At this time of the year, practices with a 31 March year-end should be making progress on preparing a budget for the year ending March 2016. In last month’s article, I gave an overview of how to planfor the different categories of income likely to be earned during the year ahead. Now it’s time to take a look at expenditure. AISMA committee member Luke Bennett concludes his two-part guide to budgeting. Download the full article here

For practices with 31 March year ends – and there are many of them – now is the time to start preparing an annual budget. Before you start work, spend some time considering its purpose since this will determine the level of detail needed. AISMA committee member Luke Bennett offers some guidance to practice managers on budget planning for the year ahead. Download the full article

Closing a practice can be costly and shutting up shop must be a last resort. AISMA chairman Bob Senior considers the alternatives to practice closure. Visit the Pulse website to read the full article.

It’s not just the weather that’s cold. Pay freezes have been in place for some time now. Luckily, practice managers, unlike Bob Cratchit, don’t have to deal with the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. But they do have to contend with a system where tight control is essential if inefficiencies are to be stamped out. Read some tips on spreading some pre-Christmas cheer from AISMA member James Gransby writing in the November/December 2014 issue of Practice Management. Download article

Considering a break from the NHS pension? Think again. AISMA Chairman Bob Senior gives three reasons why GPs should think again before having a ‘holiday’ from the superannuation scheme. Visit the Pulse website to read the full article.

If GPs have to publish their earnings, AISMA Chairman Bob Senior asks, how will those figures be calculated? Will they be accurate? And what purpose will it serve? Visit the Pulse website to read more.

AISMA member Luke Bennett and two other experts have some advice for a practice wanting to persuade their recently qualified young GP trainee to join the practice with a view to becoming a partner. Go to the Pulse website to read the full article.

‘The doctors are not happy’  Does Jeanette Brown’s cautionary tale of a partnership on the brink ring any warning bells in your practice? Download the full article

AISMA accountants offer Pulse readers some advice on two topics relating to PMS reviews. Lizzie Lloyd, Hubbard Lloyd, Colchester gives some forward-planning advice to practices who know there’s a PMS review in the pipeline. While Keith Taylor, BW Medical Accountants, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has some tips for practices wanting to switch to a GMS contract but who haven’t been offered a transition deal yet.

The new contract gives GPs some much needed certainty on funding in tight financial times but could give unwelcome results. AISMA Chairman Bob Senior says further examination of the details is needed. Read more on the Pulse website