Accessibility links

Christmas comes second to work for SME owners

19 Dec 2015

Griffin Stone Moscrop & Co (GSM) has commented on news that, according to Zurich’s latest SME Risk Index, 49 per cent of the UK’s small business owners worked on Christmas Day last year.

The research indicated the challenges of achieving a work-life balance, with a further nine per cent having admitted to missing their child’s nativity play and 13 per cent having missed the Christmas party.

Furthermore, the research went on to show that 14 per cent of decision makers have not taken any annual leave this year, whilst 18 per cent have not had more than 10 days off this year.

Jenny Tolmie, Partner at London based Griffin Stone Moscrop & Co (GSM) said: “Missing big events and not taking holiday days shows the pressure that many small firms are under.” Jenny n went on to say that GSM can assist SMEs with a number of tasks that they may be trying to undertake on their own.

“This is a very busy time of the year for everyone, especially SMEs. In gearing up for Christmas, there are so many things to deal with, such as payroll, the self-assessment tax return, and the implications of auto-enrolment,” said Jenny. “I hope that everyone gets to enjoy the holidays and that’s why I’d like to remind SME owners that GSM can help you with your backlog. We can pick up the pieces and help your business to run smoothly throughout the festive season and into 2016.

“At Griffin Stone Moscrop & Co, we understand the pressures faced by SMEs and so we want to help business owners to achieve a healthy work-life balance and put Christmas back on the calendar,” concluded Jenny.

To find out what Griffin Stone Moscrop & Co can do for you, please contact Jenny Tolmie on 020 7935 3793 or via email jtolmie@gsmaccountants.co.uk

The author is a partner in Griffin Stone Moscrop & Co, a member of UK200Group which has offices throughout the UK and Associates overseas.

"We’ve been working with Richard Hill and GSM&Co for several years now and I’d highly recommend working with them. I have absolute confidence in the quality of their work."

Alex Shapland-Howes – Managing Director of Future First Alumni

"I would say that GSM are clear in their advice, responsive and helpful and their fees are both reasonable and discounted for charitable entities."

Robert Senior, Chairman - Lewes Community Screen

"The main factors that influenced our decision to go with GSM were: their fee was very competitive compared to other quotes we received, they showed a good understanding of a Parochial Church Council and the framework in which it operates."

Colin Edwards, Treasurer - St Luke’s Church, Wimbledon Park, London

"We are delighted with the proficient and individual service we receive and highly recommend them. They not only provide quality work and advice but are approachable and caring."

Philomena Freeman - Freeman Associates

"We have been working with GSM for more than 14 years. They manage our bookkeeping and advise on all levels of finance and accounting."

Richard Craig Managing Director, Margaret Howell Ltd

"GSM has been accountants to our company and family members for more years than we can remember. This is testimony to the truly excellent working relationships we have enjoyed with them over those years and the personal, friendly service they have always been able to provide."

Brian Lavender Managing Director, Lavender & Farrell Limited

"GSM have helped us grow from a dotcom start-up into a well known online brand. They have always provided a professional, friendly and helpful service."

Alison Sakai Head of Finance, Firebox.com

"GSM have supported our company, and more recently group, since our incorporation in 2009. They have consistently provided the highest standard of service and advice."

Christopher Dougan Chief Financial Officer, Olivetree Group Limited

"GSM have promptly prepared my annual accounts and tax returns and more recently looked after my monthly PAYE."

Robert Malleson Director, RPM Associates Limited

"Griffin Stone Moscrop made it on to our shortlist with their third-sector credentials alone. What won the tender for them however was a combination of not just that experience but also a demonstrable ‘real world’ pragmatism to auditing.

John Heasman Chief Executive, Rock UK

"The team at GSM know we need a specific type of service and support as a small business, and they work efficiently which allows us to save on costs as a result."
Keren Lerner Top Left Design

"Embarking upon the path of fashion business was quite agitating in the beginning, but Jenny provided so much guidance in such a calm and patient manner that suddenly all became clear and I could finally concentrate on other aspects of my company. Thank you for being my Egyptian marble pillar that I know is always there for me to lean on!"

Vera Sugurova Managing Director of Durbandaire & Co Limited

"Since I came into the business 32 years ago, I have found their advice to be invaluable and trustworthy, always responsive to sort out any queries. I have no hesitation in recommending GSM."

James Pimblett Partner at Parsonage Farm

"GSM were recently instrumental in guiding us through the R&D claim process, providing a very successful outcome for the group."

Christopher Dougan Chief Financial Officer - Olivetree Group Limited

"GSM have helped us grow from a dotcom start-up into a well known online brand. They have always provided a professional, friendly and helpful service."

Alison Sakai Head of Finance - Firebox.com

"I started my business in late 1992. Since then GSM have promptly prepared my annual accounts and tax returns and more recently looked after my monthly PAYE."

Robert Malleson Director - RPM Associates Limited

"There is never a question that is too simple to ask, or too complex for them to answer. They are always willing to spend time researching unusual requests for information that we may make."

Stuart Payne Director - Oliver Garratt Limited

"We have been working with GSM for more than 14 years. They manage our bookkeeping and advise on all levels of finance and accounting. They are excellent at systems and have good international experience, they are also trusted and able auditors. They are experts in the industry and played a major role in our growth and internationalisation. They are trustworthy, efficient, technically able and thoroughly nice people. I am delighted to recommend them."

Richard Craig Director - Managing Director Margaret Howell Ltd

"GSM has been accountants to our company and family members for more years than we can remember. This is testimony to the truly excellent working relationships we have enjoyed with them over those years."

Brian Lavender Managing Director - Lavender & Farrell Limited

"GSM have audited our accounts for the past 3 years. They have also helped in the preparation of accounts. In a very short time they understood the workings of our charity and were able to offer friendly and helpful advice"

Lorna Stagg Administrator - The Eaton Fund for Artists, Nurses and Gentlewomen

08 Apr 2024

Relief at HMRC's reversal of helpline closures

HMRC's decision to halt its plans to restrict taxpayer helplines and direct people to online services instead has been met with relief by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

Key figures in the Charity sector got up to date with a recent briefing on accountancy and reporting at our offices, reported on by Charity Times. You can read it here.

If you’re new to GSM and would like to attend future briefings or be a part of a similar briefing for your sector, contact Richard Hill

Autumn Statement 2023

A review of measures for UK businesses and individuals.

Services

Committed to providing expert, objective and timely advice, delivered in an efficient and effective manner.

Sector

We have specialist expertise for clients in a number of business sectors including Fashion and Farming.

Case Studies

The advice and solutions we offer our clients are focused on helping them achieve their objectives.

Knowledge

Factsheets, resources, news and events to keep you up to date on the changes in the financial world.

Xero

uk200 group

Sage