Government implements tough financial checks for Care Homes
Under new government plans, Care home owners will have to start proving their financial stability. Following the collapse of Britain’s biggest care home operator, Southern Cross two years ago, the new system aims to protect people receiving care if their provider fails. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) will take
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A day in the life of: Mitchells Accountants Care department
Our Care Department specialises in accounting, taxation and business support services for nationwide nursing and care home businesses. Here is a snapshot of a day in the life of the Mitchells Care Department. 8.30AM This morning, we had a meeting with a client who owns a fast growing company but has no accounting software in place. As
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RTI (Real Time Information) or should it be “Really Taxing Idea”
Heather Mellors, our Practice Manager outlines her experience of being part of the RTI launch. With the support of a handful of our Payroll Bureau clients, we subscribed to the RTI soft launch in November 2012. How pleased were we because it enabled our Bureau staff to really get their feet under
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The hidden costs of using cheap accounting providers part II
A client case study shows not all accountants have the specialist knowledge in representing your business interests. We were appointed by a sole trader, who was dissatisfied with his unqualified accountant. There were issues around service delivery (VAT returns prepared near the deadline, tax returns completed at the last minute,) but in
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The hidden costs of using cheap accounting providers
At Mitchells, our very purpose is to protect you and help you grow. Many of our services are geared toward this; expert accountancy, tax management, business advice, finance and funding, investigations cover and more. Our client wanted to share his story of the consequences of choosing an accountant
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Sage 50 Accounts v2009 and Sage Instant Accounts v15 End of Life announcement
From 30 April 2013, Sage 50 Accounts/Payroll v2009 and Sage Instant Accounts v15 will no longer have support updates, as part of the Sage End of Lifecycle policy. As standard industry practice, the Sage End of Lifecycle policy withdraws any support for software versions that are five versions behind the latest
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Why the self employed need a good accountant?
A recent tax tribunal illustrates just why the self-employed should take advice from an independent tax adviser or accountant when starting a business and completing their tax returns. The tax payer concerned is a self-employed radio DJ who sought advice on the completion of her first tax return from
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Tackling the hidden economy
HMRC estimates that about £5 billion is lost in the economy due to businesses failing to pay the taxes they owe. Referred to as the hidden economy, businesses are classified as either being registered on HMRC and paying tax on one or more sources of income but do not
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5 steps to better negotiation skills
With increased pressure to get the best deal, it is important to know how to negotiate in business. Being able to negotiate effectively will not only improve your bottom line but motivates people to place their trust in you. Here are five top tips to point you
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Businesses count the damage done by March cold weather
The FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) estimate the big March freeze cost UK small businesses £174m. The bad weather had damaged demand with many small firms closing business. The worst affected being the East Midlands with the number of people entering retail spaces down by 8.1% and 7% due to
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