Latest News

Lump sum exit scheme in England – further details announced

The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) at long last issued further details of how the lump sum exit scheme will work in practice in early February.

Final claims for the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme

The Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme will close on 17‌‌‌ ‌March‌‌‌ ‌2022. Employers have until 24‌‌‌ ‌March‌‌‌ ‌2022 to submit any new claims for employee absence periods up to 17‌‌‌ ‌March‌‌‌ ‌2022, or to amend claims you have already submitted.

You will no longer be able to claim back Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for your employees’ coronavirus-related absences or self-isolation that occur after 17‌‌‌ ‌March‌‌‌ ‌2022.

Legal Sector Pulse Survey Results January 2022

These were among the findings of the second of a recently launched quarterly legal sector survey undertaken by law firm accountants, business and financial advisers Armstrong Watson and partaken by 70 senior legal sector professionals. 

Armstrong Watson acquires Grants Chartered Accountants

Armstrong Watson has strengthened its aim to be the ‘go to’ accountancy firm for family and owner-managed businesses across the north after it acquired the successful, long-standing Leeds practice Grants Chartered Accountants.

New environmental schemes – are you still a farmer?

Farmers and landowners are currently being bombarded with ideas of how they can manage their land differently to produce environmental benefit. For farmers who have been brought up to believe that their role was to produce food, this is not an easy transition. Here I look at the possible tax consequences from signing up to these schemes…

HMRC Powers – are you up to date?

There were a number of important changes that the Finance Act 2020 introduced to the way in which HMRC are treated and their powers, none more so than their ability to pursue individuals personally in respect of company debt.

Changes to Hospitality VAT Rates

Unless the Chancellor responds to requests from the hospitality industry, starting the 1^st of April the VAT rate for most goods and services within the hospitality industry will increase from 12.5% to 20%, this reverses the temporary rates that were in place since June 2020.

An interview with product suppliers and solutions

Andy Poole interviews Des McKeown and Adrian McKenna of POS Group – product suppliers and solutions providers to the legal sector

Armstrong Watson celebrates its rising stars during National Apprenticeship Week 2022

Apprenticeships not only provide individuals with valuable skills and experience they need for a successful career - they provide businesses with brilliant people.  

Armstrong Watson is celebrating its rising stars this week as England marks National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2021 from 7^th – 13^th February. 

Scottish Business confidence improving but Omicron having an effect

Although Scottish Business Confidence is improving, by December Omicron concerns slowed growth in activity to its lowest for ten months.