Holder & Combes Accounting

02/09/2026

Setting up a limited company often feels like the finish line, when really it’s where the accounting begins.

From day one, HMRC expects accurate records of company formation costs, director’s loans, and allowable start-up expenses, even before you’ve made a single sale.

Missing this early structure often leads to messy bookkeeping, confused directors’ accounts, and scrambling at year-end to make sense of receipts and expenses.

At Holder & Combes, we help start-ups build solid financial foundations from the outset, keeping records accurate, compliant, and ready for Companies House and HMRC.

Get in touch to find out how we can support your new venture.

Let’s talk about how we can help. Contact us at https://holderandcombesaccounting.co.uk/

31/08/2026

This week at Holder & Combes Accounting💡

Britain's jobs market is quietly cooling. Vacancies have sunk to their lowest since 2014, as smaller firms squeeze recruitment amid rising costs. Unemployment holds steady at 4.9%, but pay tells its own story: public sector wages surge 6.1%, private sector limps at 2.8%. Real pay growth? Just 0.5%. 📉 Is this the calm before a bigger storm, or simply a slow, steady squeeze? What's your take?

31/07/2026

Are you sure the VAT scheme you are using is still the best option for your business? Small changes in turnover could mean you're missing out on simpler VAT processes or better cash flow. Find out why reviewing your VAT setup could pay off today. Read on to see what might work better for you.

Small businesses have several VAT schemes available that can simplify VAT administration and may help with cash flow. However, as a business grows or its circumstances change, it

30/07/2026

Alert: HMRC may be holding money that's rightfully yours! Overpaid tax, job expenses, pensions etc. Check if you can claim a refund now. Find out why it matters and how to act today.

It is important to know if HMRC is holding money that belongs to you. For example, if you have paid too much tax to HMRC, you may be able to claim a tax refund (also known as a tax

29/07/2026

Changes in your personal or financial situation could affect your tax and benefits. Have you informed HMRC yet? Find out why staying updated matters to avoid unexpected tax bills or overpayments. Read on to make sure you're covered.

If your personal details or circumstances change, you may need to tell HMRC as this could affect your tax position or entitlement to certain benefits. You should notify HMRC if

28/07/2026

Alert for self-employed: Your business records aren't just paperwork, they're your proof when HMRC comes knocking. Are your sales, expenses, and taxes all clearly tracked? Read on to see why neat records could save you from stress later.

As a self-employed individual, whether a sole trader or partner, you must keep accurate records of your business income and expenses to back up your self-assessment tax return. You

27/07/2026

Alert for the self-employed: Did you know some business insurance costs could reduce your tax bill? Discover what qualifies and how to keep your claims solid. Find out why keeping invoices is key to avoiding hassle with tax relief claims. Read on to protect your profits!

If you are self-employed, you may be able to claim tax relief on certain business insurance costs as an allowable expense. This means the cost can be deducted when calculating your

27/07/2026

Urgent update for new employers! If you're starting to pay staff or subcontractors, there's a must-do step before payday. Missing it could complicate your payroll. Find out why registering as an employer matters for your business now.

If you are starting to employ staff or engaging subcontractors for construction work, you will generally need to register as an employer with HMRC. This obligation extends even to

24/07/2026

Alert: When does your hobby turn into a taxable business? Making a few sales might not trigger tax, but growing activity could. Find out why understanding this matters before you cash in. Read on to see if your pastime is still just a hobby or something more.

Not every hobby becomes a taxable business, but it is important to be aware when this can happen. This can apply even if you are making some money from your hobby. HMRC looks at a

23/07/2026

Alert for VAT-registered businesses: Are you missing out on VAT refunds to which you are entitled? Discover how you could claim more on your business expenses and get a boost for your budget. Find out why it pays to check your VAT returns carefully and capitalise on what's owed to you.

If your business is VAT registered, you can usually reclaim VAT on many of the goods and services you buy for business purposes. However, many businesses fail to claim everything