Welcome to our Winter newsletter. This quarter we have a guest blog all about getting prepared for your self-assessment from the wonderful EK Williams Accountants. Our interview this quarter is with pension expert Gary Bishop who answers your FAQ’s on pensions. We also have card machine advice, an award announcement, our Christmas hours, and a […]
Read moreWhat makes a good bookkeeper?
To celebrate Global Bookkeeping Week, we’re asking the question “What makes a good bookkeeper?”. Is it a dashing suit and smile? It’s a bit more than that! Here’s what we think makes a good bookkeeper. Attention to detail As bookkeepers our role revolves around the detail. We look for patterns, changes and missing links. We […]
Read more5 Tips to reduce your financial anxiety One of the most awful feelings is when you know you have bills to pay and you don’t know where you are going to get the money from. Our Director, Karen, has been in this position and knows just how difficult it is. So we wanted to share […]
Read moreIt’s Global Bookkeeping Week so we are taking this opportunity to shout about how proud we are of our members and employees. There are far more than 5 reasons why we’re proud of our bookkeepers! But we couldn’t very well name them all on here, it would be a long read indeed. 1. They have […]
Read moreIt’s Global Bookkeeping Week and we’d like to say a huge thank you to every one of our hard-working members. From those who have been with us for 15 years to those who have been with us a matter of days. You are a part of the COS family and we thank you for that. […]
Read moreThe last thing any business owner needs is to stress about their accounts. The more time you give yourself and the more tools you invest in, the less stressful it will be. We’ve put together a list of reasons why bookkeeping shouldn’t be at the bottom of your list. There could be huge fines via […]
Read more5 reasons why frequent bookkeeping can save your business money – Celebrating IWD 2017 It’s International Women’s Day and we are proud to say that our company is managed by two successful women: Karen Garrattley and Diane Middleton We believe that women around the world should be able to start their own business and thrive. […]
Read moreApril Payroll – Changes you need to know about Change is on its way…are you ready? From April 2017 HMRC will be implementing a variety of changes and it’s important that Bookkeepers and Accountants are prepared. The changes will affect: The National Living Wage The National Minimum Wage Statutory Payments National Insurance Expenses and Benefits and […]
Read moreThe tables glittered with diamantes whilst awaiting the guests to arrive. The trumpets and drums shined as the band prepared for a night of musical marvel. The DJ was ready to compare in his best suit. The stage was set ready for a night we wouldn’t soon forget. On the 16th July we celebrated our 25th anniversary with a charity […]
Read moreMany companies begin with excel when starting to record their financial activity but unfortunately this method can be risky, inaccurate and time-consuming. Here’s our top reasons why cloud accounting is essential for business. You can access it from anywhere with an internet connection If your accounts are on The Cloud then all you will […]
Read moreWhen Karen Garrattley started COS in early 1991 with just herself and a notebook she didn’t think it would grow into such a unique and exciting business. After running the business for several years, and working alongside several other self-employed Bookkeepers and Accountants, she realised there was a gap in the market in her field. […]
Read moreHMRC have created a series of free webinars to help and support the self-employed. From Capital Allowances to Income Tax they have a wide range of resources ready to help. Join the other thousands of business owners who have benefited from their training by signing up today. Capital Allowances for the Self-employed Tuesday 10th May 09:00 […]
Read moreThe End Of The Tax Return
The government are putting in place a system to replace the outdated tax return. This system enables individuals and businesses to create “Digital Tax Accounts”. This has been created as a way of modernising the tax system. Much like an online bank account you will have all your details in one place and you will be […]
Read more5 Misconceptions About Bookkeepers
1). We’re boring Just because we enjoy crunching numbers and love accounting software doesn’t mean we’re a bit on the dull side. We can assure you that underneath that cool exterior we are bags of fun and full of personality. From actors and archers to guitarists and fun-runners, our bookkeepers have a range of exciting […]
Read moreXero is amongst our favourite software packages and we always encourage our members to become Xero Accredited. The package is affordable, easy to use and a fantastic tool for many businesses to have. By becoming accredited you can open new doors in your career and even broaden your client base, see how below. Affordability Being very […]
Read moreWhy Bookkeepers Are Amazing
As it’s Global Bookkeeping Week we’ve put together a list of reasons why bookkeepers are wonderful! They have the patience of a Saint As well as doing hours of careful data entry they also have the patience to spend time troubleshooting problems. This is a job for someone with serious patience! 2. They have a […]
Read moreCloud Access With Xero you can access your accounts from anywhere with an internet connection. If you have not yet used cloud accounting software, now is the perfect time. Our training courses enable you to confidently convert to Xero. Our training includes showing you how to open an account and how to use the mobile […]
Read moreDo you offer apprenticeships to young people in the UK? From April 2016, employers of apprentices under the age of 25 will no longer need to pay secondary (employer) Class 1 NICs on earnings below the Upper Earnings Limit (UEL). The consultation exercise to define the meaning of “relevant apprentice” for the purpose of the […]
Read moreGuest Blog – Tax Tips and News from our Accountant Friends at Leavitt Walmsley & Associates
Thank you to Leavitt Walmsley & Associates for sharing their latest tax tips and news with us. Tax Reconciliation HMRC has started the tax reconciliation process for the majority of taxpayers who are taxed under PAYE. This may include you or your relatives, as this reconciliation also covers those in receipt of the State Retirement […]
Read moreOur guest blogger this week is Chris from Query Management. She has put together an insightful piece on avoiding bad debt. Thank you for the helpful tips Chris! Here’s a list of eight warning signs we’ve learnt to watch out for. No single sign is evidence of anything – but each one is a little […]
Read moreGrowing, Growing Gone – Our new premises
25 Years Of Fun For almost 25 years we have been passionate about bookkeeping and have created a community of self-employed bookkeepers. Within this community, we help and support one another with everything from software innovations to tax changes. We always aim to stay ahead of the game. Training Generations As well as our membership […]
Read moreWhy Excel Isn’t A Long Term Solution
Do you use excel for your bookkeeping? In this guest article Xero will explain why excel isn’t a long term solution. Small businesses often start out using Excel – but that’s only doable up until a point. Like every teenager eventually becomes an adult, your business needs to evolve and grow. Find out why the […]
Read moreSetting Up A Business: Employment Law
Setting up a business? How an employment law solicitor can help you Thinking of, or in the process of setting up your own business? Consulting an employment law solicitor could be one of the best initial decisions you make. Employment law is a complicated area and is constantly changing. Most employment disagreements are caused by […]
Read moreThe Nominal Ledger Explained
What are debits and credits? What is the nominal ledger? Let us answer your questions and help to make your bookkeeping easier. On the 13th August we will be hosting a course presented by Karen Garrattley all about the nominal ledger. What’s included Prior knowledge is not required for this course but general bookkeeping experience […]
Read moreThe Emergency budget – A Guide
Sage have complied a compressive list of facts and figures to guide you through the emergency budget. From personal allowances to pension relief, it covers a wide range of useful subjects. If you have any questions about the budget please do not hesitate to contact us. For the latest information on the emergency budget click […]
Read moreOn Thursday we will be exhibiting at the fantastic AJ Bell Stadium in Salford at The Business Growth Show. Home of the Salford City Reds and Sale Sharks, the stadium is truly is an exciting venue to be exhibiting at! Fresh, Tasty and Free On Thursday we will have a mixture of hot pasties available. […]
Read moreLegally you have to keep track of the money that comes in and out of your business, this is called bookkeeping. This way you stay organised, you comply with HMRC and it can help you with financial forecasting. Without up to date, accurate information, a business can make bad decisions which can damage its own […]
Read moreFree HMRC Webinars
HMRC are running a series of webinars on a range of subjects from online tax returns to capital allowances. Feel free to take a look at their e-learning Working for yourself for help and support. It includes a section on paying HMRC and the payment deadlines of 31 July and 31 January. Here is a […]
Read moreDo you want to release the potential in your company, nurture your staff and strengthen bonds? One of our trusted associates, Alongside, will host their Strengths Event at Café on the Park in Stockport. This event is a chance to meet People Guru Amanda Duggan whilst she helps you to unlock your strengths and drive organisational […]
Read moreWould you like the opportunity to visit a prestigious venue, be treated to lunch and have the chance to speak to an array of leading North West Business? On the 30th June we will be exhibiting at the The Trafford Business Expo which will take place at the magnificent Lancashire County Cricket Club. Proud to […]
Read moreKey updates from HMRC – June 2015
Catch up with the Budget announcements Take a quick look at some of the announcements made by the Chancellor on 18 March 2015 Employer Bulletin issue 53 now available The bulletin contains useful information about PAYE processes and procedures including Budget announcements. To find out when the next issue is available – register to receive the […]
Read moreFrom 8th June the DVLA will stop issuing the paper counterpart and those that currently exist will no longer be valid. If your business or organisation conducts checks on driving licences for customers or employees then you need to be aware of the change. Read the InsideDVLA blog for further information. Driving licence holders can […]
Read moreDid you know that self employed bookkeepers have to be supervised by law? Bookkeepers are classed as Accountancy Service Providers (ASP’s) and must be registered. You must register directly with HMRC (and pay a fee) unless you are supervised by one of the following bodies:- Association of Accounting Technicians Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Association […]
Read moreNew Free Webinars available from HMRC
HMRC webinars last just one hour and cover a range of topics such as Business Expenses for the Self Employed, VAT, PAYE, Company Director Responsibilities, Importing and Exporting, Capital Allowances for the Self Employed, Shared Parental Leave, Expenses and Benefits, Constructions Industry Scheme, Property Income and much more. You can head over to HMRC’s website […]
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