Latest news – behind the scenes

Paula Veysey Smith • 30 April 2018

Latest news – behind the scenes

So this week I thought I’d bring you up to date with M:Power news. Keeping up to date on tax law and accounting principles, finding new software and applications that will assist our clients and continuing to build our network are all examples of the work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure that you get the best service possible.

Firstly, the migration to our own dedicated server is now complete. This not only means that all your personal data is safely secured but also all members of the team can access our systems where ever they are working. No files are held on a laptop and everything is centrally run. Let’s put this in simple words – when I drop my laptop (not unheard of!) I can just get another one out of the box, do a few updates, and hey presto, I’m up and running again. And that’s the same for all of the M:Power team.

The move to a dedicated server was partly driven by the oncoming onslaught of GDPR. We now have our policy in place, which will be uploaded to our website shortly. The momentum for GDPR compliance is building as the 25th May is now less than a month away. You all will have probably noticed an increase in the amount of emails starting something like, “We don’t want to lose touch with you . . . “. If you do have any concerns about how GDPR is going to affect your business please do contact us. I have also published some articles on this subject which you can find on our website blogs :

The final piece of news is that we are pleased to announce that M:Power Accounting has been awarded Silver Partner status with Xero. Both Claudia and I have passed the Xero accreditation which means that we can support your accounting records to Xero’s sliver standard. I have always had a vision to provide a bookkeeping and accounting service which is not dependent on one individual; this step with our silver accreditation is just one that has been taken to ensure that this is possible.

I hope you find our latest news interesting as I think it is important for our clients to know what is going on behind the scenes. Business never stays still . . . . and neither does M:Power Accounting.

HMRC mileage rate increase 2026 -- car dashboard representing business travel costs
by Paula Veysey-Smith 5 June 2026
HMRC has increased the Approved Mileage Allowance Payment rate from 45p to 55p per mile for the first time in 15 years. Find out what the new rates mean for employees, directors and self-employed individuals from 6 April 2026.
by Paula Veysey-Smith 31 May 2026
You've made your goal specific. Now how do you know you're actually getting there? The answer is in the M. "The more you can define your goals, the more likely you are to achieve them." Last time we looked at S for Specific — turning vague wishes like "I want to get fit" into something concrete and actionable. If you missed it, go back and start there, because everything builds on that foundation.  Now we move to M for Measurable. And this one is just as important, because a goal without a measure is still just a wish.
by Paula Veysey-Smith 3 May 2026
Your New Year’s resolutions haven’t failed, they just need a sharper edge. Here's how one simple shift can change everything. “We make New Year's resolutions — let's call them goals. But they can be a bit vague. The way to make them happen is to actually define them better.” It's that time of year when those bold January intentions have quietly faded into the background. "Get fit." "Lose weight." "Grow my business." Sound familiar? You're not alone — and more importantly, you haven't failed. Your resolutions just need a better framework.
by Paula Veysey-Smith 13 April 2026
HMRC’s new system Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment has now arrived! This isn’t just a regulatory update. It’s a shift in how your records are kept, how often you report, and what you will need to do throughout the year. What’s changing for you: Under MTD for Income Tax, if you’re a sole trader or landlord within scope: You’ll need to keep digital records Quarterly updates will need to be digitally submitted to HMRC An End of Period Statement (EOPS) will need to filed A Final Declaration will be needed to finalise your tax position for the year In short: instead of one annual deadline, your tax reporting becomes a year-round process. Why using compliant bookkeeping software is now essential? To meet MTD requirements, HMRC requires fully digital record keeping and submissions . Manual spreadsheets alone are no longer sufficient You’ll need to use MTD-compliant bookkeeping software Sending your accountant paper records or incomplete information will cause delays The upside (it’s not just compliance) While MTD is mandatory, it also brings real benefits: Clear visibility of your tax position throughout the year Better cash flow planning Fewer surprises at year-end What support do you need to navigate this new system? The support of qualified accounting professionals is now more necessary than ever. We don’t expect you to navigate this alone and here’s how MPower Accounting can ensure that you not only comply with, but thrive under, this new reporting requirement. We’ll help you choose and set up the right software We work with trusted platforms such as Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent and others. We’ll recommend what fits your business best and get everything set up correctly. We’ll ensure you stay compliant Review your records regularly Submit your quarterly updates accurately and on time Handle all year-end submissions We’ll take the stress off your shoulders With the right system in place: Your records stay up to date automatically We can spot issues early You avoid last-minute pressure and surprises All we’ll need from you to make MTD work smoothly, is access to your chosen bookkeeping software, regular uploaded receipts so we can keep records current and a little of your time when there are questions. The more up-to-date your records are, the more value and proactive advice, we can provide. Your role is simple but important. Letting us take the strain of compliance will save you time and cause significantly less stress, enabling you to focus on what is important, that is running your business successfully. Next steps If you haven’t already: Speak to us about getting set up on MTD-compliant software Let us review your current bookkeeping process Make sure you’re ready for quarterly reporting
More posts