http://www.hmbaccountants.co.uk/

HMB Accountants, 18a Manor Way, Billingham (2026)

03/09/2026

Many directors have, at some point, used company funds to cover a personal expense, intending to repay the money later.

But a recent High Court case raises an important question:

At what point does treating company money as 'your money' become a problem?

In McCarthy v Marshall, the Court found that a director's use of company funds for personal expenditure through a Director's Loan Account was a breach of fiduciary duty, even though there was an intention to repay the money.

The key issue wasn't whether the money was eventually returned.

It was whether the arrangement had been properly authorised in the first place.

For owner-managed businesses, it's easy for the lines between personal and company finances to become blurred. But this case is a timely reminder that a limited company is a separate legal entity, not a personal bank account.

Good governance matters.

✅ Keep personal and company spending separate
✅ Properly document Director's Loan Accounts
✅ Ensure shareholder approval is obtained where required
✅ Don't rely on assumptions or informal arrangements

Do you think many business owners underestimate the risks associated with Director's Loan Accounts, or is the guidance around them still too misunderstood?

02/09/2026

HMRC has revealed that 240 people reported more than £1 million each in crypto asset GAINS during the 2024/25 tax year.

But it's not just high-value investors who need to pay attention.

From 2027, HMRC will start receiving data from crypto asset service providers under new international reporting rules, making it easier to identify undeclared crypto gains and income.

If you buy, sell, exchange, stake or mine crypto, it's important to understand your tax obligations and make sure everything is reported correctly.

Not sure where you stand? Our crypto tax specialist, Howard Bedford, can help you understand the rules and stay compliant.

01/09/2026

Many business owners think accountants are there to produce accounts and submit tax returns.

And yes, those things matter.

But the most valuable conversations often have nothing to do with compliance.

They're conversations about:

• Whether now is the right time to recruit
• Why profits aren't converting into cash
• Which services are the most profitable
• How to prepare for retirement
• Whether expansion plans are affordable
• How to achieve the goals you've set

A good accountant doesn't just tell you what happened last year.

They help you make better decisions about what happens next. Businesses evolve. The support that was perfect when you first started (and the support you budgeted for) may not be what you need today.

The question nobody asks themselves is what do they need in an accountant beyond the basics? Our article linked in the comments might help.

31/08/2026

Could your business survive two weeks without you?

If the answer is "probably not", you're not alone.

Many business owners become the centre of every decision, but that can quickly become a barrier to growth.

In our latest Ask the Expert article, Sarah Bedford shares practical advice on building systems, developing accountability and creating a team that can keep things moving without relying on you for every answer.

Read the full article in the comments

28/08/2026

Not all accountants offer the same thing!

Some accountants provide a compliance service.
They make sure your accounts are prepared correctly, your tax returns are submitted on time and your business remains compliant with HMRC requirements.

That's important.

But an advisory service goes further.

It's about helping you answer questions like:

📈 Can I afford to take on another employee?
📈 Why isn't my profit turning into cash?
📈 Which parts of my business are most profitable?
📈 What's the best way to achieve my growth goals?
📈 How can I improve my margins?

Compliance tells you what happened.

Advisory helps you decide what happens next.

Neither approach is right or wrong. It simply depends on what you need from your accountant. It also depends on your budget. Quite often a business starts with compliance as it's all they can budget for - and over time they realise they also need to invest in advisory.

The question is: are you getting the level of support your business needs today?

26/08/2026

As a family business ourselves, we understand that business decisions aren't always just business decisions; sometimes they're family decisions.

That creates something special. Family businesses often have a strong sense of purpose, long-term commitment and a genuine desire to build something that can be passed on to future generations.

But it can also bring unique challenges.

How do you separate family conversations from business conversations?
How do you balance different opinions when everyone is invested emotionally as well as financially?
How do you plan for growth, succession or change without affecting family relationships?

These are questions that don't usually appear on a set of accounts, but they can have a huge impact on the future of a business.

That's why we believe good advice is about more than tax returns, compliance and spreadsheets.

It's about understanding the people behind the numbers, the goals behind the business and the challenges that come with running both a company and, in many cases, a family.

As a family-run firm, we've seen first-hand the rewards and challenges that come with working alongside those closest to you. It's one of the reasons we enjoy working with family businesses across Teesside and beyond.

Because sometimes the best business conversations aren't just about profit. They're about people.

25/08/2026

This week, we're shining the spotlight on Daisy, our Trainee Accountant here at HMB. 👋

After gaining experience in a finance role, Daisy realised she loved working with numbers and solving problems, making accountancy a natural next step.

Since joining HMB, she's been getting stuck into everything from bookkeeping and client work to helping keep the office running smoothly, alongside studying for her Level 4 Accounting Qualification. One of the things she enjoys most is that no two days are ever the same and there's always something new to learn.

When asked what she's learned so far, Daisy's answer was simple:

"Pay attention to the details and don't be afraid to ask questions"

She says taking the time to fully understand something not only improves accuracy but also helps build confidence and knowledge along the way.

What does she love most about working at HMB?

"The team is so supportive and approachable. Everyone is always willing to help, which has made it a great place to learn and develop. I've also loved the variety of work and the chance to work with different clients."

Outside of work, you'll usually find Daisy with her nose in a book, trying out a new recipe, or exploring the North East with her dog. Having moved up from London in 2022, she's well and truly embraced life in the North East and now proudly calls it home.

We're delighted to have Daisy as part of Team HMB!

24/08/2026

Be honest... have you ever opened a tax bill and thought: "How on earth am I going to pay that?"

Many business owners have. Often it's not because the business isn't profitable. It's because the cash has already been used elsewhere:

• Investing in growth
• Buying equipment
• Recruiting staff
• Covering rising costs

By the time the tax bill arrives, the money simply isn't sitting in the bank account.

So here's the question:
Should business owners be doing more to ringfence money for tax throughout the year, or is it becoming increasingly difficult in the current economic climate?

We've shared our thoughts in our latest article (link in the comments)

What's your view?

21/08/2026

HMRC sent more than 81,000 warning letters, emails and texts to cryptocurrency investors in the last financial year. That's almost three times as many as the previous year!

Many people don't realise that selling crypto isn't the only transaction that can create a tax liability. In some cases, exchanging one cryptocurrency for another can also trigger Capital Gains Tax.

With new international reporting rules due to come into force from 2027, HMRC will have greater visibility of crypto transactions than ever before.

If you've bought, sold or exchanged cryptocurrency and aren't sure whether you need to declare anything, now is a good time to check. A little proactive planning today could help you avoid an unwelcome letter tomorrow.

Got questions about cryptocurrency and tax? Our crypto expert, Howard Bedford, is here to help you understand your obligations and avoid any unexpected surprises.

20/08/2026

A Conversation We Have Almost Every Week

"I wish I'd started tracking this sooner."

That's something we hear regularly from business owners when they finally get visibility over their numbers. Not because things are going badly. Usually because they're going better than they realised.

The right information helps you answer questions like:

• Which customers are most profitable?
• Which services generate the best return?
• Is your pricing still right?
• How much cash do you actually need in the business?

Good financial information isn't about looking backwards. It's about using accurate figures to make better decisions looking forward.

HMB Accountants

03/09/2026

02/09/2026

01/09/2026

31/08/2026

28/08/2026

26/08/2026

25/08/2026

24/08/2026

21/08/2026

20/08/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request