Heriot Hughes Chartered Accountants

19/06/2026

The Cycle to Work Scheme can deliver real advantages for businesses. Improved employee wellbeing, potential NI savings, and stronger staff engagement. However, understanding how it works behind the scenes is key to avoiding costly errors and ensuring compliance.

Our latest blog breaks down the scheme in a practical, employer-focused way and highlights what you need to consider before rolling it out.

Cycle to Work Scheme: A Practical Guide for Employers The Cycle to Work scheme remains a popular employee benefit for UK employers looking to offer tax-efficient remuneration while encouraging healthier and more sustainable commuting habits. While the concept is straightforward, getting the structur...

16/06/2026

🚨 New Blog: How Early Financial Warning Signs Can Protect Your Business From Crisis

Cash flow pressure, rising costs, and unexpected dips in performance rarely appear overnight, the warning signs are usually there long before a crisis hits.

In our latest blog, we explore how identifying early financial indicators can help business owners take action sooner, make better-informed decisions, and avoid unnecessary financial stress.

From monitoring key financial data to understanding what “healthy” performance really looks like, early awareness can be the difference between steady growth and a full-scale business recovery situation.

How Early Financial Warning Signs Can Protect Your Business from Crisis In many business failures, a collapse can look sudden from the outside. The underlying problems usually begin months or even years earlier and businesses that avoid crisis are those that spot financial instability early and act....

11/06/2026

📢 Changes to accounts filings will come into effect on 1 April 2028.

An overview of what’s changing from 1 April 2028:

- all companies must file accounts digitally via software (iXBRL format)
- small companies and micro entities will need to file profit and loss accounts, but can opt-out of this being displayed on the public register – we’ll share details of the opt-out route in due course
- companies will no longer be able to file abridged accounts
- smaller technical changes, including updates to audit exemptions and accounting reference periods

We're contacting all registered email addresses between 16 and 18 June 2026 with further information about the changes.

Read more in the comments section. ⬇️

11/06/2026

🔄 Case Study Spotlight: From Sage to Xero + Unleashed Software

Many growing businesses reach a point where their systems start holding them back rather than supporting their growth.

In our latest case study, we explore where a business moved from Sage to a fully integrated cloud setup using Xero and Unleashed. The result? A more connected, efficient, and scalable way of working, with improved visibility over stock, smoother order processing, and fewer manual workarounds.

Read the full case study here 👉

Case Study: Migrating from Sage 50 to Xero with Unleashed for Smarter Inventory Management Client Overview Our client is a growing product-based business operating in wholesale and online retail. With expanding sales channels, increasing stock lines, and more complex supply chain requirements, their...

08/06/2026

🛒 New Blog: Why Understanding Your E-Commerce Integrations Matters More Than You Think

Getting your online store live is easier than ever. Platforms like , WooCommerce and make it possible to start selling quickly and reach customers across multiple channels.

However, many businesses focus on getting up and running without fully considering how their systems integrate behind the scenes.

Poorly configured integrations can lead to:
❌ Stock discrepancies
❌ VAT and tax issues
❌ Reporting inaccuracies
❌ Manual workarounds
❌ Lost time and increased costs

Taking the time to properly understand and configure your e-commerce integrations from the outset can help create smoother operations, more accurate financial reporting, and a stronger foundation for growth.

Read our latest blog to learn why getting your integrations right is one of the smartest investments you can make for your e-commerce business.

Why Understanding Your E-Commerce Integrations Matters More Than You Think E-commerce has never been more accessible. With platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Amazon Seller Central, you can start selling quickly and reach customers across multiple channels. But while launching an online store i...

05/06/2026

🚗 HMRC Mileage Rates Increased for the First Time in 15 Years

In a welcome announcement, the Government has increased the approved mileage rate for cars and vans from 45p to 55p per mile for the first 10,000 business miles travelled each tax year. The change is effective from 6th April 2026 and will be applied retrospectively.

This is the first increase to the approved mileage allowance rate since 2011 and reflects the significant rise in motoring costs over recent years. The rate for business mileage over 10,000 miles remains unchanged at 25p per mile.

For employers, now is a good time to review mileage reimbursement policies and consider whether payroll adjustments may be required. Employees and self-employed individuals who use their own vehicles for business travel could also benefit from higher tax-free mileage claims.

If you'd like to understand how these changes may affect your business or mileage claims, get in touch with our team.

The headline authorised mileage rate for approved mileage allowance payments (AMAPs) has increased to 55p per business mile from 6 April 2026. This is part of a government package of measures intended to address rising fuel prices.

04/06/2026

📢 Businesses offering family activities this summer – are you prepared for the temporary VAT reduction on children's tickets and meals?

The Government's announcement aims to help families enjoy more affordable days out during the summer holidays, which is welcome news for many households. However, the changes may also create practical challenges for businesses.

From updating booking systems and pricing structures to ensuring the correct VAT treatment is applied to tickets, meals, and package deals, businesses will need to review their processes carefully. Staff training, customer communications, and accurate record-keeping will also be essential to ensure compliance.

If your business offers activities for children and families, now is the time to assess how these temporary changes could affect your operations and take steps to prepare before the busy summer season begins.

Free Xero Training Contact Us Facebook-f Twitter Linkedin-in Instagram VAT Services VAT Services at Heriot Hughes Need Assistance with VAT? VAT compliance is intricate, extensive and it is easy to misinterpret the regulations. Our VAT services can provide peace of mind, knowing that your tax obligat...

05/12/2025

🎄 Christmas Party Season is Nearly Here!

If you’re planning a festive celebration for your team, don’t forget the tax and expense rules around Christmas parties and staff events.

We’re here to help you:
- Understand what’s allowable
- Stay compliant with HMRC guidelines
- Avoid unexpected bills or penalties

Get in touch with us before your party season kicks off to make sure everything is in order — and enjoy the celebrations stress-free!

02/12/2025

Are You Ready for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax?

Around 2.9 million sole traders and landlords will soon be affected by MTD, one of the biggest changes to tax reporting in years. From April 2026, digital record-keeping and quarterly submissions will become mandatory for many businesses.

Our latest blog breaks down:
- What’s changing
- When it’s happening
- How to get prepared

Make sure your business is ready — early preparation makes the transition much smoother!

https://www.heriothughes.co.uk/making-tax-digital-for-income-tax-are-you-ready/

27/11/2025

Email from Heriot Hughes Chartered Accountants Autumn Budget 2025 Good morning, I hope you are keeping well. Welcome to the Budget 2025 edition of our client newsletter. On 26 November 2025, Chancello