Hi
....Theresa Middleton.
Who?
No, I hadn't heard of her either. Apparently she is an Inspector of Taxes at HM Revenue and Customs who collects taxes from small businesses.
Now I don't know Ms Middleton, although I do know that she joined HMRC from University on their graduate scheme and has
never owned, run or even worked in a business (large or small). I am sure however that she very conscientiously keeps the cash rolling in to the government's coffers.
But 'services to small businesses'?
In my experience small business owners invest their own money, innovate, take risks, learn to fail, create jobs, go without wages, work long hours and much more. And yes it is our choice. And some
make a real difference to other small businesses and the economy. But none work for HMRC.
So to brighten up this New Year I thought we'd have a quick survey: who do you think deserves the award for services to small businesses in 2015?
Please just reply to this email by midnight on 2nd January 2016 with the name of your nominee and I'll announce the winner in my Sunday Supplement this weekend.
Happy new year.
Noel Guilford
Noel Guilford is the principal of Guilford Accounting a small business accountancy practice specialising in advising owner-managed businesses on current accounting, finance, and tax matters. You can reach him via email at noel@guilfordaccounting.co.uk or by phone at 01244 660866. He is the author of the best selling book 'Figure it out - an entrepreneurs guide to understanding your business numbers' which you can obtain by visiting http://guilfordaccounting.co.uk/figureit out.