Paul Freedman

In my interview on The Big Small Business Show, I speak about the practical aspects of having a fractional CFO in your business. In particular, how a fractional CFO is positioned in an SME business and what the key focuses of the CFO would be in the business. You can watch the clip here: https://lnkd.in/eetV24qU #fractional #strategic #finance

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"Cash-out" transactions are becoming increasingly common across the UK mid-market — and for good reason. Many founders are exploring ways to take some money off the table without fully exiting. In a climate where running a business is relentless, tax rules are shifting, and markets remain unpredictable, de-risking makes a lot of sense. But the right deal is about more than just valuation. The type of capital being used — whether private equity, debt-funded, or strategic investment — has major implications for cash flow, control, and long-term outcomes. Structuring the transaction in a way that protects your position, your team, and your upside is essential. At Azets, we advise owner-managers across the UK on how to approach these decisions with clarity and confidence — from understanding your value to identifying the right capital partner and negotiating terms that work for you. If you're thinking about de-risking, succession planning or growth through investment, it's worth having an early conversation. #MergersAndAcquisitions #CorporateFinance #CashOut #SuccessionPlanning #UKBusiness #PrivateEquity #Azets

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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗢𝗜 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 🗂️ Some landlords chase the next deal… But overlook the systems that make scaling sustainable. Record keeping might seem like admin. A chore. Something to “get round to later.” But here’s the thing: Good systems don’t just save you time, they make you money - by unlocking better tax relief, smarter decisions, and business-grade discipline. 🔹 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗹𝗲, 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 Imagine being able to pull up all your property expenses for the year in 2 minutes. No hunting through emails. No scanning shoeboxes. That’s what a clean system gives you - speed, confidence, and accuracy. When your data is organised, your accountant can identify more reliefs, catch more savings, and file with confidence. 🔹 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁-𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗼 In a tax investigation, your best defence isn’t a clever accountant. It’s clear, reliable records. 1. Who paid for that repair? 2. Was it capital or revenue? 3. Can you show bank transfers and receipts? Systems give you peace of mind - and protect your reputation. 🔹 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 When your finances are centralised and updated monthly, you make smarter business choices: 1. Know which property is underperforming. 2. Spot rising costs early. 3. Forecast cash flow more accurately This is the invisible ROI most landlords miss: good records create better businesses. It’s not just about tax. It’s about clarity, control, and long-term growth. Systems give you all three. 📅 Want to build a property finance system that runs like a business? Book a free consultation and I’ll show you how to start. 💬 What’s your current method of keeping property records? Be honest - paper, spreadsheet, or something more? 👤 Follow me, Usman Butt, for smarter systems and tax advice for landlords who want to scale with less stress. #SmartSystems #LandlordTips #PropertyRecords #LandlordFinance #TaxMaths #PeaceOfMind #FinancialROI

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Starting 18 November 2025, you’ll need to prove who you are before you can run a UK company.🔐 Big changes are coming under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 and mandatory identity verification is at the heart of it. ✅ Who must verify? 1. Directors & PSCs of UK companies 2. LLP members 3. Directors of overseas companies with UK establishments ⏳ Timeline: • Transition period: 12 months from 18 Nov 2025 • New directors/PSCs must verify before appointment is accepted • Existing ones must verify by their next confirmation statement (or other filing deadline) 🆔 How to verify: • Free via GOV.UK One Login • Or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) ⚠️ What happens if you don’t? • Your appointment or filings could be rejected • You may lose the ability to act as a director/PSC • Companies can face penalties 📢 Action point: Get your ID ready and make sure your company records (e.g. date of birth, PSC details) are up to date well before the deadline.

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Qualified small businesses with domestic R&D activities now have a rare, time-sensitive opportunity to unlock significant tax benefits. A recent change allows you to: ✅ Amend your 2022, 2023, and 2024 tax returns ✅ Fully expense all eligible domestic R&D costs ✅ Generate immediate cash flow This provision applies to R&D work already completed such as product development, software creation, process improvements, and other activities meeting the IRS definition of qualified research under Section 174. The critical detail: There is only a one-year window from the date this law was enacted to take advantage of this opportunity. Once that period ends, the ability to claim these retroactive benefits is gone. For eligible companies, this can mean freeing up capital to reinvest in operations, innovation, or growth without raising external funding. However, proper documentation and a clear understanding of qualification criteria are essential to maximize benefits and remain compliant. Businesses should act quickly to assess eligibility, gather records, and file amended returns with the guidance of a tax professional experienced in R&D expensing. #RDTaxCredit #TaxStrategy #SmallBusiness #StartupFunding #Innovation #BusinessGrowth #TaxPlanning #RDExpensing #AccountingIndustry

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MTD IT IS COMING 😱 Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD IT) is the biggest change to the UK tax system in decades 🤒 From April 2026, sole traders and landlords earning over £50,000 must keep digital records and submit quarterly updates to HMRC using compliant software ✅ (PS Dext have one of those compliant softwares called Dext Solo 😂 ) As an accountant or bookkeeper, MTD IT is going to change how you price services, engage clients and manage workflows, its a lot! 🤯 But MTD IT is also about opportunities, not just obligations 🫡 The MTD Oracle (AKA Paul L.) has produced a top tier guide for free for you to use to get your head around whats to come 🤩 Interested? Link in comments! 🥳 PS Nick Charnley my good pal also works in tax and is my pal in the picture 🥸 #mtd #mtdit #hmrc

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