Benefits & Personal Finance

Introduction - Data They Need Before Spending In many fast‑growing construction and engineering SMEs, directors and owners approve expenditure on intuition rather than data. Perhaps they trust their team, are pressed for time or rely on outdated processes. Yet uncontrolled spending erodes margins and creates cash‑flow pressures. This blog explores why directors bypass numbers, what information they need to see, and how often they should review it. Approving spend without chec

Introduction - Financial Leadership Prevents Business Firefighting In the fast‑paced world of construction and engineering, unexpected issues will always arise from delayed supplier deliveries to cost overruns. However, “firefighting” should not be the default mode for your business. Strong financial leadership provides a strategic framework that turns chaos into organised action. This blog explores the top intangible skills a finance leader needs, the red flags they should w

Introduction - T ax Perks for SME Directors UK tax legislation is full of allowances and reliefs that, when used correctly, can significantly reduce a director’s tax burden. Unfortunately, many construction and engineering directors are unaware of these benefits or assume they’re too complex. In this blog, we highlight five lesser‑known tax benefits, many seasonal or time‑specific, that directors of limited companies can claim. Always check with a qualified advisor for your s

After years of building your construction or engineering business, there may come a point where you decide to  step back, sell up, or hand over the reins . Whether you’re planning a full exit, transferring ownership to family, or bringing in new investors, the reality is this: 👉 The way you plan (and time) your succession will determine  how much of your sale proceeds you keep, and how much goes to HMRC. The truth is, many SME owners  wait too long  to think about tax effici

Running a construction or engineering business often means wearing multiple hats, director, project manager, estimator, and sometimes even site labourer. But there’s one habit that quietly destroys clarity, cash flow, and control:  mixing business and personal finances . Many small business owners still use the same bank account for both, buying fuel, paying subcontractors, and covering personal bills all from one pot. It might feel harmless or “easier to manage,” but in real

You may not be thinking about selling your construction or engineering business today, but you should be building it like you are. Why? Because when it’s time to exit, whether in 3, 5, or 10 years, buyers will only pay a premium for businesses that run smoothly  without  the owner. If everything’s in your head, or held together by your personal relationships, the value drops significantly. This is where many construction, trade, and engineering SMEs fall short. They’re brilli

Introduction - Artificial Separation & VAT Disaggregation If your construction or engineering business operates through multiple companies, perhaps one for labour, one for materials, or one for management, you could unknowingly be breaching  HMRC’s VAT rules on artificial separation and disaggregation . It’s a common trap for small and medium-sized construction firms. Many set up multiple entities for practical reasons, like dividing work or managing cash flow. But if those c

Introduction - ChatGPT in a Construction or Engineering Business If you work in  construction or engineering , you’ve likely heard about  ChatGPT  , but maybe you’re still wondering how it actually helps your business. Most small and medium-sized companies see AI as “something big corporations use,” but the truth is this:  AI is now the easiest way to save time, cut admin costs, and improve communication  across your team. At  Jones Financial Accounts (JFA) , we advise constr

Introduction - Director Responsibilities In construction and engineering, directors carry more than hard hats and decision-making power, they carry  legal accountability . Every missed filing, unpaid tax, and compliance breach falls back on the board. The penalties can hit both the company and the individual director personally, fines, disqualification, or worse, reputational damage that lingers longer than any project delay. At  Jones Financial Accounts (JFA) , we see many d

Introduction - The Payout Options Every Owner Should Know Succession planning isn’t just about retirement, it’s about  turning years of hard work into lasting value  while protecting your company’s future. For many construction and engineering directors, the biggest question is simple but critical:  “How do I get paid, and when?” Your payout structure determines how much you actually walk away with, how much tax you’ll pay, and how your team, or buyer will fund it. The right

Introduction - Value Your Construction or Engineering Business When it comes to  succession planning , one of the biggest questions every...

Introduction - Succession, Where Do You Start In the construction and engineering world, many business owners spend years building their...

Introduction - The Tax Gap Explained In plain English, the  tax gap  is the difference between what HMRC  should  collect and what it ...

Introduction - U pgrade Your Finance Function If your construction or engineering business is drowning in invoices, card payments,...

Introduction - Guide to Valuation When you’re raising finance, for new kit, extra crews, or bridging cash between stage payments, two questions matter most:  what’s the business worth, and how much should you ask for?  Get either wrong, and you risk expensive borrowing, unnecessary dilution, or a deal that collapses at the finish line. For construction and engineering firms, the challenge is sharper: project timings, retentions, variations, and materials volatility all distor

Introduction In construction and engineering, directors are often focused on turnover, gross profit, or cash flow, but overlook the...

Introduction - Construction Firms Need Scenario Planning Running a construction or engineering business often feels like driving in the...

Introduction - Prepare Financially Before Bringing in a Business Partner For construction and engineering businesses, growth often means...

Introduction - Construction Accounting Year-End Preparation For construction and engineering businesses, the end of the tax year is more...

Introduction - Remote FD vs In-House Accounts Construction and engineering businesses scaling from £500k to £5m turnover often face the...