03/09/2026
Hiring your first employee is a big step for any small business — but before payday arrives, there are a few important things to get in place.
From registering as an employer to setting up payroll, understanding PAYE and checking your pension duties, it’s much easier to get organised before the first payroll run.
Swipe through for a simple new employer checklist.
📌 Save this post if you’re planning to hire, or share it with another small business owner taking on their first employee.
If you have questions about payroll, PAYE or setting up as an employer, book a complimentary appointment at our Accounting Surgery via the link in our bio 👉
31/08/2026
Ready to take your business to the next level? 🚀 Join us for free specialist-led Co-nnect business events this month and work on your business with local growth specialists.
Coming up in September:
👩🏻💻 Online Accounting Surgery - Wednesday 9th September
Do you have Xero, accounting, or tax questions? Join our online sessions, monthly on a Wednesday, from 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm and get answers!
🚶🏻♀️ Walk & Talk - Wedneday 16th September
Take a break from the desk and chat about your business while enjoying the fresh air at Sydenham Hill Woods. It’s the perfect way to clear your mind and gain new perspectives.
🛠 Co-nnect Workshop: Monday 28th September
Join other business owners for an interactive session with our Co- Growth Specialists. This month we explore the ideas around Value Pricing, an approach to pricing that prices the outcome, not the cost. Value Pricing has the power to transform a business!
Sign up via the link in our bio or simply comment below with the event you’re interested in, and we’ll DM you the direct link.
28/08/2026
Taking on an apprentice can feel like a big step for a small business.
There is the responsibility of training someone properly, the time it takes to support them, and the question every business owner asks: will it work?
For us at Co-, taking on Aleks as an apprentice has been a hugely positive experience.
Since starting in November 2022, Aleks has gained her AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting, is now working towards Level 4, and has grown from being supported with entry-level tasks to handling more complex work independently.
It has reminded us that apprenticeships are not just about giving someone a first step into work. They can also help small businesses grow, create capacity and bring new energy into the team.
If you are considering hiring an apprentice, swipe through for 7 things we think are worth knowing before you start.
You can also visit apprenticeships.gov.uk/employers for official guidance on how apprenticeships work, finding a training provider and taking the next step.
27/08/2026
The Co- Guarantee is our commitment to a business partnership focused on success. We promise integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, and due care in everything we do.
We do not just tick boxes. We take the time to understand your goals and offer advice - from tax to big-picture strategy - that supports your long-term success.
If you are looking to change accountants, give us a call to find out how we can support your business.
📧 [email protected]
📱 020 7326 3900
26/08/2026
Juggling a small business can be a bit of an endurance test at times. We are here to hopefully make the journey a little easier.
Sign up for our monthly email newsletter to keep ahead of the game.
We cover the most frequently asked accountancy questions in simple, straightforward language, include helpful and inspiring blogs, and keep you up to date with our latest events and workshops.
📧 Tap the link in bio here 👉 to join our mailing list.
21/08/2026
Could an apprentice become one of your small business’s biggest assets?
When Aleks joined Co- as an apprentice in November 2022, she was starting fresh from school and taking her first steps into the world of work.
Three years on, she has completed her AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting, is working towards her AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting, and has grown into a confident and valued member of our team.
Her apprenticeship has given her the chance to learn on the job, build technical skills, gain qualifications and take on real responsibility from the start.
For us as a small business, it has been a reminder that apprenticeships are not just about giving someone their first opportunity. They can also bring fresh energy, new skills and real value into a growing team.
Of course, it takes support, patience and time. But when the right person is given the right environment, it can be hugely rewarding for both sides.
Swipe through to hear Aleks’ experience in her own words.
18/08/2026
Missed our recent funding workshop? Here are four funding options every business owner should know about.
When people think about business finance, they often think of a bank loan. But depending on your business and what you're looking to achieve, there may be other options worth exploring.
💷 Business loans
Ideal if you're looking to invest in growth, equipment or expansion.
🏛️ Grant funding and government support
Depending on your business, sector and location, you may be eligible for funding that doesn't usually need to be repaid.
📈 Equity investment
Raise finance by bringing investors into your business in exchange for a share of ownership.
🧾 Invoice finance
Unlock cash that's tied up in unpaid invoices to help improve cash flow.
These were just some of the funding options discussed when we recently welcomed Swoop to our Co-nnect workshop. It was a great reminder that many small business owners aren't aware of the range of finance available to help them grow.
Following the workshop, we're delighted to be partnering with Swoop so we can help our clients explore the funding options that best suit their business.
If you'd like to learn more about why we've chosen to partner with Swoop and how the service works, take a look at our latest blog via the link in our bio.
And if you're thinking about your next stage of growth, we'd be happy to help you explore your funding options.
14/08/2026
Could an apprentice help your small business grow?
When Co- took on Aleks as an apprentice, the aim was simple: support a young person at the start of their career, while creating more capacity within the practice.
Three years on, Aleks has gone far beyond those early entry-level tasks. She has gained qualifications, grown in confidence, become a hugely valuable member of the team and now supports clients directly.
For Damion, one of the biggest lessons has been that apprenticeships are not just about giving someone a start. With the right person, the right attitude and the right support, they can help move a small business forward too.
There is a learning curve at the beginning, of course. Systems, processes, software and technical knowledge all take time. But that is true for every growing team member.
Thinking about taking on an apprentice? Click through for Damion’s perspective on what Co- has learnt along the way.
12/08/2026
🧠 AI is becoming part of everyday business life, whether it is being used to draft emails, summarise meetings, generate ideas or speed up admin.
But as its use grows, so do the questions around data protection, accuracy, accountability and what information should never be entered into an AI tool.
For many businesses, that means it is time to formalise how AI should be used by the team.
✍🏼 In our latest blog, we explain why an AI policy matters, what it should cover and some of the risks it can help your business manage.
We have also shared the AI policy we use at Co- as a starting point for businesses creating their own.
Read the full blog here 👉 https://co-accounting.co.uk/blog/ai-policy
Does your business currently have any guidance in place around AI use?
21/08/2026
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