Latest Q & A
Loans for business abroad
Can anyone provide some information on getting a loan in the UK for a business abroad, in particular South Africa. How do you go about it and which companies / banks provide these loans?
Vat or no vat?
Hi, i'm an electrician / sole trader with £70,000 turnover 07/08. For the first 3 months this year I've earnt £26,000. if i reg' for vat now will it start from now or be back dated to april 08, or even back to 07/08 returns? thanks, Aubrey Attwood
VAT theshold.
What is the current VAT threshold for small businesses?
Offsetting tax against PAYE
I paid a large amount of tax in my previous employment (PAYE), in this financial year. Can I offset this against losses from my new business?
VAT receipts
I am a self-employed plasterer and I was wondering how I go about writing a receipt for somebody after I have finished a job.
Investment Meeting - How do I prepare?
I will be meeting a potential investor next week and have no idea how much equity or ROI to offer for a capital investment. Is there an easy way to calculate the starting point for negotiation?
Generating capital at a difficult time
We are trying to establish our Domiciliary care service but are finding it difficult to raise finance to keep afloat. We had arranged secure loan early in year but they stopped it due to credit crunch and loan to value threshold change.
Selling a business
Hi I would like to sell my business do you have any recomended brokers or advise - I am only looking for about £50,000.
Travel expenses
I stay in hotels five days per week for work, only returning home on Saturday evenings. Can I claim for breakfast, lunch and an evening meal in my tax calculation?
Avoiding IR35 as a contractor
I want to set up on my own business contracting to two or three companies. I really don’t want to get in to IR35 territory. The area of business is IT and I will be paid by commission on the sales I generate for the companies I do work for. Any advice?
Proof of earnings
What documentation can be requested from a self-employed individual as accurate proof of gross or net monthly/annual earnings. Is there anything similar to a P60 or salary slip that a PAYE Employee would receive?
Expanding your business
We have an opportunity to expand our business geographically and add another office. The problem is, we don’t have the cash to do this at the moment as our business is seasonal, but we don’t want to miss out. Any advice?
The role of a finance director
What is the role of a finance director? Is it worth appointing one or should I avoid it and save costs?
Paying directors with dividends
I am soon to open my company and keep hearing people refer to dividends as a method of payment for directors, whilst paying them around £5,000 per annum as a wage. Is this legal and if so, can you explain how this works please?
Dealing with investors
When negotiating with potential sources of funding, banks or business angels for instance, should I be prepared to allow them to visit my business? Anything I should consider?
