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New research suggests that UK small business owners are spending almost twice as much time on administration as they are on growth. It’s easy to see how it happens.

We recently contributed to the latest issue of DOHR’s People Talk magazine, exploring why closer collaboration between Finance and HR can lead to better business decisions.

couple of weeks ago, we hosted our first padel and networking event in partnership with BQ Watches, bringing together businesses and professionals from across the local area.

More customers, more work and rising sales are all positive signs for a growing business. But being busier doesn’t necessarily mean you’re becoming more profitable. As your business grows, your costs often grow with it.

New research suggests that 68% of UK small businesses are unlikely to make significant capital investments over the next year, highlighting the continued caution around spending and growth.

The government has announced plans to reduce some of the paperwork and reporting requirements faced by small businesses, as part of a wider push to cut unnecessary regulation.

AI is becoming an increasingly useful tool for bookkeepers, helping to automate repetitive work and improve efficiency. But does that mean businesses no longer need a bookkeeper? We don’t think so.

September is a good time to review your business finances and make sure your records and financial information are up to date.

Invoicing is an important part of running a new business and getting it right from the start can help you maintain healthy cash flow and keep accurate financial records. A finance team like SJC can help you set up your bookkeeping, invoicing and help to define the processes that work for you.

The date of the 2026 Autumn Budget has been confirmed as 28th October. The budget sets the direction for taxation, public spending and economic policy.

As of 1st September 2026, the cost of Xero subscriptions will increase in the UK. At SJC, we continue to recommend Xero to our clients and despite the price increases it remains our preferred platform.

How to prepare for your next VAT return.

Our take Cash flow is one of the most important indicators of a businesses financial health. Regular financial reviews throughout the year provide visibility over the money coming in and going out, helping you to plan ahead, respond to changes and make confident business decisions. A helpful reminder to improve your financial visibility.

Our take Many business owners concentrate on growth but give little thought to how they will eventually exit. Whether you plan to sell, pass the business on, or retire, having an exit strategy in place in advance allows you to maximise value, reduce tax implications and ensure a smoother transition. Building an exit strategy into your long-term puts you in control and helps ensure you are prepared whenever the time is right. Worth a read if you want to protect the long-term v

Our take Interest rates continue to play a key role in the financial decisions of businesses and households. While the Bank of England has recently held the bank rate at 3.75%, borrowing costs remain significantly higher than in previous years. For business owners it is a good time to review cash flow and future investment plans. It is worth keeping up to date with interest rates as it can help you make informed decisions and plan with confidence.

The cost of starting a business in the UK can range from £0 - £50,000+, depending on the industry, business model and startup requirements. Understanding the difference between startup costs and ongoing business expenses is essential for creating a realistic budget and maintaining cash flow in your first six months. Planning for unexpected costs and securing the right finance support can help new businesses launch with confidence and build a stronger foundation for growth

Our take While economic pressures remain a challenge for UK businesses, many are responding by strengthening financial planning and improving efficiency. Recent research highlights how businesses can build resilience in order to protect value. This article is a useful reminder to maintain visibility over cash flow and financial performance to enable future success. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/uk-business-confidence-2026-cautious-costpressured-focused-dickson-g20be/

Our take Small businesses continue to play a vital role in the growth of the UK economy, contributing significantly to employment, innovation and local communities. As a small business ourselves, we understand both the challenges and rewards that come with running an independent company. Small Business Week is an important reminder of the value that SMEs bring to the economy, for us it highlights the importance of making sure SMEs have the right support in place to grow and s

Our take The government's new Small Business Protection Bill aims to tackle one of the biggest challenges SMEs face: late payments. Proposed measures include a 60-day payment cap for large firms and mandatory interest on late payments. For small business owners, changes to payment practices means improved cash flow, spending less time chasing invoices and further confidence when planning and budgeting for growth. It's worth reading this article to stay up to date with the lat

The cost of starting a business in the UK can range from £0 - £50,000+, depending on the industry, business model and startup requirements. Understanding the difference between startup costs and ongoing business expenses is essential for creating a realistic budget and maintaining cash flow in your first six months. Planning for unexpected costs and securing the right finance support can help new businesses launch with confidence and build a stronger foundation for growth