James Rowell on The Red Sofa
James Rowell from Advent Management joins us on The Red Sofa
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The Business Godparent
The Business Godparent is a publication that aims to provide business owners with valuable updates, useful tips, guidance on technology, and friendly support.
Issue 22 - Winter 2025
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Tips to Make Your Small Business a Success in 2025
When starting out, knowing where to focus to make your small business a success can be difficult. At Essendon, we work with businesses of all sizes as their business godparent, providing help and advice and being a great accounting partner. Throughout 2024 and into 2025, everyone is feeling the pinch. What are the best ways […]Continue reading… -
Digital Marketing Trends for 2025 – Don’t Get Left Behind!
Guest article from Alison Moffatt – Bubble Creative Solutions The digital world around us is changing rapidly. This is having an impact on all areas of business and digital marketing is no exception. With the amount of digital noise in various industries, how can we stay on top of digital marketing trends in 2025? Keeping […]Continue reading… -
Building a Legacy: Why Family Business Must Lead on Sustainability
For generations, family businesses have been the backbone of the UK economy, contributing not only to economic growth but also to the communities they serve. Unlike large corporations driven by short-term profits, family-run businesses often take a longer-term approach, considering the impact of today’s decisions on future generations. This perspective uniquely positions them to embrace […]Continue reading… -
Employment Law – Changes to the Employment Rights Bill
Guest article from Sue Pardy – Face2Face HR Part of the Labour Party’s manifesto for the General Election last July was about significant change they wanted to make to employment law. In October we got the first sight of the Employment Rights Bill. Below I highlight the main takeaways and also look at what wasn’t included in the Bill but had been mentioned in […]Continue reading…
Issue 21 - Autumn 2024
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Celebrating a Decade of Business Finance Partnerships
This year marks a decade of Essendon Accounts & Tax, a remarkable voyage of growth through often challenging conditions. The team, passionate and often fuelled by endless cups of tea, have worked tirelessly to serve our clients. I applaud you all. I extend that to all my valuable network contacts too, you have all been […]Continue reading… -
Then vs Now
As we celebrate 10 years at Essendon, let’s take a moment to reflect on how things have changed since 2014. Remote Working In 2014, only 13.9% of people worked remotely – it was far from the norm. However, fast forward to 2024, after the pandemic and widespread office closures, that number has risen to 16%. […]Continue reading… -
The Phishing-as-a-Service trend helping drive up cyber attacks
Guest article from Lionel Naidoo from Dragon IS – It’s Cyber Security Awareness Month, which once again shines a spotlight on the growing cyber threat facing businesses. Did you know, last year cybercriminals stole an estimated £30.5 billion from UK firms. The equivalent of almost £60,000 every minute! One of the most successful tactics […]Continue reading… -
VAT Registration Threshold and the 2024 Autumn Budget
The 2024 autumn budget is on the horizon and there is a lot of buzz around the VAT registration threshold increase. At Essendon, we are exploring if it would be more benefit to the UK if the budget was made either lower or higher. As with any budget changes, there are reasons for and […]Continue reading…
Issue 20 - Spring/Summer 2024
Shannon Lawton on The Red Sofa
Shannon Lawton from Lawton & Co joins us on The Red Sofa
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Child Benefit Earnings Cap Raised From £50k to £60k
You may have seen the changes in the spring budget and noticed an increase in the earnings cap for receiving child benefit. Child benefit is a payment from the government to those who have children. In 2024, the amount you receive is: • £25.60 per week for your first child • £16.95 per week for […]Continue reading… -
How Could AI Help Boost Your Productivity
A guest article from Lionel Naidoo from Dragon IS It feels like everyone is talking about Artificial Intelligence (AI) right now – and it’s no surprise, with the last 12 months seeing an explosion in AI-driven tools hitting the market, including releases from big names such as Google and Microsoft. For businesses of all sizes […]Continue reading… -
Overpaying Your Mortgage: Should You Do It?
A guest article from Sheilpa Panchal from Q&A Financial Solutions Hardly a day goes by without the cost of living hitting the headlines. For many homeowners the increasing costs of owning and running a home is having a huge impact on household budgets. Even if you are near the top end of your monthly budget, […]Continue reading… -
Salary vs Dividends
If you own a limited company business, you have undoubtedly considered whether you should take a salary or dividends or both. But following the last couple of budgets the landscape for deciding on salary or dividends has changed. Corporation tax rates have increased, and national insurance has decreased. The strategy will not be the same […]Continue reading…
Issue 19 - Winter 2024
Caroline Kendhammer on The Red Sofa
Caroline Kendhammer from Bubble Creative Solutions joins us on The Red Sofa
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Labour Expense and Recruitment Issues Leave Employers Struggling
The Quarterly Recruitment Outlook (QRO) is a survey of 5000 UK firms of various sizes and operating in multiple sectors.Continue reading… -
22/23 Tax Return Trees Planted Total
Our final donation to The National Trust ‘Plant A Tree Fund’ for this tax year brings us up to a total of 645 trees! That’s one tree for every tax return we have filed. We are committed to making our world a greener place, and this is just one of the ways we can do […]Continue reading… -
Together We Can Make 2024 A Great Year
2023 was a challenging year for most people, and by the looks of it, 2024 is not going to be much better.Continue reading… -
Is The UK Drowning in Data and Decisions?
With software available that can gather data on all aspects of business performance, it’s no surprise that people are feeling overwhelmed and sometimes underqualified to make business decisions.Continue reading…
Issue 18 - Autumn 2023
Phil Smith on The Red Sofa
Phil Smith from The Alternative Board joins us on The Red Sofa
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Essendon are sponsoring JAM!
We’re proud to be sponsoring #JAMathon2023! A 3 month ‘marathon’ of fundraisers raising for these 3 Northampton based charities.Continue reading… -
The Cost of Living Crisis and How it is Effecting so Many Households
The current cost of living crisis is having a significant impact on many households. With increasing food prices and soaring energy prices, many families are left wondering how they can get by.Continue reading… -
Processes are Important – its how you deliver what you do!
In a recent discussion with business owners the importance of processes came up, and we rattled around thinking about how they don’t always seem to work. Interesting as this maybe a crucial dilemma surfaced – processes for who? The customer or our staff? Which is most important?Continue reading… -
Encouraging your Employees to Prioritise their Mental Health
Mental health is now more important than ever. With the stresses and strains of life and the added pressure of the current cost of living crisis, now is the time to ensure you and your employees are prioritising their mental health. This could involve various activities.Continue reading…
Issue 17 – Summer 2023
Mike Feuer on The Red Sofa
Mike Feuer from Compass Business Development joins us on The Red Sofa
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Mastering Payments on Account: A Guide for Self-Assessment Taxpayers
Navigating Self-Assessment and payment on account can be difficult to understand. Often, individuals feel overwhelmed which can then make it even more confusing.Continue reading… -
How Your Business Could Benefit From a Financial Coach
Many successful businesses struggle with managing their books. It’s not uncommon to have a flurry of leads but still struggle with cash flow. This is where a financial coach could benefit you.Continue reading… -
VAT History – 50 Years
As we commemorate the momentous occasion of the Value Added Tax’s anniversary, we invite you to take a journey through its history and impact on the UK economy.Continue reading… -
Allowable Expenses You Can Claim on Being Self Employed
As a self-employed business owner, it’s important to understand the allowable expenses that can be claimed.Continue reading…
Issue 16 – Winter 2023
Stephen Whitton on The Red Sofa
Stephen Whitton from [M]enable joins us on The Red Sofa
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Support is never far away
This time last year most of us were full of optimism after a horrendous couple of years during the pandemic.Continue reading… -
Running a business is unlike anything else
As business owners we know that there’s nothing more rewarding than running your own business – and there can be nothing more stressful either – but, when the buck stops with you, it’s often the people we love, or the things we love to do that get pushed to the back of the queue.Continue reading… -
You can have a good divorce
A good divorce means different things to different people. Good may mean staying friends and being able to go to the pub with your ex or being able to share Christmas together.Continue reading… -
When the going gets tough, the tough check their margins
2022 had its ups and downs. And with the inflationary waves that are rippling through the economy, it looks as though 2023 will present some challenges.Continue reading…
Issue 15 – Autumn 2022
Jake Stubbs on The Red Sofa
Jake Stubbs gives his top tips on how to manage and understand your accounts better on The Red Sofa
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21/22 Tax return trees planted
We have recently made another donation to the National Trust to plant 48 trees, that’s a total of 82 trees so far!Continue reading… -
BookClub: They ask you answer by Marcus Sheridan
Learn how “They Ask, You Answer” has become the standard for Digital Sales and Marketing buy-in for thousands of organisations.Continue reading… -
A big warm welcome to Anna and Tracey!
Please give a warm welcome to two new members of the Essendon Accounts & Tax team.Continue reading… -
Making Tax Digital
Since 1st April 2022, all VAT registered businesses are required to follow the Making Tax Digital rules whereby they keep digital records and use software to submit their VAT return.Continue reading…
Issue 14 – Spring 2022
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Support your network
It’s a certain fact that things are tough in the world at the moment; bombs landing on innocent people, people struggling to buy food, and the list goes on. But as business owners, we must keep strong and keep our wits about us. Small businesses are the backbone of the UK, and the UK needs us. So let’s do our bit in heading the challenges straight on. It’s certainly not easy, so seeking support from your network is so important. The adage ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’ is one that I see daily.Continue reading… -
Are we normal?
For many businesses coming out of lockdown in recent months the question has been “Are we back to normal now?” In some sectors not much will have been so different over the last 2 years, food needed to be delivered to grocery stores, bins needed to be emptied, laundry needed to be washed. Maybe, those strict ‘cleaning stations’ have been brushed aside now that the virus has subsided.Continue reading… -
Trends, trajectories and sustainable truisms. Who’s looking at this kind of trend for you?
In the early 1980s, a gallon of petrol crossed the 70p price barrier and everyone thought the world would come to an end. Just a few short years later, crisps breached 10p a bag and the grocery trade predicted the end of independent convenience stores. In fact, new generations of shoppers didn’t know any different, so they drove their cars and ate crisps regardless.Continue reading… -
BIG welcome to Alan!
Alan has been in the accountancy profession for over thirty years. During that time, he has accumulated a vast wealth of experience of most business types and dealt with client entities both small and large. We welcome Alan to our Accounts Team where he will be undertaking tasks such as client bookkeeping, VAT returns, preparing accounts, and completing Construction Industry Scheme returns.Continue reading…
Issue 13 – Winter 2022
Mark Miller on The Red Sofa
Mark Miller from Goodfoot Development joins us on The Red Sofa
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BookClub: The Slight Edge
The Slight Edge is an easy book to read and the key takeaways for me are...Continue reading… -
All About The Prompt Payment Code
When it comes to customers paying invoices, and having to deal with spiralling costs, it's no surprise that the survival of at least 400,000 small businesses is in doubt …Continue reading… -
Employee Spotlight – Kimberly Preece
What does a day in the life of Kim look like?Continue reading… -
Make ’22 stand out for you!
In this digital world that we live in, we all have access to a wide range of marketing platforms to communicate and get our brands visible.Continue reading…
Issue 12 - Autumn 2021
Lionel Naidoo on The Red Sofa
Lionel Naidoo from Dragon Information Systems joins us on The Red Sofa
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2021 Year Round Up
We are now entering the last few weeks of 2021 and what a year it has been so far. Nearly everyone has had to make an adjustment in their life somewhere and business owners have had to make more than anyone. In all the turmoil, we do need to switch off from time to time whether it is simply sitting down with a good book and a pack of Jaffa Cakes to nibble on, (are they cakes or actually biscuits in disguise?) or getting outside for some fresh air. If it’s the latter that appeals, why not follow me on the STRAVA app, log your walks and join the Essendon challenge of doing an hour’s walk or activity per day.Continue reading… -
Why I should focus on my employees’ wellbeing?
Is the wellbeing of your employees something you need to consider? In my view, absolutely and here’s why - these are the many benefitsContinue reading… -
The ongoing saga of VAT and Jaffa Cakes
It’s my personal opinion that you should never assume anything with VAT. Many of you are probably thinking now of the Jaffa Cakes case which was about whether it was a cake or a biscuit?Continue reading… -
Strava Challenge!
Do you go for a walk daily? Do you need a challenge to get you more active?Continue reading…
Issue 11 – Summer 2021
Julie Futcher on the virtual Red Sofa
Julie Futcher from The Sales Aces joins us on The Virtual Red Sofa
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Are you an online seller?
We have a broad portfolio of clients and from an accounting perspective they have different needs, particularly with respect to software. For larger businesses, our go-to is Xledger. It’s ideal for managing their more complex requirements and has an impressive list of core functions.Continue reading… -
Freedom Day is here!
The 19th July has arrived and there is a lot going on for businesses. With the effects of Brexit, furlough withdrawal, supply chain issues, and cash flow challenges, ‘Freedom Day’ is a welcome moment in this pandemicContinue reading… -
Roger at Digital Transformation
Roger was recently asked to speak at the Digital Transformation Forum, which took place in May this year. The topic was an interesting one for ambitious small businesses, for it addressed the subject of how outsourcing can enable SMEs to cater to larger clients.Continue reading… -
Top ten positive outcomes from the pandemic
We’ve all received a few wake-up calls in the last few months, and being reminded of any mix of the points below has been one of the greatest benefits of this whole Covid experience.Continue reading…
Issue 10 - Spring 2021
Louise Gordon on the Red Sofa
Louise Gordon from Louise Gordon Consultancy ltd joins us on The Red Sofa
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Employee Spotlight – Matthew Brown
What does a day in the life of Matthew look like?Continue reading… -
The importance of an FD and managing cash flow
This pandemic has highlighted the importance of cash flow. Thousands of businesses are now at risk of collapsing, and the government has taken considerable steps to help as many as they can…Continue reading… -
Helping pets after lockdown
There’s a good chance that we’ll start heading back to the office over the next few weeks. And if you’ve got a dog who’s got used to you being at home 24/7, their wellbeing will need some attention.Continue reading… -
Budget Changes to Boost Growth
Looking to boost your growth? Here are the top 5 budget changes that will give you a helping hand.Continue reading…
Issue 09 - Winter 2021
Kirsty Parris on the Red Sofa
Kirsty Parris from Andromeda Business Consulting joins us on The Red Sofa
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There has never been a better time to network
The pandemic has not been great news for lots and lots of people but there are positives that can be drawn from it – one of those being the benefits of networking.Continue reading… -
Top Ten Accounting Acronyms
Have you heard of TLAs (three letter abbreviations)? Well, in the accounting world they don’t always come in threes… and they definitely don’t always get referred to in the intended way! The Essendon team have come up with a few just to whet your appetite…Continue reading… -
Employee Spotlight – Gemma Barry
What does a day in the life of Gemma look like?Continue reading… -
Looking back at 2020
So… what will 2020 be remembered for? I ask because perspective matters here. It could, of course, be remembered as the year of Brexit, the year we couldn’t visit family, and the year we saw the biggest dip in business activity ever.Continue reading…
Issue 08 – Autumn 2020
Terry Kendhammer on the Red Sofa
Terry Kendhammer from Bubble Creative Solutions joins us on The Red Sofa
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Employee Spotlight – Phil Mirto, Accounts Team
What does a day in the life of Phil look like?Continue reading… -
What is your new norm?
Back in March, we were told to work from home if we could. Then the message was reversed, as the likes of Costa Coffee and Pret A Manger struggled without the office trade footfall.Continue reading… -
Even HMRC knows that every little helps…
If you’re still working from home because of this pandemic, or your business is intending to ask their staff to do so going forward, it’s worth checking out what home workers can claim as expenses with HMRC.Continue reading… -
Bringing the office home… Long term
We think this issue of The Business Godparent is a superb opportunity to introduce you to Bring the Office Home, a new venture founded by Dijon, who are an award-winning exhibition and live events agency with 40 years’ experienceContinue reading…
Issue 07 - Summer 2020
Rachel Brushfield on the Red Sofa
Rachel Brushfield, Talent Liberator joins us on The Red Sofa
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Lockdown Dogitation
It’s been tough, this lockdown lark. They’ve needed walking twice a day and haven’t left me alone for a minute either. I have squeezed a few extra treats out of them, but what’s a pup to do, eh? Keep them on a tight leash, that’s what. So don’t worry, I’ve made sure they’ve been working […]Continue reading… -
The Business Godparent
As we come out of hibernation and the bustle returns, there’s no doubt that many of us are now bracing for more stress.Continue reading… -
Returning Employees to the Workplace
There’s no two ways about it, we are all itching to get back to some sense of ‘normal’ and we’re already looking forward to what we’re going to do! What are you most looking forward to?Continue reading… -
The Positives of Lockdown…
Fairly quickly into lockdown it was reported that alcohol sales skyrocketed, along with the consumption of homemade cakes.Continue reading…
Issue 06 - Spring 2020
Andrew Franklin on the Red Sofa
Andrew Franklin from HSBC joins us on The Red Sofa
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Track cashflow… to be in the know!
Track cashflow… to be in the know! Many businesses are struggling with cashflow at the moment, and yes, we know that’s stating the obvious.Continue reading… -
Dodging the scammers
The government is wisely advising us to stay at home. The medical experts are wisely advising us to wash our hands frequently. And now, the cybersecurity gurus are wisely advising us to be even more vigilant regarding coronavirus scams. Insidious as it is… there are people out there still trying to do digital harm. But we won’t let them beat us!Continue reading… -
Cyber-attack… it follows a process
As we are currently very aware, “attack” on our world can come from many angles. But there is still one that businesses, perhaps more than ever, need to protect against constantly; cyber-attack. Some businesses don’t think they’ll be a target, but the problem is that if it does strike it can have a considerable impact on operations, cash flow and reputation; and in reality all businesses are potential targets. So with that said, what happens? And what can you do to help prevent it?Continue reading… -
10 Things to do after Covid-19
There’s no two ways about it, we are all itching to get back to some sense of ‘normal’ and we’re already looking forward to what we’re going to do! What are you most looking forward to?Continue reading…
Issue 05 - Winter 2020
Sarah Canning Franklins Solicitors
Sarah Canning from Franklins Solicitors joins us on The Red Sofa
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WorkflowMax
Operating productively. Improving efficiency. Making the most of staff time. All great aspirations for a business to have. But if you manage projects, and are struggling to achieve just one of those, there is help to hand…Continue reading… -
Worried about 2020? Don’t there’s going to be plenty to make you smile
Running a business in 2020 is going to present an interesting mix of challenges. With Brexit still to be resolved, not to mention other global issues such as climate change very much in the public mind.Continue reading… -
Looking into 2020
Another decade begins and I am sure we’re all wishing for some stability.Continue reading… -
Top tips on starting a new business
Find out how to pay less tax, including checking your tax code and many more top tips.Continue reading…
Issue 04 - Autumn 2019
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Cashflow Forecasting With Fluidly
With 80% of business failure due to cashflow issues, helping you manage your cash is our priority.Continue reading… -
Benefits of a good accountant
A great accountant will help you stay the distance.Continue reading… -
Essendon 5th Birthday! A thank you
Essendon was proud to host its 5th birthday party recently and I wanted to thank everyone for their support over the last five years...Continue reading… -
Top ten ways to save on tax
Find out how to pay less tax, including checking your tax code and many more top tips.Continue reading…
Issue 03 - Summer 2019
Jo & Anthony The Kitchen & Indulgence
Jo & Anthony from The Kitchen & Indulgence joins us on The Red Sofa
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Lena’s Top Tip
If there is one thing that this year’s Accountex has shown, it’s that accountants & software developers now work hand in hand. No longer are cloud-based solutions just an interesting avenue to consider… they’re a given.Continue reading… -
Something to spark your interest in company cars!
There’s been a lot of adjustment around how company cars are taxed over recent years. For some they are still a popular staff benefit, for others they’re a necessity, but to many they can seem like a rather expensive perk.Continue reading… -
Welcome to the 3rd edition of The Business Godparent!
An important aspect to Essendon is our strong network of contacts and collaborators, and we always seek to connect our clients with the people they need.Continue reading… -
Forewarned is forearmed with Essendon Foresight
Some of you will know that Essendon is a proud partner of Xledger, a cloud accounting and enterprise resource planning tool.Continue reading…
Issue 02 - Spring 2019
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Lena’s Top Tip
There are all sorts of facts and myths currently floating around about making tax digital, so we thought we’d clarify a handful for you here. Hopefully to put your mind at rest.Continue reading… -
You can now Excel at making tax digital!
How do you fancy making tax digital even easier?! Yes, we like that idea too. And it’s not just an empty wish, because VitalTax have developed a superb application to help with just that.Continue reading… -
Tax year, 6 April – 5 April, why on earth?
What have the Romans ever done for us? Well, quite a lot, actually, with respect to our funny tax year. And it’s all to do with the switch from the Julian calendar (proposed by Julius Caesar in 46BC) to the Gregorian calendar in 1582.Continue reading… -
Welcome to the 2nd edition of The Business Godparent
Welcome to the 2nd edition of The Business Godparent. A publication that aims to provide business owners with valuable updates, useful tips, guidance on technology, and friendly support.Continue reading…
Issue 01 - Winter 2019
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Lena’s Top Tip
Recoding miscoding – Xero makes it easy!Continue reading… -
Making tax digital… go for it
We’d like to introduce you to a particular area of expertise we offer to investors in property.Continue reading… -
Essendon Property Partners
We’d like to introduce you to a particular area of expertise we offer to investors in property.Continue reading… -
About Roger – The Business Godparent
Essendon was set up by Roger Eddowes in 2014, and he swiftly made a point of expanding the skills, knowledge, and expertise of the practice to ensure businesses are fully catered for with respect to their accounting needs.Continue reading…