It's hard to believe that it's only 6 weeks until Christmas.

If you'd like to show your staff how much you appreciate their hard work, but aren't sure what it might cost you and the tax implications, read on.....

As accountants looking after owner-managed SMEs needing to make a step change in their growth, we are often asked how they should do this. A common solution is to recruit a good senior person to help the owner grow the business further.

However, it's difficult to attract the right calibre person with the budget you have available, so let the tax system help you.....

If you are lucky enough to be a guest at the Olympics, what sort are you and what tax is due?

1. Your client has invited you and your better half to enjoy the men's 100m final, plus you are wined and dined, all paid for by your client. Your company pays your train fare. You are hardly going to drive after all that free booze!

This is the E word - Entertaining! But it's mainly paid for by your client so it's his problem. What is that? Well, he can't claim any VAT deduction or any corporation tax relief for the cost. Happily you don't any suffer income tax. However, you won't be able to claim corporation tax relief for the train fare as the reason for the trip was Entertaining.

How can I motivate my staff in a tax efficient way?