What do Students Want from Work Experience Placements – Q&A with Abigail Durant

Students want practical skills, industry insight, and networking opportunities from work experience placements. Personal and professional development are key. Guidance on career paths is up there and students are keen for feedback to improve their skills. Students hope for a rewarding experience that prepares them for future employment.

Continue reading

Unlock the Power of Professional Relationships – Networking is Great for Business

Successful businesses build strong connections. They create robust relationships with individuals within the company, clients, stakeholders, and business contacts. When you appreciate the power of nurturing and utilising strong professional connections, your business will thank you.

Continue reading

The Value of Work Experience Placements: 10 reasons why every business should offer work experience placements

Offering work experience placements provides students with practical workplace skills. Students gain an understanding of the routines and habits of working life. This will help both their personal and their professional development. Discover 10 key advantages for your business of offering work experience placements.

Continue reading

Maximising Tax Efficiency: The Ultimate Guide to Year-End Financial Planning by HB Accountants

As we near the end of the tax year on 5 April 2024, it’s essential to take stock of your family and business finances. Although tax rates and thresholds remain stagnant, the government’s tax revenue keeps climbing. Nonetheless, there are still plenty of practical ways to manage your affairs tax-efficiently, and we’re here to guide you through some of these strategies.

Continue reading

Why training future accountants and business professionals is an integral part of HB Accountants business

HB Accountant has always had a passion for recruiting and developing young talent. This passion is rooted in our 100+ year history and is evidenced by 5 of our managers, including Karen, one of our Directors, all starting HB as part of a training scheme. Karen, Catherine, Karen, Colin, and Barrie, all former trainees and with over 131 combined years of HB experience between them, are giving back by training the next generation. 

Continue reading

New laws to fight corruption, money laundering and fraud may impact how Directors interact with Companies House

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act received Royal Assent in October 2023. It substantially amends the Companies Act 2006 and introduces new requirements for how companies registered in England and Wales interact with, and submit information to, Companies House.

Continue reading

Unbelievable excuses for tax returns that miss the Jan 31st filing deadline

The deadline for submitting your Self Assessment tax returns online for the tax year 22-23 is fast approaching! Tax returns must be filed by 11.59pm on 31 January 2024 and any tax owed from the 2021/22 tax year must also be paid to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) by this date – you won’t believe some of the laughable excuses HMRC have received in the past for late submissions

Continue reading

Advisory Fuel Rates for Company Car Users: When You Can Use Them

Changes have been made by HMRC to the advisory fuel rates (AFRs) for all journeys on or after 1 December 2023 for company car drivers claiming back fuel costs from their employer. The rates are reviewed quarterly and are applicable where employers reimburse employees for business travel (company cars); or where employers require employees to repay the cost of private travel

Continue reading

HB Accountants Celebrating 41 Years in Hoddesdon

Having celebrated our 100th birthday a few years ago, today marks another anniversary for HB Accountants. 41 years in the wonderful Hertfordshire town of Hoddesdon. HB started out in 1921 in the City. Fast forward to 1982 and with rising rent and rates, it was more economically viable to migrate to the suberbs of Hertfordshire, plus lots of the team lived north of the Thames -Amwell House became home 41 years ago on 21 December 1982.

Continue reading