Blog

Stories, insights & tips from Highwoods Group

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Managing Your Finances During the Cost of Living Crisis

The cost of living crisis is a very real concern for many individuals and businesses in the UK. With prices rising and wages stagnant, it's becoming increasingly difficult to make ends meet. As accountants in Shoreditch, we've seen first-hand the impact this crisis is having on our clients. That's why we want to help you understand how much money you need to survive during these challenging times.

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The Power of the Numbers

In today’s competitive business environment, every decision you make has the potential to impact your bottom line. Whether you’re a small business owner, a start-up founder, or the director of an established company, financial data is your most valuable asset for making informed decisions. It provides a clear picture of how your business is performing, helping you identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas of untapped potential.

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The Value of Regular Board Meetings

Regular board meetings are invaluable for any business, providing a structured environment where strategic decisions are made, and progress is evaluated. These meetings offer an essential opportunity for directors and key stakeholders to come together, discuss business performance, and address any challenges or opportunities. By setting a consistent schedule, businesses can ensure that critical issues are not overlooked and that there is a steady cadence for assessing the company's direction and strategy.

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Aligning Your Business with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Aligning your business with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is more than just a moral obligation; it’s a strategic approach that can lead to long-term success and resilience. Established by the United Nations, the SDGs provide a comprehensive framework for tackling global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation. By integrating these goals into your business strategy, you not only contribute to global progress but also enhance your brand’s reputation, attract like-minded partners, and appeal to socially-conscious consumers.

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The Pulse of Success

In the dynamic realm of business, Sir Richard Branson's timeless advice resonates: "Never take your eyes off the cash flow because it’s the lifeblood of business." This sage counsel highlights a fundamental truth often underestimated by entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals alike.

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Building a Business that Reflects Your Personal Goals

Building a business that aligns with your personal goals is crucial for long-term satisfaction and success. Start by clearly defining your personal goals. These could range from financial independence and creative fulfilment to achieving a work-life balance or making a positive social impact. Understanding what drives you personally will help shape your business vision and mission.

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Unlocking Company Value

Valuing a company is pivotal for investors, serving as a compass for informed investment decisions. In the dynamic landscape of financial markets, various methods exist to ascertain a company's worth. Among them are discounted cash flows, multiples, and book value.

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Navigating the UK Spring Budget 2024

The budget introduces a significant cut in NIC for both employees and self-employed individuals, injecting more liquidity into the hands of workers and entrepreneurs, potentially stimulating spending and investment.

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Deciphering the Optimal Scale

In the dynamic landscape of digital agencies, the question of size often takes centre stage. There's a spectrum of opinions regarding whether bigger is better or if small and agile reign supreme. Let's delve into the nuances to unravel this conundrum.

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GROW Your Business in 2024

As we step into the promising landscape of 2024, businesses are presented with abundant opportunities for growth. To ensure your venture flourishes in the dynamic market, consider adopting a strategic approach to elevate your success.

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Navigating Success

In the dynamic world of business, meticulous record-keeping isn't just a suggestion; it's a legal mandate for UK limited companies. Here's why maintaining accurate business records is crucial for your company, starting with tax compliance.

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Embracing Hybrid Working

The transformation of the traditional office-based work model has ushered in the era of hybrid working, presenting creative agencies in the UK with exciting opportunities to thrive in the new normal.

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Acquisition Strategy

In today's competitive business landscape, developing a well-thought-out acquisition strategy is crucial for sustained growth and success. Whether you are looking to expand your market share, diversify your product offerings, or gain a competitive edge, a carefully planned acquisition strategy can make all the difference.

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Extracting Dividends from a Limited Company

Running a limited company in the UK offers numerous benefits, including the ability to reward shareholders through dividends. However, this process requires careful planning and adherence to legal requirements. Here's a step-by-step guide to extracting dividends in the 2023/24 tax year:

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Duties of a Director

In the realm of small business, navigating the path to sustainable growth can often feel like an elusive goal. However, the profound wisdom of "The Four Agreements," a book by Don Miguel Ruiz, offers invaluable insights that can guide entrepreneurs towards a more prosperous and sustainable future.

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Lessons from 'The Four Agreements'

In the realm of small business, navigating the path to sustainable growth can often feel like an elusive goal. However, the profound wisdom of "The Four Agreements," a book by Don Miguel Ruiz, offers invaluable insights that can guide entrepreneurs towards a more prosperous and sustainable future.

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QuickBooks Online vs. Xero

QuickBooks Online and Xero, two leading cloud-based accounting solutions in the UK, offer user-friendly interfaces that cater to small business needs. QuickBooks Online stands out for its seamless income and expense tracking, custom invoicing, and real-time bank transaction synchronization. Meanwhile, Xero boasts powerful automation capabilities and comprehensive reporting features, making it a strong contender in the market.

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Propelling Small Businesses to Growth

In today's competitive business landscape, small enterprises face unique challenges in achieving sustainable growth. Stephen Covey's seminal book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," offers invaluable insights that can profoundly impact small businesses and facilitate their growth trajectory.

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Bringing Clarity to Director's Loans

Within the realm of business finance, there is a term that frequently gives rise to confusion and misunderstandings - the Director's Loan. To dispel any doubts surrounding its nature and usage, it is important to closely examine this financial arrangement commonly employed by directors of limited companies in the United Kingdom

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