It’s been quite the month in the accounting world and not for the right reasons.
When the Cloud Goes Dark
The unexpected internet outage this month brought parts of the UK’s accounting sector to a grinding halt. Firms large and small found themselves suddenly unable to access key cloud platforms, leaving teams unable to log in, process payroll or even send invoices.
For a profession increasingly reliant on cloud accounting software, the outage served as a timely reminder: while digital tools make our work faster, smarter and more collaborative, they also make us vulnerable when the connection drops.

Here at Chapmans Business Solutions, we’ve long championed the use of cloud technology for its flexibility and real-time accuracy, however, last week’s disruption highlights why a robust offline contingency plan is still essential. Whether it’s maintaining local backups, ensuring staff can work remotely from alternate connections or having clear communication plans for clients, being prepared makes all the difference when the cloud suddenly goes grey.
Only 3% of Firms Are MTD Ready
In other industry news, new research suggests that just 3% of accounting firms are fully ready for the next phase of Making Tax Digital (MTD). That’s a worrying figure given how long the initiative has been on the horizon.
MTD isn’t just a compliance obligation, it’s an opportunity to modernise, streamline and automate tax processes. At Chapmans, we’re helping clients navigate these changes with practical support, cloud-based solutions and clear guidance to make sure you stay compliant and confident.
If your business isn’t yet MTD ready, now’s the time to act. Don’t leave it until the deadline looms. Talk to us about how we can help you get your digital systems in order.

Receipts in the Fridge?
And finally, in lighter news… have you ever met anyone who stores their receipts in the fridge?
It sounds strange, but according to a recent survey, a handful of people really do it, in the hope the cool air preserves the paper! While we can’t vouch for that method, we do recommend a more reliable solution: digital receipt management.
Cloud-based expense tracking apps mean no more shoeboxes, carrier bags or kitchen experiments. Snap a picture, upload it and it’s safely stored for tax time – no refrigeration required!

Efficient & resilient
Technology has transformed accounting and despite last week’s cloud hiccup, the benefits of digital working far outweigh the risks. The key is to be ready for anything: outages, updates or even oddly stored receipts.
At Chapmans Business Solutions, we combine traditional accounting values with modern technology to help businesses across Lincolnshire and beyond stay compliant, efficient and resilient, whatever the weather (or the Wi-Fi) brings.
If you’d like a friendly accountant by your side to support you with making your business accounting digital, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today to schedule your FREE consultation on 01775 529345 or drop us a line at office@cbsltd.org.
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