Autumn 2017 Newsletter
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The Little Blue Book Issue 40 | Autumn 2017 News Information Our Business Your Business Chartered Accountants Independent Financial Advisers www.rnsca.co.uk www.rns-ifa.co.uk Welcome We hope you enjoy the Autumn, 2017, edition of our Little Blue Book. I can’t believe how fast the year has gone. We welcome Alex Douglas as an equity partner and say a fond farewell to Rebecca Abbott, who will continue to work I hope, as well as thinking about Christmas, you for the firm despite retiring as a partner. continue to plan your financial affairs, whether as a business or individual. We celebrate clients’ successes and also look at the financial markets, progress on the efforts to make the tax Our publication will, hopefully, help prompt thoughts system digital, and highlight our involvement in Small about the 31st January self-assessment deadline or the Business Saturday in Barton. end of the tax year in April. I hope you enjoy reading it. Please feedback any comments It has its usual mix of articles. through your partner here or email [email protected] Our profile series focuses on partner Jenny Camm. John Heeney Senior Partner John Heeney BA (Hons), FCA [email protected] T: 01724 842713 2 RNS Cut above the rest A substantial investment in premises and staff – and “I’m really grateful to her and consider Rebecca a friend as support from RNS - has put a Brigg hairdressers a cut well as my accountant.” above the rest. Steph, who has two daughters Lexi (10) and Erin (8), has Owner of Guys & Dolls Steph Hart says customers have been a professional hairdresser for 15 years. She’s joined in reacted favourably to the improved salon on College Yard. the business by Victoria Morwood and SJ Pick. She had worked for its “We are all a really close team and good friends,” said Steph. previous owner Michelle “Without Vic and SJ the salon doesn’t run. We are a Mundey for four years. little family.” “It’s a well-established The unisex salon has a new aspect as Steph and Victoria hairdressers with a good have recently completed a year’s course at Doncaster reputation,” she said. College where they learned traditional, cut throat “Michelle retired in April wet shaving. last year after starting the salon 28 years ago. “It’s something different and the men we’ve practiced on have enjoyed the experience. “After taking it over, I’d wanted to make changes “We’ve also been on a hair extension course over three days to the premises. It’s in Leeds. completely revamped and I’m delighted with it. We’ve moved things around and it’s “We’re developing different sides to the business. Both were modernized the salon. really good courses and worth the investment. “It’s small and quirky and 100 times better than what I “It means we can continue to appeal to young and older thought it would be like. people alike.” “We’ve also switched names to Guys & Dolls. Rebecca wished Steph, Victoria and SJ all the very best with the new-look business. “My partner’s name is Guy and my dad has called me ‘Doll’ from being small so it worked well.” “I think it looks fantastic,” Rebecca said. “I’m pleased that the team at RNS can support the business with payroll, She enlisted the support of Rebecca Abbott. monthly accounts and help them meet their annual tax and accountancy compliance needs. “I could not have done this without Rebecca,” said Steph. “She’s been amazing. “Steph’s got some great ideas about taking the business forward and we’ve worked well together. I wish her the best “Rebecca’s provided business support and planning. She of luck. helps me with all aspects of my financial arrangements. “I’m certain what she’s done will prove a big success.” RNS 3 Financial markets Partner at RNS Independent Financial Advisors Andrew The overall outlook for company Clayton reflects on the markets. earnings is that they can continue to grow and this should help support No prizes for guessing the topic of most interest since our values. Combined with dividends last newsletter. there should be continuing positive returns, just not on the same scale that we have recently experienced. Brexit has dominated the headlines. In some ways things have turned out to be more eventful than expected and in In the US, the political position has been quite unsettled. others they have not. President Trump’s reforms are being slower to enact than We had the surprise General Election but, in the end, that he might have hoped. did not really strengthen the UK’s position. But, despite this, the stock market there has done fairly And although negotiations are now underway, there is little well, with technology-led businesses such as Amazon and of substance to report on or to plan around at this stage. Google among the main contributors. Interest rates remain on hold, although there is a strong The economic situation in America is thought to be suggestion that we may have a small rise in the foreseeable sufficiently stable that there is going to be a tentative future. Any changes are, however, unlikely to be dramatic. change in the monetary policy. Quantitative Easing, which is the central banks injecting Money that is held in normal bank accounts, in the money into the financial system, is at an end. current low interest rate environment, does not give a very good return. As long as this is managed correctly it will be a positive thing with the economy left to stand on its own two feet. Bank interest rates currently sit around 1-2%, sometimes less for old ‘zombie’ accounts. Europe has seen several major elections, notably in France, and, more recently, in Germany. So it is sensible to look at ways of making a better return on investment from investment funds and investment There is political uncertainty in Spain. But, although it ISAs, both of which can pay a good dividend. In fact, UK may be a little bit messy, the European markets should still stock markets have one of the best dividend yields in the remain relatively on track. developed market. This is helped by the fact that the European Quantitative Sterling has been a little stronger in recent weeks but it Easing program, in contrast to that of America, is still is a long way from reversing the falls experienced in the creating extra money and usually that is an extra boost for immediate aftermath of Brexit. share prices. Nevertheless, this has dampened the fortunes of overseas For details on how RNS can help arrange and review your earners a little, with UK domestic businesses being investments, please contact Andrew. the ones to fair better in many cases compared to their international counterparts. Overall, the UK stock market has been fairly flat and it is Andrew Clayton down a little bit from its peaks earlier in the year. FCA, Dip PFS But, after the surge in equity values recently, it is not [email protected] totally surprising that things would cool a little and it is T: 01724 842713 part of the normal cycle we would expect. 4 RNS “There are plenty of items to suit all ages and for all Iconic style occasions. I stock sizes from 6 to 26+. “There’s everything from show-stopping party dresses to skirts, shirts and trousers suitable for the office or while Vintage-influenced fashion is the eye-catching focal point adding accessories a trip into town. We have footwear too. of a new, modern, Bottesford business, supported by RNS. “I’m hopeful brides will also see the potential for something Mum-of- three and former receptionist Tracey Marshall different for them and their bridesmaids. has opened her retail clothing boutique Vendemia on the village’s Moorwell Business Park on Moorwell Road. “I’m passionate about vintage wear and I hope people will come and visit and see why. Private viewings can be booked Tracey says the store is the only one for many miles by appointment outside of opening hours.” specialising in new, retro-style 1940s and 1950s’ fashion. She thanked Karen at RNS for her support. She has been supported in the venture by RNS partner Karen Lyth. “She’s put everything together from a business planning perspective and I’m really grateful,” Tracey said. Tracey (44), who “She explained the advantages and disadvantages of sports purple setting up in business and has made sure we were on hair with victory the right track. rolls, is a long- time admirer “She’s been patient and been there when we needed her and wearer of to be.” vintage fashion. She also thanked her husband Craig for all his support. They “It’s a fabulous are the parents of Josh (19), Ruby (2) and the late Jack. look,” she said. “I’ll often get people come up to me when I’m out and say Karen wished Tracey all the best with the business. how much they like my hair and love what I am wearing. “It’s a novel business and unique to northern Lincolnshire,” “They may not be brave enough to dye their hair purple but Karen said. “A major part of starting a business is believing in they can sure wear the clothes I stock. what you’re doing. “Nobody can question Tracey’s passion. She’s some great “Now they can purchase clothes by top vintage brands such ideas and I wish her luck with her venture.” as Lindy Bop, Collectif, Voodoo Vixen, Banned Apparel, Lady Vintage and many more in one place and on their doorstep.” The business can be contacted on 03301 243 296; email Tracey on [email protected]; or go to Facebook.