King's Lynn Stephenson Smart accountant Neil Gayton reaches 40th birthday and GEAR 10K: It's a Dad’s Life column

It's a Dad’s Life column by Neil Gayton

Life is full of surprises. I am often shocked at how many biscuits I can fit into my mouth at once and how many times my youngest son can injure himself in one day.

Often, it’s too many to count. I like the element of surprise so was happy to discover that I had completed the largest zip wire in Europe during a recent holiday in Wales for my birthday.

I should have known there was something quite spectacular about it - it’s called Titan 2 - nothing with a name like that could be tame.

I was even more taken aback when my football team organised a birthday party for me on my return, with gifts, cakes and of course a couple of beers.

I wish however my age would have remained a surprise to all.

Yep. I’ve officially hit middle age and the ripe age of 40.

The trepidation was real. Was I supposed to feel, look or act differently?

I hope not because I’m organising our team entry at work into the GEAR 10K next week and throwing myself out of a plane next month for charity.

And so far I haven’t spotted a single grey hair on my head.

I feel everything is going well so far.

At Stephenson Smart we’re encouraging our clients to avoid any unwanted surprises by remembering that a new tax year has begun and to plan ahead.

Being aware of next year’s deadlines can help fully prepare for the next bill. It’s also important to be up to speed if you have recently set up your own business and make HMRC aware of any new circumstances.

Just remember if you are starting a business, it’s essential to have a business plan. It’s a good way of planning targets and goals and looking at how much investment you are going to require.

If you need any advice, give me a shout. Now I’m 40 I am probably even wiser.