The Business Godparent

Issue 20 - Spring/Summer 2024

Red Sofa Interviews

Shannon Lawton on The Red Sofa

Interviewer: Good morning and welcome to the red sofa. Today we have the pleasure of having Shannon Lawton of Lawton & Co with us who help businesses to secure funding to enable growth. Good morning, Shannon. Shannon: Good morning, Roger. Thank you for having me. Interviewer: So, Shannon, please give us a bit of background

From the Business Godparent

A Summer of Change

We started 2024 off knowing that we were in for a bit of a ride with the world conflicts and.

Insights

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.

Employee Spotlight

New Team Members

Firstly, we’d like to introduce Julia Rogers to the Essendon Team. Julia has recently moved back home to be closer.

AI

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.

Issue 19 - Winter 2024

From the Business Godparent

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.

Red Sofa Interviews

Caroline Kendhammer on The Red Sofa

Watch the full interview here Interviewer: Good morning, and welcome to the Red Sofa. We have Caroline Kendhammer, web developer, SEO.

Employee Spotlight

Employee spotlight – Daniel Bradnam

What does a typical day for Dan look like? A typical day for me would include either reviewing or working.

Sponsorship

JAM Sponsorship Roundup!

We were proud to sponsor JAM during Q4 of 2023. Here’s what JAM had to say about our sponsorship: “Having.

Insights

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..

Issue 18 - Autumn 2023

Employee Spotlight

New Team Members

Meet Essendon’s new team members…

From the Business Godparent

Take Time for You

Welcome to this autumn edition of the BGP. Here we are approaching the end of 2023. I don’t know about.

Red Sofa Interviews

Phil Smith on The Red Sofa

Watch the full interview here Interviewer: Welcome Phil, and thank you for joining us on The Red Sofa. Phil: Thank.

Top Tips

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.

Trusted Partners

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.

Issue 17 – Summer 2023

From the Business Godparent

Time to Unwind

Many of you will be heading off for sunnier climes, but some of you may be reluctant to as you grapple with all the economic issues we are experiencing. If you fall into the latter camp, I do encourage you to take some time out over the next few months.

Top Tips

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.

Employee Spotlight

New Team Members

First, say hi to Harpreet Heran. Harpreet has joined as a executive accountant and brings a wealth of knowledge having.

Red Sofa Interviews

Mike Feuer on The Red Sofa

Watch the full interview here Interviewer: Welcome, Mike. It's nice of you to join us on The Red Sofa. I.

Self Employed

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. What Are Allowable Expenses.

Issue 16 – Winter 2023

Employee Spotlight

Employee Spotlight – Samantha Tomlinson

What does a typical day for Sam look like?

Red Sofa Interviews

Stephen Whitton on The Red Sofa

Watch the full interview here Interviewer:Today on the Red Sofa, we welcome Stephen Whitton, founder of [M]enable Stephen. Welcome to.

Trusted Partners

Running a business is unlike anything else

A guest article from Phil Smith, The Alternative Board As business owners we know that there’s nothing more rewarding than.

Issue 16 – Winter 2023

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.

From the Business Godparent

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. .

Issue 15 – Autumn 2022

From the Business Godparent

It keeps on coming, doesn’t it?

Rising inflation, rising interest rates and an apparent lack of skilled labour just after we lick our wounds from Covid.

Red Sofa Interviews

Jake Stubbs on The Red Sofa

Watch the full interview here Interviewer: Today on The Red Sofa, we Welcomed Jake Stubbs from Essendon Accounts and Tax..

Trusted Partners

Standing out: how to find and own your position in your marketplace

A guest article from Jessica Shailes, Ideal Marketing Company Standing out from the competition isn't just an issue for businesses.

BookClub

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..

Making Tax Digital

Since 1st April 2022, all VAT registered businesses are required to follow the Making Tax Digital rules whereby they keep.

Issue 14 – Spring 2022

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.

Red Sofa Interviews

Dom Muscat on The Red Sofa

Watch the full interview here Interviewer: Hi Dom, are you able to give our viewers an insight into Bucks Biz?.

Trusted Partners

Are we normal?

A guest article from James Rowell, Advent Management For many businesses coming out of lockdown in recent months the question.

Employee Spotlight

BIG welcome to Alan!

Alan has been in the accountancy profession for over thirty years. During that time, he has accumulated a vast wealth.

Xledger

Why Xledger?

Essendon began using the Xledger accounting solution 10 years ago and has been in partnership ever since. So what does.

Issue 13 – Winter 2022

From the Business Godparent

BE BRAVE AND ADAPT

Welcome to the 13th edition of the BGP and Happy New Year! As my New Year message I am going to pinch the slogan from the Financial Times (“FT”) campaign “Let’s not go back to a past that wasn’t working anyway!” I am going to use it in a slightly different context to the economics talked about by the FT, and encourage business owners to be brave and adapt.

Trusted Partners

Make ’22 stand out for you!

A guest article from Terry Kendhammer, Bubble Creative Solutions Ltd In this digital world that we live in, we all.

Employee Spotlight

Employee Spotlight – Kimberly Preece

What does a typical day for Kim look like? A typical day for me begins with prioritising my emails/workload depending.

Blog

All About The Prompt Payment Code

And why it matters … When it comes to customers paying invoices, and having to deal with spiralling costs, it's.

Red Sofa Interviews

Mark Miller on The Red Sofa

Watch the full interview here Interviewer: Today we have the absolute pleasure of welcoming Mark Miller, founder of Goodfoot Development,.

Issue 12 - Autumn 2021

From the Business Godparent

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.

Red Sofa Interviews

Lionel Naidoo on The Red Sofa

Watch the full interview here Interviewer: Today we have Lionel from Dragon Information Systems joining us on The Red Sofa..

Top Tips

How to maximise the weekend recharge

Even if you haven’t been able to get away on holiday this year, try our top tips to switch off.

Xledger

Xledger: Continued Professional Development

Jake and Eve have been continuing to expand their knowledge of the Xledger accounting system, right from client onboarding and.

HR

Why I should focus on my employees’ wellbeing?

Guest article from Sue Pardy, Face2Face HR Is the wellbeing of your employees something you need to consider? In my.

Issue 11 – Summer 2021

From the Business Godparent

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 pandemic

Red Sofa Interviews

Julie Futcher on the virtual Red Sofa

Watch the full interview here Interviewer: Today, we have the pleasure of welcoming Julie Futcher from The Sales Ace onto.

HR

Cash boost for apprenticeships

Support for apprenticeships has got even better… Introducing an apprenticeship scheme into your business can be a win/win situation for.

Top Tips

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.

Events

Roger at Digital Transformation

Roger was recently asked to speak at the Digital Transformation Forum, which took place in May this year. The topic.

Issue 10 - Spring 2021

Trusted Partners

Where are my leads coming from?

Lead generation! It’s a topic that causes lots of business owners to have sleepless nights. The question of “where are my leads coming from to generate my sales?” is one I hear time and time again, particularly when they want to grow their business.

Employee Spotlight

Employee Spotlight – Matthew Brown

What does a day in the life of Matthew look like? A typical day for me would include reviewing and.

Red Sofa Interviews

Louise Gordon on the Red Sofa

Watch the full interview here Interviewer: Hi, Louise. Thanks for joining us for our next Red Sofa interview for the.

From the Business Godparent

Go for Growth

The UK has become a nation of accidental savers; an interesting side-effect of the Covid-19 restrictions. Guess how much more.

Essendon Foresight

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.

Issue 09 - Winter 2021

Red Sofa Interviews

Kirsty Parris on the Red Sofa

Kirsty takes a seat on the Red Sofa and talks about her business, Andromeda Business Consulting

From the Business Godparent

Looking back at 2020

So… what will 2020 be remembered for? I ask because perspective matters here. It could, of course, be remembered as.

Top Tips

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.

Network

Falling back in love with Monday mornings

New Year is traditionally a time for reflection; for reviewing the past year and considering what we want to change.

Employee Spotlight

Employee Spotlight – Gemma Barry

What does a typical day for Gemma look like? First thing on the agenda is checking emails and dealing with.

Issue 08 – Autumn 2020

Red Sofa Interviews

Terry Kendhammer on the Red Sofa

Terry takes a seat on the Red Sofa and talks about Bubble Creative Solutions, the digital marketing agency.

HMRC

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.

Employee Spotlight

Employee Spotlight – Phil Mirto, Accounts Team

What does a day in the life of Phil look like? My day starts with checking my emails and preparing.

Making Tax Digital

Powering your business with real-time information

One of the key ingredients for the success of a business is information. It’s needed before you start, as you.

From the Business Godparent

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.

Issue 07 - Summer 2020

Red Sofa Interviews

Rachel Brushfield on the Red Sofa

Rachel takes a seat on the Red Sofa and talks about helping her clients to liberate more of their talent.

From the Business Godparent

As we come out of hibernation and the bustle returns, there’s no doubt that many of us are now bracing.

Top Tips

Returning Employees to the Workplace

It is not just a matter of switching the lights back on Things have certainly moved on since the introduction.

Network

Feast or famine: Look after your Network.

Feast or Famine, a familiar phrase for many consultants. You know how it goes. You get out there networking to.

From The Business Dogparent

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.

Issue 06 - Spring 2020

Red Sofa Interviews

Andrew Franklin on the Red Sofa

Andrew Franklin takes a seat on
the Red Sofa and talks about his
‘Business Help Series’

Essendon Foresight

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. But it’s times.

From the Business Godparent

We’re all in this together

Life regularly throws curved balls, and by Jove the UK is tackling a few this year. What with Brexit, floods,.

Top Tips

Dodging the scammers

The government is wisely advising us to stay at home. The medical experts are wisely advising us to wash our.

Issue 05 - Winter 2020

Red Sofa Interviews

Sarah Canning Franklins Solicitors

Sarah Canning takes a seat on the
Red Sofa to talk about Franklins
and her work as a solicitor.

Top Tips

Top tips on starting a new business

1. Talk to an accountant!It’s really important to set the business up in the right way from the start (e.g..

Trusted Partners

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,.

From the Business Godparent

Looking into 2020

Another decade begins and I am sure we’re all wishing for some stability. But with the prospect of a US.

Essendon Foresight

WorkflowMax

Operating productively. Improving efficiency. Making the most of staff time. All great aspirations for a business to have. But if.

Issue 04 – Autumn 2019

Red Sofa Interviews

Tristan Allen room44

Tristan Allen takes a seat on the
Red Sofa to talk hidden trends and
explores new markets.

From the Business Godparent

Benefits of a good accountant

A great accountant will help you stay the distance. Did you know… 20% of sole traders don’t make it to.

Top Tips

Top ten ways to save on tax

31st October - Self-assessment tax return deadline for paper returns for the end of the year ended 5 April. 31st.

Essendon Foresight

Cashflow Forecasting With Fluidly

With 80% of business failure due to cashflow issues, helping you manage your cash is our priority. That’s why we’ve.

Issue 03 – Summer 2019

Red Sofa Interviews

Jo & Anthony The Kitchen & Indulgence

Jo and Anthony take a seat on the
Red Sofa.

HMRC

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.

From the Business Godparent

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.

Essendon Foresight

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.

Top Tips

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.

Issue 02 – Spring 2019

Red Sofa Interviews

Ann Brebner Time For You

Ann Brebner from Time For You
takes a seat on the Red Sofa.

From the Business Godparent

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,.

Making Tax Digital

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.

Essendon Foresight

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..

Top Tips

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.

Issue 01 - Winter 2019

Red Sofa Interviews

Sam Poole Mum 2 Mum

Our first Red Sofa interview with
Mum 2 Mum founder Sam Poole.

From the Business Godparent

Welcome to the 1st edition of The Business Godparent

A publication that aims to provide business owners with valuable updates, useful tips, guidance on technology, and friendly support. As.

Making Tax Digital

Making tax digital… go for it

Anything that cuts down bookkeeping time is a godsend. It reduces stress, reduces admin costs, and frees up resources for.

Top Tips

Lena’s Top Tip

Recoding miscoding – Xero makes it easy! So, you’re beavering away, chuffed to bits at how organised you are by.

Property

Essendon Property Partners

We’d like to introduce you to a particular area of expertise we offer to investors in property. At Essendon Property.

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