Worthing Accountants & Cashflow in the Small Business

Without the help of a Worthing accountant, setting up a new business can be somewhat daunting, especially when it’s the very first time you’ve made the leap from employee to being your own boss.  Aside from the excitement of finally  going it alone, you have to contemplate all the risks and potential rewards.  You also deal with the anxiety of making sure you get everything right, not landing yourself in a more difficult situation particularly when you’re strongly committed financially.  

http://www.sussex-accountants.com/

The really important point to understand is what your business is actually all about.  If you have just started an electrical firm, or opened a shoe shop you may be focused on getting out to customers and selling your goods and products, which is great, but if get your pricing wrong and charge too

So, a key consideration of any business is to account for all the finances, and in particular cashflow. 

Accounting for Success in Worthing

Cashflow is all about what you actually have in the bank and what you really need to spend it on.  It’s fine to have orders lined up for the next six months, but if you can’t meet payroll and the VAT bill next week, you can still go bust.  You have to account for the cash you have available in the bank account at any one time, and then plan ahead.

Many people are not confident of doing this yourself, then employ a bookkeeper or a Worthing accountant to help you out.  It is another commitment, but the guidance you get could be the difference between staying afloat in the long run or sinking quickly.  If you are happy to account for the finances yourself, however, it does keep you in control and allows you to set the right priorities on a day to day basis.  It need only take a couple of hours each week, but that investment in the accounts will let you really decide what you have to do before events overtake you. 

The idea behind it is actually quite simple.  You look at your bank balance, what your income is going to be, and what bills and outgoings you can see and on what date.  Add them up and subtract them accordingly and you can see how much money you will have left week by week, and month by month.   If things are (hopefully) going well, and you have plenty of money, then you can also decide how much to put aside for future commitments - to pay things like phone bills, rent, rates, VAT, tax and any other outgoings you can think of that are going to be coming up.

If things are not going well, you can spot the problems early on and have time to think about how to deal with shortfalls.   You can make plans to do things like:

·         Can you negotiate with your suppliers and creditors? 
·         Do you need to raise some short-term finance to get you through a lean period, and if you do borrow, will you be able to cope with the repayments on top of all the other bills?
·         Do you need to delay drawing your own income to free up some money, and make up for it in future when the situation improves? 
·         Ask a Worthing accountant to take over the negotiations for you.
These are all tough decisions, but by keeping an eye on your cashflow you give yourself a chance to deal with the issues before you have a pile of final demands on your desk and a bailiff at the door.

An Accountant in Worthing Pays Dividends

The main mistake that too many small business owners is not building up a reserve for the future.  This is something a good accountant in Worthing will advise you on.

When everything’s going well it’s all too easy to assume it’s going to continue forever and pay yourself accordingly.  But when this is done there is nothing left in the account to cope when business is not so good, which invariably does happen.

Enjoying the fruits of some hard-earned success is absolutely the right thing to do, but a business owner must be sensible and live the good life once a reserve of cash is saved up and put aside.  For every pound earned, cash must be saved for tax and overheads.  A further percentage should then also be saved to build up the reserve.

While this is building up, the owner should try to keep their own income at a reasonable level.  Once the reserve is in place, however, then the higher salary and perks can begin.

In business cash is king, and all good accountants will guide you to ensure that you always have enough to keep afloat, which then return the favour for a long time to come.

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/hmrc-accounting-and-tax-group

Five Ways Ligne Roset Furniture Can Modernise Your Home.

Many homes in Kensington, Chelsea, Fulham and Hammersmith utilise their space so that they can make the maximum amount of impact, without compromising on taste. You may be looking round your home and thinking that it could do with a bit of a facelift. But what if you don’t want to start knocking down walls or repainting every available wall? There are some small and surprising ways you can instantly make any room seem fresher and more contemporary. We show you five ways for you to modernise your home with Ligne Roset furniture.

https://www.ligne-roset-bromley.co.uk/

1.     Look Backwards

This may seem counterintuitive but for a plethora of interior design ideas, the past is a virtual treasure trove of untapped resources. From the V&A’s archives, to old books full of photographs, to Pinterest boards, you can find a whole range of style ideas from the various centuries and decades preceding ours. For one of the most iconic looks of the last century, you can’t go wrong with the Togo line of seating from Ligne Roset. Designed by Michel Ducaroy in the early 1970s, these brightly coloured Ligne Roset sofas were made entirely from foam (including the arms) and came in a variety of thicknesses and shades. Their unique design was instantly recognisable the world over and continues to be one of the main staples of the Ligne Roset furniture range. Indeed, Lignet Roset chairs and sofas can be seen in many homes in Kensington, Chelsea, Fulham and Hammersmith.

2.     Combine Art with Functionality

One of the most unique qualities of Ligne Roset furniture is that it effortlessly combines the striking nature of modern art with the practical functionality of everyday furniture. The right piece, from a colourful Ligne Roset chair to one of their modernist, minimalist end tables, can really enliven a room and become a focal point to an entire decorative scheme. Great art should be admired and so should a beautifully-designed piece of furniture and the designers frequently draw upon the greats, such as Picasso, as their inspiration. With the ever-increasing popularity of interior design, concepts such as Hygge and the ability to be more discerning with our purchases, the furniture you choose can say as much about your taste and sensibilities as the art you hang on your walls.

3.     Layer Up

Don’t underestimate the importance of soft furnishings. Once you have laid out the basic structure of a room, a well-placed rug or a smattering of throw pillows can make all of the difference and can totally transform a tired-looking space into something more warm and inviting. The Ligne Roset furniture range includes some beautiful, richly-colourful rugs like the Hex Hex Rug, which combines small triangles of differently-coloured cloths all woven together in a complicated tapestry. The layered effect of the rug adds a brightness to even the darkest of rooms and can add some much-needed focus to a space that lacks a cohesive centre. If bright colours aren’t your thing, Ligne Roset rugs come in a range of neutral colours as well, to keep with your minimalist aesthetic, while adding some texture to your rooms. Their cushions again come in a huge range of designs, from effervescent geometric patterns to more sedate florals. Used correctly, these can enliven a more neutral colour scheme or tone down a brighter colour palette. And for those cold winter afternoons, it’s always worth investing in a comfy throw, to curl up in your Ligne Roset chair with and really embrace the Hygge side of life.

https://www.ligne-roset.com

4.     Accessorize

The right accessories can make or break an outfit and the same is true of interior design. Once you’ve worked out the furniture and the soft furnishings, everything else is pure embellishment and can often be the most fun to put together. Ligne Roset offer a range of accessories that can be placed throughout your space as accents or as centrepieces. For example, their mirrors can be hung in the bedroom or hallway, while simultaneously evoking the art deco vibe and acting as an eye-catching adornment. Similarly, their beautifully-fragranced candles not only look subtly exquisite but they also fill spaces with an understated aroma that adds to the overall ambience. And the Ligne Roset scented rocks are also another way to add some interest to your overall design scheme while also emitting a gorgeous perfume of amber or cedar-scented perfume.

5.     Design for Your Location – Ligne Roset Sofas for Kensington

Ligne Roset furniture is a hallmark of many homes in Kensington, Chelsea, Fulham and Hammersmith, thanks to the sheer range and breadth of design options available. A Ligne Roset Store for Kensington is likely to have a range of items available that reflect the tastes of the local homes and inspire interior-design-enthusiasts. From their colourful sofas, to their intriguingly-designed chairs and tables, to their replete soft furnishings and eye-catching accessories, there is something for everyone.

 

Why the Designer Chandelier is the Ultimate Lighting Choice.

Interior design trends in lighting come and go but some choices, such as the chandelier, remain an enduring and classic design that are still used the world over. Indeed, contemporary crystal chandeliers are found in some of the most high-end homes in Chelsea, Kensington, Hammersmith, Fulham and beyond. Read on to discover why the contemporary bespoke chandelier is the ultimate lighting choice for your home.

https://www.nickmailerlighting.co.uk/about-designer-chandeliers/

The History of the Contemporary Designer Chandelier

The contemporary crystal chandelier began as the humble candelabra, which consisted of two slats of wood, forming a cross shape. Candles, often made of animal fat, were held in place by spikes placed at the end of each beam. The whole design was hung from the ceiling, ensuring a diffusion of light that hadn’t been seen before. It made the candelabra an instant hit with the aristocracy and the designs began to increase in complexity.

By the 17th Century, candelabras had begun to look more like the contemporary bespoke chandeliers we see today, with several ornate branches made of gold and silver. It was a way to show off a family’s wealth and status and, with the increasing popularity of designer glass from Murano, the crystal chandelier was born. The Industrial Revolution brought with it improvements in production methods, meaning that the crystals used in chandeliers could be made more cheaply and efficiently, creating a unique lighting option that was luxurious as well as functional.

With the advent of gas and electric lighting, the chandelier became an even more popular choice, with people enjoying the comforts of modernity, while still being able to enjoy the splendour and opulence of classical design. There was no longer a need to keep replacing the candles and the risk of fire was significantly reduced. The comparative brightness of gas lighting, in comparison with candlelight, also meant that the slightly opaque glass covering became increasingly fashionable, with the crystals creating a refracted light that spills out across any space. A trend we see continued today in contemporary crystal chandeliers in Fulham, Chelsea, Kensington and Hammersmith.

Nowadays, the designs are more bespoke than ever, with the choices for customisation and designer glass, seemingly endless. Rather than opting for the simplicity of a single pendant light, the contemporary crystal chandelier allows for a multiplicity of design options. So why choose a chandelier for your home?

The Staircase Chandelier

 One of the main benefits of the contemporary bespoke chandelier is the sheer amount of light they emit. Made up of a number of different branches, you can choose how big or how small you would like it to be. The chandelier, by its very nature, is usually a large piece of lighting, so it needs the requisite space. This will be useful for those areas that need a lot of lighting but where may not have the space for freestanding lamps or wall lighting. One of these areas for many people is their staircase. The staircase chandelier is a great choice for both grandeur and usefulness. The fact that it is suspended from the ceiling saves you valuable space while also creating stunning illumination and the feeling of baroque extravagance. A good designer glass will give the chandelier even more sparkle. The staircase chandelier is a central feature of many homes in Chelsea, Kensington, Hammersmith and Fulham.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandelier

The Bespoke Chandelier

Options for a contemporary bespoke chandelier are nearly endless, with lighting suppliers offering a huge range of style options. Some offer modern designs, which echo art installations, creating a truly contemporary vibe. While others harken back to a more classical feel, with handcrafted crystals. Which one should you choose? There are two questions you should ask yourself before deciding on the final design.

What is the space like?

Is it a staircase? A dining room? A hallway? The kind of space you have will dictate what kind of chandelier you should opt for. If it’s for a staircase, you need the chandelier to throw out the maximum amount of light that will illuminate the path up the stairs, instilling a sense of grandeur to the line that runs through your home. If it’s for a dining room, the chandelier should shed just the right amount of light so that you and your guests can enjoy a cosy, intimate meal together, while still being able to see your food! For a hallway, you want to make sure that the chandelier is both warm and inviting, as well as positioned correctly, so as not to upset the flow of any decorative scheme.

 What is your decorative theme?

You need to make sure that your contemporary bespoke chandelier fits with the rest of your interior design. If the rest of your house has a minimalist, spare feel then you don’t want a huge crystal chandelier that displays more of a baroque aesthetic. Likewise, if your interior leans more towards an exquisite, rococo style, then you wouldn’t want to have a sparse, ultra-modern, drum-style chandelier.

New Materials for House Building in Horsham and Sussex

Like many industries, house builders in Horsham and Sussex are ever on the lookout for ways to improve.  This is in response to customer demand for greener housing as well as the need to be as efficient as possible.    

A number of innovative new materials are now being developed that could have a significant impact on all areas of the building industry, from architectural design and services in Reigate, through to final build solutions across the county.  The building materials can be used in smaller projects such as loft conversions and home extensions, or major housing projects in larger urban developments in places such as Horsham or Crawley.

https://abmbuild.co.uk/about-abm-build/

While the new developments are exciting in themselves there is an issue in how to bring them to market in a “joined up” way.  The building materials are being researched and manufactured in various locations around the world, and a co-ordinated effort by the UK government and building industries would do much to make them available to local companies in the near future.

Here are a few of the more intriguing materials that may find their way on to Sussex construction sites.

Bamboo-Reinforced Concrete

While bamboo is not a traditional construction material for places like Reigate and Crawley, it has long been proven in Asia.  Bamboo’s properties of being strong, lightweight and fast growing are now making is a very attractive option for a number of applications and many in the architectural services sector are keen to incorporate it where possible.

One very promising use of bamboo currently being researched in Switzerland is as replacement for steel bars to re-enforce concrete.  The material produced is a made up of a mix of bamboo fibres and an organic resin.  This makes sure the bamboo will not degrade or rot over time, and because bamboo also absorbs large amounts of CO2 it is proving to be a viable green option rather than the heavy carbon footprint of steel.

Aluminium Foam

Aluminium foam panels are created by injecting air into the metal while it is still in a molten state. When the aerated metal cools and hardens, it forms its shape around the pockets of air, and this gives it a high strength-to-weight ratio.  So as well as being attractive it is also very lightweight, and has the added benefit of being completely recyclable. This is demonstrated with all the initial material being made from 50% recycled materials in the first place.

The foam has already been used as cladding on a number of building and construction projects.

Ultimate Upcycling for Reigate

Biochar is the name of the waste product produced when trees are burned in kilns for energy.  When wood is burnt this way, only while 50 per cent of the material is converted to heat energy, the remainder becomes biochar.

There is now a process for turning this biochar in attractive black façade panels to be used in buildings.  It’s an ecologically efficient way to create building products that can be used in home extensions and building designs throughout Sussex.

Anti-Fire/Anti-Mobile Phone Plywood

A UK company has found a way create a multi-purpose building material that has huge potential for use in public building projects.

By immersing the layers of wood used to create plywood in a specialised fire retardant that works by blocking oxygen, when the plywood layers are compressed together the panels will not burn, even when saw for construction.  By then coating the plywood with an acrylic emulsion paint that contains graphene, the finished panels have very strong radiation-shielding properties, allow them to block mobile phone and television signals.

This makes this type of treated plywood ideal for hospitals and schools.

https://www.newhomesource.com/guide/articles/future-of-home-tech

Bio-receptive Concrete – Working with Nature in Reigate and Crawley

Sussex towns such as Crawley and Horsham, and particularly coastal urban areas such as Reigate are susceptible to moss and lichen.  These natural growths can be unsightly as they grow in patches, but there is new school of thought that proposes rather than spending significant amounts of money and using harmful chemicals to get rid of the problem, why not make them an architectural feature.

That is the idea behind biologically receptive concrete, which has been geometrically designed to promote the growth of mosses in specific selected areas of the material.  The notion could even be a practical, low maintenance, alternative to large-scale green walls, which are often expensive to maintain.

Transparent Wood

Building designers and companies involved in architectural services have long looked for practical alternatives to glass.  Plastics go some way to offering an economic replacement, but becomes too opaque when manufactured in any thickness that provides sufficient strength or insulation.

So there is more than a little interest in recent research that has found a way to remove a component of wood known as lignin, and replace it with a synthetic polymer.  Doing this means that a strip of the modified wood 1 mm thick becomes 85 per cent transparent while still retaining its original strength.  At the same time, the thermal properties of the wood are much better than glass.

The research is still in the early stages, but the potential for a new alternative to glass is very much there.

Natural light from Double Glazing Doors in Worthing, Brighton and Chichester.

With winter now on the horizon in Brighton and Worthing and around Sussex,  in you may well be considering the benefits of UPVC double glazing doors and windows.  This could be new windows throughout the property, a conservatory, or roofline features such as a skylight – you’re not limited to just doors and window

https://tridentwindowsanddoors.co.uk/doors/

The main factor will, of course, be budget, the size of your property, planning restrictions your personal taste, but what about your need for the kind of natural light so abundant in Worthing and Brighton.

And if the health and wellbeing of your home’s occupants – that’s you and your family! – is paramount, you’d be surprised at the direct impact your choice of UPVC windows and doors can have, which is because of their inherent ability to bring that bright light in to your living areas.

That’s not their only benefit though.  They also protect you from sound pollution, reduce glare, increase warmth and comfort.  They’re all affected by your windows and doors, especially when they’re more than a decade old.

Double Glazed Doors and Windows Offer Excellent Natural light.

63% of homeowners rate natural light as the most important aspect of a home.  This is supported by the fact that during the summer months increased exposure to natural light can reduce the symptoms associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

In fact, just 30 minutes per day is plenty of time for the body to release serotonin in to the bloodstream, which is also known as the ‘happy hormone’. In addition to this, vitamin D, most is easily obtained via natural light acting on the skin, which is recognised for having a positive impact on chronic pain and depression.  Well-designed UPVC double glazing and doors really help provide this light.

https://tridentwindowsanddoors.co.uk/windows/

So it’s really important to take full advantage of all natural light sources when thinking of ways to improve your home’s interior design.  You should always look for ways to incorporate large windows that face the sun during daylight hours or skylight windows that allow natural light to pour in to living spaces.

Helping You Start Your Day

As we all know, getting up early is never easy, but letting the sun wake you up is one of the least disruptive ways of starting a brand new day. Having UPVC double glazed windows that face the direction that the sun rises can really help to regulate the body’s internal clock and go a long way to helping you wake up in a better mood.

While this isn’t always easy when the darker winter months draw in, making the effort to spend just one hour in natural sunlight can dramatically improve your sleep quality and make the morning routine that little bit easier.

Double Glazing Savings for Worthing & Chichester

Research has shown that for many households the biggest energy expenditure is artificially creating what are considered ideal living conditions, which includes heat and lighting levels.  While continuing advances in technology, including lightbulbs that go a long way to replicating natural light, are helping, you will still save energy by simply installing windows and doors that allow in natural light.   

In addition to this, you should remember that up to 24 per cent of a home’s heat can be lost through old and inefficient windows.  Replacing old windows with modern, energy efficient UPVC double  glazing will reduce heating bills by significantly reducing this heat loss.  

Tail Docking - Dog Pain Sussex – Part 1

Canine osteopaths Sussex have shown great interest in joint study published by the University of Bristol and the Royal Veterinary College on the subject of risk factors for tail injuries in dogs, dog pain in Sussex, and the clarification it provides about these important issues for overall dog welfare.

The study refers to and builds on evidence already cited by organisations such as Advocates for Animals and the Scottish Executive during the progress of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Bill.  This legislation was introduced in support of a ban on the tail-docking of all dogs.  These results of the study also confirm the non-scientific survey commissioned by the BBC Scotland “Landward” programme in 2009.  The BBC survey polled Scottish vets and four out of five of the 595 respondants said that there had not been any increase in tail injuries since the original tail-docking ban was introduced.

http://www.canineosteopath.co.uk/

Dog Pain in Sussex

There is other background to this story.  Claims have been made that the research has established the case that dogs that have had their tails docked are less likely to suffer from tail injuries, but others don’t agree with this assertion.  While no one disagrees that Sussex dogs without tails may in fact be less likely to suffer accidental tail injury later in life, but every puppy that is docked by definition suffers a major tail injury which causes dog pain.  Add to this the fact that the surgery can also lead to physical and behavioural consequences, and you see that tail docking is not necessarily a better option for the dog.  

While no one would disagree with the fact it is unrealistic to avoid all accidental injuries throughout the life of a dog, it is realistic to end the intentional injury from unnecessary tail-docking.  Given that such docking involves injury to every single dog operated on, the real question has to be whether the early injury rate of 100% can be justified.  This question is particularly relevant when the central argument of the pro docking advocates is it that it reduces the potential number of potential injuries and sources of dog pain later in life.

The overall risk of dogs being injured each year in the UK is only 0.23% per year, which is very low.  In fact, the authors of the study observed that “tail injuries requiring treatment in the general dog population of GB could be even rarer than originally thought”.

The upshot of the figures in the study is that around 500 dogs would need to be docked in order to prevent one tail injury.   The underlying data is did include cases injuries suffered covered a variety of situations, and not just the working dog population:

·         36.1% (35 cases) of the injuries were caused by the dog knocking its tail against the wall, kennel wall or other household objects;
·         17.5% (17 cases) were from undergrowth or fences during exercise or work;
·         14.4% (14 cases) were due to their tail being caught in a door;
·         15.5% (15 cases) were due to various other causes; and
·         16.5% of cases (16 cases) were due to an unknown cause.

Continued ………

Dog Friendly Pubs in Sussex – Time Well Spent

Everyone has a different notion of what makes for a perfect day, but there aren’t many who would disagree that if it includes a couple of hours at one of the many pubs for walkers in Sussex, it just can’t get much better.  If you happen to be in the mood to day dream about the ideal day to tick all your boxes in style, how do you think it might begin? Perhaps a slow, relaxing breakfast at a street side café in the heart of Brighton as a good starting point, or maybe a relaxing swim in the pool at the local sports centre.

From there on, some people might choose to indulge in some little retail therapy in the many Sussex shops of Brighton, Worthing or Horsham. There are plenty of good stores to explore in the seaside towns of Sussex, ranging from familiar high street names that can be found in most places to the more niche independent boutiques which are able to offer something just a little different. No matter what you might be looking for, you can undoubtedly find it on the familiar coastal region of Sussex.

On the other hand, many people would prefer to take part in a sporting activity rather than wander through shopping centres.  Fortunately, the area is blessed with variety in the region, so if you fancy a round of golf, a knock-about with friends or perhaps even a little tennis, you’ll have no problem finding what you’re looking for. Golfers in particular have benefitted in the area thanks to a proliferation of both parkland and links-style golf courses.  The latter can be especially challenging on a blustery day, even in the heart of a British summer.

One of the better ways to appreciate the great outdoors is to wander off into the countryside for a long walk with your faithful four-legged friend.  Whether you own a border collie, a Labrador, a cocker spaniel or a sheltie, you can enjoy every step of the way with the rural Sussex landscapes being so achingly beautiful.  Losing yourself among the woods can actually be something of a pleasure, and with so many pubs for walkers in Sussex crossing your path, you can be sure of a relaxing pit-stop along the way.  

Making Time for Food at Dog Friendly Pubs in Sussex

We may tend to just think in terms of the drinks available at the various pubs for walkers in Sussex, but it’s also worth pointing out that the range of food can be just as good, and as invigorating and reviving as the craft beers, chilled wines and the fizzy soft drinks.  There is a very welcoming atmosphere in these establishments, especially when you’re hungry after a hike, so it is good to stop for a while, peruse the menu and select something that suites your tastes at that particular moment in time. Just to warn you, though, this isn’t always going to be an easy decision as the choices can all be quite tempting.

Once you’re suitably refreshed, you can then decide what to do with the remainder of your perfect day. One of the most pleasant things to do is to pass a few hours by the seaside, and it’s also one of the most relaxing – an ideal follow up after a heavy lunch in the dog friendly pubs in Sussex.  Just head to the seafront, treat yourself to an ice cream, then find a comfortable bench or a nice spot on the beach and watch the waves and the passing boats. It really is relaxation at its best.

http://shepherdanddogpub.co.uk/

Even though such a relaxing day might leave you exhausted, especially the hefty lunch at the one of the walkers pubs in Sussex, you may not want the feel-good factor come to an end quite yet.   This being the case, you can always take a gentle stroll along the sea front in the sunshine.  Seaside resorts in the UK have been making something of a comeback lately, and it’s easy to see why.  These iconic locations often boast dramatic seascapes that change from day to day so what more could you possibly want?

For a gentle end to your ideal day, how about a visit to a cinema or the theatre? Sussex is known for several excellent venues and there is always something worth going to.  For the movies, there always seems to have a plenty of choice these days, with the latest Hollywood blockbusters, tear-jerkers and thrillers all starring major international names as well as Indie productions showcasing up and coming talent.