The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 44: Aug/Sept 2019 | Page 14

FINANCE LOW COST WORKSHOPS IN SWINDON & WILTSHIRE Learn how to write a business plan and financial forecast, get to grips with creating a marketing strategy that will set you apart from your competitors, and become fluent in engaging with your audience online! Give your business the best possible start in 2019 and book onto your first workshop today. Local entrepreneur, and founder of Silver Swift Drinks, Rose Unwin, recommends the workshops for both new and growing businesses: “So far, I’ve attended Marketing Made Easy, Social Media Made Easy and Finance & Business Planning and the workshops have been absolutely fantastic. I was so impressed by the quality of facilitator and the content. I’ve learned copious amounts and would recommend them to every Wiltshire business.” The workshops running throughout 2019 are: • Marketing Made Easy • Using Social Media in your Business • Marketing your Website • How to Grow your Business with LinkedIn • Business Planning and Finance for Business Each workshop costs just £30 + VAT and will be led by an experienced business adviser or industry expert. Attendees will also have the opportunity to register for the Swindon and Wiltshire Growth programme, which provides access to more tailored support from an experienced adviser. “From providing you with the skills to market your business and create robust financial plans, applying for a start-up loan, or accessing tailored business advice, working closely with growth advisers will give your business a head start in a competitive market.” – Tara Gillam, Head of Enterprise at Business West. Ready to develop your business skills? Head to: www.businesswest.co.uk/ swindon-workshops and book onto a workshop to get started. The Swindon and Wiltshire SME Growth Programme is part-funded by the European Commission (ERDF), Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council, and is designed to enhance business performance. Child Benefit thresholds and what to do as your income changes I opted out of receiving Child Benefit but my actual income is lower than I thought – what should I do? You should probably opt back into the Child Benefit system. You can do this by using an online form at the HMRC website, or by calling the Child Benefit Helpline. If your taxable income is less than £50,000/year then you can spend all of the benefit. If it is between £50,000 and £60,000/year, you should keep some aside for repaying HMRC once your tax return has been submitted. Ways to reduce your taxable income (and potentially qualify for more child benefit) include paying into a personal pension scheme; and transferring deposits and Business Workshops in Swindon Finance Marketing Find out more or book now for just £35 * businesswest.co.uk/swindon-workshops 01275 376 226 [email protected] *plus VAT Peter Bromiley ACA Partner AMS Accountancy Ltd, Swindon SN5 7XF www.ask-ams.co.uk 01793 818400 Ask AMS Social Media Business Planning Learn from experienced business advisers and industry experts at monthly workshops in Swindon. investments to a spouse. Also, if you have your own business, you could discuss with your accountant possible ways to reduce your income or move it into a lower earning tax year. Advice for small businesses AMS Accountancy Ltd. 01793 818400 I want to set up a Limited Company but I’m nervous about being a Director. Becoming a Director does include legal responsibilities. For example, Directors must act in the best interests of their Company, and not allow it to trade if they believe it will be unable to pay its debts. They must also ensure that it complies with employment laws, health and safety regulations and keep proper accounting records. All Limited Companies must appoint at least one Director. No Director should be ‘barred’, bankrupt, or under 16. See Gov.UK Running a Limited Company for the rules. Also see our YouTube video on the Tax Advantages of a Limited Company So long as you are sensible, the advantages of a Limited Company – such as tax savings and limited liability - are very often worth the extra legal responsibility. I suggest you speak to an accountant for further advice Peter Bromiley ACA 80+ videos on @AMSAccountancy www.ams-accountancy.co.uk 14 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2019 ‘AMS Accountancy’ Limite advan Intro: direct also k I wan nervo Becom respo the be it to t debts emplo and k All Lim Direc or un Comp Tax A So lo