South West accountant shares five tips to help businesses finish the year strong

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Sally Holland, Partner at South West-based PPS Chartered Accountants is encouraging business owners to use the final quarter of the year to get organised and plan ahead.

Sally, one of the leaders at the Swindon-based practice, is well known locally not only for her accountancy expertise but also for her commitment to the community. PPS regularly hosts its popular Business Charity Breakfasts and has raised thousands of pounds for local causes. This summer, Sally also took part in a 50km ultramarathon to raise over £1,000 for Wiltshire Treehouse.

With year-end approaching, Sally has shared her top five practical tips to help businesses take control and head into the new year with confidence.

1. **Get on top of your cash flow**

The final quarter can be a squeeze, with festive season trading, late payments and year-end costs all coming together. Prepare a rolling cash-flow forecast (even several weeks ahead) and follow up on any outstanding invoices.

“Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business. Keeping it under control now gives you the breathing space to make decisions rather than reacting to problems in December or January” Sally said.

2. **Check your allowances and reliefs before the year-end**

It’s a good time to review which tax allowances and reliefs your business might be able to use before the end of the year. For example, there are allowances for investments in equipment or contributions to pensions that could impact your finances. With a new Autumn Budget expected later this year, it’s also worth keeping an eye on any upcoming changes that might affect your business.

Sally said “Year-end is always a good moment to look at your business finances and think ahead. Being aware of allowances, reliefs and potential budget changes can help you plan more confidently for the months ahead.”

3. **Review costs and trim unnecessary spending**

Go through your regular outgoings and consider whether they are genuinely adding value. Subscriptions, software and supplier contracts can quickly add up.

“Every business has hidden costs that creep in. By trimming back on what isn’t essential, you free up money to invest in areas that will actually help your business grow,” Sally said.

4. **Refresh your goals and plan ahead**

Review whether the targets set at the start of the year have been achieved and consider the reasons if they have not. Use the final quarter to assess performance, adjust priorities, and prepare a draft budget for the year ahead.

Sally said: “It’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day operations, but stepping back to assess progress is vital. A clear plan now means you’ll step into January with purpose, not panic.”

5. **Get your records and systems in order**

Disorganised records make year-end far more stressful than necessary. Tidy up your bookkeeping, reconcile accounts and check your systems are working smoothly.

Sally said: “We still see businesses relying on spreadsheets or last-minute paperwork. Cloud accounting can make a huge difference - saving time, reducing stress and giving you real-time visibility of your numbers.”

“The final quarter can feel like both a sprint and a marathon. By focusing on these five areas, business owners can give themselves the best chance of finishing the year strong and starting the new one with confidence.”

PPS Chartered Accountants, based in Swindon, works with individuals and businesses across Wiltshire and beyond, providing expert advice in accountancy, tax and business planning. The firm is committed to supporting the local community through its ongoing Business Charity Breakfasts and fundraising activities, alongside offering practical, tailored financial guidance to help clients achieve their goals.

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