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Prime Numbers offers tailored financial support to entrepreneurial businesses. We offer accountancy and tax services; allowing you to focus on your sales.

07/10/2026

"I'm making a profit, so why doesn't it feel like I've got any money?"

It's a question we're asked more often than you might think.

And usually, the answer is that profit and cash in the bank are telling you two different things.

You might have made the sale, but the customer hasn't paid yet. You may have invested in equipment, repaid borrowing or taken money from the business. Or you might have VAT, Corporation Tax or other commitments coming up that aren't immediately obvious from today's bank balance.

This is why we always encourage business owners to look beyond what's sitting in the bank.

Your numbers should tell you what you've earned, where the money is going and, importantly, what's coming next.

Once you understand those three things, running the business starts to feel a lot less like guesswork.

30/09/2026

If you've taken money from your limited company, you can't simply assume it's a dividend.

Until it's properly dealt with, money you've taken that isn't salary, an expense repayment or money the company owes you may need to be recorded on your director's loan account.

A dividend also needs to be supported by available profits, formally declared and documented.

In some circumstances, a director's loan can later be cleared using a dividend, but only if the company has sufficient profits and the dividend is properly declared.

It's a good example of why deciding what a payment is before taking it can save problems later.

https://f.mtr.cool/sg546p6mx9

23/09/2026

Ever invoiced a customer, paid the VAT, but they still haven't paid you? You may be able to claim VAT Bad Debt Relief.

If the debt has remained unpaid for at least six months and you've written it off in your VAT records, you may be able to claim relief, subject to the other qualifying conditions.

So don't automatically assume the VAT on an unpaid invoice is lost forever. Take a look here: https://f.mtr.cool/f236k71r9a

14/09/2026

🔍 New from HMRC: Use their online tool to find and add your tax deadlines directly to your calendar. A few minutes now could prevent last-minute stress!

Explore more here: https://f.mtr.cool/qyfixwpbqr

04/09/2026

We're often asked what the one simple change is that makes the biggest difference to how a business is run.

The answer is always the same: regular management reporting.

When you have up-to-date numbers, decisions stop being guesswork. You can see what’s really happening in the business, spot issues earlier, and move forward with confidence rather than uncertainty.

It’s one of the most empowering shifts a business owner can make — because you’re leading with facts, not gut feel.

If you want 2026 to feel calmer, clearer and more intentional, this is a very good place to start.

24/08/2026

If you're an employer providing benefits in kind, company cars, private medical, the lot, change is coming.

From April 2027, mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind begins. Instead of submitting annual P11D forms, you'll report taxable benefits through payroll in real time, each pay period.

It's not live yet, and nothing needs to change today. But payroll software and internal processes will need reviewing well before the deadline arrives.

17/08/2026

HMRC has opened a consultation on how company dividends and capital repayments to shareholders are taxed.

Nothing is changing right now. This is an early stage, just a consultation.

If you're a limited company director taking dividends, it's worth knowing this is in motion. We're keeping an eye on it, and we'll let you know well before anything actually changes.

10/08/2026

Firstly, It’s not that they work longer hours or that they have the biggest teams. And it’s not that they have the best products or service.

The businesses we’re seeing thrive are the ones that know their numbers, review them regularly and make proactive decisions instead of waiting until year-end.

Business success isn’t just about working hard. It’s about understanding what’s driving your profits and acting before small issues become big ones.

03/08/2026

If 31 July came and went and you couldn't pay, you're not alone, and there's more room to sort this than most people think.

Interest starts building on the unpaid amount from the day after the deadline. That's not a penalty, it's just what happens automatically. It adds up, but it isn't a crisis on its own.

If you genuinely can't pay in full, HMRC's Time to Pay service lets you spread the cost over instalments. For bills under £30,000, you can often set this up online without even speaking to anyone. For larger amounts, or trickier situations, call HMRC's Self Assessment payment helpline directly on 0300 200 3822.

If your income this year is genuinely lower than last year, it might not even be the full amount you owe. You can apply to reduce your payment on account using form SA303, or through your online account.
The one thing that makes this worse is doing nothing. Silence gets you penalties. A phone call gets you a plan.
Useful links:
Pay your Self Assessment tax bill: gov.uk/pay-self-assessment-tax-bill
Reduce your payments on account: gov.uk/understand-self-assessment-bill/payments-on-account
If you're sitting on this one, let's talk this week.

29/07/2026

A few small tasks before August begins:

Pick one accounting job you have been putting off and get it done this week.

It could be:

Uploading receipts
Checking who owes you money
Updating mileage
Looking at cash flow
Booking a chat with your accountant

It does not have to be everything.

One small step is still progress.

Address

Edinburgh
EH39

Website

http://www.primenumbersca.co.uk/

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