5 April 2012 is the last day of the current tax year, and may well be the end of your accounting year too, so it’s a good time to do a bit of tax planning to make sure you’re maximising your profits.

Here are five ways to save on your tax bill:

• Buy a new company car. Company cars with CO2 emissions of over 160g/km will attract less tax relief from 1 April 2009 (for unincorporated businesses it is 6th April 2009), so you may want to acquire any new cars in this category before that date. You will also accelerate capital allowances … Continue Reading
  

According to a survey by insurance giant RSA and the Warwick Business School, 12% of SMEs said they had experienced difficulties obtaining finance over the past year.

Speaking to the Guardian, Tara Kneafsey, a director at RSA, said:

“Confidence is a critical factor for SMEs as we approach 2012 – confidence in knowing they are protected should the unexpected happen and confidence in having access to capital to maximise growth opportunities.”

“Our research suggests that this investment and support will increasingly be sought from private investors rather than banks in the coming years.”

If you’re struggling to get much needed financing for your business, one thing worth … Continue Reading

The disastrous earthquake in Haiti has dominated our screens for the past couple of weeks, with thousands of lives lost, or in grave danger, and aid only making its way to the country slowly.

If you have been touched by this tragedy, UNICEF http://www.unicef.org.uk/ is calling for businesses to make a contribution, which can be generated in a number of ways:

A corporate donation is a straightforward transaction of funds, which UNICEF will then publicise to key stakeholders. If you want to get your whole business involved, employee fundraising provides an opportunity for everyone to show their support. Face to face appeals, … Continue Reading

The National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) has released the results of its latest annual survey of its members.

NACFB member brokers act as intermediaries to the SME community, arranging finance for small businesses for premises, equipment, vehicles and to help cash flow.

The report reveals that total funding to SMEs via brokers has fallen by nearly 60% year on year, while buy-to-let business reports a staggering 88% drop.

Meanwhile, equipment finance to SMEs has fallen by 10% and vehicle finance has dropped by 30%. Some members have reported drops in business by as much as 85% year on year

Chief … Continue Reading