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A new government-backed UK scheme has been launched to help small businesses choose software. Kevin Reed looks at the scheme’s details.
A new scheme has been launched in the UK to help smaller businesses access technology to support them and help the grow. Launched last week, chancellor Rishi Sunak said that adopting new technologies would help “improve processes and boost productivity”. So, Financial Accountant has pulled together a guide to help you understand its relevancy for either your business, or that of clients.
What is the scheme?
The Help to Grow: Digital scheme was launched on 20 January. Its aim is to provide small UK business with access to discounted software and free advice.
Up to £5,000 can be claimed towards the cost of a range of technology, from: accounting; customer relationship management (CRM); e-commerce; or a combination of the three types.
Advice and guidance is provided to help businesses choose the software best suited to their needs.
How does it work?
There are a number of tools that can be accessed via the website to begin the process. There is a question tool that gauges whether you are eligible to access the software options.
A series of guides and advice can also be viewed. These include a step-by-step series of articles and videos about why going digital is beneficial, what the different types of software look to achieve in helping your business, along with a ‘how to choose’ guide. There are also case studies included, which illustrate how the different types of software have helped the businesses improve.
Finally, the various software options can be compared and contrasted, to help make the most suitable choice for each individual business owner.
Who can use it?
UK businesses interested in making use of the scheme must meet four eligibility criteria:
Further details on eligibility and rules can be found here.
Which accounting software providers are currently on board?
There are three digital accounting software providers currently associated with the scheme. These are: Crunch; Intuit QuickBooks; and Sage.
Crunch is currently offering two solutions via the scheme: Crunch Pro and Crunch Premium.
Darren Fell, founder and CEO of Crunch, said: "The last two years have been super tough on a lot of businesses in the UK. We're so excited that Crunch has been selected to help grow our UK economy with this fantastic government-backed scheme to see small businesses save 50% on our software and, uniquely, our built-in full service accounting costs."
Intuit QuickBooks is offering three solutions: QuickBooks Online – Simple Start; QuickBooks Online – Essentials; and QuickBooks Online – Plus.
Intuit’s director of international corporate affairs, Rob Burlison, said: “Digital technology is already providing huge advantages for small businesses looking to manage their finances and grow with confidence. The Help to Grow scheme opens up this opportunity for more businesses to reap the rewards of technology investment and we look forward to supporting small businesses as they make the transition.”
Sage is offering three solutions: Sage Business Cloud Accounting – Start; Sage Business Cloud Accounting – Plus; and Sage Business Cloud Accounting – Standard.
Sage UK & Ireland MD Paul Struthers said: “As the scheme rolls out over the next three years, we encourage the government to allow more flexibility in the number of products available, and widen the scope to allow sole-traders and the smallest of businesses to benefit from digitisation too."
For CRM, there are several providers on board, offering 16 different solutions. There currently appears to be no e-commerce options.