Friday’s cloud cover meant we all missed out on the fullest and brightest moon this year and there wasn’t much weekend Christmas cheer given the wash out. So can I bring you any glad tidings? Well, yes I can…

There is some relatively good news for small businesses from the British Banking Association. Banks have recently signed up to a new lending charter to help customers and the banks tackle financial difficulties in a more positive and sympathetic way. Be aware the onus is based on the business seeking help at an early stage and being armed with a realistic business plan for your bank to sympathise. Contact Dawn O’Leary if you need help re-writing your business plan.

Here’s a chance to improve your balance sheet as well as your corporate social responsibility. From 1 April 2009 watch out for financial incentives and much reduced red tape for businesses who switch their company cars to lower emission vehicles. If you need any advice on deciding whether to lease or purchase please get in touch with me or Dawn.

For those of you with online personal tax returns don’t forget you need to submit them by 31 Jan 2009 if you don’t want to incur late penalties. Please call me on 01344 620495 if you have any questions or need any assistance with tax matters.

Wishing you a merry Christmas and happy New Year.