Book-keeping for beginners

All businesses need to keep records of their financial transactions for practical reasons. But you don't need special knowledge to keep your books straight. In fact, it's simpler than you think. This guide offers an overview of what to do for those new to business.

How to work with an accountant

What value can a good accountant add to your business, and how can you find a good one?

Who is actually responsible for tax errors?

Nightmare scenario: you wake up and find you owe the VATman several thousand pounds you didn't know about. Who is responsible - you or your accountant? The answer may surprise you! What can you do to fix things? How to work better with your accountant.

Payment strategies to keep the cash flowing in

Getting the cash in is even more important than making the sale, and a large bill can cause concern on both sides. Here are several ways to make it easier for your client to pay you, while easing your cashflow.

Pay me now please - how to deal with late payers

Late payment is the bugbear of many businesses. Here is how to manage customers who are slow in paying.

How to save money on accountant's fees

Many people need an accountant to handle the tax elements of their business... but a large bill always seems to follow. How can you reduce this? A few simple things could save you a fortune. This guide offers ten tips to help you keep your accountant's fees down.

Choosing a first accounting system for a small business

A good book-keeping system is vital to every business and not just to keep the tax man and bank manager happy. Among other things, it allows you to manage your cashflow and debtors better and warns of impending crises. This feature looks at the seven main book-keeping options, offers seven action points to help you assess your needs and ten things to consider when buying a book-keeping system.

What to do when the VAT man calls

Any business turning over more than a certain amount in any 12 month period must be registered for VAT. Businesses turning over less can register voluntarily. Once registered, visits from the VAT man are a routine and no cause for alarm. Here's how you prepare for a visit. This feature is related to UK businesses only.

Cash is king - how to do a cashflow forecast

Every year, thousands of otherwise viable firms go to the wall because they run out of cash. However, crises like this are entirely predictable. Here's how to put together a simple cashflow forecast to stay in control.

How to choose and use an accountant

Do you really need an accountant for your business? Unless you have accountancy skills yourself, there are five main reasons for hiring one. Plus how to find one, choose one and use one effectively.

Using terms and conditions of trade to ensure you get paid

Whether you sell goods or services, it is your right to get paid. Full stop. Terms and conditions of trade set out your rights as a supplier. They can also be used as a negotiating tool. But what should go in them? And how can you use them more effectively?

Keep those books in order!

Keeping the books is probably the last thing on your mind right now - but it's critically important. Understand the benefits of hiring a book-keeper.

A proactive way to deal with late payment

Here's an innovative but simple solution to one of the perennial problems facing all businesses - that of late payment.