Shaper Accountants

One of our favorite Xero features is still "Files", if you don't use it you are missing out on organisation opportunities, sharing and having all your business documents at your fingertips. Go Files :) https://bit.ly/2U4Ruow

In case you missed the news last month, Xero’s Making Tax Digital for VAT solution is now live in all Xero plans that support VAT and at no extra cost to subscribers. Also for Accountant Partners a Bridging Software solution is live today too. That means if you're on Xero you'll get your VAT return filed when it becomes compulsory for you to file under the new reporting regime.

For growing businesses hiring staff can seem like a big step. Check out the guide from Xero for hint, tips and the official side of becoming an employer. https://bit.ly/2TxXEIl

Preparing your business for leaving the EU - check out the guide. https://bit.ly/2Twtk0Q

We are Hiring! Flexible working for Bookkeepers or part qualified AAT, based at Scottow Enterprise Park. If you know anyone who might be interested please share :)

Get your free download of the Spring Statement Mandatory digital record keeping for VAT comes into force from 1 April 2019 for businesses over the VAT threshold (that is, with turnover over £85,000). The Government has confirmed it will take what it... calls a ‘light touch’ approach to penalties in the first year of implementation. Read all about this and the view of business as usual.
https://bit.ly/2FDc5qZ
See More

Bank reconciliation is part of normal business life. Bank Recs ensure your bookkeeping is accurate and can help you see your tax and other obligations, alert you to fraud, and allow you to track costs. To see how to do it in Xero check out the guide.
https://www.xero.com/…/accou…/how-to- do-bank-reconciliation/

Heads Up - Next week's #ScaleUp event by @AngliaHub offers companies with major growth plans a clearer path to higher growth. It's on Wed 6 Feb and is by application. If you think you have ScaleUp plans this is worth a look - Norfolk and Suffolk businesses. https://www.newangliagrowthhub.co.uk/…/ new-anglia-scale-hi…/

If you are a VAT registered company who imports or exports to/from the EU you should have received a letter from HMRC about steps to take to prepare for a no-deal Brexit. HMRC letters to VAT-registered businesses only, trading with the EU that explain changes to customs, excise and VAT in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
https://www.gov.uk/…/no-deal-brexit-adv ice-for-businesses-o…

The December Employers Bulletin is out. Note the treatment of costs related to Employers choosing to reimburse their staff for the cost of the EU Settled Status scheme - as part of Brexit. Also the introduction of Post Graduate Student Loans - and the repayment via payroll. Follow the link for all the details. https://bit.ly/2EWJAFD

The VAT return system is changing from April 2019. We are MTD ready with Xero and we can help you get Making Tax Digital ready too. Know what's coming and what you need to do - give us a call or message us to book a phone call.

Coming soon - Xero will be changing the navigation experience for all users. After many years of seeing the same navigation bar in Xero, they have decided a new navigation bar with labels that are more meaningful to the different user roles and the jobs they frequently do, might work well for users. You can check out the new experience in the Demo Company now (from 13/11/18).
We hear a mixed reception to the change so far, so any views are welcome, let us know what you think....
For long term users, this might take a bit of getting used to.
You can get more details from the Xero Blog https://www.xero.com/…/xeros-new-naviga tion-simple-beautif…/
See More

We're officially Making Tax Digital Ready with @xero. If you want to know how we can help you prepare for HMRC's new VAT rules just ask.

Monthly Process Checklist - Debtors Make sure you have a plan for your debtors. Don't treat invoices on a case by case basis. Do the same things on the same days for everyone that owes you money. A consistent accounts receivable process will help you stay in business and manage time, so make sure you have a process. You can follow the tips in the business guide from Xero. https://www.xero.com/…/invoici…/accou nts-receivable-process/

If you have unpaid invoices check out the list of options for chasing those debts and getting the money in. Also what to do to write off a bad debt.
https://www.xero.com/…/invoic…/chasin g-outstanding-invoices/

This handy guide explains what Direct Debit is and how even the smallest business can use the services of GoCardless to set up DD as a way of receiving payments. We see this working well for Landlords and businesses with subscription services or those who take installment payments. You can set up DD as a payment link within your Xero accounts.
https://www.xero.com/…/inv…/direct-de bit-for-small-business/

Reasons to have a bookkeeper or an accountant by your side. Peace of mind that your are doing what you need to do for HMRC, more time to sell what you sell, and advice on the things that work, so you don't have to find out the hard way. Check out the post in the link for even more reasons to have an accountant as part of your team :)
https://www.smallbusinessbonfire.com/acco untant-small-busi…/

Really helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. A safe pair of hands for any business on Xero or QBO. I've learnt so much from these guys about what works in business and it's saved me loads of time.

Really helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. A safe pair of hands for any business on Xero or QBO. I've learnt so much from these guys about what works in business and it's saved me loads of time.

Really helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. A safe pair of hands for any business on Xero or QBO. I've learnt so much from these guys about what works in business and it's saved me loads of time.