Latest News

The ideal mortgage process

On introducing me as the new Property Finance Consultant at Armstrong Watson, a member of staff started to explain how much trouble they had securing a mortgage for the new property they had recently bought.

They said it took absolutely ages to sort out, as they had to approach four or five different lenders before getting an offer that they felt was right for them. It wasn’t a great experience and just increased the stress that everyone feels when making such a huge commitment.

Armstrong Watson survey reflects positive year for Lake District hotels

Hotels and guest accommodation in the Lake District have had a fantastic summer and autumn 2013, according to a new survey by Armstrong Watson.

Supporting local charities

In times of austerity and with recent cut backs in core funding within the charity sector, fundraising and donation giving has become vitally important to charities and community amateur sports clubs (CASC) to ensure that they can continue to fund their charitable activities and to provide those vital services to the general public which only the third sector delivers.

Should you sell online?

I read an article in The Telegraph recently in which it stated that online sales were up 19.2% in December 2013 compared to December 2012, and that a British Retail Consortium survey revealed that non-food online purchases had risen from 16.5% to 18.6%, meaning that almost one in five non-food purchases is made online.  This backs up the obvious; that online selling is and will continue to be a growing market.

Important tax issues in divorce or dissolution

The Christmas period is often a time when people feel a lot of pressure to have fun and spend quality family time. While many families are fortunate to have an enjoyable break together this is not, sadly, the case for all. The festive period can be a time which leaves some couples contemplating divorce or separation in the New Year. 

The tax aspects for a divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership are essentially the same. This article doesn’t cover the differing issues faced by couples not in a marriage or civil partnership who have decided to separate. 

Deadline looming for tax relief on commercial property deals

Whilst most accountants and many business owners understand about claiming capital allowances on loose plant items such as tables, chairs and fridges, capital allowances are often overlooked on “fixed plant” such as electrical and heating systems.

According to research by Deloitte, 96% of owners have not taken advantage of the available allowances, losing out on an estimated £70bn to £80bn.

Presenting at Xero roadshows and the introduction of files in Xero

I had the honour this week of guest speaking at the Leeds and Manchester Xero Roadshow events. The events were well attended with over 200 people in attendance.  It was an opportunity to share Armstrong Watson’s success as a Gold Xero partner with other parties interested in joining the Xero journey. For those that are not aware of Xero it is ground breaking cloud accounting software.

Can you claim capital gains tax relief on incorporation of your property letting business?

A recent tax case, Ramsay v HMRC (2013), has helped provide a bit more clarity in respect of when property letting classes as a business for capital gains tax purposes.

And Sebastian Vettel wins again…

I’ve just finished watching the last F1 race of 2013, the Brazilian Grand Prix, and to the surprise of nobody Sebastian Vettel won again. This was his ninth straight win in a row, his thirteenth of the season and a fourth consecutive world title for him and the Red Bull team. On the slowing down lap he was talking to his team over the radio and said “we have to remember these days; we have to enjoy them while they last”.

Advisory fuel rates for company cars

Following a change in the advisory fuel rates by HMRC, from 1 December 2013 the mileage rates applying to company cars are as follows: