17 Oct 2025

How a part-time finance director can help your business

As your business grows, so do the decisions. Whether it's planning for expansion, managing cash flow, or preparing for investment, having clear financial insight is essential. But not every business needs, or can justify, a full-time finance director.

25 Sep 2025

Planning for business growth: Financial strategies for expansion

Growth is what many directors and CEOs aspire to, but expansion needs more than ambition.

21 Aug 2025

Understanding VAT

Value Added Tax (VAT) can be a minefield - complex schemes, evolving penalty rules, digital filing mandates, and HMRC scrutiny can all seem quite scary. To help you understand the UK VAT system, keep your business compliant and avoid costly surprises, we've put together this essential guide.

11 Jul 2025

Upcoming Companies House Changes – What You Need to Know

If you’re a director of a limited company, Companies House has recently announced some significant changes it is making, which will apply to all UK companies and their directors.

17 Jun 2025

Business Property Relief (BPR) – what’s changing

In her first Budget speech as Chancellor in October 2024, Rachel Reeves announced changes to Business Property Relief (BPR), which are likely to have significant tax implications for business owners and their families.

19 May 2025

How monthly management accounts can help your business run more effectively

Running a successful business means more than just looking at your year end figures. To make informed decisions and maintain control over your finances, it's essential to have up to date financial information available throughout the year. This is where management accounts come in.

17 Apr 2025

IHT changes – be prepared

Inheritance Tax (IHT) has long been a vital aspect of estate planning, impacting how wealth is transferred across generations. With significant changes scheduled from April 2025, individuals must understand the current rules, be aware of what's changing, and take proactive steps to minimise future IHT liabilities.

25 Mar 2025

Changes to payrolling benefits: what employers need to know

From April 2027, the way businesses report and pay tax on employee benefits is changing.

07 Mar 2025

Financial documents every business owner should review regularly

Running a business involves much more than providing goods or services to customers. As a business owner, you must maintain a firm grasp of your firm's financial health to ensure long-term success. One of the best ways to do this is by regularly reviewing key financial documents.

17 Feb 2025

Ways to reduce your 2024/25 tax bill

As the 2024/25 tax year draws to a close (5 April 2025), the next few weeks are the last chance for businesses and individuals to implement effective tax planning strategies.

04 Feb 2025

Streamlining business operations to reduce costs

For business owners facing rising costs and economic uncertainties, finding ways to operate efficiently without compromising service quality is vital. However, reducing operational expenses doesn’t have to mean cutting corners. It’s about identifying and eliminating inefficiencies in your business, making the best use of technology, and optimising your resources.

23 Jan 2025

How AI can transform businesses in 2025

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has gone from a futuristic concept to a powerful tool for solving everyday business challenges, improving efficiency, and driving innovation. Here at DWilkinson&Company, we feel there are many opportunities for businesses in Leeds and Rochdale to leverage AI regularly to help them overcome challenges and thrive.

10 Dec 2024

Using cloud accounting software to improve efficiency

Managing your business finances efficiently is essential for the success of any small business or self-employed individual. Cloud accounting software has been a turning point, offering features that simplify financial management, improve accuracy, and save time.

26 Nov 2024

The tax and VAT implications of staff Christmas parties and gifts

As the festive season approaches, many businesses plan Christmas parties and gifts for their employees to celebrate the year's achievements and to spread holiday cheer. However, understanding the tax and VAT implications is essential to ensure compliance with HMRC regulations. Below, we outline the rules surrounding staff Christmas parties and gifts.

20 Nov 2024

Incorporating tax planning into your business strategy

Effective tax planning is more than just an end of year scramble to reduce your liability. It's a proactive process that aligns with your broader business strategy, helping to minimise taxes, improve cash flow, and enhance long-term financial health. By integrating tax planning into your business operations, you can unlock opportunities for growth and stability. Here's how to do it.

08 Oct 2024

Managing payroll and employment taxes efficiently

Payroll management is essential for employers, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time while complying with government regulations.

12 Sep 2024

Business succession planning – what you need to consider

For any entrepreneur, business succession planning is a critical process for ensuring the smooth transition of a business to new ownership or leadership. In this blog, we outline the key factors business owners should consider as part of their business succession planning activities.

21 Aug 2024

How to prepare for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax

HMRC is gradually transforming the UK tax system by introducing Making Tax Digital (MTD), a programme designed to modernise and streamline the way individuals and businesses manage their taxes.

06 Aug 2024

How to Handle Business Debt Effectively

Running a business can be difficult and managing debt is often one of the most daunting. Debt, while sometimes necessary to fuel growth and operations, can become a burden if not managed effectively. When debt levels become unmanageable, they can strain cash flow, hinder operations, and threaten the business's survival.

24 Jul 2024

Should I Consider a Management Buyout (MBO)?

Management buyouts (MBOs) are a popular strategy for business succession. However, determining whether an MBO is the right path involves understanding the intricacies and implications for both the current business owner and the management team looking to take over. This blog explores both perspectives, providing a comprehensive guide to help you decide if an MBO suits your business.

16 Jul 2024

How to be successful at raising finance for your business

Raising finance is critical for many Leeds business owners looking to grow and expand their operations. Securing funding can provide the necessary capital for investment, innovation, and scaling. However, the process can be challenging and complex. To enhance your chances of success, you must have the correct information and financial documentation in place. Here are some practical tips to help you be successful at raising finance for your business.

27 Jun 2024

Documentation needed for a mortgage: A guide for self-employed individuals and company directors

Securing a mortgage or remortgaging an existing property can be a complicated and lengthy process, particularly for self-employed individuals and company directors. The documentation required by mortgage companies can vary, but understanding what is typically needed can help streamline the process. Here's a detailed guide on what information you'll need to provide if you fall into either of these categories.

18 Jun 2024

Creating a sustainable future: practical steps for businesses

Sustainability has become a key focus for businesses globally. In the UK, companies of all sizes increasingly recognise the importance of adopting sustainable practices to protect the environment and meet the expectations of consumers, investors, and regulators. Here are practical steps businesses can take to become sustainable, involving everyone from directors to employees.

23 May 2024

How to Maximise Your Business Valuation on a Sale

For most business owners, selling your business is the accumulation of all your hard work. However, the sale process requires careful planning. To achieve the best possible outcome, it is crucial to maximise your business valuation before looking for a buyer. Here are some practical tips to help you increase your business valuation when preparing for a sale.

09 May 2024

Boost your business with these practical marketing tips

Where businesses vie for attention amidst a competitive marketplace, effective marketing is the key to standing out. From traditional methods to innovative digital strategies, here are some practical tips to elevate your marketing game and drive more enquiries and sales.

17 Apr 2024

Companies House Changes

Companies House is implementing some significant changes in 2024 as part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. These changes, which began rolling out on 4 March 2024, are designed to combat economic crime, including fraud and money laundering, and overcome corporate transparency issues.

03 Apr 2024

Effective ways to grow your business

Growing a business requires careful planning, execution, and ongoing assessment. Whether you're a small startup in Rochdale or an established Leeds-based enterprise looking to expand further, the fundamentals of business growth remain consistent.

11 Mar 2024

Buying a business or starting from scratch, which is best?

For many budding entrepreneurs, the dilemma is whether to acquire an established business or start a new one from scratch. In this blog, we'll explore the differences between buying a business and starting one from scratch, examining the steps involved in each process to conclude which method might be best for you.

08 Feb 2024

Minimise your tax bill before the tax year end

As the 2023-24 tax year draws to a close, now is the time for Leeds based businesses of all sizes to look at ways of trying to reduce their tax bill through efficient tax year-end planning. Below are several tax planning strategies businesses should consider.

11 Jan 2024

What are the exit options for business owners?

Exiting a Small or Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) can be a significant turning point for business owners. Deciding to step away requires careful planning and consideration of various exit strategies.

18 Dec 2023

Why Leeds businesses should use an independent accountancy firm

Leeds, known for its dynamic economy and diverse business landscape, has become a hub for enterprises ranging from innovative start-ups to large multi-national corporations.

07 Dec 2023

Which business trading model is right for me?

With the changes to NICs, dividend allowances and corporation tax rates, now is an excellent time to review whether you would be better off operating as a sole trader or a limited company.

16 Nov 2023

A guide to the changes in the tax year basis period

In a move likely to reshape the financial landscape for self-employed individuals and partnerships in the UK, the government is set to change the tax year basis period from April 2024. In addition to complying with these new rules, the change could significantly impact how much tax individuals have to pay.

08 Nov 2023

Factors to consider when selling a business

Selling a business is a big decision that requires careful planning and consideration. Whether you've built a successful small enterprise or managed a large company, selling a business based in Leeds or Rochdale can be complex and challenging. To help guide you through this process, we have identified the key factors to consider when selling a business.

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