brand. Use tools like customer relationship management (CRM) software to manage your customer interactions and track your sales pipeline. 

Technology isn’t just for the big companies. Anyone can use it to improve productivity and enhance the customer experience. By leveraging technology, you can compete with larger companies without breaking the bank.

5. Collaborate with other small businesses

Collaborating with other small businesses can help you reach a wider audience and gain credibility. Look for opportunities to work with businesses that complement your products or services. For example, if you run a boutique clothing store, you could collaborate with a local shoemaker to offer a bundled product. By working together, you can tap into each other’s customer base and create a mutually beneficial relationship.

6. Offer excellent value

Large companies may have more resources, but that doesn’t mean they always offer the best value. As a small business, you can provide excellent value by offering personal service, high-quality products, and competitive pricing. Make sure you price your products and services competitively while still maintaining profitability. 

By offering excellent value, you can build a loyal customer base that will choose your business over larger competitors.

7. Stay nimble

A huge advantage of being a small business is your ability to pivot and adapt. You can make an adjustment in much less time than a large company can. Traditionally, large companies stay more focused on their traditional offerings, preferring not to experiment or make changes, which gives you an edge.

Stay nimble and be willing to adjust your strategy as needed. Keep an eye on market trends and be open to new opportunities. As you become more of an expert in your field you’ll be able to anticipate changes in the market.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. By staying nimble, you can stay ahead of the competition and adapt to changing market conditions.

By identifying your USP, focusing on your niche, building strong relationships with your customers, embracing technology, collaborating with other small businesses, offering excellent value, and staying nimble, you can take on the big players in your industry. Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn and adapt. Keep pushing forward, and you’ll get there.

Looking for a Fulham accountant for your business, or a tax advisor in London? Get in touch – we’d love to help.

e: office@londonaccountants.co   t: 0203 137 9791

Kind Regards,
The Team at London Accountants

The working environment of the past 2 years has brought the concept of burnout to the forefront. Unexpected work-from-home situations, juggling the new normal, and mental fatigue have all contributed to the issue. Recognizing employee burnout and having a plan to address it will ensure you retain employees and keep your company healthy.

1. Ensure everyone takes their time off

In an attempt to appear as though they can handle it all, many people try to do too much. They neglect to take time off because they believe it will make them appear reliable and committed. The problem is, everyone needs time to recharge. Not taking it can actually affect productivity negatively. Set a reminder to check twice yearly to make sure that everyone has taken the time off that they’re entitled to. If they haven’t, give them a gentle reminder to do so.

2. Be generous with your policies

All workplaces have rules. Be on time, work a certain amount of hours, be reasonable with breaks. These rules keep things running smoothly, and they’re important. But don’t get uptight if someone is a few minutes late once in a while, or expresses an interest in working from home from time to time. Allowances like these often make little difference to the company as a whole, but they can make a colossal difference to an employee who just needs a little bit of grace now and then.

3. Offer extended benefits

Extended benefits plans for your employees are such great incentives to draw people to your company. They allow your employees to rest and recuperate in ways that they may not otherwise. Anything that can be done to contribute to the overall health of your people is a terrific bonus, and one all employers should provide.

4. Encourage work-life balance

The Internet has made it so that we are always available, which is very convenient. It’s also terribly demanding. Since many of us are now working from home at least sometimes, it’s increasingly difficult to leave work at work. Make sure your employees are crystal clear about taking time away from their job. Ignoring this divide and having your employees feel like they have to be “on” 24/7 is a very efficient way to ensure they reach burnout quickly.

5. Make use of performance metrics

Every role in your organisation should have a clear set of expectations, and they should be defined so that it’s clear how your employees can meet or exceed them. Not knowing how they’re doing, or being unpleasantly surprised at a performance review, is a fast track to burnout. Make the job easier by outlining expectations and rewarding those who exceed them, and watch morale rise.

6. Allow side tasks

Yes, we were all hired to do a specific job, but there are different things that make each employee tick. Allowing side tasks that your employees find enjoyable and rewarding allows them to mix it up a bit and show off their passions and talents. It’s a great way for people to flex muscles they wouldn’t otherwise, and workers tend to bring extra drive and creativity to activities that interest them. It brings more joy to work, which adds to the overall health of the company.

7. Remember we’re all human

Nobody likes to feel like a cog in the machine. There are, of course, expectations to meet in every job. However, employers would do well to remember that every single person working for them has an entire life outside of the company. Anything could be going on behind closed doors. A company that understands, supports, and shows compassion to its employees is more likely to keep the good ones from burning out.

Final thoughts

Happy, well-rested employees are more productive and loyal. It’s in your best interests to do what you can to combat employee burnout.

Looking for a Fulham accountant for your business, or a tax advisor in London? Get in touch – we’d love to help.

e: office@londonaccountants.co   t: 0203 137 9791

Kind Regards,
The Team at London Accountants

How to finance your child’s education!

As a parent, you may be concerned about how to ensure your child can afford post-secondary education. With constantly rising costs, high tuition fees, and living expenses if your child has to live away from home, it can be overwhelming. Here are some steps you can take to save for your child’s education:

1. Be clear about what you can and cannot afford to pay.

It’s crucial to be honest about what you can afford to pay for your child’s education. Consider the lifestyle you want for yourself when you retire and how much you need to save for it. Being realistic about what you can contribute will help you make a plan that works for your family.

2. Get your kids started on a bank account.

Encourage your children to save by opening a bank account for them. You can put some money in as a gift or to help them get started. This will teach them the importance of saving and help them develop good money habits. Use the account to track their progress and celebrate when they achieve savings milestones.

3. Look into grants, scholarships, and bursaries.

Many opportunities exist for students to earn money that doesn’t have to be repaid. Governments, schools, private companies, and individuals often offer funding to students planning on attending post-secondary schooling. Help your child look into all the available options and encourage them to apply for any financial help they’re eligible for.

4. Choose a school wisely and limit borrowing.

Before your child considers loans, encourage them to research schools carefully. Consider factors like the cost of attendance, available scholarships, and the success of alumni in their chosen field. Determine if they can attend a less expensive school closer to home for a couple of years and then transfer schools. Limit borrowing to avoid crippling debt that can be difficult to repay.

5. Remember that every little bit helps.

While you may not be able to cover the full cost of your child’s education, even small contributions can be meaningful. Your child may also learn valuable lessons by contributing financially to their education. Be sure to factor in the cost of future education to your overall budget and remember that you also have retirement and other expenses to consider.

If you are looking for Fulham accountants or a tax advisor in London, get in touch!

e: office@londonaccountants.co   t: 0203 137 9791

Kind Regards,
The Team at London Accountants

4 ways to make your business easier to sell!

Perhaps you’d always planned to build a thriving business to eventually sell for a tidy sum – or maybe for unexpected personal reasons it’s best to let your company go sooner rather than later.

No matter what the reason for selling your business, experts agree: it’s best to be prepared well in advance as it can take years to complete a successful sale.

These four tips will help you get a head start on making your business attractive to buyers for the day you’re ready to sell.

Get a business valuation 

Even if a business sale isn’t imminent for the next five years, it isn’t too early to meet with an appraiser. A valuation will give you a realistic picture of what your business is worth right now, and invaluable information on what you can do to improve its value.

When you’re ready to sell, having already had an appraisal can be a real plus for potential buyers. Sharing the details of your valuation shows transparency, creating trust and building credibility—while saving a buyer the expense of getting one done themselves.

Remember that timing is often everything with a business sale. Once you know what your business is worth, you can decide whether it’s best to move forward—or wait for a growth phase or improved economic conditions.

Make a succession plan

Every business, large or small, needs a succession plan. And when you’re ready to sell, having an exit strategy in place will put a buyer’s mind at ease because you’ll have already ironed out a smooth transition for you and the new owner.

A succession plan should include both the human resources aspect (e.g. a training plan for the new owner and any employees that stay on when ownership is transferred), as well as the management of any financial, legal, or tax issues. 

Once you’ve made all the hard decisions about how the business will run without you, be sure to review it once a year to make sure it’s always up to date. 

Tidy up your financials

The biggest red flag for anyone considering a business deal has to be disorganized or incomplete financial records.

A potential buyer will want to see your yearly tax returns for the last three to five years, as well as balance sheets and your profit and loss statements. You may also be asked to share accurate sales and marketing data, the value of your assets and any outstanding liabilities – as well as your plans to resolve them.

Hire a business broker

Hiring a business broker with a proven track record can really simplify the sales process—especially if you’re too busy to look for an interested buyer or need professional expertise to get your business in order to sell on your preferred timeline.

You’ll want to meet with a few brokers to make sure you find the right fit. Look for someone with experience selling businesses in your industry, a large database of interested buyers, and an impressive closing ratio.

When you interview a broker ask for testimonials and info on the strategies they’ll use to market and sell your business. Reach out to your network for referrals—as with any professional service, when it comes to business brokers an honest recommendation can help you find a winner.

Final tips

Ask your broker about the best way to structure your business sale for the best return. If you’ve built up some solid equity it may be wise to offer a buyer a gradual sale or lease. In addition to a continued income stream for you, this type of arrangement can help make the deal attractive by reducing the new owner’s financial burden.

If you are looking for Fulham accountants or a tax advisor in London, get in touch!

e: office@londonaccountants.co   t: 0203 137 9791

Kind Regards,
The Team at London Accountants

Growth Hacks for Small Businesses:

Deciding on an online marketing plan can be overwhelming for small business owners looking for affordable ways to nurture steady, sustainable growth. With time in short supply, the key is to find one or two growth strategies that will get results at minimal cost.

These proven growth hacks offer business owners a few simple, cost-effective ideas for attracting new customers, increasing brand awareness, and ultimately, getting more sales.

Build your email list

Recent research shows that e-mail marketing works; in fact, it’s been shown to promote a 17% greater conversion rate than social media marketing. Permission-based marketing is based on a friendly exchange – your customer’s email address for a promise to provide value. As you nurture a positive relationship via your newsletter, with special offers, useful or inspiring content and discounts, over time your customers will be more inclined to buy from you. Incentivize new customers to sign up with contests, giveaways, referral bonuses and webinars. The bigger your list, the greater the return when you have a new product to promote – so if you decide to launch a company e-newsletter, be sure you make a consistent effort to attract new subscribers. This Forbes article offers 50 ideas on how to grow your list.

Offer social proof

One of the biggest challenges for small business owners is converting online leads into paying customers. It comes down to convincing people you’ve never met that you deserve their trust – which is why social proof is so important.

Adding testimonials to your website is a simple way to convince potential customers they won’t regret buying from you. In fact, it’s been shown that this simple form of social proof can increase conversions by 34%.

Let your customers know you’d like their feedback, and ask for permission to include their positive comments on your company website.

Other kinds of social proof you can use to win over customers online include:

• Case studies
• Media mentions
• Customers logos
• Accreditations and certifications.

Create partnerships

This simple growth hack is effective both on and offline. Initiating a partnership with a company that provides complementary products or services can quickly increase each of your email lists – give your sales figures a big boost.

There are many ways a business partnership could work – you might negotiate a joint venture, host an event where you promote each other’s products, run a giveaway together or launch a combined product or service.

Final Tip

As you try out some new ways to market your business, be sure to set actionable and achievable goals. For instance, you might make 1,000 newsletter sign ups over the next quarter one of your priorities – or increasing your blog traffic by 50% by end of the year. Make it a habit to review your metrics on a regular basis to see how well your strategies are working. Then use that data to set new goals to keep winning over customers and expanding your business.

If you are looking for Fulham accountants or a tax advisor in London, get in touch!

e: office@londonaccountants.co   t: 0203 137 9791

Kind Regards,
The Team at London Accountants

Surprisingly Destructive Habits You Should Avoid as an Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs want to have their hands on every aspect of their start-up. This is understandable, as many entrepreneurs come into their respective industries from a place of passion. Their passion will drive them to spend long nights at the office, working hard every hour of every day. Unknown to them, this kind of attitude can actually lead to some destructive outcomes.

You must avoid these habits, despite the allure of their short-term benefits.

1. All Work and No Play

You’re probably under a lot of pressure from your investors, your family, or even yourself. This pressure is doubled if your product is brand new and thus untested. It needs to work well or at least prove itself viable right out of the gate or it’s all going to go wrong. The pressure and need for success make your hobbies and relaxing seem like a waste of time. Moments spent on your hobbies could be moments seemingly better spent on your marketing campaign or your product.

The fact is that you still need to take time to relax, for two important reasons. The first is that the lack of relaxation will lead to burnout, which can lead to lost days from sickness and reduced output. The second is that creativity actually comes from a place of enjoyment. You may find your creative output limited if you spend all your time looking at documents and numbers.

Set aside time for more creative tasks. Play games, take in a movie or an art gallery, whatever you enjoy.

2. Spreading Yourself Too Thin by Multitasking

Entrepreneurs, naturally, want to make sure that every part of the business works out. Every little aspect is of interest to them. They juggle various duties at the same time, multitasking as best they can.

This seems like a good idea, until you realise that a lot of things require and deserve your undivided attention. It can start small – you may miss details during a small meeting, or a client may remark that you seem disinterested or distracted. These small things can easily snowball in reduced overall efficiency. Those small details might result in half your company not knowing what the other half is doing, or that client turning to another provider because you just don’t seem into it.

Focus on finishing one task at a time. If you find that you need multiple things done at the same time, delegate.

3. Micromanaging Your Staff

You’re not going to know everyone on your staff. The vast majority are going to be strangers. You might never see some of them in person if you use remote staff. You may find it difficult to trust them, no matter how strong their credentials look.

Resist the urge to micromanage every little task, especially for virtual workers. Just because you can’t see them working doesn’t mean they’re slacking off. If you don’t need to give input, don’t bother them after you give orders.

4. Being Present at Everything

Some entrepreneurs think that they’re the heart and soul of the company. It’s their idea, and they may believe that without their presence it will amount to nothing. At every meeting, whether it’s with a client or for a marketing campaign, they’ll be there, showing their dedication and making sure every goes exactly according to plan.

You might be thinking of doing the same. It seems simple when you think about it – you just have to be in a lot of places. It’s worth it, in your head. In practice, however, it turns out differently. Practically speaking, at some point you’re going to have to decide between two things and you may hold up the meeting as they wait for you. You may also end up driving yourself into the ground, burning yourself out for things that may not have even needed your presence or attention.

It might be hard to admit, but parts of your business can and will survive without you. You need to pay attention to the tasks that actually require your presence and attention while trusting your crew to handle the rest.

5. Believing That Long Hours Immediately Means Big Returns

The traditional image of a hard worker is someone who spends their days and nights at work, devoting the entirety of their life to the job. You might be tempted to do the same in the hopes that your start-up will make profits sooner.

Before you do that, take a look at what you can actually get done by staying at work all the time. True, there are some instances wherein burning the midnight oil would actually produce better results, but that isn’t true for every situation. Make sure that if you do spend long nights at the office that they’re going to result in a tangibly improved outcome for that specific task.

An entrepreneur’s success revolves around efficient use of their time and effort. There’s only so much a person can do in one day without running themselves into the ground. Don’t just look at the short-term gains – look at what it can do to you and your start-up in the long run.

If you are looking for Fulham accountants or a tax advisor in London, get in touch!

e: office@londonaccountants.co   t: 0203 137 9791

Kind Regards,
The Team at London Accountants