Blog
Your 2025 business mindset
08 Jan 2025
How to navigate Q1of this business-critical year with purpose, cautious optimism – and a keen eye on the finances that matter.
Marginal gains: carve out better returns in a stagnant economy
25 Nov 2024
With recent GDP figures confirming what our clients are referring to as a persistently sluggish – or worse, tough – market, we look at the ways business owners can boost their bottom line by making minor tweaks to their finances. Richard Starkey explains where simple, but valuable, adjustments can be made.
“Can you save me money?”
20 Sep 2024
If there's one question that I get asked more than any other, it's: 'Can you save me money?' Most people ask this in the hope that we can help them pay less tax, and while we often can do that, it's not where you'll get most value from us. At Business Control, we take a holistic view of your finances, and by 'pulling levers' in every area of your business, you'll usually be able to run a much more efficient operation. And where there are efficiencies, there are cost savings to be found. Here's how it's done...
Inside track: AI for accounting
20 May 2024
It’s the acronym on everyone’s lips. AI, short for Artificial Intelligence, has arrived and it’s here to transform the way every industry works - including accountancy. Business Control’s Richard Starkey runs through how it can help accountancy firms and CFOs thrive.
Everything you need to know about QuickBooks going online-only
22 June 2023
Popular accounting software provider QuickBooks is going online-only. The shift is proving painful for some of its users, but there are important benefits and it’s throwing up opportunities too.
Why it's time to talk to your accountant
23 May 2023
As a business owner, you should be getting much more from your accountant than a set of accounts sent over via email once or twice a year. If you’re not receiving regular advice, insight, business consultancy or even just having an occasional check-in chat, perhaps it’s time you reconsidered your relationship?
Business bank accounts: the lowdown
25 Apr 2023
When it comes to business banking, there are plenty of options open to you. But which is the best for your needs – and can you get more value out of your provider?
How to deal with late payments
7 Mar 2023
A number of our clients have been telling us that they are owed money at the moment, which can have a considerable impact on cashflow and impede even successful businesses. Business Control’s Richard Starkey offers his tips for dealing with this frustrating situation.
Keep on keepin’ on
1 Feb 2023
It’s a season of economic contradictions at the moment, but as a business owner, the key is to hold fast, says Business Control’s Richard Starkey. Opinions about the strength of the market are everywhere, but what’s true for one company isn’t true for all. The only constant is to keep on keeping on…
Your summer strategy
15 July 2022
Is your business feeling the burden of inflation? Business Control’s Richard Starkey proposes some priorities for cutting costs over the coming weeks, and signposts some useful sources of support.
How to cope with the effects of rising costs
22 March 2022
Is your business feeling the impact of the current situation? Business Control’s Richard Starkey considers the reasons behind rising costs and the ways that your business can adapt to withstand these economic changes.
Could your accountant do better?
02 November 2021
Did you feel you got the support you were looking for from your accountant during lockdown? Business Control’s Richard Starkey reflects on why that might be and how it’s never too late to make some changes.
Farewell to furlough
08 July 2021
Now that the end of the employment support scheme is in sight, Business Control’s Richard Starkey considers the impact – and offers some strategies for survival.…
Budget 2021: onwards and upwards?
08 March 2021
Was the Chancellor’s recent Budget a cause for celebration or alarm for business owners? Richard Starkey takes a closer look…
New restrictions, new relief
11 January 2021
With England now into its third lockdown, Business Control’s Richard Starkey considers the impact on businesses – and the grants available.
New year, new business agenda
18 December 2020
As we head into 2021, Richard Starkey offers his thoughts on what companies can expect from the coming year – and how to navigate the continuing fallout and opportunities provided by the pandemic.
Accounting for COVID-19: Looking Ahead
21 October 2020
As the chancellor yet again comes to the aid of many business owners, Richard Starkey takes a closer look at the financial details and offers some insight on how companies could adapt to thrive in a world where COVID-19 is becoming an enduring part of today’s business environment.
Accounting for COVID-19: Assess. Adapt. Repeat
24 September 2020
As we head into what will be a testing time for many businesses, Business Control’s Richard Starkey offers some perspective and a few proven strategies for survival.
Accounting for COVID-19: the fightback continues
15 July 2020
As further details emerge of government support for businesses hit by the pandemic, Business Control’s Richard Starkey offers an accountant’s view of the help on offer.
Changes to the furlough scheme explained
9 June 2020
Are you up to speed with the latest changes? Here’s our guide to what’s happening and how it will affect your business.
Does your team pass the COVID-19 test?
26 May 2020
Richard Starkey takes a closer look at supporting business owners with COVID-19 diagnostic tests.
Is a ‘Bounce Back Loan’ right for your business?
7 May 2020
Richard Starkey takes a closer look at the latest initiative to get Britain’s businesses back on track…
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme explained
24 April 2020
Richard Starkey takes a closer look at the relief available for those who are self employed and struggling because of the coronavirus crisis.
Accounting for COVID 19: the week’s developments
17 April 2020
Richard Starkey outlines the latest accounting news for business owners…
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: latest information
7 April 2020
New information has been released by the government in the last 24 hours. Here are the crucial points and how they’ll affect your business…
Accounting for COVID-19 – talking points
3 April 2020
Business Control’s Richard Starkey considers a few of the latest financial developments and offers his thoughts on how to prepare your business for the future.
Accounting for COVID 19: six new developments you need to know about
1 April 2020
Business Control’s Richard Starkey outlines the latest news for business owners…
Furloughing for directors – more questions answered
30 March 2020
There’s recently been some clarity over how the scheme will work for directors; here’s what we know and what it will mean for you and your business.
Self-Employed Income Support – our initial analysis and advice
26 March 2020
Not sure if the scheme will benefit you? Richard Starkey has taken a good look at the chancellor’s latest initiative, and here are his thoughts…
Accounting for COVID-19: more details become clear
26 March 2020
In today’s blog, we take a look at the support available to companies in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors – as well as an update on furloughed staff.
A closer look at the Coronavirus Interruption Loan
25 March 2020
Is the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) right for your business? Business Control’s Richard Starkey provides some points to consider.
COVID-19: Your most pressing questions answered
24 March 2020
Understandably, we’re being inundated with calls from our valued clients, looking for clarity on matters that are important to them during this crisis. We’ve prepared a few helpful notes and highlighted some trusted sources of information right here.
Accounting for COVID-19
20 March 2020
We’ve put together this short guide to help you navigate the finances available to businesses during this testing time, and because the information is changing so quickly, we’ll be updating it regularly. Take a look today and please check back in future.
The Sunday Times say that small businesses spend 120 days on paperwork!
23 July 2018
It says that these 120 days a year are spent on administrative tasks such as invoices and recruitment, it is claimed.
An average of 5.6% of staff time from each UK-based small business is used doing back-office tasks because firms do not have sufficient systems to deal with them, according to research from technology firm Sage.
