HLAS

As the result in recent increases in petrol and diesel prices HMRC have increased the advisory fuel rates that apply for the reimbursement of employees' private fuel for their company cars. The same rates apply when the employer reimburses employees for fuel used for business journeys in their company car. The new rates apply from 1 September 2021, but you can continue to use the previous rates for up to 1 month from the date the new rates apply. Where there has been a change the previous rate is shown in brackets:- Engine Size Petrol Diesel LPG 1400cc or less [...]

The future of bookkeeping & accounting The accounting industry is moving at an incredible pace. Add in advances in artificial intelligence, and we are set to see many more changes! As accountants, this makes us incredibly excited – because it means enhanced customer experienced, greater data protection, easier and safer accounting processes, and a wealth of other opportunities. Read on as we explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is going to influence the future of bookkeeping – both in the short term and long term. The future of bookkeeping: Short-term opportunities In the short-term, AI technology will strive to lend a [...]

Though budgeting is key to your business’s future, it is not always easy – especially if you are self-employed, freelancing, contracting, or commission-based. One month you have work rolling in from every client – and the next month, you get barely any. While it is tough to budget on a somewhat unpredictable income, your business can continue to excel. Here is a little advice on how to budget on irregular income; we hope you find it useful! Practise good bookkeeping To budget effectively, you need to be able to view your outgoings with ease. We recommend using cloud-based software like [...]

What is the best cloud accounting software? A large portion of accountants and their firms now offer cloud accounting services (including us!). We have compiled a quick, non-exhaustive list on the reasons why you should try cloud accounting today. Automated payslips, invoices, P60s, P45s, you name it Centralised access to your accounts via a single dashboard Collaborate and share information with your personal accountant Compatible with essential payroll platforms (like Sage) Data accuracy and minimising the risk of submitting costly errors to HMRC Enhanced security & data protection Guidance from fully-trained accountants Integrated bookkeeping management Saves you time (up to [...]

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious awards for UK businesses of all sizes and sectors. The awards can provide: excellent marketing opportunities and press coverage worldwide recognition as an outstanding British company increased turnover and international trade a boost to staff morale, and also to partners and stakeholders The awards are a self-nominating process and are free to enter. The application period is currently open and will close on 8 September 2021. See: The Queen's Awards for Enterprise - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

There is now a link to the online application for adding more jobs or employers to your grant agreement (grant variation). The Kickstart Scheme employer prospectus has also been updated and can be found here: Kickstart Scheme - A guide for employers (publishing.service.gov.uk) The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to create new jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment. Employers of all sizes can apply for funding which covers: 100% of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for a [...]

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is seeking responses on their draft international data transfer agreement (IDTA) and guidance, which replace Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs). The ICO's IDTA and associated documents form part of a wider UK package to assist international transfers, including supporting the government's approach to new adequacy assessments of third countries. The consultation is split into three sections: proposal and plans for updates to guidance on international transfers transfer risk assessments the international data transfer agreement The ICO is also asking for views on any relevant privacy rights, legal, economic or policy considerations and implications. Your responses will help them [...]

Employers have a legal duty to protect employees’ health, safety and welfare. Understanding the signs of drug and alcohol misuse (or abuse) will help you manage health and safety risk in your workplace. The Health and Safety Executive website has step-by-step guidance to help you manage drug and alcohol misuse at work. This includes advice on how to develop a drugs and alcohol policy and what you can do to support your employees See: Managing drug and alcohol misuse at work - Overview - HSE  

Prepare for new rules for transporting goods to or through Europe using cars and trailers, vans and HGVs from 2022. The rules are part of the UK’s deal with the EU (The Trade and Cooperation Agreement). The new rules will affect you if you transport goods using: cars and trailers vans or other light goods vehicles (for example, if you run a European courier service) heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) The new rules mean that you might need: to register some journeys within Europe on an online service from 2 February 2022 a vehicle operator licence if you use vans or car and [...]