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Alison Mead

The Blog of Silicon Bullet

By Alison Mead, Bookkeeping Mentor ...

Cyber attack strikes hard, Codes and firewalls no match, Silent destruction

How a Cyber Attack Compromised a Bookkeeper’s Security

When a cyber attack struck a bookkeeper friend of mine, it revealed the hidden dangers of downloading files from seemingly trustworthy sources. In this blog post, she chronicles the experience, offering essential insights into recognising threats and protecting sensitive information in the digital age ...

Bookkeeper balancing, Ledgers and numbers with care, Numbers dance on page

Why Should You Use A Bookkeeper?

Wouldn't a bookkeeper make your life a whole lot easier? Having a clear picture of your finances at any given time is a must ...


Building Your Bookkeeping Business

A question I often see asked in bookkeeping groups and forums is where can I find customers or gain experience?


There are many ways you can access my knowledge and skills to help you with your bookkeeping!

Do You Need Bookkeeping Support Or Help With Your Accounts?

If you have any doubts about doing your bookkeeping there are several ways you can get support from me ...


Be extra vigilant with how you search for IT Support contact numbers, and if you're in any doubt, call us!

Be Careful Who You Call For IT Support

If you have a problem with your computer and need help, be really careful who you call for IT support ...


I realised many TikTok creators have no idea about the legalities of reporting their earnings to HMRC!

How Small Creators Can Earn Money From TikTok

I have been experimenting with TikTok to see how it all works so I am able to help and advise those with side hustles ...


If you're not part of a professional body, you need to register to be supervised by HMRC for Money Laundering Regulations!

Anti Money Laundering Supervision With HMRC

As a bookkeeper who chooses not to be a member of a professional body, you need to register to be supervised by HMRC ...


Xero's upcoming payroll flexibility will offer considerable benefits!

Easily Add Payroll Users to Your Xero Business Plans

Xero continues to strengthen its offerings for UK businesses by introducing a significant payroll feature in June 2023 ...


With these updates, Sage continues to solidify its position as a leader in accounting and financial management solutions!

Sage Introduces AI-Powered Updates

Sage has announced a series of updates to its customer subscriptions, effective from the 1st of April, 2025 ...


By introducing enhanced features and greater accessibility, Xero Simple aims to simplify financial management!

Xero Cashbook Is Evolving Into Xero Simple

Xero has announced the evolution from Xero Cashbook to the new and improved Xero Simple from the 14th of April ...


Now that you have no one but yourself to look out for you, what about your duty of care to you?

Are You A New Bookkeeper Working From Home In 2025?

This week, I hand over my blog post to the lovely Helena Whyment-Lester who is a whizz with health and safety. Her blog post is directed towards new bookkeepers who are newly working for themselves from home and how they have a duty of care to themselves ...

These are a few tip and pointers about finding new clients when building a bookkeeping business!

Building A Bookkeeping Business: Finding New Clients

So you have set up as a bookkeeping business and you are now out there looking for clients ...


This transition from Xero Classic Invoicing is an opportunity to elevate how you manage your invoicing processes!

Xero: Embrace the Future of Invoicing

As you read this, you’re likely aware that the clock is ticking down to the 26th of February, 2025 ...


Transitioning smoothly to the new payroll year not only minimises stress, but also helps maintain effective payroll practices!

Xero Payroll: Navigate Your Year-End With Confidence

Navigating the year-end processes for Xero Payroll can seem daunting, especially with the multitude of deadlines ...


So, what process should a bookkeeper follow to raise their prices?

Building A Bookkeeping Business: Increasing Your Prices

You may have already done the difficult part of starting your own bookkeeping business; you've found clients ...


Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and I look forward to sharing my knowledge and bookkeeping wisdom in 2025!

Merry Christmas 2024 And A Happy New Year!

It's been another fantastic year of blogging here at Silicon Bullet. In fact, the whole year has been great ...


Xero is not only attentive to the needs of its clientele, but also flexible enough to adapt its services accordingly!

Xero Payroll: Adapting to Client Needs

In September, Xero transformed its subscription plans into the Ignite, Grow, Comprehensive, and Ultimate tiers ...


We will register for early access to these new Sage 50 Accounts features so we can test them out!

Paving The Way For The Future Of Sage 50 Accounts

I attended a seminar about Sage 50 Accounts v31 and I thought I'd summarise some of the new features ...


Will you be upgrading to Sage 50 Accounts v31 soon?

Sage 50 Accounts v31 Is Now Available

Sage has now released Sage 50 Accounts v31 and will be rolling it out and prompting you to upgrade over the next few weeks ...


f you feel you are not getting the most out of your accounts software then do get in touch!

Xero Developments, Tiktok And More

I attended an event last week called Xero Refresh, which was for their bookkeepers and accountants community ...


Come and be my Bookkeeping Buddy today and stop feeling like you are struggling with your bookkeeping alone!

Welcome To Your New Bookkeeping Buddy

If you are a bookkeeper or a business owner doing your own bookkeeping and you feel like there is no-one you can go to for support, then your Bookkeeping Buddy is here to help ...

Do you know how the changes in Employers National Insurance will affect you?

Changes In Employers National Insurance & Employment Allowance

Full, disclosure, this wasn't my idea though I was able to help one of my bookkeeping mentor clients with her calculations ...


Be sure to review your current Adept licenses and budget accordingly!

Adept Add-Ons: Essential Updates on Subscription Fees

Sage has significantly increased its annual developer fees meaning Adept has had to review its own pricing ...


Good customer reviews are important to any business, big or small!

The Importance Of Customer Reviews

What do you do if you need a service or help you have not needed before? It's time to read some customer reviews ...


Xero is set to become an even more indispensable tool for small business owners!

Xero: Enhancing Small Business Analytics With Syft

Xero has acquired Syft, a prominent cloud-based platform known for its robust analytics and visualisation features ...


With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks, this move by Sage is a proactive step!

Two-Factor Authentication For Sage Accounts

Sage recently announced two-factor authentication to enhance protection against cyber threats ...


To get started on the actual payroll you will need to set up the software and enter the new employees!

How To Start A New Payroll

Starting a new payroll for your business? You will need certain information to get everything sorted with HMRC ...


Bookkeeping and accounting are two essential aspects of running a business!

What's The Difference Between An Accountant And A Bookkeeper?

Bookkeeping and accounting are two essential aspects of running any business. Do you know which one you need?


I am dedicated to helping my clients manage their finances with confidence!

It's Heartwarming When I Get Another Great Review!

From the self-employed to small businesses, I have helped them navigate their accountancy software ...


Arrange a handholding session with me and I'll show you how to unlock the power of open banking with Xero!

A Simple and Secure Way to Pay Bills Without Leaving Xero

As a small business owner, you know the importance of efficient and accurate bill payments to your suppliers ...


The retirement of Xero classic invoicing was set for the 1st of September 2024, but now it has been extended!

Xero: Changes To The Retirement Of Classic Invoicing

As a small business owner, you may have received an email from Xero announcing the retirement of their classic invoicing feature. However, Xero has recently made some changes to the original retirement plan ...

If you want to upgrade to Sage 50 Accounts v30.1 when it becomes available to you, just let me know!

Sage 50 Accounts v30.1 Released

Sage has just released their latest version with some good updates in my opinion, including a second company ...


I've been using Xero classic invoicing for so long and find it really easy, but like all bookkeepers, I'm sure I'll get used to the new version!

Say Goodbye to Xero Classic Invoicing

If you're a bookkeeper, chances are you're familiar with Xero's classic invoicing solution. But it's being retired soon ...


You don't have to do anything right now. Xero will send out more information and updates in the coming months!

Xero Are Changing All Their Packages Again

Changes are coming to Xero's plans and pricing, as of the 12th of September 2024, Xero will be also launching a new line-up ...


Credits, debits, the amount taken not the bill amount. Bookkeeping for utility bills can be a real pain in the neck!

Bookkeeping For Utility Bills

One of the biggest pains in the neck when bookkeeping is to account for the payments to utility companies ...


You'd be surprised at what limited company expenses you can claim, but you need to be careful too!

Limited Company Expenses: What Can You Claim?

If you have a new business it can be confusing to know what limited company expenses you are permitted to claim ...


Stay informed about Anti Money Laundering legislation; stay compliant, and safeguard your business in 2024 and beyond!

5 Ways to Ensure Anti Money Laundering Compliance in 2024

As a business owner, you are likely aware of the increasing importance of Anti Money Laundering (AML) compliance ...


I hope that a few of these pointers help you improve your Xero bookkeeping!

Common Errors In Xero Bookkeeping

I have been helping a business owner this week who uses Xero for their bookkeeping, but it's in a terrible mess ...


To prepare for your payroll year-end, it is important to have all your records in order!

Getting Ready for Your Payroll Year End

As a bookkeeper, the end of the tax year can be a busy and overwhelming time so it's important to be well-prepared ...


It is important to note that Xero will never ask you to share your Stripe login details or grant them access to your Stripe account!

Xero Has Updated Its Terms Of Service

Xero has updated their Terms of Use which will affect UK-based users as they're integrating more closely with Stripe ...


Xero's latest update makes it easier for businesses to adjust their financial year end!

Xero: Easily Adjust Your Financial Year End Settings

Xero has made some significant improvements to its financial year-end settings which come at a crucial time ...


The FSB's proposal to raise the VAT threshold to £100,000 is a step towards fairness for small businesses!

FSB Says The VAT Threshold Should Be Raised

Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy, accounting for 99.9% of all private sector businesses ...


Keeping your Sage accounts tidy can be confusing. Here's an idea, have a hand-holding session with me!

Keeping Your Sage Tidy

When you have been running your Sage accounts for a few years, it can be worth having a declutter and a bit of a tidy up ...


Open Banking has revolutionised how small businesses now manage their finances!

Open Banking: Revolutionising Small Businesses in the UK

Open Banking allows individuals and businesses to share financial data with third-party providers via APIs ...


Getting a P60 into Xero-Me was quite a frustrating process for me! But now I know how to do it!

How To Get A P60 From Xero

I had an enquiry from one of the clients I process payroll for in Xero. An employee wanted their P60 in Xero-Me ...


You'll be amazed at how useful my bookkeeping handholding service can be!

Do You Know About My Bookkeeping Handholding Service?

Bookkeeping can be a lonely pastime. You'll definitely benefit from my Bookkeeping Handholding Service ...


A second bank account is a proactive step towards a secure financial future!

The Power of Two: A Second Bank Account May Be A Smart Move

We trust our bank to handle our financial needs, but recent events highlight the importance of diversifying our accounts ...


HSBC's recent change to its transaction referencing system is a testament to the bank's commitment to accuracy for its customers!

HSBC New Transaction Referencing

HSBC, one of the world's largest banks, has recently made a significant change to its transaction referencing system ...


The Basis Period Reform is a significant step towards simplifying tax reporting!

Basis Period Reform: A New Era for Tax Reporting

The tax landscape will transform with Basis Period Reform, particularly for unincorporated businesses ...


The ability to create a Purchase Order from a Sales Order in Sage 50 Accounts v29.2 Professional is a game-changer!

Creating Purchase Orders from Sales Orders in Sage v29.2

In business, efficiency is paramount. Sage 50 Accounts v29.2 Professional has a feature that epitomises this ...


Sage 50 Accounts v29.2 is more than just an update; it's a testament to Sage's commitment to delivering top-notch accounting solutions!

Sage 29.2: A New Era of Accounting Efficiency

The world of accounting software is ever-evolving, and Sage has consistently been at the forefront of this evolution ...


Want to discover more about the training and support I can offer to bookkeepers and business owners?

Bookkeeping Support: New Rates And Methods

I thought it would be worth doing a blog post about how much it is to get my bookkeeping support and how I work ...


From invoicing to analytics, Xero Ultimate has got you covered!

Unveiling the Power of Xero Ultimate

In the world of accounting software, Xero has carved a niche for itself by offering plans tailored for businesses of all sizes ...


Are you going to apply to the Xero Beautiful Business Fund?

Applications Open For The Xero Beautiful Business Fund

Last month, Xero announced the Xero Beautiful Business Fund which offers funding to customers around the world ...


If you have a current Xero discount or promo code, it will continue to be applied!

Xero Pricing Changes In The United Kingdom

From the 13th of September 2023, subscription prices for Xero plans are changing in the UK ...


The Business Times interview also delved into my personal life!

My Recent Feature In The Business Times Digital Magazine

I was honoured to feature in the Business Times in August 2023, talking about my motivations, ambitions and experiences ...


There are a number of slightly less important 'nice to haves' and 'maybes' if you're starting a bookkeeping business!

Starting A Bookkeeping Business - Part 2

When I started writing about starting a bookkeeping business I realised I had more tips than could fit into one post ...


There are a number of important things to do if you're starting a bookkeeping business!

Starting A Bookkeeping Business - Part 1

You don't need to have qualifications or be a member of a governing body if you're starting a bookkeeping business ...


If you're wondering about fixed asset values and balance sheets then my blog post should help!

Fixed Asset Values And Balance Sheets

This week, my blog post takes a slightly different format from usual. I was involved in a Q&A session about fixed asset values and balance sheets, and thought it useful to document the questions I was asked and the answers I gave. So here goes ...

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