Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Ian Hawkins Head of Content Ian Hawkins is Head of Content at Swoop. As a freelance business journalist and filmmaker he has reported from Europe, Central and North America and Africa. His films and writing have appeared on BBC World, Reuters and CBS, and he has spoken at conferences on both sides of the Atlantic…

Small business owners need to gauge their risk appetite carefully before they agree to funding that puts their personal assets on the line Personal guarantees are a common requirement for small business loans, but many entrepreneurs may not fully understand the risks involved. A personal guarantee means that you’re personally liable for the loan if…

With over 900,000 new businesses launched in the UK in 2023, entrepreneurship is booming. With 2024 showing similar promise, it’s a great time to consider launching your own business. Setting up a limited company is a popular choice for many entrepreneurs as it offers several advantages, including the right balance of professionalism, personal financial protection,…

Tax season can be daunting, especially for small business owners. However, knowledge of the permissible tax deductions can help them minimise their taxable income and improve their financial position. A business tax deduction is an expense that can be subtracted from revenue for the calculation of taxable business income. The following blog discusses 19 key…

  Completing the self-assessment tax return may certainly be a challenging task, but it needs to be completed accurately. You have two main options: the traditional paper form or using HMRC’s online portal. With over 97% of people now filing online, it is clear that many find the digital route easier. Let’s dive into why…

Managing a business requires compliance with various rules and regulations. Understanding the classification of a company’s size is important to determining the financial reporting standards to be followed. The following blog explores the classification of a company into a micro-entity or a small company and the key differences between the different financial reporting standards. What…

Joining forces with accounting software firm Sage has huge benefits for our customers Businesses that have a strong handle on money coming in and going out are at an advantage when it comes to being able to manage their cash flow. That’s why Swoop has joined forces with accounting software giant, Sage: when business owners…

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has published the Draft UK Taxonomy Suite 2025, an annual release to accommodate UK GAAP and UK-IFRS changes. This suite is intended to enhance the quality, relevance, and reliability of financial reports. The changes are open for public consultation until 20 September 2024, and the FRC invites comments from the…

  The UK property market offers exciting opportunities for overseas businesses. However, since August 2022, any overseas entity buying, selling, or transferring UK property or land must register with Companies House. This registration process mandates transparency by requiring disclosure of the entity’s registrable beneficial owners or managing officers. To ensure the accuracy and integrity of…

The interconnected global economy makes establishing business structures across borders a reality. However, overseas companies registered in the UK must navigate a specific tax landscape set by HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs). Understanding these implications is essential for ensuring compliance and avoiding penalties.  This comprehensive guide explores the who, what, and why of UK…