Launching ‘Penny to the Pound

Clear Start Accountants has announced a major team expansion with the addition of seven new employees. The Customer Service department has been bolstered with six Customer Service Agents appointed; Fezan Bhatti, Suad Sidi, Fawad Ahmad, Paige Staniforth, Anthony Dale and Muhammad Taha. Clear Start Accountants has also welcomed Aimee Collier to the team, who takes up the position of Administration Assistant. The significant growth follows hot on the heels of a bumper year for Clear Start Accountants, established only four years ago, which closed the last financial year (ending 2022) with a record turnover of £4.2 million. Fiaz Ashraf, Founder and CEO of Clear Start Accountants commented: “As the business continues to grow, we’re thrilled to be able to offer significant job opportunities within the North West, as well as considerably enlarging our customer-facing team, allowing us to maintain the exceptional level of service to our clients that we pride ourselves on. “It is a pleasure to welcome seven new members to Clear Start Accountants, all of who I’m sure will add great value in supporting our dual offering with clear advice and complete transparency – accountancy services provided by a qualified team of accountants, and a monthly budgeting service for businesses and individuals.”

As part of the AFA Group here at Clear Start, we recently held our annual end-of-year celebration at The Light Cinema in Stockport – with a wealth of entertainment, talent and esteemed accolades to recognise the outstanding work of our team members. The celebrations kick-started with the AFA Group’s spin on classic game shows such as Jeopardy and Deal or No Deal. AFA Does Jeopardy featured general knowledge questions covering categories such as Art, History, Entertainment, Science, Sports, and Geography; the team engaged in friendly competition, earning raffle tickets for each correct answer. New Business Representative here at Clear Start Gill Brooks, was victorious and secured the chance to play Deal or No Deal, and the opportunity to win £250! Despite playing a commendable game as she eliminated each box, Gill walked away with a respectable £120. Following the suspenseful games, eight individuals then took to the stage in the AFA Group’s Got Talent, where they battled to secure the grand prize of £1000 or the Golden Buzzer prize – a holiday for two in Rome! From impressive musical performances to a daring recreation of The Full Monty, the contestants showcased a huge array of talent. After intense rounds of competition, the final three contestants emerged, all of whom showcased their vocal prowess. Geralt and Nicole secured the top spots, winning the cash prize and the coveted getaway. To conclude the evening, prestigious awards were presented to individuals who have made remarkable contributions throughout the year. Among the deserving winners were: · Manager of the Year: Jan Copeland · Customer Service Agent of the Year: Soma Surai · Team Leader of the Year (Clear Start Accountants): Shaz Ahmed · New Business Agent of the Year: Mike Kennerk · Newcomer of the Year: Fezan Bhatti · Team Leader of the Year (AFA Insolvency): Kerry Summerfield · Employee of the Year: Faisal Abdirahman Fiaz reflected on the event and said: “The dedication and outstanding achievements of our team members have been instrumental in the success of the AFA Group this year. I would like to extend my congratulations to those who won awards tonight, as well as the lucky participants of our talent and game shows. “The event not only celebrated the accomplishments of the group but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and excitement among employees.”

As we move into the 2025/26 tax year, it’s important for individuals and businesses alike to understand the latest updates and how they might affect your finances. At Clear Start Accountants, we’re here to break down the key changes so you can stay informed and prepared. 📆 When does the new tax year start? The 2025/26 tax year runs from 6 April 2025 to 5 April 2026. 💷 1. Income Tax Bands There are no changes to the main income tax thresholds in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The bands remain as follows: Personal Allowance: £12,570 (unchanged) Basic Rate (20%): £12,571 to £50,270 Higher Rate (40%): £50,271 to £125,140 Additional Rate (45%): Over £125,140 👉 Note: In Scotland, income tax bands differ due to devolved powers. Scottish taxpayers should refer to the Scottish Government’s budget for specific rates. 🏡 2. National Insurance Contributions (NICs) One of the most significant changes is to National Insurance: Class 1 Employee NICs: Reduced from 10% to 8% for earnings between £12,570 and £50,270. Self-employed Class 4 NICs: Reduced from 8% to 6% for profits between £12,570 and £50,270. Class 2 NICs: Abolished – self-employed individuals will no longer need to pay this flat-rate contribution. This represents meaningful savings for employees and the self-employed. 🧾 3. Dividend Allowance and Capital Gains Tax The Dividend Allowance has been halved again to £500 (was £1,000 in 2024/25). The Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Annual Exempt Amount is now £3,000, down from £6,000 in the previous year. This means investors and company directors may face higher tax bills on dividend income and capital gains. 🏠 4. Property and Buy-to-Let Updates There are no major changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) thresholds in England and Northern Ireland. However, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to reviewing property taxes, and we may see future changes announced later in the year. 💼 5. Corporation Tax and Business Support Corporation Tax remains at 25% for companies with profits over £250,000. For companies with profits under £50,000, the small profits rate of 19% applies. Profits between £50,000 and £250,000 are taxed at a tapered rate. The Full Expensing Scheme, allowing companies to deduct 100% of the cost of eligible plant and machinery, has been made permanent. 🧒 6. Child Benefit Changes From April 2025, the High Income Child Benefit Charge threshold rises from £50,000 to £60,000. It is also being gradually tapered up to £80,000, meaning more families will retain their full entitlement. 👩‍💼 7. Pension and Savings Changes The Annual Allowance for pension contributions remains at £60,000. The Lifetime Allowance was officially abolished from April 2024 – this continues into 2025/26. The ISA allowance remains at £20,000. Need Help Navigating the New Tax Year? At Clear Start Accountants, we understand that staying up to date with tax changes can be overwhelming. Whether you're self-employed, running a business, or looking to optimise your personal finances, our expert team is here to help you make the most of your money in 2025/26. 📞 Contact us today to book a free consultation.