Tag Archives: SME’s

UK Summer Budget 2015 et al – as many questions as answers for business

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Following the budget last week there is good and bad news for companies, with SME owners and shareholders given mixed messages for their future growth strategies.

For example; the reduction in corporation tax is a boost, as is the permanent annual investment allowance of £200k and the increase in the national insurance employment allowance, however this is set against increases in the national living wage and a fundamental change in the way dividends are taxed, even with a new £5k dividend allowance. Payment of corporation tax for larger companies is being brought forward and insurance premium tax increases also impact operational business costs.

The staging dates for the auto-enrolment of all businesses have been issued by the Pensions Regulator and for many SMEs this is now becoming a critical planning activity, with the associated costs of employer contributions. Allied to this is the pension freedoms for those over 55, how this may impact the plans of those working in companies and the potential skill shortages once they retire. In addition, some SME owners may want to re-assess their pension contributions, especially where tax allowances may restrict contributions, and exit strategies as part of their business planning activities.

The budget has provided a myriad of changes for the coming years and even more complexity for businesses, especially SMEs, and using an interim business partner to review your company’s business plans and potential scenarios for the future from an objective viewpoint is beneficial.

MW Interim Finance delivers independent interim financial and business partnering support to SMEs and larger corporates, either on a full-time project or part-time basis, working with directors and owners to deliver operational and strategic objectives.

For further information or a confidential discussion about your specific requirements, please contact Martin Walby FCMA CGMA on + 44 (0) 7876 566875 or email martin.walby@mwinterimfinance.co.uk

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Press Release – June 2015 responsive website launch

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MW Interim Finance announces the launch of an improved and responsive website for all mobile devices, www.mwinterimfinance.co.uk , and continues the provision of an independent finance director dedicated to implementing business transformation.

MW Interim Finance delivers independent interim financial and business partnering support to SMEs and larger corporates, on a part-time basis, working with directors and owners to deliver operational and strategic objectives.

For further information or a confidential discussion about your specific requirements, please contact Martin Walby FCMA CGMA on + 44 (0) 7876 566875 or email

martin.walby@mwinterimfinance.co.uk

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What a start to 2015………

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The Tesco fiasco continues with Morrison’s also making changes at the top. Stock market jitters driven by low priced oil, a possible Greek Eurozone tragedy and unfortunate extremist activity across the world. The UK has at least benefitted in the last few months with lower inflation, cheaper fuel and supermarkets dropping prices, (after a period of overpricing to increase margins). The latest news on growth for the next two years is promising and the Bank of England base interest rate may not be raised until early 2016, bad news for savers and house prices but good news for mortgages.

Election fever again will take over the first half of the year with possibly four or maybe five parties in the running for a coalition, and the uncertainty on who will be governing the UK politically will no doubt be cited as a reason for business to “hold station” on implementation of change. Opportunities may however be lost by procrastination.

Businesses, SME’s and larger corporates should periodically review their business plan models and update annual budgets as there are opportunities to re-assess their competitive position. Reviewing strategy and operational effectiveness, and enabling changes internally and through investment, can provide step changes in growth. Inaction or not adapting to competition in a timely manner could reverse a growth trend.

If there are internal resource constraints for strategic or operational review and senior management are focused on the “day to day”, there is an opportunity for utilizing an independent financial resource on an interim basis to assist in review and implement changes to positively transform your business.

For further information or a confidential discussion about your specific requirements, please contact Martin Walby FCMA CGMA on + 44 (0) 7876 566875 or email martin.walby@mwinterimfinance.co.uk

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A busy week for MW Interim Finance

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MW Interim Finance attended a number of key networking events and forums this week in central London and Surrey, organised by the Institute of Directors – West Surrey, Menzies LLP and the Surrey Chambers of Commerce. Key themes included; engaging businesses to review their strategy and objectives by recognising the significant shift in consumer demand in the next twenty years; the continued growth of China and India in the global economy; technological changes away from the “physical” to the “virtual” supply of goods and services. 

 One of the services that MW Interim Finance provides, as a senior level finance resource, is assisting directors and owner managers in formulating, preparing and reviewing corporate strategy and planning. Supporting businesses in meeting their objectives through delivering “lasting change” is a strength of professional interims.

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An effective Business Plan – a key strategic element in running a successful business

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Working with small and medium sized enterprises, (SME’s), it is often the case that, apart from when a company first commences trading, there is no formal annual update of a business plan. In some cases a company grows without a business plan never having been produced. In an economic downturn not having a business plan can hinder the future of the company both in the short-term and strategically.

In these challenging economic times companies find themselves more often operating on a day to day basis and strategic planning is not considered important. The preparation and implementation of a business plan is an essential part of a continuous strategic planning process and key to a review of the business, supporting funding requests and a requirement in any due diligence exercise when assessing an acquisition opportunity or the divestment of the business.

MW Interim Finance can assist you in compiling or reviewing your business plan, For further information email martin.walby@mwinterimfinance.co.uk

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2010 the year of living dangerously – 2011 a year of opportunity

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As we reach the end of 2010 there are many businesses still under pressure to maintain sales, margins, profitability, service their debt and create / maintain positive cash flow.  Some businesses have managed to recover their cash position but are indecisive about investing for the future. Whether driven by perceived risk, fear of failure or apathy decision makers in SME’s and some larger organisations are not addressing issues, some critical, in re-evaluating their operational or strategic focus. This is the first time in over a year when all the factors likely to impact businesses in the future, more so in the private sector, are “known”. The austerity measures are in place, taxation rates understood, interest rates stable, lenders willing to support good business cases and even retirement and pension related issues have more clarity.

2011 should be a year of increasing confidence and utilising an independent business resource is one way of stimulating a business to review, plan and invest for an economic upturn and to maximise potential opportunities. MW Interim Finance provides independent professional finance support to assist is implementing achieve your strategic and operational objectives.  Visit www.mwinterimfinance.co.uk for further details.

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