Handpicked Accountants

Cash flow problems can appear suddenly, or creep in slowly while you're focused on other parts of the business. Struggling to pay suppliers and staff on time, holding excessive stock, or having to approach new suppliers because existing credit terms have run dry are all early warning signs worth acting on.

Forecasting cash needs several months ahead helps you spot shortages before they become a crisis, and speaking to a qualified accountant early can open up funding options that become harder to access the longer you wait.

Read more: https://www.handpickedaccountants.co.uk/articles/what-are-the-first-signs-of-business-cash-flow-problems

What are the first signs of business cash flow problems? Short of cash and struggling to pay suppliers and HMRC? Protect your business from cash flow issues before going insolvent. Here's how we can help...

Regional data from our latest Business Distress Index paints a mixed picture. London still has the highest number of businesses in critical financial distress at 17,718, but Scotland, the East of England and the North West saw the sharpest year-on-year increases, up 20.6%, 19.1% and 18.6% respectively. Northern Ireland was the only region to see a fall.

Shaun Barton, National Online Operations Director, said the fact critical distress is still rising, even as the pace slows, shows pressure on smaller businesses hasn't gone away, with many directors having absorbed higher costs for so long there's little room left to manoeuvre unexpected shocks.

Read more: https://www.realbusinessrescue.co.uk/advice-hub/the-business-distress-index-q2-2026

The Business Distress Index Q2 2026 Company insolvency statistics for Q2 2026, including latest trends, regional variations, sector breakdowns, and expert commentary from Shaun Barton, Partner.

Signing a personal guarantee can leave a director personally liable if their company defaults, so understanding the type of guarantee, and negotiating its terms, matters more than many directors realise.

Our latest article covers the different types of personal guarantees and the key questions directors should ask before signing one.

Read more: https://www.handpickedaccountants.co.uk/articles/general/what-every-director-needs-to-know-about-personal-guarantees

What Every Director Needs to Know About Personal Guarantees | Handpicked Accountants In the complex landscape of business finance, directors often find themselves navigating the intricate terrain of personal guarantees.

When a company restructures or becomes insolvent, employees have specific legal protections, from consultation requirements ahead of redundancies to TUPE rights if the business is sold, and claims through the National Insurance Fund if it closes.

Our latest article, written by Alexandra Hodson of Redmans Solicitors, breaks down what employees are entitled to at each stage.

Read more: https://www.handpickedaccountants.co.uk/articles/insolvency/legal-protections-for-employees-during-corporate-restructuring-and-insolvency

Legal Protections for Employees Insolvency means that your employer cannot pay its debt when they fall due and/or their liabilities exceed their assets. When a company becomes insolvent, there are several types of insolvency proceedings that could take place.

Employee Ownership Trusts have grown from 576 in mid-2021 to around 2,000 today, and 1,756 UK companies transferred ownership to one in 2024 alone. For SME owners, the appeal often comes down to full Capital Gains Tax relief on the sale, alongside preserving company culture and independence.

Our latest article, written by Simon Nolan of Myerson Solicitors, looks at how EOTs work and why they're becoming a popular succession planning option.

Read more: https://www.handpickedaccountants.co.uk/articles/general/the-benefits-of-employee-ownership-trusts-eots-for-sme-owners

The Benefits of Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) for SME Owners Introduced by the Finance Act 2014, an Employee Ownership Trust is a structure designed to facilitate employee ownership in a sustainable and tax-efficient way. A trust is established to acquire and hold a controlling interest in a company on behalf of its employees.

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment is one of the biggest tax reforms in years, and it affects sole traders and landlords first. From April 2026, anyone with qualifying income over £50,000 from self-employment or property must keep digital records and submit quarterly updates to HMRC rather than a single annual return.

Our latest article, written by Jay Singh FCCA of Accounting Solutions Manchester, covers who's affected, when the thresholds bite, and how to prepare.

Read more: https://www.handpickedaccountants.co.uk/articles/business-tax/making-tax-digital-for-income-tax-self-assessment

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment An overview of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment, written by guest author, Jay Singh FCCA of Accounting Solutions Manchester.

Company directors are often also classed as employees, meaning they may be entitled to claim redundancy if their company enters Creditors' Voluntary Liquidation, provided they can show they took an active role in day-to-day operations.

Our latest article explains how directors can evidence a claim and what to do next.

Read more: https://www.handpickedaccountants.co.uk/articles/insolvency/can-a-director-claim-redundancy-when-their-company-is-liquidated

Can a director claim redundancy when their company is liquidated? If the company you work for run into financial difficulties and ends up closing down for good resulting in you losing your job, you may be entitled to put in a claim for redundancy.

If you've funded a business expense using your own money, it can usually be claimed back through your director's loan account, provided it's wholly and exclusively for business use.

Our latest article explains allowable expenses, pre-trading costs, and what HMRC expects you to keep on record.

Read more: https://www.handpickedaccountants.co.uk/articles/business-tax/can-i-reclaim-tax-when-putting-my-money-into-my-business

Can I reclaim tax when putting my money into my business? If an allowable business expense was funded by your personal money, it will be added to the director’s loan account which is exempt from corporation tax.

A standard Will can protect you, but it might not protect your business. A Business Will covers shareholder agreements, cross-option agreements, and inheritance tax planning, giving both your business and your family added certainty.

Read the full article on what a Business Will can cover and why it matters.

Read more: https://www.handpickedaccountants.co.uk/articles/financial-advice/business-will-how-can-you-create-certainty-during-uncertain-times

Business Will: How can you create certainty during uncertain times? A Business Will can provide essential legal insurance and protection for your estate, business, assets, inheritance and create potential tax savings.

Choosing the right accountant for your business isn't just about price. Industry experience, qualifications, and how they communicate all matter just as much.

Our latest article covers the 8 key questions to ask before hiring an accountant, from sector experience to who'll actually handle your account.

Read more: https://www.handpickedaccountants.co.uk/articles/accounting/8-questions-you-should-ask-before-hiring-an-accountant

8 questions you should ask before hiring an accountant When hiring an accountant to help you with your business is it vital you pick the right one. Here are the 8 questions you ask a potential accountant: