October Roundup from Avanti including Budget Highlights

During a month that saw Avanti exhibit at the NEC as well as Felixstowe, Bury St Edmunds and Norwich, we also helped clients with our unique blend of services, expertise, proactive advice and business networking.

October draws to a close with a surprising budget from Chancellor Philip Hammond…

Autumn Budget Highlights

• National Living Wage(minimum wage for over-25s) to rise from £7.83 to £8.21 in April 2019
• Personal allowances to be increased from April 2019 to that already announced to be from 2020
• Income Tax personal allowance(the amount all workers get tax-free) to rise from £11,850 to £12,500 in April 2019
• 40p Income Tax threshold to rise from £46,350 to £50,000 in April 2019
• Freezing fuel duties again
• 5B for NHS over next 5 years
• A new mental health crisis service in NHS, with 24 hour crisis hotlines
• Review of modernisation of armed forces, there will be an additional £1billion to the MOD to cover the remainder of this year, and next year
• 10M for Air Ambulances
• 160M for Counter Terrorism police funding
• 420M for highways to tackle potholes now
• 400M for schools for extra kit needed

Throughout October we have updated you on Making Tax Digital, and Software for accountancy.

Making Tax Digital is still a hot topic for accountants and it should be for you too. Avanti will be updating you as and when information is available, and this month we explained cloud accounting software

We pride ourselves on providing “modern accountancy with traditional values”, being ahead of the competition and utilising modern technology, but retaining that traditional customer facing service.

For more information on how a modern accountant can help you and your business move forward click here  If you know of a business worried about their accountancy software please ask them to give Avanti a call.

We explored why communication is so important to businesses of all sizes

The following are some simple ways to build relationships with your clients through communicating effectively;

• Listen – if a client tells you they’re going on holiday, ask them how it was the next time you contact them
• Call them by the appropriate name – if they prefer a different salutation, use it in informal communications and take the time to notify your colleagues
• Avoid negative tones and accusatory language when dealing with complaints
• Mirror the tone and speed of others in situations – people who speak slower and in a gentle manner may be put off by someone who is loud and quickly imparts lots of information

Upcoming next month;

We are excited to be launching Avanti Networking in Dartford on 6th November and Wolverhampton on 13th of November , contact Sharon.baker@avantoigrup.uk.com to book your seat.

Lookout for our health check guide for your business- as the year draws to a close it’s great time to consider where you want to be this time 2019, and re-evaluating finances and where your business stands today versus where you want to be is a great way to start. We’ll be bringing you a series of tips to help you with this.

Tax return season is fast approaching and we’re seeing an increase in clients needing our help from accountants certificates for mortgages to tax planning advice and self-assessment filing, we can help you but if you need our advice – get ahead of the pack and call Avanti as soon as possible. With the self-assessment filing deadline of January 31st looming on the horizon, avoid ghoulish surprises and stay sweet with the tax man by appointing an Avanti accountant. For a no obligation meeting call (08000) 388 799.