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Late payments to UK small businesses are on the rise, putting pressure on cash flow and making it harder to cover day-to-day costs. If you’re regularly chasing invoices, you’ll know how quickly it starts to affect the business. According to recent research, payments are delayed by more than a week on average. And when your customers don’t pay on time, this late payment can cause a multitude of business problems. Not only does your cash flow take a dip, but working relationships can be damaged and hours of business time can be wasted chasing up these overdue payments. So, here are five straightforward ways to improve your payment times. Offer flexible payment options The easier you make it for customers to pay, the better. Provide your customers with a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, regular Direct Debit payments and payment gateways like PayPal or Stripe. Send your invoices out on time The customer can only pay once you raise an invoice. Make sure you send invoices out in a timely way, and that the details are accurate and clear. Break large invoices up into smaller payments that get sent out when specific milestones are reached in the project. Offer discounts for early payment Customers won’t pay before the invoice due date unless it’s in their interest to do so. But you can incentivise customers to pay their invoices early by offering discounts for fast payment. For example, if payment terms are usually 30 days, offer a 2% discount if the invoice is paid within 10 days. Get proactive with your credit control Check your aged debtor reports regularly and chase up invoices that are overdue. Politely reach out to the customer and remind them of the outstanding balance. Sending automated notifications from your accounting software can also help to provide some impetus for customers to settle their bills. Consider invoice finance In a worst-case scenario, where payments are well overdue and cash flow is suffering, it’s worth considering invoice finance. Selling your outstanding invoice to a financing provider gets you the cash you need now, while passing the debt to the provider and allowing the customer time to breathe. Talk to us about reducing overdue payments If late payments are becoming an issue, it’s important to take action fast! Talk to us by booking a call with Donald Inglis or call 01904 787 973 to find new ways to speed up payment times.

With ongoing changes to Making Tax Digital, many business owners are having to adapt how they keep records and report to HMRC. At the same time, costs continue to rise. Wages, increases in employer National Insurance and energy are all putting pressure on margins. This is where your accountant should be adding value. Here are some of the key ways we support our clients at Inglis Accountants. Financial forecasting and planning Cash flow issues rarely come out of nowhere, even if it feels that way at the time. Regular forecasting helps you see what’s coming over the next few months, not just what’s already happened. If there’s a shortfall ahead, you have time to deal with it. We also look at different scenarios with clients. For example, if sales slow down or costs increase again, decisions can be based on numbers rather than simply guesswork. Performance monitoring and analysis Most owners will track certain business metrics, like income or expenses, but not always the ones that matter most. We help you focus on a handful of measures that reflect how your business is actually performing. That might be gross margin, overheads as a percentage of revenue, or cash conversion. Reviewing these regularly makes it easier to spot trends and deal with issues early. Strategic business reviews While some accountants focus mainly on reporting the numbers, we work with clients to review their direction, sense-check decisions, and recommend adjustments where needed. This could involve pricing, cost control, staffing, or investment. Staying ahead of tax changes Tax rules change regularly, and recent updates to Making Tax Digital have added more reporting requirements for many businesses. At Inglis, we keep you informed about what’s coming up and how it affects your business. This includes key deadlines, available tax reliefs, and new planning opportunities. Need help? If you are not getting the most from your accountant, we would be happy to have a brief introductory call to see where we can help. If you would like a no-obligation chat, call us on 01904 787 973 or book a call with our team .

Fuel and energy costs have risen sharply since the war in Iran and subsequent near total closure of the Strait of Hormuz. And the pressure this is already putting on business owners’ margins and cash flow can’t be overstated. From our experience of previous years when fuel costs have escalated quickly, the businesses that handle this best are the ones that make small, sensible adjustments early. So, what adjustments could you make? Start by understanding where your money is going Before making any changes, take a step back and look at your recent costs properly. Go through the last six to 12 months and track what you have actually spent on fuel and energy. You may notice certain times of year where usage increases, or specific activities that drive higher costs. Once you have a clear picture of where and when your money is being spent, you can start to make changes that will have the biggest impact. Focus on simple ways to reduce usage You do not need to overhaul your entire business to see savings. In many cases, small changes across the business will have a noticeable impact over time. Turn off equipment and lighting when not in use, especially outside working hours Review heating and cooling settings and avoid setting them too high or too low Switch to LED lighting if you have not already Check for equipment running unnecessarily in the background Individually, these changes may seem minor, but across a full month or year, they can add up very quickly. Reduce travel costs Fuel costs are often one of the biggest expenses, especially if your team commutes to the office each day. Encouraging car sharing where practical can make an immediate difference. Even a few team members travelling together a couple of days a week can noticeably reduce overall fuel spend. It is also worth considering whether some roles can work from home part of the week. Fewer people travelling into the office reduces fuel costs for your team and can also lower your office energy usage at the same time. Be realistic about your pricing Raising prices on your loyal customers can sometimes feel like you’re letting them down. However, if your costs have increased, unfortunately, your pricing may need to follow. Holding prices steady while your costs rise will eat into your margins. However, a small, well-communicated increase is often far easier for clients to accept than a sudden, larger change later on. Check what support is available There may be support, reliefs, or allowances available depending on your situation, particularly if you are investing in more energy-efficient equipment or systems. These schemes do change, so it is worth checking rather than assuming nothing applies based on previous research. Please let us know if you’d like our help with this. Need help? If rising costs are starting to put unwanted pressure on your business, we can help to see what you can do about it. Feel free to give us a call on 01904 787 973 or book a call with our team . 

As the new tax year starts, you may find yourself among the thousands of savers contacted by HMRC about tax on savings interest. As you likely know, you do not pay tax on the money you save, however you may need to pay tax on the interest it earns. And with interest rates still relatively high and tax thresholds unchanged, it is becoming easier to cross that line without realising. In fact, recent estimates suggest around 2.79 million people could receive a letter. Why this is happening If you have noticed better returns on your savings over the past couple of years, you are certainly not alone. Higher interest rates mean your money is likely earning more than it used to. At the same time, tax thresholds have remained frozen. That combination means you may now be exceeding your allowance, even if your savings habits have not changed. In short, you may be earning more interest without actively doing anything differently, and that is what can trigger a tax charge. How the personal savings allowance works The amount of interest you can earn tax free depends on your income. If you are a basic rate taxpayer, you can earn up to £1,000 in interest tax free. Anything above this is taxed at 20%. If you are a higher rate taxpayer, your allowance drops to £500, with interest above that taxed at 40%. If you are an additional rate taxpayer, there is no allowance, so all interest is taxed at 45%. If your income is below the personal allowance, you may be able to earn more interest tax free, depending on your circumstances. Why you could still be affected with modest savings You might assume that only large savings balances are affected. In reality, it can happen sooner than expected. For example, if you are using a fixed rate savings account, interest is often paid at the end of the term. If that term runs over more than one tax year, all the interest can be counted in the year it becomes accessible. That can push you over your allowance in one go. In some cases, even a relatively modest balance can be enough. What to expect from HMRC Your bank or building society reports the interest you earn directly to HMRC, so in most cases, you do not need to do anything yourself. If tax is due, you will usually receive a P800 letter or a Simple Assessment. This will explain what you owe and how it will be collected. For many people, the amount is recovered through a change to your tax code, rather than a separate payment. What you can do now It is worth taking a few minutes to check how much interest your savings are generating, especially if you have money spread across different accounts. You can review this through your bank statements or your Personal Tax Account on GOV.UK . This will give you a clearer idea of whether you are likely to exceed your allowance. Need help? If you think you may be close to the limit, it may be worth reviewing how your savings are structured. If you would like a second pair of eyes on your savings, or want to understand how the rules apply to you, call us on 01904 787 973 or book a call with our team .

For many business owners, hiring an apprentice can feel like more effort than it’s worth. So, despite the higher cost, they opt to bring in someone with more experience. But with wage costs rising, driven by recent increases to the National Living Wage and higher employer National Insurance contributions, apprenticeships are becoming a much more practical option. In some cases, they can be a better long-term investment than hiring a fully trained employee. So how do you decide what’s right for your business? What an apprentice actually is An apprentice is an employee who combines paid work with structured training. They work towards a recognised qualification while gaining hands-on experience in your business. They are not short-term or unpaid help. They are on your team and have real responsibilities, but they are still learning. That difference is important because the value doesn't come right away; it comes over time. The financial side Many people think that apprenticeships are too expensive, but they are often more affordable than they think. While the apprentice is learning, their pay is usually lower, and in many cases, the training itself is paid for, either in full or in part. There are also incentives available. Recent announcements include: up to £2,000 for SMEs hiring apprentices aged 16–24 wider support aimed at encouraging youth employment This can reduce the upfront cost compared to hiring an experienced employee. The advantages One of the biggest benefits is the ability to train someone your way. Rather than undoing habits from previous roles, you can build good practices from the start. Over time, this often results in a team member who is better aligned with your systems and expectations. Apprenticeships can also support long-term retention. People who develop within your business are often more likely to stay and progress with you. There is also a practical benefit to hiring. Many businesses are having trouble finding experienced candidates, and so building your own pipeline can be more reliable than relying on the market. The drawbacks The main consideration is time. An apprentice will need support, particularly in the early stages, and that can slow things down before it starts to pay off. You should also expect productivity to rise slowly over time instead of right away. Mistakes and supervision are part of the learning process. In short, an apprentice isn't a quick fix. If you need someone to step in and get things done right away, this is probably not the best option by itself. Important note: Apprenticeship starts among young people have fallen significantly over the past decade, while close to one million young people are not currently in education, employment or training. As a result, there is increasing support for employers who are willing to invest in early talent. For businesses, this creates an opportunity to access funding while strengthening the team in a more sustainable way. Should you hire an apprentice? The answer is: maybe. An apprentice can be a great choice if you want to build a team that grows with your business, can train someone well, and are thinking long-term. If you need someone to make a difference right away and don't have much time to train, taking on an apprentice is probably not right for you. How we can help If you are considering taking on an apprentice, we can help you understand the true cost compared to hiring an employee and importantly, what support or incentives you may be eligible for. To get in touch, call us on 01904 787 973 or book a call with our team .

Whether working from home, in an office, or on the move, most people overlook how much their environment affects their ability to focus. Recently, our team has been trying a few small, practical adjustments to see whether they could improve energy levels, concentration and overall output. The results have been encouraging, so it felt worth sharing what’s been working. The good news is that none of these require specialist equipment, and all can be put in place immediately. 1. Alternate between sitting and standing There is no single “perfect” working position. Evidence suggests that alternating between sitting and standing is more effective than sticking to one or the other. A practical approach is to work seated for 20 to 30 minutes, then switch to standing for a similar period. This helps reduce strain on the neck, shoulders and lower back, while also supporting sustained concentration. There is no need to invest in expensive equipment. A simple raised surface using books or a sturdy box can work just as effectively. Short breaks are equally important. Stepping away from the desk for five to ten minutes after around 45 minutes of work can help maintain focus throughout the day. 2. Align tasks with energy levels Productivity is not constant throughout the day. Most people experience natural peaks and dips in alertness. Earlier in the day tends to be better suited to analytical or demanding work, such as problem solving, financial analysis or technical tasks. As the day progresses, a more relaxed state often makes it easier to approach creative thinking, planning or broader strategy work. Rather than forcing productivity at the wrong time, it is more effective to match the type of work to the level of mental energy available. 3. Be intentional with background sound Some people work best in silence, while others benefit from background noise. Low-level, consistent background noise can help maintain focus during shorter periods of work. However, it may become distracting over longer stretches. In an office environment, this can be less practical, as any sound choice will affect those around you. In those settings, it is often best to be mindful of shared space or use headphones where appropriate. When working from home, there is far more flexibility to choose what works best on an individual level. For tasks that require deep concentration, many find that minimal or no background noise is most effective. For more routine work, light background sound or music may help maintain momentum. 4. Position screens at the correct height Posture plays a significant role in both comfort and concentration. Working with a screen positioned too low encourages a downward gaze, which can lead to poor posture and reduced alertness. Raising the screen so that it sits at, or slightly above, eye level promotes a more upright position and helps maintain focus. This simple adjustment can reduce physical strain while also supporting better engagement with the task at hand. 5. Use your environment to support the task The physical space itself can influence how people think and work. More open environments can encourage broader, more creative thinking, while smaller or more enclosed spaces tend to support detailed, focused work. Of course, not everyone has the flexibility to change their surroundings, particularly in a fixed office setup. In those cases, the focus can shift to smaller adjustments, such as repositioning a desk, changing where certain tasks are done, or stepping into a different space when needed. Where possible, it can still be useful to vary the working environment depending on the task. This might mean using different rooms, adjusting desk setups, or occasionally working in a different location altogether. Final thoughts There is no one-size-fits-all approach to productivity, and individual preferences will always play a role. What works well for one person may not suit someone else. These are the approaches our team has been testing, and we hope you find some of them just as useful. 

Much attention has been given recently to the government’s continued freeze on personal tax thresholds. However, there are other frozen thresholds that are equally important but receive far less attention. Automatic enrolment pension thresholds have also remained largely unchanged for several years. As wages have risen over time, this freeze is having a growing impact on how much people are saving into workplace pensions. A major success for workplace pensions Automatic enrolment is widely regarded as one of the most successful pension policy changes of the past decade. Introduced in 2012, the system requires employers to automatically enrol eligible employees into a workplace pension scheme and make contributions alongside the employee. The policy began under the previous Labour government and was implemented by the Conservative government that followed. Since then, participation in workplace pensions has increased significantly. Government data shows that more than 22 million people are now saving into workplace pensions, an increase of over 10 million since automatic enrolment was first introduced. How the automatic enrolment thresholds work To be automatically enrolled into a workplace pension, workers must currently: be aged between 22 and State Pension age earn at least £10,000 per year from a single employer work in the UK Employees who earn less than £10,000 can still choose to opt in and receive employer contributions. Once a worker meets the automatic enrolment threshold, pension contributions are calculated on a band of qualifying earnings rather than total salary. For the 2025/26 and 2026/27 tax years, the qualifying earnings band remains: £6,240 – lower limit £50,270 – upper limit The £10,000 earnings trigger has remained unchanged since 2014/15, while the lower and upper limits of the earnings band have also remained frozen in recent years. Earnings have risen but thresholds have not Since automatic enrolment was introduced in 2012, average weekly earnings in the UK have increased significantly. Data from the Office for National Statistics suggests that nominal average earnings have risen by roughly 60% over that period. If automatic enrolment thresholds had increased in line with earnings growth, the entry threshold today might be closer to £13,000, with the qualifying earnings band stretching to somewhere in the region of £8,900 to £68,000. Instead, the current thresholds mean that the range of earnings on which mandatory pension contributions are calculated has effectively shrunk in real terms. What this means for higher earners One consequence of the frozen thresholds is that a smaller proportion of higher salaries now falls within the qualifying earnings band used for automatic enrolment contributions. When the scheme began in 2012, the upper earnings limit represented a much larger proportion of average earnings than it does today. As wages have grown but the limits have remained largely static, automatic enrolment contributions now cover a smaller share of higher incomes. The government’s position has been that higher earners are more likely to make additional personal pension contributions outside the automatic enrolment system. For many individuals, this means that relying solely on automatic enrolment contributions may not be enough to build the retirement savings they need. Planning ahead for retirement Automatic enrolment has significantly improved pension participation across the UK. However, the frozen thresholds mean that both employees and employers may need to think more carefully about long-term retirement planning. For higher earners in particular, it may be worth reviewing whether additional pension contributions or other retirement savings strategies are appropriate. Need advice on pensions or retirement planning? Understanding how workplace pensions, tax relief and contribution limits interact can be difficult. At Inglis Accountancy, we help individuals and business owners understand their pension options and make informed decisions about long-term financial planning. If you would like advice on workplace pensions, retirement planning or tax-efficient savings, get in touch on 01904 787 973 or book a call with our team .

The UK government has announced an increase in grants available for installing electric vehicle (EV) charge points, with eligible households and businesses now able to receive up to £500 towards installation costs . The support is aimed primarily at renters, flat owners, households without driveways and small businesses , helping make EV charging more accessible for people who cannot easily install a charger at home. The increase represents around a 40% uplift in the maximum grant , with the scheme expected to run until March 2027. According to the government, the funding could cover close to half the cost of a typical charge point installation . Lower charging costs for EV drivers One of the main benefits of installing a home or workplace charger is access to cheaper electricity tariffs. Charging at home can significantly reduce running costs compared with petrol or diesel vehicles. The government says some EV drivers may be able to power their vehicle for as little as 2p per mile when charging on cheaper domestic tariffs, particularly overnight EV rates. While costs vary depending on electricity prices and the efficiency of the vehicle, official estimates suggest that drivers could save up to £1,400 a year in running costs compared with a similar petrol car when charging at home. Addressing barriers to EV adoption The changes form part of the government’s broader strategy to encourage more drivers to switch to electric vehicles. Two of the most common concerns among drivers considering an EV are the upfront costs and access to reliable charging , particularly for people living in flats or homes without private driveways. By increasing support for charge point installation, the government hopes to make EV ownership more practical for a wider range of households and businesses. The move also sits alongside wider policies designed to support the transition to electric vehicles, including financial incentives to reduce the purchase cost of EVs and continued investment in the UK’s public charging network. Thinking about installing an EV charger for your business? If you run a business and are considering installing EV charging points for staff or company vehicles, it is worth understanding how grants and tax reliefs may apply. At Inglis , we help business owners make sense of government incentives and ensure they are making the most of available tax reliefs and allowances. If you would like advice on EV charging installations, capital allowances, or other ways to improve the efficiency of your business, call us on 01904 787 973 or book a call with our team .