Practical guidance on UK tax, R&D, funding, financial operations and growth—written for founders and finance leaders.
How to plan your cash runway: the formula, a worked example, UK benchmarks, a rolling forecast and the funding levers (R&D, SEIS/EIS, venture debt) that extend it.
US-style SAFE notes rarely fit UK tax rules. See how HMRC treats them, why SEIS/EIS relief is at risk, and what to use instead before you raise.
The most tax-efficient director salary for 2026/27: £5,000, £6,708 or £12,570? Worked figures, the Employment Allowance catch and when to choose each.
The SEIS mistakes that cost UK startups investor tax relief, from issuing shares too early to missing the SEIS1 timing, and how to avoid each one.
UK tech firms buying overseas services can check when reverse charge VAT applies, spot exceptions, and report tax in Boxes 1, 4, 6, and 7 correctly.
Learn how UK founders can draft an ASA that meets HMRC’s SEIS conditions, avoid refund and variation clauses, and protect relief until shares are issued.
Learn which project files, test logs, payroll records, and invoices UK tech startups should keep, and how to create an HMRC audit trail as work happens.
Get SEIS share structure right before allotment: learn HMRC’s cash and share rules, then follow the sequence for SEIS1 submission and SEIS3 certificates.
See which UK R&D payroll costs qualify, calculate each employee’s share correctly, and prepare AIF records for an HMRC claim under the merged scheme.
Already filed an R&D claim? Learn when UK businesses can amend a Company Tax Return, how to disclose errors to HMRC, and how to prevent repeat mistakes.
Compare UK startup accounting fees, from £249 monthly packages to outsourced finance support, and use a quote checklist to budget for VAT and payroll.
Learn when UK intercompany recharges escape VAT, how the agent test and section 43(2A) apply, and what tech and fintech finance teams should document.
Set up Xero bank rules for UK bookkeeping with five steps, copyable transaction examples, JAX automation context, and advice on when to involve an accountant.
Checklist for UK companies and founders to handle non resident directors: verify Companies House IDs, choose the right PAYE route and check NIC rules...
Practical UK guide for SMEs on post April 2024 R&D eligible costs: allocation methods, records and steps to avoid HMRC enquiries.
UK founders: reconcile your cap table with Companies House, meet the ERS/EMI deadline (6 July 2026), track dilution and options, and know when to bring in...
Investor facing scenario planning for CFOs: a five step process to protect cash runway, set decision triggers, and deliver board ready scenarios investors...
Practical checklist for UK founders to meet the EIS risk to capital test (Section 157A). Structure share terms, cap table and documents before you issue...
UK startups: practical steps to meet EU digital services VAT obligations. Configure Xero fields, capture two independent location proofs at checkout,...
A checklist-first guide for company secretaries and finance leads. Includes a ready one page cover sheet, 6–8 page paper limits, and a 5–7 day circulation...
HMRC aligned action plan for UK small employers to settle P11D benefits. Check April 6, 2026 payrolling registration, calculate cash equivalents, and file...
UK founders: learn what HMRC requires to prove EIS knowledge intensive status. Prepare R&D schedules, staff FTEs, IP evidence and advance assurance steps.
Six Excel/Sheets steps founders can follow now to build a trusted runway forecasting model, with scenario rules and guidance on when to hire help.
UK founders: set option pool size with a role by role worksheet; use 10–15% as a benchmark and avoid 3–5% dilution from pre versus post money.
Get our 2026/27 UK Founder Tax & R&D Guide for practical planning ideas.