In big multinational corporations, the role of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is key. Indeed, through strategic financial planning and careful risk management, the CFO can be the difference between a business continuing its upward spiral or losing it all.

Now that the worst of the decline appears to be behind us, many business owners/managers are converting their attention to expanding their businesses. Growth can be a complex suggestion for any company.

The £2,000 "employment allowance"introduced in 2014/15 continues to be available for 2015/16. Note that this allowance provides relief from paying employers NIC on the first £2,000 of inputs. The £2,000 allowance is set against employers NIC on a increasing basis during the tax year.

The Pay Run feature in Xero accounting software allows users to add employee contacts that are completely separate from customer and supplier contacts.