Ipswich is alive with energy this weekend, whether you’re into music, art, family fun or simply a leisurely stroll. Here are some highlights to pop in your diary:

🎶 Live Music & Nightlife

Ultrazang live music night
Ultrazang is known for its eclectic mix from folk to indie, spoken word to DJ sets and it always draws a lively, local crowd.
What to do: Bring a friend, enjoy something new and maybe catch a rising local band you’ve never heard before.

Concerts & gigs around town
There are always a few gems tucked away in Ipswich pubs, theatres and small venues including tribute acts, jazz bands and acoustic sets.
What to do: Check out local gig listings and get tickets early or take a chance on a walk-in show.

🎨 Art, Culture & Exhibitions

AR Trail: Ipswich — “Journey of Words”
This immersive walking trail blends art, poetry and history across the Christchurch Mansion grounds.
What to do: Wear comfy shoes, take your time and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

Christchurch Mansion and Park
Inside you’ll find exhibitions, artefacts and period rooms; outside, beautifully kept gardens and Autumn colour.
What to do: Make a morning of it with a coffee from the café and a slow wander through the park.

👪 Family & Community Events

Local community & open‑mic events
Expect a mix of storytelling nights, small music sets, and open-mic poetry across various cafés and halls.
What to do: Bring the kids, meet neighbours or just dip your toes into something new.

Markets, pop‑ups & Autumn fairs
Town centre markets and seasonal stalls are back ideal for early Christmas finds or a handmade gift.
What to do: Take your time browsing and support some brilliant Suffolk makers while you’re at it.

🛠️ Looking ahead to Monday…

Weekends like this remind us how important it is to relax, to explore, to enjoy. When the weekend winds down, we’ll be right here ready to help you face the week ahead.

At An Accounting Gem Ltd we help small businesses get clear on the numbers, build for growth and feel more in control. From tax returns and accounts to business planning and support, we’ve got your back.

So breathe out. Enjoy the music, the markets and the misty mornings in Christchurch Park.

We’ll handle the rest when Monday comes.

Please see another An Accounting Gem blog: https://www.aag-accountants.co.uk/five-smart-ways-haulage-companies-can-cut-their-tax-bill/

The haulage sector has faced plenty of challenges in recent years. Fuel costs, insurance premiums and maintenance all add up, and margins can be tight. While you cannot control every outgoing, you can make sure you are not handing more than necessary to HMRC.

Many firms miss out on reliefs simply because the rules are not used to full advantage. Here are five practical ways to make the tax system work in your favour.

1. Keep on top of everyday costs
   Haulage is full of small but regular expenses. Fuel, servicing, repairs, protective clothing, parking, tolls, overnight accommodation and drivers’ meals are all allowable. Across a fleet, these soon add up, so having a reliable process for capturing receipts and logging costs is essential. It is one of the simplest and most effective ways to cut your tax bill.
2. Use capital allowances when upgrading vehicles
   Buying new lorries or trailers is a major investment, but there is tax relief available. The Annual Investment Allowance allows you to deduct the full cost of qualifying vehicles and equipment against profits, up to £1 million. That means the tax benefit comes in straight away rather than being spread over years, which can make a huge difference when investing in your fleet.

https://www.gov.uk/capital-allowances/what-you-can-claim-on

1. Plan the timing of spending and income
   Tax planning is not only about what you claim, but when you claim it. If you know repairs or upgrades are due, carrying them out before your year-end means the cost reduces this year’s profit, and in turn your tax bill. On the other side, if it suits your business, delaying an invoice so that income falls into the next year can help smooth cashflow. It is simply about being aware of the calendar and making the timing of your spending work for you.
2. Tighten up on VAT
   VAT recovery is a key area for haulage firms, particularly where fuel, leasing and maintenance are concerned. If you operate across borders, you may also be entitled to reclaim foreign VAT, but the paperwork needs to be accurate. Keeping VAT records in order avoids missed claims and prevents costly errors.
3. Make the most of driver subsistence and travel claims
   Long-distance drivers often incur costs for meals, overnight stays and other travel-related expenses. These are deductible, but many businesses under-claim because records are not kept in enough detail. Across a team of drivers, properly claiming subsistence and accommodation can save thousands each year.

Good tax planning is not about being clever with loopholes. It is about applying the rules fairly and consistently so that you only pay what you owe. For haulage businesses, where costs are high and profit margins are slim, these savings can make a real difference.

If you are not sure whether you are claiming everything you should, it is worth speaking to someone who knows the sector and can guide you through the detail.

Want to keep more of your profit on the road?
We work with haulage firms across Suffolk and Essex, helping owners save tax, improve cashflow and grow with confidence. If you would like to see how these strategies could apply to your business, get in touch today.

Please see another An Accounting Gem blog: https://www.aag-accountants.co.uk/top-5-tax-saving-strategies-for-construction-businesses/

Before Monday rolls around, why not soak up a little inspiration? At An Accounting Gem Ltd, we know that creativity and clarity often start outside the office. Here’s what’s happening locally this weekend and why we think it matters.

🎨 Hop to It! Hares Art Trail – Until 29 August
Explore Ipswich through a delightful trail of 30 hand-painted hares, created by local artists in support of St Elizabeth Hospice. A vibrant way to rediscover the town and support a brilliant cause.

📚 AR Trail: Ipswich – Journey of Words – Christchurch Park
A literary walk with a twist. This augmented reality experience blends art and storytelling in the open air, a refreshing take on narrative and place.

🦁 Amazing Animals: Asia – 11 August at Christchurch Mansion
Perfect for curious young minds (and their grown-ups), this interactive science and wildlife event adds wonder to your weekend.

🎨 Creative Workshops – 12–13 August, Christchurch Mansion
Sun printing and clay animal pot workshops offer mindful, relaxing and rewarding time.

🏃 Christchurch Park parkrun – Saturday at 9 am
A free 5K for all ages and paces. Bring your barcode, enjoy the greenery and follow it up with a coffee and chat.

Why it matters to us:
From playful hares to fresh air runs, these events aren’t just leisure, they’re fuel. Public art, open skies and local connection spark new perspectives. At An Accounting Gem, fresh thinking is part of how we help clients grow.

And come Monday?
We’ll be here, ready to support your next step. Whether it’s tax prep, bookkeeping or a full Vision Day to map out your business ambitions, we’re here to help make Monday feel like a fresh start.

✨ Let the weekend inspire and let us help your business shine.

Please see another An Accounting Gem blog:  https://www.aag-accountants.co.uk/a-brilliant-win-for-an-accounting-gem/

Hop to It! Suffolk 2025 – The Cornhill (until 29 August)
Wander through this bold and brilliant outdoor art trail in the heart of town. Think colour, creativity and a perfect excuse to take a screen break.
📍 The Cornhill
💡 Great for: Creative downtime and a wander with friends and family.

Woolly’s Water Trail – Christchurch Mansion (until 31 August)
A charming wool-themed treasure trail full of texture and imagination, ideal for little ones or grown-ups needing a gentle mental reset.
📍 Christchurch Mansion
💡 Great for: Family time or quirky afternoon strolls.

AR Trail: Ipswich Journey of Words – Christchurch Mansion (until July 2026)
Download the app, follow the signs and enjoy bursts of poetry in unexpected places. It’s a walk, but with a literary twist.
📍 Starts at Christchurch Park
💡 Great for: Mindful movement and digital inspiration.

Christchurch Parkrun – Saturday 9 August, 9:00am
Kick off your Saturday with a free, friendly 5K run or walk. Whether you’re chasing a PB or just some fresh air, you’re welcome.
📍 Christchurch Park
💡 Great for: Movement, community and a head-clearing start.

Kesgrave Parkrun – Saturday 9 August, 9:00am
A more suburban 5K option with the same cheerful spirit. Walk, run or volunteer, it’s all about showing up and getting moving.
📍 Millennium Jubilee Hall, Kesgrave
💡 Great for: Families, casual runners and first-timers.

Ipswich Town v Birmingham City – Friday 8 August, 8:00pm (Away Game)
The Championship season kicks off with a Friday night clash. Not local, but one to watch or follow live with mates.
📍 Live on Sky Sports & talkSPORT
💡 Great for: Fans, football-fuelled Fridays and pub night energy.

🌞 Weekend Recharge – Why It All Matters

From creative trails to poetic strolls and energising runs, every event gives you a chance to refresh. Rest doesn’t always mean sitting still, sometimes it’s about movement, connection and seeing your town through fresh eyes.

📈 How An Accounting Gem Ltd Can Help You Next Week

After a weekend of trails, tunes or tackling a 5K, Monday shouldn’t drag you down. Let An Accounting Gem Ltd help you ease into next week:

• We take care of your books while you focus on what matters most.
• Our support means fewer spreadsheets, more strategy (or just more coffee breaks).
• From tax returns to vision days, we’ll help you start the week feeling in control, not playing catch-up.

Enjoy your weekend, Ipswich. art, air and a little adventure await and when Monday arrives, we’ll be right here to help get your business running just as smoothly.

Please see another An Accounting Gem blog: https://www.aag-accountants.co.uk/a-brilliant-win-for-an-accounting-gem/

Hop to It! Suffolk Art Trail – 20 Jul – 29 Aug

What’s On: A vibrant outdoor art trail taking over The Cornhill with creative flair from local artists.
Why It Matters: Ideal for a slow stroll that inspires, connects and gives your brain a break.
What to Do: Pick up a map, snap your favourites and make a day of it with friends or family.

Simply Fleeting Photography Exhibition – until 31 Jul at DanceEast

What’s On: Simply C’s stunning photo collection capturing movement, emotion and stillness.
Why It Matters: Art and calm in one hit; perfect for weekend unwinding.
What to Do: Swing by during the day, linger and maybe take a mindful moment in the café.

Ipswich Twilight 10K – Fri 18 Jul at Portman Road

What’s On: The town’s buzziest run returns, 10K through the heart of Ipswich, with food, music and community.
Why It Matters: Whether you’re racing or watching, it’s a high-energy, feel-good evening.
What to Do: Sign up quickly if running or head down and cheer, it’s a brilliant community buzz.

Kesgrave Parkrun – Sat 19 Jul, 9:00am at Millennium Jubilee Hall

What’s On: A free, friendly 5K run or walk for all ages and abilities.
Why It Matters: Great way to start the weekend with movement, chat and fresh air.
What to Do: Bring your barcode, wear comfy shoes and enjoy the camaraderie.

🧠 Take‑Home Reflection

This weekend, step away from the to-do list and into something refreshing whether it’s art, fresh air or a community run. Small breaks make big differences. When Monday returns, An Accounting Gem Ltd will be here to help you pick up where you left off; calm, focused and one step ahead.

🤓 Dad‑Joke Sign‑Off

Why do accountants love weekends?
Because they’re great at taking stock and balancing fun with rest!

Please see another An Accounting Gem blog: https://www.aag-accountants.co.uk/a-brilliant-win-for-an-accounting-gem/