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Tax season can be daunting, especially for small business owners. However, knowledge of the permissible tax deductions can help them minimise their taxable income and improve their financial position. A business tax deduction is an expense that can be subtracted from revenue for the calculation of taxable business income. The following blog discusses 19 key deductions to consider in 2024:

Employees’ Salaries, Wages, and Commissions

Businesses can deduct payments made to employees in the form of salaries, wages, commissions, etc., where such expenditures are reasonable, necessary, and for services actually rendered. Sole proprietors, partners, or LLC members are not considered employees. However, S-corp owners must pay themselves a reasonable salary comparable to that of non-owner employees.

Bad Debts

It is acceptable to deduct bad debts if an attempt was made to collect them, the amount was included in the income before, or the debt was loaned out as cash. However, the debt should be incurred for business purposes, not personal reasons.

 Rent

Monthly rent payments for business property are allowed deductions for the year they are made. However, receipts of rent made in advance can only be accounted for the period within the taxable year.

For example, if a business paid $90000 as rent for November, December, and January, and the financial year ends on the 31st of December, then it would be allowed to write off $60000 for the current year (2 months x $30,000 each). The $30,000 spent for January is tax deductible in the following year.

The amount of rent must not exceed the market value.

Business Licenses

Certain licenses, such as general, health, alcohol, zoning, and environmental permits, are allowed deductions when calculating the business’s taxable income. These licenses are usually necessary in cases when certain legal activities are to be carried out in particular states or fields.

Taxes

The following are the types of deductible taxes:

• State and local income taxes
• Foreign income taxes
• Payroll taxes (like Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment taxes)
• Property taxes on business assets
• Excise taxes

 Interest

All interest on business loans, such as those borrowed from credit card companies, are deductible provided they are solely used for business activities. The business must establish a “debtor/creditor” relationship with the lender, and the loan must be expected to be repaid. Usually, interest could not exceed 30% of the company’s earnings.

Depreciation

Depreciation enables businesses to allocate the cost of acquiring fixed assets like furniture and buildings over their useful life. Methods like bonus depreciation (60% in 2024) and Section 179 expensing, which has a limit of $1,220,000 for 2024, can help businesses to expense a significant portion of these costs in the first year.

 Advertising and Promotion

In most cases, companies can claim advertising expense, cost of social media marketing campaign, and printing business card expense as tax deductions. Expenses that build goodwill in the community also qualify, although some judgements may be required to determine their eligibility.

Please Note: Expenses paid to finance political events or to influence legislation are non-deductible because these are not considered advertising.

Insurance

Deductible expenses also include insurance premiums for property, liability, cybersecurity, medical, and workers’ compensation. Certain policies, like life insurance, are only allowed for deduction if the business is not a beneficiary of the policy.

 Start-Up Costs

This includes expenditure on market research, promotional activities for the business opening, and wages for trainee employees. The business can deduct up to $5,000 on start-up costs if the total expenses incurred across the first year are less than $50,000. Any other expense over $50,000 reduces the deductible amount on a dollar-for-dollar basis. The remaining costs may be amortised over 180 months.

 Travel and Meals

These include fares for business-related travel and accommodation. Meals that are considered part of the employee benefits or included in company-wide parties are 100% tax-deductible. Any meal taken while on a business trip or meeting a client can be claimed as a deduction of up to 50%. However, expenses for entertainment, such as a concert ticket, are non-deductible.

Vehicle Expenses

These expenses can be claimed under the actual expense method, where taxpayers can claim every cost or the standard mileage rate, which is 67 cents per mile for the year 2024. Companies should select the method that provides the highest tax advantage.

 Credit Card Processing Fees

Expenses incurred to process credit card payments, including fees, are permitted to be claimed as a business expense, mitigating the costs of accepting the cards.

 Certain Education Expenses

Any expense that increases or maintains an employee’s skill level can be deducted. However, any expenses incurred to ensure that an employee is qualified in a new trade or career are not allowed for deduction. Other deductible education-related expenses include workshops, webinars, textbooks, and seminars.

Legal and Professional Fees

Fees paid to lawyers, accountants, bookkeepers, and other specialists are permitted deductions if the expenses were incurred for business purposes. This includes charges for services such as filing taxes, legal matters, and marketing services.

 Certain Repairs and Maintenance

Repair and maintenance costs for vehicles, furniture, and equipment are 100% tax deductible. However, expenditures that bring a material increase in the property’s capacity, productivity, or quality are regarded as improvements, which are not immediately deductible. These are added to the original cost of the property, and then they are depreciated.

Telephone and Internet

Expenses on telephone bills and Internet connections used for business activities are tax-deductible. However, if these services are used for both business and personal use, only the business half can be claimed as a deduction.

Software and Subscriptions

Subscriptions to software and other technologies used in the business can be claimed as tax deductions. Examples of business software include project management software, accounting and bookkeeping software, and customer relationship management software.

 Membership Dues

Subscriptions/memberships paid to professional or business organisations are reduced, provided they are not paid for entertainment. New subscriptions to trade journals and professional publications are also eligible.

Conclusion

For more information about tax deductions, you can visit the HMRC website. If you are looking for the best-in-class iXBRL services in the UK, consult DataTracks at +44 (0) 203 608 8035 or email [email protected]. 

With over 900,000 new businesses launched in the UK in 2023, entrepreneurship is booming. With 2024 showing similar promise, it’s a great time to consider launching your own business. Setting up a limited company is a popular choice for many entrepreneurs as it offers several advantages, including the right balance of professionalism, personal financial protection, and tax benefits. Though the process might look a little overwhelming, this guide will break it down into critical steps for you.

 What is a Limited Company?

A limited company has a legal identity that is completely different from that of its owner. That means your finances are not exposed to any business liabilities. In this structure, shareholders own the company, and directors run it. This limits your liability to the money you have invested in shares, shielding your personal assets if things go wrong.

There are two types of limited companies, including:

• Private Limited Company (Ltd)
• Public Limited Company (PLC)

Should You Choose a Limited Company?

While it offers several benefits, a limited company may not be the right choice for every business. Consider the following factors:

• Liability Protection: Guards your personal possessions from business debts.
• Tax Efficiency: Depending on your income level, you could pay less tax than if you were a sole trader.
• Professional Image: Having ‘Ltd’ after your business name can add credibility with clients and suppliers.

Choose a Company Name

A company name is your first chance to make a great impression. Here are a few things to consider:

• Unique: Use the Companies House name checker to ensure that the name is not already registered.
• Appropriate: Avoid offensive or misleading names.
• End with ‘Limited’ or ‘Ltd’: Unless you’re a charity or have an exemption.
• Sensitive Words: Some words, like “Royal,” require special permission.

Gather Your Information

Before registering, you need the following:

• Registered Office Address: A UK address for official correspondence.
• Directors: You need at least one director responsible for the company’s operations.
• Shareholders: Shareholders own the company. You can be both a director and a shareholder.
• Share Capital: If there’s more than one shareholder, decide how shares will be divided.
• Memorandum and Articles of Association: Legal documents outlining the structure of the company.

Register With Companies House

After collecting all necessary information, you can register a limited company with Companies House through the following three methods:

• Online: This is the fastest method to complete registration within 24 hours.
• Post: It takes about 8 to 10 days, and you must send the completed IN01 form to Companies House.
• Through an Agent: An accountant or company formation agent can handle the registration for you.

Register for Corporation Tax

You must register for Corporation Tax with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) within three months of starting your company. You will need your company’s Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), which HMRC will send to your registered office. Failure to register before the deadline can lead to penalties.

 

Open a Separate Business Bank Account

It is legally required for limited companies to simplify accounting and bookkeeping. This makes it easier to calculate taxes, track business expenses, and manage cash flow. Furthermore, a separate business account adds credibility to the business, allowing access to loans that would be difficult to get otherwise.

 

Understand Your Legal Responsibilities

Setting up a limited company involves certain legal responsibilities, including:

• Prepare and submit annual reports to Companies House.
• File a confirmation statement at least once annually to confirm the information about the company.
• Submit and pay any corporation taxes due within nine months of your accounting period.
• Register for PAYE and manage payroll taxes if the company has employees.
• Register for VAT if the taxable turnover exceeds the threshold.

Maintain Accurate Records

Accurate and updated records help with financial management and compliance. These include the following:

• All income and expenses
• Minutes and resolutions from the Director’s meetings
• Changes in shareholding
• Salaries, benefits, and tax deductions of employees

Conclusion

Establishing a limited company in the UK can seem complex, but its benefits often outweigh the challenges. By following these steps, you can start a legally compliant and financially organised business. Please visit the HMRC website for more details.

Once you start your operations, you will need to start filing your company accounts in Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL) format as part of the Corporation Tax return to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). DataTracks professionals, with more than 19 years of experience, can help you prepare error-free iXBRL reports. Contact us at +44 (0) 203 608 8035 or via email at [email protected].

Completing the self-assessment tax return may certainly be a challenging task, but it needs to be completed accurately. You have two main options: the traditional paper form or using HMRC’s online portal. With over 97% of people now filing online, it is clear that many find the digital route easier. Let’s dive into why that is the case and help you figure out which option works best for you.

Who Needs to File a Tax Return?

Before diving into the “how,” it is important to figure out whether you even need to file a tax return in the first place. Not everyone has to, so if you are unsure, here is a quick checklist to help. You will likely need to file a return if you have met any of the following criteria in the last tax year:

• Total taxable income of more than £150,000
• A sole trader who made over £1,000 (before tax relief)
• A company director (but not if it is a non-profit organisation)
• Paid the high-income child benefit charge
• A partner in a business partnership
• Have untaxed income from sources like rental properties or savings
• Have foreign income

Still not sure? The Government’s website can help you check if you need to file.

Key Deadlines You Do Not Want to Miss

Missing tax deadlines can lead to penalties and interest on late payments. The following are some important dates to remember:

• 5th October: Register for self-assessment for the previous tax year
• 31st October: Submit paper returns
• 31st January: Submit online returns
• 31st January: Pay the tax bill for the previous tax year

 

Comparing Online and Paper Returns

1. Accuracy

One of the biggest advantages of the online tax system is the accuracy it offers. The online portal automatically performs calculations and highlights missing information, reducing the chance of errors.

However, using the paper return requires calculations to be made manually, raising the chances of errors. This may result in penalties and fines from the HMRC.

2. Time Pressure

A key difference between online and paper returns is the deadline. For paper returns, the filing can be done up to 31st October, which means you will have less time to compile your reports. However, online tax returns extend the period by an additional three months with a deadline of 31st January. This extra time gives you more flexibility and reduces the stress of rushing to meet deadlines.

3. Ease and Use of Convenience

Filing your tax return online is not only faster but also more convenient. HMRC’s system allows some fields to be automatically filled in, and guidance is available to help you through the process. Additionally, online returns usually take less time than paper returns, so you are likely to receive any refunds earlier.

Paper returns can, however, take longer to complete since they require the use of postal services for delivery. This is another reason why HMRC is trying to promote digital filing through the Making Tax Digital (MTD) scheme.

4. Security

Online filing is more secure. HMRC’s portal uses encryption, multi-factor authentication, and automatic timeouts to protect personal information. Filing through the post, however, can result in documents being lost or intercepted.

5. Environmental Impact

If you are environmentally conscious, filing online is the way to go. Digital filings lower the impact on the environment by reducing paper usage. Conversely, paper filing leads to more waste and additional resources for printing and mailing.

Making Your Decision

Determining when to file a paper or online tax return depends on several factors, including technological literacy, deadlines, and security. Filing online is generally faster, easier, and less likely to lead to errors. However, if you prefer a more traditional approach or do not have reliable internet access, paper returns are still an option.

Conclusion

Many people are currently filing an online tax return. It is a less stressful process because there are fewer chances for errors, and the due dates are considerably longer. This explains why most UK taxpayers now prefer this method. For additional details, please visit the HMRC website.

iXBRL tagging services: If you are looking for support with iXBRL filing, the team at DataTracks is here to help. You can contact them at +44 (0) 203 608 8035 or via email at [email protected]. 

Managing a business requires compliance with various rules and regulations. Understanding the classification of a company’s size is important to determining the financial reporting standards to be followed. The following blog explores the classification of a company into a micro-entity or a small company and the key differences between the different financial reporting standards.

What Qualifies as a Micro-Entity and a Small Company?

Micro-Entity : This is a company’s smallest categorisation, and it is allowed to report significantly less information than the larger entities. It must file reports under the Financial Reporting Standard (FRS) 105, applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. A company must meet any two of the following conditions to be classified as a micro-entity:

1. A turnover of up to £632,000
2. £316,000 or less on the balance sheet
3. Ten employees or less

Small Company: A small company must report under FRS 102 if it satisfies any two of the following conditions:

1. A turnover of up to £10.2 million
2. £5.1 million or less on the balance sheet
3. 50 employees or less

FRS 105 vs. FRS 102: Key Differences

FRS 105 and FRS 102 are financial reporting standards used to report company accounts. FRS 105 allows the preparation of simplified financial statements for micro-entities in order to save time and effort.

FRS 102 applies to companies that require more comprehensive financial disclosures. These statements include other information that may be useful in formulating decisions by investors, creditors, and stakeholders.

Who Cannot File as a Micro-Entity?

Not all firms qualify to file as micro-entity under the FRS 105. The following types of companies are excluded:

1. Limited partnerships
2. Public limited companies
3. Overseas companies
4. Unregistered companies
5. Charitable companies
6. Qualifying partnerships

What are Statutory Accounts?

Statutory accounts, also known as annual accounts, are compulsory legal documents to be prepared and submitted at the end of every financial year. Companies can file full accounts (which are detailed) or abridged accounts (simplified versions).

• Abridged accounts enable companies to report the value at the end of the period without the obligation to publish the full year-end data. For example, they do not need to segregate the company’s debtors, creditors, and fixed assets.
• Filleted accounts allow further simplification by eliminating the profit and loss account when submitting reports to Companies House.

The requirements of statutory accounts under FRS 105 (micro-entities) are:

1. Profit and loss statement
2. Balance sheet
3. No requirement for a director’s report or an audit

The requirements of statutory accounts under FRS 102 (small companies) are:

1. Profit and loss statement
2. A balance sheet with notes to the accounts
3. Director’s report
4. Auditor’s report (unless exempt from audit)

Choosing the Right Reporting Standard

A company that qualifies as a micro-entity can file under FRS 105 or FRS 102. However, if the business is required to report some accounting treatments, including revaluation of key assets such as property, the only available framework is FRS 102 since FRS 105 does not allow it.

If a company that was previously a micro-entity now qualifies as a small company, it may file reports as a micro-entity for that period. However, if it remains a small company in the following years, it will be required to adopt FRS 102. These changes should be carefully implemented to respond to the relevant financial reporting requirements.

What If Companies File Under the Wrong Reporting Standard?

If companies file under an incorrect financial reporting standard, they will have to file an amendment. This includes furnishing corrected statutory accounts and returns. Amendments have to be submitted to the relevant entities as changes made in the financial reporting standard cannot be submitted digitally. Issuers can download and print the relevant documents to ensure that all amendments are verified and submitted correctly.

Conclusion

Conducting regular reviews and selecting the right reporting standards can prevent potential problems and get the business back on track. You can visit the HMRC website for more details regarding your company’s size and the different financial reporting standards. 

Leveraging iXBRL services can be an ideal solution for those looking to streamline their financial reporting. Get in touch with a DataTracks expert at +44 (0) 203 608 8035 or [email protected] for error-free, compliance reporting.

Joining forces with accounting software firm Sage has huge benefits for our customers

Businesses that have a strong handle on money coming in and going out are at an advantage when it comes to being able to manage their cash flow.

That’s why Swoop has joined forces with accounting software giant, Sage: when business owners work together with their accountants and sources of funding, they find they have more levers to pull when their circumstances change.

James Kennedy, Head of Tax at Swoop, says that tax is a fact of business life – but with the right tools in place, business owners can understand how to plan their taxes to minimise exposure and avoid overpayment.

Swoop sat down with James to get some ideas on how to make tax make sense.

Swoop: Why is it that many businesses don’t have their tax planned efficiently?

James: Tax is complex and many businesses do not have the in-house resources to manage their tax positions proactively.

Swoop: How do Swoop and Sage work together to solve this?

James: We have in-house experts that can proactively manage opportunities such as R&D tax credits. Sage’s software makes it easy to access the data you need to make the changes you need to manage your business more efficiently in many ways – not least tax.

Swoop: Have you got any examples of how businesses are leaving money on the table?

James: While most established businesses doing R&D (research and development) already have a long history of successful R&D tax claims, many are now bogged down in enquiries as a result of increased HMRC compliance activity. This can delay expected cash flows or even jeopardise future claims if mismanaged. At Swoop, we are spending a lot of our time helping businesses to successfully resolve their R&D tax enquiries. Other tax savings often missed include Capital Allowances and Business Rates reviews which can often yield significant savings when fully accounted for.

Swoop: Is it worth going through major changes to get a tax incentive?

James: Commercial factors should always dictate major changes to a business. Simply working with a trusted tax adviser should be enough to spot opportunities which those changes present.

Swoop: What about growth? Can you become more profitable without being penalised for making more money?

James: We recognise the strong link between R&D, grant funding and equity raises. Indeed, successful R&D claims often mean that the business is more likely to receive grants and equity funding. This is a direct way to support growth and we hope that our clients go on to have tax liabilities as a result of the substantial profits arising from that growth.

Swoop: There’s a budget coming up – what would you like to see from the government?

James: We were promised no increased taxes on ‘working people’. With a fiscal plan based on increasing tax revenue by over £8.5 billion a year by the end of the parliament, we can expect taxes on wealth. While that may mean businesses share some of the burden, we can only hope that the government will provide certainty on the position and any changes to the rules.

Swoop: Any final tips about what business owners should or shouldn’t do if they haven’t thought about tax efficiency for a while?

James: Speak with your accountant and other partners such as Sage. They can always at least point you in the right direction of a specialist who may be able to advise further on potential opportunities.

Next steps…

Swoop can help you run your business with better cash flow and more tax efficiency. You can check that your business is taking advantage of all the opportunities and incentives open to it by completing this short form.

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has published the Draft UK Taxonomy Suite 2025, an annual release to accommodate UK GAAP and UK-IFRS changes. This suite is intended to enhance the quality, relevance, and reliability of financial reports. The changes are open for public consultation until 20 September 2024, and the FRC invites comments from the stakeholders. The following blog discusses a breakdown of major developments in the 2025 Taxonomy Suite and their impact on organisations and financial professionals.

Mandatory Annual Updates

The FRC revises the UK Taxonomy Suite annually to address changes in the environment of business reporting. This year, several mandatory updates are consistent with changes that have been adopted by the UK Endorsement Board (UKEB). Key changes include: 

• Supplier Finance Arrangements: Some new elements have been added as a result of the changes in IAS 7 (Statement of Cash Flows) and IFRS 7 (Financial Instruments: Disclosures).
• Lack of Exchangeability: The suite now includes amendments to IAS 21 (The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates) for use where the currencies are non-exchangeable.
• Periodic Review and Amendments: The suite takes into account recent revisions of FRS 102 and other standard (FRED 82 and FRED 84). For example, adjustments in the principles of IFRS 15 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers) have been adopted for the entry point of FRS 102.

 Housekeeping Updates

  To improve the quality of financial data, the 2025 Taxonomy Suite introduces several housekeeping changes: 

• Employee Information and Ethnicity Breakdown: New hypercubes can be used to disaggregate employee data by sex, gender, and ethnicity.
• Non-Negative Facts in Accounts: The data type for “Average number of employees during the period” has been changed to a non-negative decimal type. This update solves the error of reporting negative values to improve the data quality.
• Balance Types: The definitions for some of the balance types have been clarified. For instance, the ‘Past service cost of defined benefit plan’ has been classified as ‘debit’, and ‘Increase (decrease) in net debt’ items fall under ‘credit’.
• Financial Instruments Policies: Two new policy concepts, ‘Financial instruments classification policy’ and ‘Financial instruments recognition and measurement policy,’ have been added to facilitate disclosures of financial assets and liabilities recognised at fair value through profit or loss.
• Net Reinsurance Contracts Held Analysis: To prevent duplication and ensure accurate reporting of this standard, duplicate domain members have been renamed.

 Candidates for Digitisation

  The 2025 update emphasises digitisation to streamline financial reporting and enhance accessibility: 

• Community Interest Company (CIC) Reports and Dormant Subsidiary Exempt Package (DSEP) Accounts: This update adds three new entry points for digital reporting: CIC 34, DSEP 00AA06, and DSEP Agreement. These enable more precise electronic submission, eliminating confusion and increasing the quality of the information.
• Detailed Profit and Loss (DPL) Restructure: Some variations to the DPL schema were made to improve the integration of extension taxonomies and other entry points. This restructure will not impact the end-users but will improve the taxonomy’s flexibility and usability.
• Exemption for Discontinued Operations: A new concept has been created to allow entities to exclude their reporting due to discontinued operations. This is also helpful in extensive tagging and viable reporting for organisations going through various transformations.
• Capital Commitments: It allows issuers to tag multiple commitments individually to provide additional detail in financial reports.
• Deferred Tax Adjustments: New concepts have been added for ‘Deferred tax adjustments from prior periods,’ giving better clarity for tax adjustments in previous years’ income statements.
• Deferred Tax Assets: ‘Tax increase (decrease) from unrecognised deferred tax assets’ helps identify and tag the unrecognised deferred tax assets more specifically.

 Extension Taxonomies

 This year, the FRC also plans to update the Irish Extensions Taxonomy and Charities Taxonomy by extending the planned 2025 FRC Taxonomy Suite. 

Conclusion

 The Draft UK Taxonomy Suite 2025 is a step towards enhancing the efficiency of digital financial reporting in the UK. For companies required to file in iXBRL format, these changes offer a chance to update their reporting, enhance compliance with the new standards, and enhance the credibility and reliability of information disclosed.

 Prepare accurate and compliant iXBRL reports for filing CT600 returns with HMRC. Contact our experts at +44 (0) 203 608 8035 or [email protected].

In the age of quick technological advancement, accountants find themselves at the centre of the revolution. Advanced generative artificial intelligence tools make their routine work efficient and promote strategic decision-making. An accountant can play the role of an advisor, not only a number cruncher, to improve customer relationships and have a healthier balance between work and life. 

The Role of AI in Accounting

AI tools in accounting are devised to scrutinise large pools of data at a high speed, with almost no likelihood of missing out on anything. The effects of AI do not only automatise the work but also improve customer service by saving time for a personal approach and gaining a competitive advantage over other accountants. As accountants use AI, they position themselves as forward-looking advisors who are prepared to address the challenges of the modern financial landscape. 

AI Prompts to Increase Efficiency

AI can help accountants through certain prompts that increase efficiency. Below are a few: 

1. Trend Analysis: Reviewing past company data in search of trends or anomalies is beneficial for future financial forecasts. AI can crunch this data very fast and effectively, thereby giving accountants information that can be used in making strategic decisions.
2. Visual Financial Comparisons: By preparing the income and expense charts on a monthly basis, any significant variation can easily be visualised. This is going to help accountants quickly point out what went wrong and efficiently manage the finances.
3. Customised Tax Compliance Checklists: AI can develop step-by-step checklists for a particular industry or client niche to fully comply with tax regulations and reduce the chances of mistakes.
4. Fraud Detection: AI analyses any discrepancy in clients’ financial records, pinpointing possible signs of fraud. As a result, accountants can make preventive moves.
5. Tax Deduction Analysis: AI can identify potential tax deductions and credits, summarise potential savings, and suggest additional documentation that may be required for making the claims. 

Improving Communications With the Client

Proper communication would build trust with clients, and AI can help expedite the process. Below are some of the AI prompts which improve communication with clients: 

1. Meeting Preparation: AI helps prepare questions for client meetings based on a recent financial analysis. Thus, the accountant is prepared to answer pressing client issues.
2. Cloud Accounting Advocacy: It helps automate the drafting of persuasive emails to clients, encouraging them to adopt cloud accounting solutions explaining benefits like security and data accessibility.
3. Invoice Reminders: It can write polite but firm emails reminding clients of outstanding invoices, including various payment options and potential late fees that might be incurred.
4. Simplifying Financial Concepts: By translating complicated financial statements into the layman’s language, AI assists the clients in understanding their financial position, improving transparency and trust. 

Risk Assessment and Financial Forecasting

AI plays a critical part in carrying out risk assessment and financial forecasting by enabling accountants to pinpoint financial irregularities and make informed projections. Examples of prompts in this area are: 

1. Fraud Detection: Financial transactions are analysed to spot unusual patterns that might reflect fraud. The accountant can then proceed to investigate further.
2. Benchmark Comparisons: Comparing the industry benchmarks against the financial ratios can indicate that there may be some deviations.
3. Financial Forecasting: Sales forecasts are developed based on historical data, market conditions, and competitor analysis, which permits comprehensive scenario planning and enables clients to make strategic business decisions. 

Embracing AI in Professional Development

As the accounting profession evolves, it is important to keep in touch with new technologies and regulations. In terms of professional development, AI can be a research assistant, providing summaries of changes in the accounting standard and insight into emerging industry trends. This learning is ongoing, and therefore, AI also creates a lesson plan on specific accounting topics tailored to the accountant’s knowledge. 

Conclusion

Generative AI is transforming accounting by increasing efficiencies and strengthening client services. In the UK, it underpins iXBRL services to make the preparation of financial data easier and more compliant with reporting standards. Using AI, accountants take on a more strategic advisory role to uncover new possibilities for success.

The Current State of the Energy Market

The energy market is a complex industry, which often presents unpredictable challenges for those looking to secure their next energy renewal. For many businesses, managing energy costs is more than just an operational cost these days; it’s a significant factor that can influence overall profitability and long-term financial stability.
In this post, we’ll break down the current state of the business energy market and why it’s likely, many of the businesses you work with are facing new challenges in the aftermath of the energy crisis.

Market Sensitivity: Volatile Energy Markets

The energy market is on a knife edge, and now reacts dramatically to even the smallest events. Since the energy crisis, market movements that would normally increase prices by 0.3p/kWh, are now pushing them as high as 3p/kWh+. This nervousness extends to geopolitical and economic factors, not just security of energy supply, which is a key driver for energy costs.

Recently, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has demonstrated exactly this. Escalated tensions in the Kursk region of Russia have caused gas prices to increase, reaching levels we haven’t seen in years. Even though gas continues to flow through Ukraine, the fear of potential disruptions of supply reaching wider Europe, is enough to keep the market on edge.

Unforeseen events such as this, along with other key market drivers that bring nervous market sentiment, are continuing to impact the price businesses pay for energy.

Market Outlook: Preparing for Complex Energy Markets

At the time of writing, Europe’s gas storage levels are at 86%—which sounds like good news; however, this is only providing security of supply in the short-term, it is not a long-term solution. The price businesses in the UK and Europe pay for energy is fundamentally driven by the supply of gas from key delivery routes and LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) deliveries.
Even with gas storage targets prior to winter of 90% almost achieved, the situation remains precarious, with the potential for further escalations that could disrupt gas supplies and a heavy reliance on LNG imports – all factors that set the stage for volatile markets that could lead to further price increases.

Simplifying the Complexities of Energy Renewals

In this volatile market, waiting to secure an energy contract can be a costly mistake. Encouraging your clients to go to market now and review their energy renewal costs is a proactive strategy optimising their future energy budgets. By doing so, they can avoid the potential price spikes that could occur in the coming months and begin to understand a price position for essential operating costs.

Understanding energy market drivers and analysis can play a crucial role in helping clients identify the right combination of procurement strategies that align with their energy needs and financial objectives, ensuring that they are not overly exposed to market risks and untimely price increases.

Why Now Is the Time to Act: The Cost of Inaction

The energy market isn’t just volatile—it’s unpredictable. What’s true today might not be true tomorrow. This uncertainty makes it more important than ever for businesses to act quickly and decisively. Waiting for the “perfect time” to secure an energy contract or implement efficiency measures could result in missed opportunities and higher costs.

At Swoop, we understand the challenges that businesses face in today’s energy market. Whether you’re an advisor helping your clients make sense of their energy bills or a broker looking for the best deals, we’re here to support you. Our team of experts is ready to provide the insights and guidance you need to help your clients navigate this volatile market with confidence.

How you can help your clients

Through our energy partner, we’re able to generate competitive energy quotes for your clients. If you send us their latest energy bills, we can provide quotes within a 12-month window of their contract end date. This is a great opportunity to help your clients manage their energy costs in this volatile market.

FAQ

1. What is causing the current volatility in energy prices?
   The main drivers of current volatility include geopolitical tensions, particularly in Ukraine, supply chain disruptions, and ongoing infrastructure maintenance. These factors are creating uncertainty in the market, leading to frequent and significant price fluctuations.
2. How can securing an energy contract now help my clients?
   By securing an energy contract now, or at least going to market to forecast energy renewal costs, your clients can secure prices and protect themselves from potential future increases. This strategy provides a degree of cost certainty in an otherwise unpredictable market.
3. What are some simple ways my clients can reduce their energy costs?
   Understanding their energy consumption and usage profile is a great start. Encouraging your clients to invest in energy efficiency measures is a great start. This could include upgrading lighting or investing in energy-efficient systems. These changes can reduce energy consumption and lower bills over time.
4. How do global events affect energy prices?
   Global events, especially those that impact major energy-producing regions, can lead to supply disruptions or fears of such disruptions. This uncertainty often results in price spikes, as the market reacts to the potential for reduced supply.
5. What should my clients do if they’re unsure about their energy bills?
   If your clients are confused by their energy bills, we can help by breaking down the charges and explaining how their invoice is made up of the charges itemised on their bill. Understanding their bills can also help identify areas for potential savings.

For more detailed advice and tailored solutions, reach out to our team. We’re here to help you and your clients navigate these challenging times in the energy market.

Owning your warehouse could be the foundation for your business growth – here are the pros and cons

Owning a dedicated warehouse space can be a great move for your business, bringing you increased control, cost-efficiency and a stable platform for growth.

Many businesses, particularly in their early days, have to rent warehouse space. While renting may offer advantages for affordability and flexibility, ownership brings a whole set of advantages that can fuel your company’s long term growth. Let’s explore the reasons why buying a warehouse might be the strategic move your business needs.

1. Control your destiny

Ownership means that you can organise your warehouse space exactly how you need it. Dedicated loading docks, specific racking systems, even a designated area for quality control – you can design it all to optimise efficiency. Renting often comes with limitations on modifications, hindering your ability to streamline your operation. Owning gives you the freedom to create a space that perfectly complements your workflows and can help project a desired company image.

2. Long-term investment, short-term savings

Rental costs can creep up over time and there’s no payback on investing in a property you don’t own. Having a mortgage on a warehouse could allow you to lock in your monthly payments for a fixed term. This predictability helps with budgeting and financial planning. And over time, the value of your warehouse is likely to appreciate, creating a valuable asset for your company.

Another advantage of property purchase is that you may also be able to restructure outstanding debts to improve your cash flow.

3. Increased stability

When you rent, you run the risk of your landlord deciding not to renew your lease. Scrambling to find a new space has the potential to disrupt your operations and customer service. Owning a warehouse eliminates this uncertainty. You have a stable base for your business, allowing you to focus on growth and innovation.

4. Reap the tax benefits

Owning a warehouse comes with tax advantages. You can potentially deduct mortgage interest, depreciation on the building and property taxes from your taxable income. Consult with a tax professional to understand the specific deductions you might be eligible for.

If you want to find out whether it is best for you to rent or buy your warehouse, try our calculator today.

What’s holding you back? Here are three things to consider:

1. Upfront investment

Buying a warehouse requires a significant upfront investment, including the down payment (typically 25-40 percent loan to value), closing costs and potential renovations. Swoop can help you manage your cash flow at this stage so that your long term investment doesn’t harm your immediate financial situation.

2. Affordability assessment

Lenders will assess the ability to afford a loan by calculating ‘EBITDAR’ earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and rent. It is possible to work backwards from this figure to establish the level of borrowing a business can support but it’s important to highlight that any lender will incorporate a stress test to ensure the loan is still affordable in certain circumstances, such as a high interest rate environment or a reduction in profits. Lenders will also take into account shareholder dividends and the repayments of any finance (such as HP, asset finance, bounce back loans and other existing obligations) already supported by the business.

3. Long-term commitment

Owning a warehouse ties you to a specific location. While this can be a good thing for stability, it also limits your flexibility if your business needs change significantly in the future. You will also be responsible for repairs and maintenance. Again, Swoop can help you manage your finances so that you are able to meet your commitments.

Making the right choice

Buying a warehouse is a significant decision that requires careful planning and financial analysis. Swoop’s experienced commercial mortgage team is ready to help you weigh the pros and cons and get you the best deal on the market when you’re ready to buy.

Contact Swoop today for a free consultation and let our experts guide you through the process of owning your warehouse and building a solid foundation for your business’s future.