How to adopt AI in your accountancy practice in 2026

Key takeaways AccountingWEB research in association with Sage reveals that just 7% of accountants report a “transformational impact” from AI, while 53% report only “minimal or moderate benefits”. Two-thirds already believe their core accounting software includes AI—so any first adoption decision for AI may cost a practice nothing at all. The one benefit that shows … [Read more…]

Ideas for a Small Business: Finding Inspiration

Strong ideas for start-up businesses often come from thinking about your motivations and interests, spotting a problem that affects your peers, or building your skills to a level that serves others.  Millions of people have turned their business dreams into reality, with more than 5.66 million active start-up companies operating in the UK as of the end of 2025, an increase … [Read more…]

Startup Accounting: A Guide for Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs are people with big ideas. They have passion, determination, and creativity. But accounting knowledge doesn’t always come with the territory, and even when it does, there’s usually room to sharpen it.  A sound understanding of accounting for startups can accelerate growth, strengthen your financial position, and improve your chances of securing funding. Whether you’re pre-revenue or already scaling, getting your finances … [Read more…]

How to Get Funding for a Business

From The Apprentice to Dragons’ Den, we’ve all seen TV shows where would-be entrepreneurs pitch for funding to start a small business (or scale a company later down the line).  While these shows make for great entertainment, they can make the idea of getting investment seem rather scary.  In the real world, there are several ways to get funding to start a business … [Read more…]

Government Grants for Small Business

When you’re starting a business, investing in growth, or launching a specific project, securing affordable financing can be a major stumbling block.  Small business grants can reduce that pressure by providing funding that usually does not need to be repaid. However, schemes are often competitive and may come with strict eligibility, spending, and reporting requirements.  To improve your odds of successfully securing the funding … [Read more…]

Making Tax Digital Information: VAT FAQs Answered

Making Tax Digital for VAT is HMRC’s system for requiring VAT-registered businesses to keep VAT records digitally and submit VAT Returns using compatible software.  If your business is VAT-registered, MTD for VAT is likely to apply to you.  Key takeaways  Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT is mandatory for all VAT-registered businesses unless HMRC has granted an exemption.   You … [Read more…]

How to Tame Your Business Tax

All businesses registered for VAT now need to follow Making Tax Digital for VAT, even if they’re below the VAT registration threshold (currently £90,000).  The MTD for VAT rules say you have to use compatible software for VAT accounting and keep VAT accounting records digitally.  It’s a significant change.  But it’s simply that the government wants to help businesses move into the digital age—with … [Read more…]

Making Tax Digital for VAT: Complete Guide

Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT is legislation from HMRC that affects how all VAT-registered businesses must do their VAT accounting. It requires digital VAT record keeping and VAT digital filing via MTD-compatible software. This is a guide on MTD for VAT for both businesses and agents, looking at what considerations you should make before … [Read more…]

What is it and how to close it| Sage Advice UK

Key takeaways The organisational skills gap is a business capability issue: It is the difference between the skills your organisation needs and the skills currently available in your workforce. Skills gaps are increasing: 55% of HR leaders say skills gaps have increased in their organisation over the past 2 years. Hiring alone will not solve … [Read more…]