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Armstrong Watson continues expansion of financial planning team as demand for pension and inheritance tax planning grows

Armstrong Watson is continuing to strengthen its Financial Planning Team in 2026 with the recruitment of four new Financial Planning Consultants across its offices. Joining the firm are Charlotte Fletcher and Glyn Jenkinson (specialising in protection advice) in Leeds, Murray Greig in Glasgow, and Fiona Durham in Carlisle.

Budgeting and cash flow forecasting for farmers in uncertain times

For farm businesses, it is difficult to predict what will happen in 2026 or beyond. The only certainty seems to be that commodity prices will continue to fluctuate wildly – the recent fall in milk prices being an unfortunate example. More extreme weather patterns are also likely to impact crop yields, selling prices and input prices, while gas, oil and fertiliser prices have risen as a result of escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Our Latest Investment Market Update – Iran Conflict, Oil and Inflation

Our latest commentary on the financial investment markets and the wider economy. 

Iran conflict, oil and inflation.

How can struggling hotel owners regain stability and grow in 2026?

The UK hotel sector continues to face intense financial pressure. Rising labour and energy costs, interest rate volatility and changing travel behaviours have left many hotel owners struggling to maintain profitability - even with healthy occupancy. And there are further headwinds on the horizon.

Who is exempt from MTD for Income Tax?

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax will be introduced for self-employed individuals and landlords from 6 April 2026.  

10 key tax changes from April 2026

The 2026/2027 tax year represents a significant shift in the UK’s fiscal landscape. While several of these measures were announced in previous Budgets, April 2026 marks the point of implementation for reforms affecting business succession, digital compliance, and increasing costs for businesses.

Our Latest Investment Market Update – Spring Forecast

Our latest commentary on the financial investment markets and the wider economy. 

Are you subject to the Scottish 67.5% tax trap?

While the 2026/2027 Scottish Budget included measures to increase the income tax thresholds for lower earners (meaning they pay marginally less tax than those in other parts of the UK), the Higher, Advanced and Top rate thresholds in Scotland remain unchanged, leaving some high earners exposed to paying 67.5% in income tax.

Who is affected by Making Tax Digital for Income Tax?

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is being phased in from April 2026. It applies to sole traders and landlords, with start dates determined by their level of qualifying income.

VAT repayments can be withheld under HMRC Time to Pay Arrangements

Many businesses use Time to Pay (TTP) arrangements with HM Revenue and Customs to manage tax liabilities during periods of cash flow pressure. While these plans can be extremely helpful, there is an important condition to be aware of that can have a real impact on business finances.