Intelligent SME.tech Issue 53 | Page 9

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TaxAssist and Intuit QuickBooks forge strategic alliance
Treasury Minister visits Sage to see technology ’ s impact on SMB growth and Digital Transformation
TaxAssist Accountants is pleased to announce a new strategic alliance with Intuit QuickBooks , which recognises TaxAssist as an important growth ally . Intuit QuickBooks became a preferred supplier of TaxAssist in 2013 and its software already dominates the network . This new strategic alliance enables both businesses to collaborate more closely in supporting small and medium businesses ( SMBs ) and sole traders to navigate the
transition to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax .
Intuit will deliver new growth initiatives throughout the TaxAssist network including consultancy , custom training , product education , bespoke pricing , clientassisted onboarding and premium support . The TaxAssist network will also receive access to a dedicated strategic QuickBooks Account Manager , benefitting from expert advice and recommendations for clients looking to digitise their operations .
Nick Williams , Product Director at Intuit QuickBooks UK , said : “ This strategic alliance aligns well to our mission to power prosperity and digital literacy for SMBs across the UK .”
Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury , James Murray MP , visited Sage , a leader in accounting , financial , HR and payroll technology for smalland medium-sized businesses ( SMBs ), to explore how technology is transforming the lives of small businesses and accountants .
During the February visit , the minister , who also chairs the HMRC Board , praised Sage ’ s
role in developing technology to support businesses in adopting Making Tax Digital ( MTD ) for Income Tax , the most significant tax legislation update in 25 years . He also saw how Sage is integrating AI-driven solutions , such as speech-totext technology , to enhance the customer experience , an area of focus for HMRC as well . This technology provides valuable insights allowing for tailored support and improved customer service .
Sage ’ s global headquarters in Newcastle serves as the company ’ s engineering and innovation hub , playing a key role in building solutions that simplify financial management for SMBs .
Multi-million pound investment will accelerate growth of Journey Hospitality
Journey Hospitality , a leading provider of e-commerce software and services for the UK ’ s independent hotel industry , has secured a multimillion pound investment from Growth Lending to support its continued business growth .
Journey Hospitality empowers independent luxury hotels by enhancing profitability and reducing reliance on high-fee industry competitors . Its integrated platform streamlines bookings across hotel services , including spa , restaurant and accommodation , providing both guests and staff with a seamless experience when co-ordinating their trip .
The funding is provided by Growth Lending , a specialist provider of growth capital for innovative , fast-scaling SMEs . With loans from £ 2 million , Growth Lending supports businesses across a variety of sectors , with a strong track record in technology , media and telecommunications ( TMT ). Its partnership with Journey Hospitality reinforces its commitment to backing the next generation of high-growth UK businesses .
Journey Hospitality will use the funds to drive the next phase of its expansion , following a period of significant investment in development and product launches .
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