Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming part of everyday business decision-making. Increasingly, clients approach us with questions that start with: “AI says this — is it correct?” AI can be a helpful tool for research, idea generation and initial exploration. However, it is essential to recognise its limitations. AI is not a substitute for professional […]
The ACCA has confirmed that most remote (online) session exams will end from March 2026, with candidates returning to in-person exam centres. The stated reason is clear: as technology evolves, the availability of AI tools has increased the risk to exam integrity, which has grown to a level that’s increasingly difficult to police, and ACCA […]
Incorporating a private practice or healthcare-related business as a limited company is a strategic financial and legal decision that many medical professionals should consider. Whether you are a private practitioner, a locum doctor, or a consultant managing diverse income streams, forming a limited company can offer several advantages. This article explores the circumstances in which […]
Since 1995 I have been using Sage Line 50 and all other associated software manufactured by Sage. After twenty-six years, as a Sage user, my frustration as an Accounting Practitioner with Sage, is justified. A market leader, with multiple ranges of software, as the flagship and brilliant “telephone support”, Sage has enjoyed a “privileged” position […]
We are delighted to welcome clients of YD Associates into the family of Sterling Finance (UK) Limited. Our mission is to provide clients with superior personalised tax, accounting and consulting services by implementing practical solutions for our clients’ diverse needs. Our growth is dependent upon supporting clients’ financial fuel to drive their ideas, inspirations, and […]
When a director/shareholder takes a dividend from the company which has insufficient profit (including leftover profits of previous years) it is known as an “illegal” dividend. Taking dividends from your own company is a legal process. If your accountant says ‘just transfer the money into your personal account’, be careful. Without following proper procedure, your […]
For accounting purposes, cash transactions between a director and a personal or family company are recorded through the director’s account. At the end of an accounting period, if the director owes the company money (i.e. the account is considered overdrawn), and the company is close (broadly, one that is controlled by five or fewer shareholders […]
The buzzword around fintech is “innovation”. Nearly every fintech company on the planet appears to offer something new. And where they don’t, they tend to position themselves as a “disruptor,” a business that wants to change their industry from the inside out. Challenger banks are good examples of companies that can be innovators or disruptors. […]
Many small businesses, whether incorporated or not, pay family members for working for the business. However, as a recent case shows, it is easy to make mistakes which can prove costly. The case in question, Nicholson v HMRC (TC06293), concerned the payment of wages by a sole trader to his son while at university. Mr […]
According to the European Court of Justice, that impacts the UK business, employees can’t work more than 48 hours. They can only work more than 48 hours if they opt out of Regulation 4 of the Working Time Regulations. Until now bosses did not need to record their employees working hours and breaks. This is going […]