Research suggests that one of the top ten reasons for businesses failing is the lack of financial planning and review.

Our experience suggests that many small business-owners do not produce any management accounts at all, and many of those that do produce these figures, do not necessarily understand or act on them.

Monitoring and controlling the financial performance of your business is of paramount importance and regular management information is vital to the continued success of your business, particularly in times of uncertainty in the economy.

If you would like to investigate your options with regards to management accounts, or would just like some help in their interpretation, please contact malcolm@a4gsolutions.co.uk or alternatively speak to your client manager.

Companies have only two months left to make Research and Development (R&D) claims.

Changes to regulations mean that R&D claims for any period ending between 31 March 2002 and 31 March 2006 must be made by 31 March 2008. The date marks the end of a transitional period to ease in a change to the R&D relief rules, which will allow companies only two years to make a claim for relief instead of six.

If you have spent over £10,000 on research and development of a new product, service or system within your organisation, you should be able to claim additional tax relief on 150% of your expenditure, or alternatively receive a cash refund from HM Revenue & Customs.

For more information and to discuss making a claim, please contact wes@a4gsolutions.co.uk or alternatively speak to your client manager.

“The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority”

KENNETH BLANCHARD