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.....

The Chancellor chose this headline, but I think Investors also get a look in.

(SMALL) MAKERS

I take this to be businesses. In fact, it's largely small to medium companies that benefit from today's announcements being the changes to AIA, SEIS and R&D.

Now or later....For example, you're probably aware that when an invoice is raised it's usual to include it in Turnover. If the invoice is not paid by your year end, it will increase your Profits for tax purposes. Hopefully by the time the tax is due, normally 9 or 10 months after the year end, you've been paid so you're not losing out on cash flow.

However, you may not be aware that if as a shareholder in your SME company you rearrange your shareholdings by giving away shares to family non-spouse members or employees, tax can be due on you.

That doesn't make sense!

We are seeing lots of examples of companies being set up incorrectly.

Incorporation agents and companies house let you set up your company without many checks and balances.

Here are 8 things you need to know: