Preparing for an audit is rarely anyone’s favourite job, but it is part of running a resilient, well-managed business. HMRC is under continued pressure to close the tax gap. In 2024/25 alone, it completed around 316,000 compliance checks and has continued to invest heavily in new staff, data tools and digital systems. Against that backdrop, …
The Scottish Budget for 2026/27 brings further changes to Income Tax, continuing the gradual divergence between how Scottish residents are taxed compared with the rest of the UK. While the headline message from the Scottish Government is that most people will pay less Income Tax, the reality depends heavily on where your income sits. For …
Irregular income, no employer sick pay, and responsibility for your own tax bills make cash planning more important when you work for yourself. Yet many people have little to fall back on. The FCA’s 2024 Financial Lives survey found that one in ten UK adults has no cash savings, and a further 21% have less …
Joining a new team and starting a career is a big milestone, and for Karis Abbott, it’s one she’s embraced with enthusiasm from day one. Just a short time into her apprenticeship with SeavorChartered, Karis has settled in well, found her routine and brought a lovely energy into the office. With college underway and her …
Xero has announced one of its biggest updates in recent years. Automatic bank reconciliation, powered by its new AI engine, JAX, is now rolling out in beta across the UK. For many small businesses and finance teams, this could remove hours of repetitive work each week and reduce the errors that often creep in through …
As the dark nights draw in, plenty of businesses are planning Christmas parties or staff celebrations. These are a great way to thank your team for their hard work and end the year on a high. Some of these events can be tax free if they meet HMRC’s criteria, while others may trigger a taxable …
Starting a new career can feel like a big step, but for our newest team member Ellie Wilson, it’s already proving to be a rewarding one! Just one month into her apprenticeship with SeavorChartered, Ellie has settled in well, made great progress, and even passed her first AAT Level 2 exam; a fantastic achievement so …
When people think of accountants, they often imagine spreadsheets, tax returns and year-end deadlines. But there’s far more to it than that. In our latest podcast, Francesca (Head of Payroll) sat down with Graeme (Director and Client Manager) and Lisa (Head of Management Accounts) to talk about what accountants actually do – and how their work supports …
If you run a limited company, you will soon notice some changes to the cost of keeping your records up to date. From 1 February 2026, Companies House is increasing several of its filing fees, including the confirmation statement fee, which will rise from £34 to £50. That may come as a surprise to business owners who …
Thinking about moving your business into a limited company? Incorporation can offer tax advantages, legal protection and a more professional image, but it also comes with upfront costs, administrative changes and potential tax traps. Below, we look at the key points to consider before making the switch. What does incorporation mean? The term incorporation usually refers to …
