SLP Bookkeeping

11/08/2026

Thinking about hiring a self-employed bookkeeper?

As a business owner, your time is valuable. Keeping on top of your bookkeeping can be time-consuming, and employing someone permanently isn’t always necessary.

Working with a self-employed bookkeeper gives you professional support without the commitment and additional costs of employing a member of staff.

Why choose a self-employed bookkeeper?

• Pay only for the hours you need – no unnecessary full-time costs.
• No PAYE or employer payroll costs associated with employing a member of staff.
• Flexible support – weekly, monthly or occasional bookkeeping to suit your business.
• Less administration – free up your time to concentrate on running and growing your business.
• Professional expertise – experienced bookkeeping support without the commitment of employing someone.
• Flexible costs – increase or reduce your bookkeeping hours as your business needs change.
• Peace of mind – know your books are being kept organised and up to date.

Your bookkeeping doesn’t need to become another job for you.

Let SLP Bookkeeping take care of the numbers, so you can focus on what you do best – running your business.

Get in touch to find out how flexible bookkeeping support could work for you.

12/05/2026

Bookkeeping & Administration Services Available

New spaces are now available for bookkeeping and administration support.

Services offered include:

• Remote or onsite support
• Adhoc assistance
• Sick and holiday cover
• VAT specialist services
• CIS specialist services
• Experienced with all major cloud accounting software

Whether you need ongoing support or short term cover, reliable and professional assistance can be provided to suit your business needs.

Please feel free to get in touch to discuss your requirements.

29/03/2026

End-of-Year Bookkeeping: Set Yourself Up for a Strong New Year

As the year wraps up, now is the perfect time to get your finances in order and start the new year with clarity and confidence.

Here’s what every business should be focusing on:

• Reconcile all bank accounts and credit cards
• Chase outstanding invoices and clear unpaid bills
• Review expenses and identify tax-deductible costs
• Check payroll, pensions, and HMRC submissions are up to date
• Prepare records for your accountant to avoid last-minute stress

Why consider subcontracting a bookkeeper?

Outsourcing your bookkeeping isn’t just about saving time—it’s about running your business more effectively:

• Accuracy & Compliance – Reduce errors and stay aligned with HMRC requirements
• More Time for Your Business – Focus on growth rather than admin
• Clear Financial Visibility – Understand your numbers at any time
• Cost-Effective Support – No need for a full-time employee
• Well-Prepared Year End – Everything organised and ready

Starting the new year with clean, accurate books puts you in a strong position to plan, grow, and succeed.

If improving your bookkeeping is on your agenda this year, now is the ideal time to take action.

20/03/2026

Guidance and Updates

Important Tax Changes for CIS Contractors and Agencies – From April 2026.
-If you are a contractor, subcontractor, agency or business using labour, there are key changes coming into effect that you need to be aware of.

CIS Monthly Returns Are Back (Including Nil Returns)
From April 2026, you must:
• File a CIS return every month
• Even if you have not paid any subcontractors (nil return)

or
• Inform HMRC in advance if you will not be paying subcontractors.

If you do not comply, penalties will apply:
• £100 – immediately
• £200 – after 2 months
• £300 or 5% of liability – after 6 months
• Further penalties at 12 months

Nil returns are quick and simple to submit, but they must not be overlooked.

Umbrella Company Rule Changes
If you are an agency or end client, you may now be held responsible if an umbrella company fails to pay the correct Income Tax, National Insurance or Student Loan deductions.

This increases the need for due diligence and oversight.

Official Rate of Interest (ORI)
The rate remains at 3.75% from April 2026 and will now be reviewed quarterly.

This affects employment-related loans and living accommodation benefits.

What should you do now?
• Stay on top of monthly CIS submissions
• Submit nil returns where required
• Review umbrella company arrangements
• Keep records accurate and up to date

If you need support to stay compliant, feel free to get in touch.

09/03/2026

5 Common Bookkeeping Mistakes Small Businesses Make

Many small businesses struggle with bookkeeping, especially in the early stages. Some of the most common mistakes include:

•Mixing personal and business finances
•Not recording transactions regularly
•Losing or failing to store receipts
•Ignoring small expenses that add up over time
•Not reviewing financial reports regularly

These small mistakes can lead to inaccurate financial records, cash flow problems, and unnecessary stress during tax preparation.

Keeping organised records and reviewing your finances regularly can help prevent these issues and provide a clearer picture of your business performance.

Good bookkeeping isn’t just about compliance, it’s about giving business owners the information they need to make better financial decisions.

09/02/2026

If VAT or CIS only crosses your mind when HMRC emails you…
you’re not alone — but it is costing you.

For sole traders and SMEs, these are the biggest pain points I see:

•VAT liabilities not matching bank balances
•CIS deductions recorded late (or not at all)
•No clear picture of what money is actually yours

Bookkeeping done properly turns VAT and CIS from stress into structure.

08/02/2026

Trending …. ChatGPT give it a go type in…
Create a caricature of me and my job based on everything you know about me

29/01/2026

📌 Important Notice for UK Company Directors and Business Owners

Companies House has issued an official update outlining changes introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency (ECCT) Act 2023, which apply to all UK-registered companies.

Key points to note:

• Changes to Companies House fees
From 1 February 2026, certain statutory fees will increase to support company incorporation services and enhanced powers to remove false or misleading information from the register.

• Mandatory identity verification
All company directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) are now required to verify their identity. Individuals who act as both a director and a PSC must link their verified identity to each role held.

• Registered email address requirement
Every company must maintain a registered email address that is accessible to directors. This email address will be used for official communications from Companies House and cannot be unsubscribed from.

Directors and business owners are encouraged to review their records and ensure they remain compliant with these requirements.

⸻

📊 Professional support available

If you need help keeping your financial records accurate and compliant, SLP Bookkeeping Limited offers tailored services including:

• Bookkeeping and financial administration
• VAT returns and CIS submissions
• Cloud-based, paperless bookkeeping — so location isn’t an issue
• Support for sole traders, limited companies, contractors and SMEs

With experienced, reliable bookkeeping services, you can free up time to focus on growing your business. 

📍 Find out more:

SLP Bookkeeping are here to help with all your bookkeeping requirements. Outsourcing your bookkeeping free's up your valuable time to work on your business and help it grow, while we help in the background.

17/01/2026

Staying on top of HMRC deadlines is a key part of good bookkeeping. Below are the next important dates from today that UK business owners should be aware of.

January 2026
• 19 January – CIS return due and CIS tax payment to HMRC
• 31 January –
– Self Assessment tax return deadline
– Balancing payment due
– First payment on account for 2025/26

February 2026
• 7 February – VAT return and payment deadline (for VAT quarters ending 31 December, if paying electronically)

April 2026
• 5 April – End of the 2025/26 tax year

July 2026
• 19 July – CIS return and payment
• 31 July – Second payment on account for Self Assessment

Ongoing VAT Deadlines
• VAT Returns – Usually due 1 month and 7 days after your VAT period ends
• VAT Payments – Same deadline as the return (unless on a payment plan or annual accounting scheme)

Ongoing CIS Deadlines
• Monthly CIS return – Due by the 19th of each month
• CIS payment to HMRC – Due by the 19th of each month
• CIS statements to subcontractors – By the 19th of each month

Keeping accurate, up-to-date records throughout the year makes meeting these deadlines far less stressful.

SLP Bookkeeping supports businesses with bookkeeping, VAT, CIS and HMRC compliance so nothing is missed.

Follow our page for deadline reminders and bookkeeping guidance, or message us if you need support.