No one likes to think about death but if you have dependents (children) then you need to start making provision for them in the event that something untoward happens to you. Making a will can help give you peace of mind that you are looking after their future interests.

What happens if I don’t make a Will? …

Read more

 
In the previous article we covered what to expect from your baby’s first 6 months. Here we cover what to expect from the next 6 months and up to their first birthday.
 
Read more

 
First time mums aren’t always sure what to expect from their baby’s development. In this guide we break it down month by month.

First Month…
 
Read more

 
A lot of mothers are confused over whether to breastfeed. Some feel uncomfortable in the idea of having a new born baby latch onto them to feed. If you find yourself in this position, read the following and then make up your own mind.

Benefits for baby…
 
Read more

By Shahbaz Husain

If your business wants to make a profit then the first step in the process is to understand your break-even point. You can do this for a product or service, a category of products or services and even for the business as a whole.

The important thing is that you understand where your profit is coming from.
 
Read more

By Shahbaz Husain

I met a new customer last week that has some very exciting plans for leaving the world of employment and starting out on her own. Elaine is based in north London and is looking for a lifestyle business.

During our conversation I got the sense that Elaine wanted to get started as soon as possible and eventually she asked me how long it would take me to set-up a limited company for her but I decided that I wouldn’t answer the question…
 
Read more

By Shahbaz Husain

Is there anyone out there that really loves their bank? When I ask people what they think of their bank and the service they receive, the usual response is a grumpy face and the word “OK”.

Not a very emphatic endorsement and it seems like the days of personal service which helped a branch stand out from the crowds is over too. In the world of accounting, I’m regularly asked for advice on which bank is the best for small businesses. Unfortunately it isn’t an easy question to answer.
 
Read more

By Shahbaz Husain

Pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey games are popular with young children and parents alike. Just put on a blindfold, spin around a few times and enjoy as the person struggles to stick a pin into the picture of a donkey that’s missing its tail.

Traditional games like this are definitely my favourite but what worries me is when we take this approach to choosing the professionals who handle our personal and business matters.
 
Read more

By Shahbaz Husain

We all need help from time to time but many business owners feel that they are isolated and unable to talk to anyone about their business.

I always advise my clients that they need a group of four advisors around them. So who should be in your ‘Circle of Trust?’
 
Read more

By Shahbaz Husain

Starting a new company is certainly an exciting time but what exactly is a ‘company’ ?

And what’s the difference between a ‘company’ and a ‘sole trader’? There’s no need to fall at this hurdle because once you get past the jargon it’s actually pretty simple. Here we outline the most commonly used structures…
 
Read more

By Shahbaz Husain

There are a million and one reasons why mums start businesses. Whatever the reason, everyone wants to succeed. But the key to succeeding in business isn’t just about having a good idea.

Businesses need to get off on the right foot and that means making a plan. The nature and level of detail in the plan will depend upon what the plan is for, for example a business plan for a home-based internet business will be quite different to an internet business that is seeking venture capital funding.

Read more