Common Cents
The Luddite and the Algorithm: Finding the Real Value of AI
There is a word that has been unfairly used as an insult for over two hundred years. Luddite. Today it means someone who is irrationally afraid of technology, a reactionary who would rather smash progress than embrace it. This is historically wrong, and getting it...
Armani Jeans and Sausage Chips: HMRC’s Most Bizarre Rejections
We’ve all wondered if we can squeeze that one questionable receipt into our accounts. But some business owners take "creative accounting" to a whole new level. Every year, HMRC deals with some truly outlandish (and ultimately rejected) claims. While we love helping...
Fiscal Drag: The “Hidden” Tax Increase You Need to Know
While headline tax rates often dominate the news, there is a quieter phenomenon currently reshaping the UK’s financial landscape. It’s called "Fiscal Drag," and if you’ve received a pay rise recently but don't feel any better off, it is likely the reason why. What is...
5 Simple Habits to Master Your Cash Flow
For many business owners, "profit" and "cash" can feel like two very different things. You might have a record month of sales, yet still find yourself checking the bank balance with a knot in your stomach when it’s time to pay the bills. Managing cash flow isn’t about...
MTD for Income Tax: Are You Ready for the April 2026 Rollout?
The way sole traders and landlords report income to HMRC is undergoing its biggest change in decades. From 6 April 2026, "Making Tax Digital" (MTD) for Income Tax becomes mandatory for many, and the countdown has officially begun. Do the new rules apply to you? HMRC...