business focus 17


Chartered accountants Haines Watts presents a series of articles based on its blogs. It offers analysis, reviews and comments and welcomes your feedback at www.hwca.com/blog


of the month


The rise of the self-employed and entrepreneur


The Bank of England recently announced that a record 4.5 million Britons are now self- employed.


We all recall the increase in self-employment during the recession as employees were made redundant and were forced to start up on their own because of a weak job market.


However, now that the economy is recovering and there is a stronger jobs market, many have been surprised that the number of self-employed is at such record levels. They account for a significant percentage of the growth in employment overall.


Encouragingly, much of the increase has come from


individuals who have identified opportunities or ideas they want to exploit, rather than those who feel forced to be self-employed. This indicates a positive and potentially significant shift in the structure of UK plc and, if nurtured, creates a platform for a more entrepreneurial Britain in the future.


Self-employment and entrepreneurship are quite different. Starting a company does not automatically make one an entrepreneur if the business is a small affair to earn a daily wage and stays that way. Many of these businesses are started because of lifestyle choices and will probably never employ others although, using


writes Colin Fletcher, partner at Haines Watts


the Internet, they’ll be able to both market themselves and access others when undertaking larger projects. And they still play an important role in the growth of the economy.


True entrepreneurs have a driving innovation and look to change things and achieve strong business growth. They will become significant employers in their own right and make a substantial contribution to the strengthening economy.


Whichever category they fall into, both self-employed and


entrepreneurs need to be more positively supported by the Government and the banks. Funding for many in this sector continues to be difficult and the promised reduction in red tape and legislation to allow these businesses to flourish is essential, as is the cutting of business and personal tax rates.


A flame will only burn if given the necessary conditions to do so …


Details: www.hwca.com


Why choose to study with ACCA to become an accountant?


There are many accountancy bodies that offer accountancy qualifications around the world. David Podger, managing director of Thames Valley Training & Development, explains why you might choose the ACCA route to professional qualification


What are the advantages of ACCA qualification?


The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, known as ACCA, is the global body for professional accountants with over 162,000 members and 428,000 students in 173 countries. Its qualifications are recognised by key regulatory and educational authorities around the world and they have joint membership with other international accountancy bodies.


Why do employers respect ACCA qualifications?


ACCA’s quality assured qualifications mean employers can be confident of your ability and knowledge. They have been developed in conjunction with


David Podger


employers to give you the skills that are required in today’s workplace. In addition, ACCA students can take advantage of the organisations unrivalled


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – JUNE 2014


network of contacts and over 8,500 approved employers across the globe to find employment.


How can you study?


Full-time or part-time around work, enabling you to start at the right level for you to progress at your own pace. Once you qualify with ACCA, you can gain exemption from parts of other academic qualifications making it quicker to complete them. Conversely, if you have relevant academic qualifications, you may be able to gain exemptions from some ACCA examinations.


What does ACCA cover?


ACCA qualifications will provide you with the core knowledge in all areas of accountancy to


www.businessmag.co.uk


ensure you have the complete skillset required of a finance professional, so you can choose the right financial role for you in any industry.


Where can I study?


Check your local press and the web for details of training providers, there are many out there. Thames Valley Training & Development will be starting examination preparation classes for some papers from our centre in Slough in September for the December examination sessions.


Details: 01494-603060 info@thamesvalleytraining.ac.uk www.thamesvalleytraining.ac.uk


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