Latest News

Boris’s Proposed Brexit Deal: Customs, VAT and the Irish Border

“So the Government has finally published Boris Johnson’s detailed proposals to deal with the vexed question of the Irish border, the fundamental issue which must be resolved if the UK is to leave the EU with a deal on 31 October, or possibly indeed if we are to leave on that date at all.

The coming days will reveal what politicians and the EU will make of the plans and what will emerge, but what would the proposals mean in practical terms? These would of course take effect at the end of a two year transition period.

Considering selling your business?

Selling your business can be daunting especially knowing how to make it an attractive proposition whilst optimising shareholder value - Armstrong Watson’s corporate finance and tax teams are here to help.

Protection of payment by credit card in light of Thomas Cook collapse

I was very sad to hear last week the news of the liquidation of Thomas Cook with the mammoth loss of thousands of jobs and the continuing disruption, cancellation and upset to hundreds of thousands of holiday goers.

Whilst ATOL protection for many of those who booked holidays through registered travel agents will look to cover losses for the travel and accommodation covered under the policy, this dire situation also reminds us of the protection offered when paying by credit card.

Time to Pay Arrangements – A Time to Reflect?

Whenever there is uncertainty, a lack of customer confidence is never far behind. Unfortunately, that can lead to increased cash flow pressures on businesses as they struggle to meet their obligations to suppliers and HM Revenue & Customs (“HMRC”) and when cash is tight, HMRC often fall to the bottom of the pile.

Armstrong Watson Takes on Record Number of New Trainees

Armstrong Watson Accountants, Business and Financial Advisers has taken on a record number of new starters, with the appointment of 11 chartered accountancy trainees and 20 trainees studying AAT/ATT across 5 of the firms offices in Glasgow, Carlisle, Northallerton, Skipton and Leeds.

10 reasons to make a will

What do Abraham Lincoln, Howard Hughes, Pablo Picasso and Jimi Hendrix all have in common? Apart from being famous, they all died without making a will. However it’s not just the rich and famous that don’t get around to making a will. Recent research indicates that more than 50% of UK adults don’t have a will. I often remind clients to make or update their will to ensure that their estate is left to the people they want it to go to. This is advice which cannot be repeated too often.

Here are ten good reasons to make a valid will:

Self Assessment – Time to get your tax affairs in order

As the summer holidays draw to a close and with a definite feel of Autumn in the air, it’s a clear reminder to all accountants that our busiest season is rapidly approaching. If you are within the Self Assessment system under which individuals are required to self-assess their tax liability in a tax return there are a few deadlines to consider.

UK Tax Implications post Brexit

Jim Meakin discusses the tax implications for UK businesses following Brexit on 31st October 2019.

Payroll Team Shortlisted for 3 National Awards

We're proud to announce that our payroll team have been shortlisted in 3 different categories at the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP) Annual Excellence Awards.

The CIPP awards recognise the best in their field and Armstrong Watson’s nominations - and nominees - were shortlisted in the following categories:

What’s it worth?

I’m often instructed to value legal practices, whether that is part of advising on a merger/acquisition, restructuring, partnership dispute or retirement. Valuations have become increasingly important during the past couple of years, particularly as we have seen major changes within the ownership and trading structure of law firms. As we move forward into the post Legal Services Act era, and as external ownership of/investment in law firms is permitted, the valuation issues will become ever more important.