How to Plan for a Successful Shareholder Meeting: 6 Tips for Success
Depending on the type of business you operate, you may be experiencing the dread of shareholder meetings. Shareholder meetings are key to business success as they provide a time and space for shareholders to engage with directors and vice versa. We understand that these meetings can be daunting and difficult to plan, so we’ve shared
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.
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.
Continue reading…Tom Guthrie on The Red Sofa
Interviewer: Good morning and welcome to the red sofa. Today we have the pleasure of welcoming Tom Guthrie from BRI,.
Continue reading…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.
Continue reading…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
Continue reading…A Summer of Change
We started 2024 off knowing that we were in for a bit of a ride with the world conflicts and.
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.
Continue reading…New Team Members
Firstly, we’d like to introduce Julia Rogers to the Essendon Team. Julia has recently moved back home to be closer.
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.
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…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.
Continue reading…Employee spotlight – Daniel Bradnam
What does a typical day for Dan look like? A typical day for me would include either reviewing or working.
Continue reading…JAM Sponsorship Roundup!
We were proud to sponsor JAM during Q4 of 2023. Here’s what JAM had to say about our sponsorship: “Having.
Continue reading…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…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.
Continue reading…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.
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.
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.
Continue reading…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.
Continue reading…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.
Continue reading…New Team Members
First, say hi to Harpreet Heran. Harpreet has joined as a executive accountant and brings a wealth of knowledge having.
Continue reading…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.
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. What Are Allowable Expenses.
Continue reading…Employee Spotlight – Samantha Tomlinson
What does a typical day for Sam look like?
Continue reading…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.
Continue reading…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.
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.
Continue reading…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…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.
Continue reading…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..
Continue reading…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.
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…Making Tax Digital
Since 1st April 2022, all VAT registered businesses are required to follow the Making Tax Digital rules whereby they keep.
Continue reading…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…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?.
Continue reading…Are we normal?
A guest article from James Rowell, Advent Management For many businesses coming out of lockdown in recent months the question.
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.
Continue reading…Why Xledger?
Essendon began using the Xledger accounting solution 10 years ago and has been in partnership ever since. So what does.
Continue reading…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.
Continue reading…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.
Continue reading…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.
Continue reading…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.
Continue reading…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,.
Continue reading…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…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..
Continue reading…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.
Continue reading…Xledger: Continued Professional Development
Jake and Eve have been continuing to expand their knowledge of the Xledger accounting system, right from client onboarding and.
Continue reading…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.
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 pandemic
Continue reading…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.
Continue reading…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.
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.
Continue 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.
Continue reading…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.
Continue reading…Employee Spotlight – Matthew Brown
What does a day in the life of Matthew look like? A typical day for me would include reviewing and.
Continue reading…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.
Continue reading…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.
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.
Continue reading…Kirsty Parris on the Red Sofa
Kirsty takes a seat on the Red Sofa and talks about her business, Andromeda Business Consulting
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.
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.
Continue reading…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.
Continue reading…Employee Spotlight – Gemma Barry
What does a typical day for Gemma look like? First thing on the agenda is checking emails and dealing with.
Continue reading…Terry Kendhammer on the Red Sofa
Terry takes a seat on the Red Sofa and talks about Bubble Creative Solutions, the digital marketing agency.
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.
Continue reading…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.
Continue reading…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.
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.
Continue reading…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.
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.
Continue reading…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.
Continue reading…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.
Continue reading…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.
Continue reading…Andrew Franklin on the Red Sofa
Andrew Franklin takes a seat on
the Red Sofa and talks about his
‘Business Help Series’
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.
Continue reading…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,.
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.
Continue reading…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 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..
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,.
Continue reading…Looking into 2020
Another decade begins and I am sure we’re all wishing for some stability. But with the prospect of a US.
Continue reading…WorkflowMax
Operating productively. Improving efficiency. Making the most of staff time. All great aspirations for a business to have. But if.
Continue reading…Tristan Allen room44
Tristan Allen takes a seat on the
Red Sofa to talk hidden trends and
explores new markets.
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.
Continue reading…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.
Continue reading…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.
Continue reading…Jo & Anthony The Kitchen & Indulgence
Jo and Anthony take a seat on the
Red Sofa.
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.
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.
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.
Continue reading…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.
Continue reading…Ann Brebner Time For You
Ann Brebner from Time For You
takes a seat on the Red Sofa.
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,.
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.
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..
Continue reading…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.
Continue reading…Sam Poole Mum 2 Mum
Our first Red Sofa interview with
Mum 2 Mum founder Sam Poole.
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.
Continue reading…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.
Continue reading…Lena’s Top Tip
Recoding miscoding – Xero makes it easy! So, you’re beavering away, chuffed to bits at how organised you are by.
Continue reading…Essendon Property Partners
We’d like to introduce you to a particular area of expertise we offer to investors in property. At Essendon Property.
Continue reading…