January 2025 Insights

Welcome to 2025 from Richard Riley and Associates!

Happy New Year! We hope 2025 brings prosperity and growth for your business. In this first newsletter of the year, we’re excited to introduce Clare Smith, one of our senior accounts assistants, who plays a vital role in supporting our clients.

We’ve also put together some helpful tips on how to start the year off strong for your business, along with insights into the bespoke services we offer to help you achieve your goals.  Also check out our latest blog.

Here’s to a successful and smooth year ahead!


Top Tips for Getting Ahead in Your Business in January

As we kick off 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on 2024 and set yourself up for a successful year ahead. Here are some tips to help you start strong:

1. Reflect on 2024

Take a moment to assess last year’s successes and challenges. Consider the following:

  • What worked well in your business?
  • Which strategies helped you achieve your goals?
  • Where could you improve or streamline processes?

2. Set Clear New Year’s Resolutions

Now that you’ve reflected, it’s time to focus on your business goals for 2025. Consider setting resolutions in these areas:

  • Financial Goals: Set targets for revenue growth or cost savings.
  • Networking: Build new connections or strengthen existing relationships.
  • Efficiency: Improve your internal processes or team productivity.

3. Start Business Journaling

Business journaling can be a powerful tool for success. Make a habit of jotting down your thoughts, challenges, and ideas. The benefits include:

  • Gaining clarity and focus on your goals.
  • Tracking progress and adjusting strategies when needed.
  • Uncovering new ideas and solutions to business challenges.

By reflecting on the past, setting clear resolutions, and using business journaling to stay on track, you’ll be well on your way to a successful 2025!


Bespoke Services to Support Your Business

At Richard Riley and Associates, we go beyond traditional accounting services. We’re proud to offer tailored solutions in partnership with trusted experts to support your business’s legal and HR needs.

Legal Services

We’ve partnered with a corporate law firm to assist with key areas of your business, including drawing up important legal agreements.

  • Founder and Shareholder Agreements: If you’re starting a business with three or more partners, a shareholders agreement is essential. This document sets out critical guidelines for events like selling the business, dividend distribution, and procedures in case of a shareholder or director’s death or incapacity.
  • Supplier & Client Agreements: Formal agreements with suppliers and letters of engagement with clients can help prevent disputes and keep your operations running smoothly.
  • Our legal partner can also assist with probate work to ensure your business is well-prepared for the future.

HR Services

Our trusted HR partner can help with all aspects of employment and staff management:

  • Employment Contracts: As soon as you start employing people, it’s essential to have proper contracts in place to protect both your business and your employees.
  • Employee Handbooks: A comprehensive handbook outlining key policies like Health & Safety, grievance procedures, and sickness benefits ensures your team understands their rights and responsibilities.
  • Having these documents in place, even for smaller businesses, creates a positive, compliant workplace while helping to prevent future conflicts.

Whether it’s legal or HR support, we’re here to provide the guidance and documents you need to protect and grow your business. Let us help you navigate these essential areas with ease.


Team News

Clare Smith – Senior Accounts Assistant

Clare has been with Richard Riley and Associates since September 2013, returning to work after taking time off to raise her two children. Before joining us, Clare worked as a Learning Support Assistant in secondary schools but knew she wanted a career change. She is now a Level 2 qualified Accounting Technician and truly loves her role. Clare appreciates the family-first approach Richard instilled from the start, creating a supportive work environment. She values the strong relationships she has with her colleagues, saying, “The office is somewhere I want to be each day – we’re not just work colleagues, we’re friends.”


Start 2025 on the Right Foot – check out our latest blog 

As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to give your business a head start. From saving for your tax bill to reviewing contracts and policies, a little forward planning can make a big difference. Our latest blog, Start as you mean to go on: 5 Steps to Get Your Business Ahead in 2025, is packed with practical tips to help you stay organised, compliant, and financially savvy.

Read the full blog here: Start as you mean to go on: 5 Steps to Get Your Business Ahead in 2025

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your business’s finances, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re always here to help. Wishing you a fantastic month ahead!

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