Aaron Patrick ACA FMAAT

If you’re spending on development software, automation, systems architecture… ​ You might qualify for R&D tax credits. ​ But most firms don’t check. ​ Here’s what qualifies under HMRC or IRS guidance: ​ - Developing or improving software - Resolving technical uncertainty - Trial and error in code or system design - Building solutions where the outcome isn’t clear upfront ​ Yet many accountants miss it or don’t ask the right questions. ​ And finance teams assume they don’t qualify, because they’re “just a tech business.” ​ Wrong approach. ​ If your engineers are solving problems, and the solution isn’t plug-and-play, there’s a case to explore. ​ I’ve helped teams identify six-figure claims from costs they were already incurring. ​ If you're investing in tech, check if it qualifies. ​ Message me if you want clarity.

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The MOST underutilised feature in Xero by a country mile- The planned/expected payment date (on the invoices / bills section) Why? So, so simple yet so rarely used For managing bills you need to pay- bang in a planned date 1) It makes payment runs easier 2) It gives more clarity of what's coming out when 3) Gives you a better eye on cash burn rate For managing invoices due to you- bang in an expected date 1) Helps build a system for chasing cash at a very basic level 2) Updates the front dashboard on Xero for expected cash in, again giving more clarity and if you combine the two, you can then link it to something like Futrli which will pull those planned dates through to build a proper decent (the technical term) cashflow forecast with fairly minimal effort What's even more beautiful, if you keep those planned dates up to date its a great way of having a living breath cashflow forecast Better forecasting, better decisions, less stress #cashflow #planning #cloud10

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MTD for Income Tax – a 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 or an 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆? According to new research from Accountex, it’s both, and in a big way. ➡️ 81.7% of accountants say MTD is the biggest challenge for 2025 ➡️ 79.08% also say it’s their biggest opportunity I was pleased to contribute to this article alongside Eriona Bajrakurtaj, Caroline Hobden (Accountex), Clive Barnett and Craig Ogilvie (HM Revenue & Customs), exploring the impact of MTD on our profession and what needs to happen next. Accountants and bookkeepers - are you ready? ❓Do you know which clients will be mandated in April 2026? ❓Have you reviewed your internal workflows and software? ❓Are your teams on board with the digital shift? This isn’t just about compliance - it’s about visibility, client relationships, and creating room for tax and business advisory services. Also AI is playing a growing role in helping firms streamline processes and unlock new revenue opportunities along the way. Therefore it’s also a huge moment to redefine how we deliver value. The message is clear: 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄. Whether that’s testing software, reviewing your pricing, or joining HMRC’s pilot scheme, 2025 is your prep window. Check out the article here: https://lnkd.in/eu7jfNfr

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Yesterday another accountant asked me a question I get a lot: Liam, how have you scaled Elevate so quickly for an accountancy business?” The truth is, it hasn’t been one magic trick, it’s been layers of strategy, focus, and execution. Here are a few things that made the difference: Processes first. We’ve streamlined everything from onboarding to sending out work for approval. A strong foundation lets you scale without the chaos. Client experience at the centre. We set an internal benchmark to respond to clients within 4 working hours. We run surveys, webinars, tax planning updates, and regular check-ins. Clients can reach us in multiple ways, and we make sure they feel heard. A high performing team. Every team member knows their KPIs, their responsibilities, and most importantly cares about our clients’ success. No one likes to see a client struggle, and that shows in the work. Pricing for value, not competition. We didn’t undercut others just to win business. Instead, we looked at the value we provide and priced accordingly. Niche expertise. We’ve developed specialisms in franchising, care, property, professional services, and influencers. Helping us stand out in a crowded market. The result? We’ve achieved 20 years of growth in just 2 years. Of course, there’s always a bit of luck in the mix. But mostly, it’s been strategic planning, hard work, and a relentless focus on doing things properly. Scaling an accountancy business is possible, but only if you build with intention.

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Many MSPs think high sales mean high profit. But I’ve seen too many find out the hard way. You can be busy, and broke as hell. You measure to make more money right? But many MSPs are flying by the seat of their pants, Living one payroll deadline to the next. It’s not their fault. But it is their problem. Margins aren’t a guess. They’re the truth behind your profit. Get them wrong and you can be working flat out but still struggling financially. I’ve seen MSPs prematurely celebrate high sales. Then scratch their heads at the bank balance. Borrowing from Peter to pay payroll Paul. It’s a dangerous cycle: • Sales keep growing • Staff are run off their feet • Cashflow is silently shrinking Then the plugging begins: • Overdrafts to cover gaps • Delaying supplier payments • Personal savings to cover wages The workload is higher than ever - Yet the owner is sleeping less, earning less, and worrying more. And 9 times out of 10? The root cause is the same. Margins that looked fine on paper, But were never measured properly. The finger in the air method not working out so well for them. When you know your real numbers: ✓ You can price correctly ✓ Spot leaks before they sink you ✓ Make decisions from control, not panic The best MSP owners I know don’t chase more sales. They chase the right sales - the ones that protect their margins. Because profit isn’t an accident.

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Red flags I’ve heard from business owners… 🚩 “Our accounts are fine.” 🚩 “We’ve got a bookkeeper.” 🚩 “Our controller’s been here 10 years.” But scratch the surface and what you often find is: ❌ Unchallenged assumptions ❌ Reactive reporting ❌ A lack of strategic insight The numbers might be correct, but the business is still stuck. That’s the difference between reporting and guiding. A fractional FD doesn’t just produce the numbers. They help you: ✅ Understand the story behind the numbers ✅ Spot opportunities (and risks) before they happen ✅ Build a commercial plan that actually works It’s not about saying your team is not up to it - it’s about giving your business what it needs to grow. Are you just keeping the lights on? Or turning the lights up? #PortfolioFinanceDirector #VirtualCFO #FractionalCFO #SMEFinance #SmallBusinessFinance

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