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Alison Mead

The Blog of Silicon Bullet

By Alison Mead, Bookkeeping Mentor ...

Edited their data, On Companies House platform, Accurate records

Firms urged to check if their Companies House data was edited by others

I recently read about a serious Companies House security problem that may have let logged-in users see or even change other firms' records. If you're one of the businesses affected, it makes sense to review your details now ...

Bookkeeping buddy, Helping you keep track of funds, Together we thrive!

Some great reviews for my Bookkeeping Buddy subscription

Bookkeeping Buddy subscription makes DIY bookkeeping a breeze! Get great reviews and simplify your business accounts today ...

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



Bookkeeping Buddy, Numbers, ledgers, expenses, Balance with patience

Bookkeeping Buddy: Why DIY Bookkeeping Doesn't Mean Doing It Alone

DIY bookkeeping can be overwhelming for small business owners. Discover how Bookkeeping Buddy can support you in mastering your finances ...

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



Bookkeeping is hard, Numbers and figures abound, Balance must be kept

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 ...

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



Smart document capture in Xero, Scanning, storing, organizing, Efficiency reigns

Coming Soon: smart document capture in Xero for faster bookkeeping

Smart document capture in Xero streamlines record-keeping by uploading, emailing, or snapping a photo, prefilling data and matching to the bank ...

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



Bookkeeping business in 2026, Numbers tell the story true, Balance in the end

Building Your Bookkeeping Business in 2026

Start your bookkeeping business with confidence! Learn how to find customers and gain experience in this helpful guide ...

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



The real costs of starting, A bookkeeping business, Measure in time spent

The real costs of starting a bookkeeping business: Part 2

Discover the real costs of starting a bookkeeping business, including overlooked expenses like policies and branding. Plan wisely and succeed ...

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



The real costs of starting, A bookkeeping business, Invest in knowledge

The real costs of starting a bookkeeping business: Part 1

The real costs of starting a bookkeeping business revealed! Discover the non-negotiable expenses and create a clear budget ...

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



Sage version 33 release, Whispers of new features, Nature's wisdom blooms

Sage version 33 released: smarter, smoother, and future-ready

Sage version 33 release focuses on reducing admin and improving compliance with cleaner email management and better VAT handling ...

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



Making Tax Digital, For the self-employed, the stress, Counting numbers, pain

Making Tax Digital for the self-employed: thresholds, quarterly updates, and ways to stay calm

Making Tax Digital for the self-employed is coming, with quarterly updates, new thresholds, and practical ways to keep costs under control ...

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



Self-assessment tax return, Numbers and forms to fill, An annual task?

Do you need to submit a self-assessment tax return by the end of January 2026?

Wondering if a self-assessment tax return is due by the end of January 2026? This explains who typically needs to file, how the £1,000 trading allowance fits around the 5th of April, and why HMRC may still expect a return if someone registered or filed before ...

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 ...

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



Sage 50 accounts, And payroll subscription shifts, Balance books with ease

Sage 50 Accounts and Payroll subscription changes

Sage 50 Accounts and Payroll subscription changes explained, with dates, pricing, and how to delay increases ...

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



Etsy app for Xero, Simplifies financial woes, Balance with ease now

Why side hustlers should try the Etsy app for Xero today

Easily manage sales, fees, and taxes with the Etsy app for Xero. Automate your bookkeeping and avoid errors. Try it now ...

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



Autumn budget 2025, For bookkeepers, time to grow, Balanced accounts thrive

Autumn Budget 2025: What Every Bookkeeper Needs to Know

Autumn Budget 2025 for bookkeepers brings changes to be aware of. Stay informed on updates and implications for your business ...

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



AI bank reconciliation in Xero, Efficient and swift, Balancing books with ease

AI bank reconciliation in Xero: will it transform your monthly close?

Streamline month-end with AI bank reconciliation in Xero. Fast automation with human review ensures accurate matching ...

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



Bookkeeping buddy, Numbers and spreadsheets galore, Together we thrive!

Being a Bookkeeping Buddy Means Being Part Of A Community

Join the Bookkeeping Buddy community for expert support and networking opportunities. Meet other bookkeepers and grow your business today ...

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



Tiktok, the clock ticks, Counting down to monitisation, Moments slip away

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 ...

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



IT support, your lifeline, Check who you call, it may be a scam

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 ...

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



Anti-Money Laundering, Cracking down on dirty cash, Justice for all, clean

Download an Anti-Money Laundering package that actually helps!

Download my Anti-Money Laundering package for simple templates, checklists, and tips that keep you compliant without the faff ...

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



New Xero certification, A symbol of growth, Endless possibilities

Get Ahead With The New Xero Certification

Here's the lowdown on the new Xero certification. It's clearer, faster, and fits around real work. Let me explain what's changing, why it matters, and how to get started ...

Sage 50 login issues, Frustration mounts with each try, Tech support awaits

Sage 50 Login Issues Explained: Why Users Must Now Enter An Email

Learn why sage 50 login issues now require an email address and how UK users can fix sign-in fast ...

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



National insurance, For side hustlers hustling, Securing our dreams

Understanding National Insurance For Side Hustlers

A clear guide to national insurance for side hustlers, covering Class 2 changes, credits, and when to pay voluntarily ...

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



Payhip helped me, To sell my subscription with ease, Earning while I sleep

How Payhip Helped Me Bring Bookkeeping Buddies To Life

'How Payhip Helped Me set up my Bookkeeping Buddies Subscription - a friendly space for business owners & bookkeepers to learn & connect.',

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



Side hustle tax return, Threshold, a goal to reach for, Extra income blooms

HMRC Triples The Side Hustle Tax Return Threshold

The side hustle tax return threshold is set to triple, changing how many report small earnings ...

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



Xero on the screen, Numbers dance in perfect form, Balance achieved, peace

Exciting Changes Are Coming To Xero: Now You Can Navigate With Ease!

Big changes are coming to Xero! A revamped navigation system and homepage will enhance your bookkeeping experience and provide valuable insights .

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



Xero Price Rises, Unexpected expenses, Budgets stretched thin

Prepare for Xero Price Rises: Essential Updates and Insights for Your Business

The upcoming Xero price rises in September 2025 bring essential updates for users. Understanding these changes ensures businesses are ready ...

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



Sage 50 Accounts Version 32, Numbers and data flow, Balance sheets align

Unveiling Sage 50 Accounts Version 32: A Comprehensive Overview of New Features

Sage 50 Accounts Version 32 has arrived, bringing exciting improvements, including AI-driven reporting, enhanced document management, and banking compliance features ...

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



Xero offers more ways, To receive payment with ease, Effortless and swift

Xero Now Offers More Ways to Get Paid With Stripe & GoCardless

Xero offers more ways to get paid with Stripe and GoCardless integration. Improve cash flow and client satisfaction with innovative payment solutions

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



Flat Rate VAT, A set fee for all to pay, Simple yet complex

How Sage Business Cloud Calculates Flat Rate VAT

Flat Rate VAT Scheme? Learn how Sage Business Cloud calculates your VAT return and stays compliant ...

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



Withdraw free licenses, For charities in need, Their work hindered now

Microsoft Withdraws Free Licenses for Charities And Non-Profits

Microsoft has announced it will withdraw free licenses for charities, specifically the Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Office 365 E1 packages, from the 1st of July 2025. This decision marks a turning point for non-profits that depend on these offerings to help them fulfil their missions ...

Xero Cashbook Subscriptions to become Xero Simple

Discover the latest Xero Simple software, replacing Xero Cashbook. Say goodbye to headaches with this streamlined accounting solution ...

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



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 ...

By Alison Mead
On blog.siliconbullet.com



© 2026 by Alison Mead

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