Why every growing business needs a business plan You have the idea, the energy, and maybe even your first customers. So why slow down to write a business plan? It can seem like something banks ask for, but not something that really helps you run your business. However, for small and growing businesses, a well-crafted…
Welcome to our monthly newsletter for property landlords. We hope you find this informative and please contact us to discuss any matters further. enquiries@shaikhfinancing.com Renters’ Rights Act: what landlords need to know The Renters’ Rights Act represents one of the most significant changes to the private rented sector in decades. For landlords, it introduces new…
Temporary VAT reduction on children’s meals, tickets and family attractions The government has announced a temporary reduced rate of VAT for children’s meals in restaurants and family leisure activities over the summer. VAT will be reduced from 20% to 5% between 25 June and 1 September 2026 for qualifying activities as the government tries to…
Consultation launched on details for High Value Council Tax Surcharge The government has opened a consultation on the High Value Council Tax Surcharge (HVCTS) expected to come into force in England from 1 April 2028. HVCTS will apply to owners of residential properties in England worth £2 million or more and is payable in addition…
Four simple ways to improve business profit within 12 months Most businesses don’t need big ideas or complicated plans to improve profit. In practice, profits will usually increase by tightening up a few everyday things and being more deliberate about how time and effort are applied. Almost everything you can do to improve profit fits…
Credit control: The quiet discipline that keeps a business alive Running a business in recent times has been a lesson in resilience. Costs continue to increase and customers are cautious. Cash is proving tight for many businesses and credit control is a core discipline for keeping a business afloat in such times. When businesses get…
Making Tax Digital becomes mandatory Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax is now live – many self-employed individuals and landlords with turnover above £50,000 in 2024/25 were mandated into the regime from 6 April 2026. Under MTD for Income Tax, individuals will keep digital records and send updates to HMRC every quarter using compatible…
Starting a business: What to think about now to grow later Starting a business is often driven by an idea, a skill, or a gap in the market. But turning that starting point into a sustainable, growing business requires more than enthusiasm. Early decisions – sometimes made quickly or informally – tend to shape how…