UK Research and Development (R&D) tax reliefs are generous and relatively easy to claim, but in recent years HMRC has become increasingly concerned about non-compliant claims and fraud. This means companies can now expect a greater chance of HMRC scrutiny, so it’s...
SMEs
Case Study – Operational Effectiveness Assessment – Managing Risk
The Client Medium sized FMCG manufacturer Constraints Regulated industryLong supply lead timesHigh raw material costsHigh potential impact from consumer complaints The Problem The client’s product uses raw materials supplied from multiple countries and the assembled...
Operations by design – the four V’s
Operations can be costly, hence the ongoing drive for productivity and efficiency. There are four aspects of your business that will drive the way your operations are designed and their associated cost profile. First, think McDonald's and you’ll understand the impact...
Why you should get emotional about your service processes
Everybody has a story to tell about their awful service experiences and social media helps make those stories freely available to all. Sometimes things seem to go wrong even when the ‘process design’ seems fine on paper and the systems are working as they should. Why...
Forensic Accounting
Forensic Accounting is a branch of accounting that describes the work of an accountant who investigates and reports on the financial activities of a business or individual with the aim of producing information for the settlement of disputes. Forensic means “suitable...
Understanding Intellectual Property is important for SMEs
Intellectual Property is becoming increasingly important for SMEs. Years ago IP was the preserve of the very large companies and focussed almost exclusively on Patents and Trade Marks. It tended to involve large sums of money and lawyers and other professionals.This...
UK Business Advisors Ltd is growing
UK Business Advisors (UKBA) is the nationwide network of consultants and business advisors that helps SMEs to achieve their ambitions. All advisors, who have a wide range of experience knowledge and skills have all held senior positions in larger companies. Over the...
Social Networking for Small Businesses
Social Networking is the term given to a variety of new techniques for communication with clients, customers, prospects and other interested parties. As with other marketing techniques it needs careful planning to ensure that the right message gets through to the...
UKBA response to Government mentoring programme
As one of the UK’s leading advisors to SMEs (Small and Medium sized Enterprises), UK Business Advisors (UKBA) initially expected to register and become a core part of the new government initiative for mentoring to small business owners. Whilst it is expected that some...