Andy Eaton Andy Eaton

Outlook for 2025

The ONS reported a modest GDP growth of 0.1% in December 2024, offering slight optimism after earlier concerns. The UK’s S&P Global Manufacturing Index shows improvement heading into 2025, though it remains fragile.

A significant challenge is the April increase in employers' national insurance, which is expected to impact industries like hospitality and retail heavily due to mass employment and minimum wage contracts.

Positive changes include adjustments to financial reporting thresholds and the rollout of HMRC's Making Tax Digital for sole traders and landlords, though the increased administration may be burdensome. Xero is well-equipped to meet these new requirements.

Lastly, Xero invoicing is adopting a modernized design—feel free to explore the updates and reach out with any questions.

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Andy Eaton Andy Eaton

Autumn Statement

The Autumn Statement introduces key changes affecting businesses and individuals. Employers’ National Insurance will rise to 15% from April 2025, with increased relief for eligible businesses. Business rates relief for retail, hospitality, and leisure will drop significantly, while minimum wage increases will heavily impact industries like hospitality. From 2027, unused pensions will be subject to inheritance tax, and Capital Gains Tax rates have risen immediately. Planned reforms to child benefits have been reversed, but fiscal drag remains a concern as unchanged thresholds push more taxpayers into higher brackets. These updates highlight both challenges and opportunities for businesses navigating the new fiscal landscape.

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Andy Eaton Andy Eaton

Business confidence & more

Key things to note in this edition of our newsletter are:

Things do seem to be getting better....at last

Changes to the small and micro company thresholds for business size to determine whether you need an audit

As trading improves beware of overstretching your cash resources, interest rates are still high and a cash flow forecast could save you money and heartache

Use xero to pay your bills directly instead of punching in the data on your banking app

Other watchouts are:

- 31 July is the deadline for your second instalment for income tax year ending April 25.

- P11d deadline is 6th July and payment by 22nd July to avoid a fine.

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Andy Eaton Andy Eaton

Spring Budget overview

Yesterday Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced the 2024 Spring Budget, which in an environment with apparently little room to manoeuvre sees little change for business owners. Sadly no row back on the last corporation tax increases, dividend allowance reduction or dividend tax rate increases but there were a few snippets for individuals.

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Andy Eaton Andy Eaton

Newsletter - Autumn Statement

The Chancellor has issued his Autumn mini budget, constrained by limited economic growth, post covid borrowing and the highest tax burden since WW2, there are few options.

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Andy Eaton Andy Eaton

 Newsletter - Back to work & more

Back to work - Now what?
The Summer holidays are over and Christmas will be on us before we know it. Things to consider now whilst there is time

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Andy Eaton Andy Eaton

Newsletter - How to realise value & more

Unlock the value of your hard work with MBS's "Accelerator" program. As statistics reveal that 95% of owner-managed businesses exit for less than true value, our program helps you plan your exit strategy and optimise value generation.

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Andy Eaton Andy Eaton

Newsletter - Cash is King & more

At the moment cash is king, borrowing is difficult and expensive, be cautious, have a plan and stick to it. It may not be a recession but it is definitely tough. With the anniversary of invasion of Ukraine, interest rates at 4.5% and inflation still high and in your costs, prepare your next price increase now.

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Rob Holmes Rob Holmes

Newsletter - Practical implications of inflation & more

Inflation is now running at nearly 10% per annum. As it is not expected to relent for more than a year, it's important to review your pricing. Justifications for price increases include rising energy and fuel costs, raw material costs, delivery costs, employment costs and so on.

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Lindsay Eaton Lindsay Eaton

Super Deduction Capital Allowances

To be eligible for the scheme you must be 

  1. Up to date with your VAT returns and payments

  2. Join by 21st June 2021

  3. Have deferred VAT to pay

  4. Pay your first instalment when you join and there after by direct debit

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