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General business

Tel: 01277 627314 | Email: info@douglascharlton.co.uk

Issues to consider when running your own business. Click on the links below to access the relevant information.

Accounting records

What records should you keep – and for how long?

Bribery Act 2010

This factsheet gives an overview of the procedures you must put in place in relation to the Bribery Act 2010.

Company secretarial duties

This factsheet considers what company information has to be made available and looks at whether a company secretary needs to be appointed.

The Criminal Finances Act makes companies and partnerships criminally liable for failing to prevent tax evasion. This factsheet considers the key aspects of the Act and the implications for your business.

Directors’ responsibilities

Becoming a director carries with it potentially onerous duties. Make sure you know what those duties are. This factsheet gives guidance on directors’ responsibilities.

Franchising

Franchising is becoming increasingly popular. This factsheet considers the advantages and disadvantages of franchising and points to consider when considering operating as a franchise.

Fraud and how to spot it - ten step guide

This factsheet considers how you can increase your awareness of the factors that indicate fraud. It also sets out the defences that you can implement to minimise the risk within your business.

Grants

We consider if your business is eligible for a grant.

Micro Entity Accounting

This factsheet considers the options available to micro entities when preparing their accounts. This factsheet considers the options available.

Narrative reporting

An explanation of the directors' report requirements faced by private companies.

Preparing for your accountant

Whether we are producing your accounts or carrying out tax compliance work, being prepared for us will ensure our work is carried out smoothly and efficiently and with the minimum disruption to yourselves. This factsheet highlights many of the ways in which you can help.

Register of people with significant control

This factsheet summarises the requirements which place additional obligations on companies, their officers and the people with significant control over them.

Securing business success

As many as half of all businesses fail in their first three years of trading, this factsheet summarises the specific reasons for business failure and how to avoid them.

Small Company Accounting

We consider the required format of statutory accounts for small companies. This factsheet considers the reporting requirements and their impact.

Running a limited company

Running a limited company presents a range of unique challenges and responsibilities. Limited companies are subject to tight reporting and financial responsibilities and the directors of the limited company have their own duties and responsibilities.

Valuing your business

There are many reasons why you may need to calculate the value of your business. This factsheet consider the range of methods available as well as some of the factors to consider during the process.

Latest News

05 Feb 2026

Pubs get 15% business rates relief

Pubs and live music venues in England will be given a 15% discount on their business rates bills from April and will not see increases for two years, the government announced.

05 Feb 2026

Tax timebomb poses existential threat to high streets, government warned

Small businesses such as cafes, shops and hairdressers are facing three years of business rates misery with an average 52% hike in bills, analysis from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has revealed.