Greystone Advisory Limited

29/05/2026

“If it’s for business, I can claim it, can’t I?”

It’s one of the biggest myths we hear, and one that can cause problems if you get it wrong.

HMRC doesn’t look at why you bought something, they look at how it’s used
To be allowable, an expense must be wholly and exclusively for business purposes.

That’s where things often fall down:
❓ Everyday clothing? Usually not allowable
❓ Lunch during a normal working day? Not allowable
❓ Phone or internet used personally? Only partly claimable
It’s the “grey areas” that catch most people out.

Read our blog to find out more on what you can claim: https://buff.ly/c15fX7D

In this guide, we break down what business expenses you can (and can’t) claim, with practical examples to help you stay compliant.

29/05/2026

The world’s first spreadsheet was VisiCalc, launched back in 1979.

It might sound basic now, but at the time, it completely transformed how businesses managed their finances, turning complex calculations into something you could update instantly.

Fast forward to today, and spreadsheets are still a core tool for businesses everywhere (even if they sometimes cause a headache or two).

Amazing how something so simple changed the way we all work.

27/05/2026

Most business owners use Xero for invoicing and bookkeeping, but the real value is in the insights it can give you.

A few simple habits can make a big difference:
✔️ Check your dashboard regularly for a quick cash flow snapshot
✔️ Run your Profit & Loss monthly to track performance
✔️ Keep an eye on aged receivables to chase overdue invoices
✔️ Use tracking categories to see what’s really driving profit

You don’t need to be an accountant to understand your numbers, you just need to know where to look.

👉 We’ve shared some simple tips in our blog:https://buff.ly/rhxmNZu

In this guide, we share simple, practical tips for using Xero’s reporting tools so you can get real value from your numbers.

26/05/2026

Do you know your break-even point?

It’s not just a “finance” figure; it’s one of the most useful numbers in your business.
Knowing when your income covers your costs helps you:
✔ Set the right pricing
✔ Track how your business is really performing
✔ Make confident decisions about growth

Without it, you’re guessing. With it, you’ve got clarity.

Understanding your break-even point puts you in control, not just keeping things ticking over, but moving your business forward with purpose.

If you would like help working it out, we’re here to make the numbers simple.

📩 [email protected]
📞 01332 913010

22/05/2026

The Chancellor has announced new cost-of-living support measures, but what do they actually mean for individuals and businesses?

From energy support and benefit updates to wider economic measures, the latest announcements are aimed at easing ongoing financial pressure across the UK.

While some changes may provide short-term relief, it’s still important for businesses and individuals to keep a close eye on budgeting, cash flow, and financial planning as costs remain high in many areas.

We’ve broken down the key points and what they could mean in our blog: https://buff.ly/QPAyD4e

Rachel Reeves has announced new cost of living support measures, including a fuel duty freeze, mileage allowance increase, temporary VAT cut, and support for selected sectors.

21/05/2026

21/05/2026

On Tuesday, Simon attended the Derby Hub Business Development Day, taking valuable time away from the day-to-day workload to focus on working on Greystone, not just in it.

The timing worked particularly well following last week’s visit to Accountex, where there was a huge focus on technology, AI, and the future of the accountancy sector. It created a great opportunity to reflect on new ideas, review processes, and think about how Greystone can continue evolving to provide the best possible service for clients.

When you spend so much time supporting other businesses, it’s important to occasionally step back and look at your own systems, structure, and future direction too.

Continual improvement matters, and investing time into developing Greystone helps ensure we continue delivering clear advice, efficient systems, and proactive support moving forward.

15/05/2026

Client event or marketing activity, which is it?

It’s a question we get asked a lot, and the answer matters more than you might think.

From a tax point of view, there’s a clear difference:
👉 Entertaining (hospitality) is usually not tax-deductible
👉 Marketing (promotion) usually is

The tricky part?
Even if an event has a business purpose, as soon as food, drinks, or hospitality are involved for clients, HMRC is likely to treat it as entertaining.

We often see:
• Event costs fully claimed as marketing
• VAT reclaimed when it shouldn’t be
• No split between staff and client costs

These are easy mistakes to make, but also easy to avoid with the right understanding.

Read our blog to find out more: https://buff.ly/YxQedNT

HMRC treats marketing expenses and entertaining costs very differently, which can impact your tax bill and VAT recovery. Read more here.

14/05/2026

Yesterday Simon attended Accountex, it was a great opportunity to catch up with existing suppliers, explore new technology, and see where the accountancy sector is heading.

There was a huge focus on AI, automation, and upcoming developments within platforms like Xero and Engager.app, all aimed at improving efficiency and delivering even better support for clients.

One of the biggest takeaways?

We’re on the right track with the technology we are using, and encouraging our clients to use, in the accounting world.

Technology is evolving quickly, but the goal remains the same: using the right tools to create better insight, smoother processes, and more time for the conversations that really matter.

A personal highlight was seeing the excitement around the upcoming Engager Pipeline feature.

It's always good to step away from the day-to-day, learn something new, and bring fresh ideas back to the business.

14/05/2026

It’s always a good time when finance people get to share their story’s, both James and Ians conversations could have continued all night - what a great pair of individuals, with great businesses in attendance, hosted at a great Venue.

If you want to be part of this, please don;t hesitate to contact us.

Next members perk is Derby Hub’s Business Focus Day, on Tuesday 19th May, where the members will be able to work on their businesses, for the day surrounded by other members.