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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

Our take On the 6th of April, changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) took place, which are the most significant changes since the system was restructured in 1985. Three changes were announced: Removal of the three-day waiting period Removal of the lower earning threshold Statutory Sick Pay is now calculated differently for lower earners From a payroll perspective, businesses should ensure absence tracking systems are accurate and payroll teams stay informed. Here is a useful ove

Our take Last week, we hosted our second networking event in partnership with BQ Watches. It was fantastic to see clients, partners and fellow professionals from near and far enjoying great conversations and making new connections. We are proud to host Time to Network, bringing together clients and contacts from local travel agents to property auctioneers. Take a look at the photos from the event and be sure to get in touch to attend the next one!

Our take We are continuing to work with Radlett News and are excited to share that we are featured in the May edition of their magazine. If you have not seen our article yet, be sure to check it out on page 20.

Exiting: what you need to know

Our take From April, the National Living Wage will increase to £12.71 per hour for workers aged 21 and over. While the change is intended to support low-paid workers during the cost-of-living pressures, it will also increase payroll for many employers. From a payroll perspective, it is also important to remember that any pay increases need to be communicated clearly to your payroll team. Ensuring changes are submitted in good time helps avoid errors and keeps your payroll com

Our take From April many businesses will see their business rates increase, the impact will vary depending on location and size of the premises. If you are a business owner, this is an important reminder to keep an eye on rateable valuations and check you’re claiming any business rates relief you’re entitled to. This article is worth a read if you would like a clearer picture of the changes coming into effect this April. https://news.sky.com/story/what-business-cost-increases

Our take Working with businesses in our community is a really important part of what we do at SJC, so we are excited to share that we are advertising this month in Radlett news magazine. It is great to see our brand featured in print and another milestone as we continue to grow our local presence. Check out the magazine here.

Exiting: what you need to know