Our blogs

Double Cab Pickup Truck Tax Change

When is a truck not a truck? When it’s a double cab pickup truck!

Got a double cab pickup truck? Here’s what you need to know One of the lesser-known but more hard-hitting aspects of the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget is the change to the tax treatment of double cab pickup trucks with a payload...

Christmas Party Tax Trap

The Christmas Party Tax Trap

Think you’re treating your team to a well-deserved Christmas celebration? What may be intended as a treat and acknowledgement of your team’s hard work could actually be gifting yourself and your employees an unwanted tax bill! Don’t get caught out...

Benefits of Founder Mode

The benefits of being in Founder Mode (again) when growing a professional services business

If you’ve ever started a professional services business, you know the intensity of Founder Mode. You’re fully immersed, making decisions, leading, and handling just about everything. It’s a challenging but rewarding time. If, like me, you’ve taken a break from...

Blog - Offset NI increase with a tronc scheme

The hospitality sector reels under the double whammy of NI changes – can tronc schemes offer some relief?

Why do I need a tronc scheme? The November 2024 Budget brought significant changes that have left many hospitality employers grappling with new costs and worrying about the future. The rise in Employers’ National Insurance Contribution (NIC) from 13.8% to...

outsourcing payroll blog header image

Six reasons to outsource your payroll (and why your future self will thank you)

Outsourcing payroll saves time, cuts costs, and ensures compliance with evolving regulations. It boosts data security, enhances accuracy, and offers scalability as your business grows. Gain a trusted payroll partner, freeing up your team to focus on core goals—check out...
complex payroll blog header

Navigating complex payrolls. Why finding the right provider is crucial

Navigating complex payrolls requires precision, compliance expertise, and scalable solutions. The right payroll provider ensures accuracy, security, and flexibility, helping businesses manage diverse employee types and intricate pay structures. Partnering with a specialised provider isn’t just smart—it’s essential for avoiding...
Saying Goodbye to the P11Ds: The End of an Era or is it? Blog Header

Saying Goodbye to the P11Ds: The End of an Era or is it?

Say farewell to the dreaded P11D! Starting in 2026, UK employers will report benefits in real-time through payroll, ending the annual P11D headache. No more July panic or endless paperwork—just streamlined, sensible tax reporting. Is it the dawn of a...
Payroll Outsourcing Blog Header

Why Signing a Long-Term Contract with a Payroll Outsourcing Provider Might Not Be the Best Idea

Long-term payroll contracts might seem appealing, but they can lock businesses into outdated services, limit flexibility, and incur high exit fees. As your needs evolve, adaptability is key. Avoid getting stuck—choose flexible solutions that grow with your business and keep...
Payroll Blunders Blog Header

Payroll blunders and what to do next

Payroll mistakes happen—but they don’t have to derail your business. From tax code mix-ups to overtime oversights, knowing how to prevent and resolve common errors is crucial. Stay proactive with clear communication, automated systems, and regular checks. And when in...

Welcome to Paul Chappell, our new Head of Compliance

We are excited to welcome Paul Chappell to the Ascend team as our new Head of Compliance. He’ll be leading the way on everything related to PAYE, tax, NI and pensions. Paul brings buckets of experience from top roles at...

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