Tax Advisory Services

Donnelly Group had the pleasure of working with Michelle on updating all the accountants on current tax and vat legislation related to the motor trade.  A complex area for accountants new to the motor trade. From the start, Michelle demonstrated a high level of professionalism and expertise in the field, taking the time to truly understand the unique needs of our business, the differences between Northern Ireland and GB, and the challenges we faced. Throughout the training, Michelle provided exceptional service, taking the time to answer any questions and illustrate this with real life examples.  All the attendees appreciated the level of detail that can be utilised in their work and advising others.  Armstrong Watson’s attention to detail and thoroughness in their work were truly impressive, and we couldn't be more pleased with the outcome.

Not only did Michelle deliver an excellent course, but she also made the entire process stress-free and easy to understand. I would highly recommend Armstrong Watson to anyone looking for professional TAX services and support for their business.

Thank you again for all your hard work and dedication!

Donnelly Motor Group

Alex Nicholson and Emma Forrester were fantastic throughout the process [helping us submit a retrospective claim to HMRC for overpaid VAT on removable contents sold as parts of caravans] and without them we would not be in the position we now find ourselves. We received a significant six-figure refund and now enjoy increased margins on each sale due to their work.

“As such we would urge other caravan and holiday park owners to speak to Armstrong Watson to find out if they too could benefit from their expertise in this area.”

Scott Mounsey, Finance Director of Cotterhill Limited

Becky has a strong desire to understand our business and provides a level of commercial input that sees her take pride in the successes that follow. As with all of our experiences with Armstrong Watson and Becky in particular we found the support during COVID-19 invaluable. The pro-active approach to identifying issues and addressing them on our behalf meant we could in turn concentrate on the variety of other matters at hand. The extensive knowledge and the support and experience provides a level of reassurance that offers peace of mind for both the organisational and business owner/directors interests.

Neil McIntyre, Managing Director of Kingmoor Park

Jim Lockhart has been working with Cricket Scotland Limited for over a decade. We have worked closely not only on the audit and tax services, but also when hosting major events such as the World T20 qualification competition in 2015. Jim and the team have consistently delivered and have provided valuable insight when needed.

David Johnson, Financial Controller, Cricket Scotland

Asite are a technology business with a global structure and in 2020 appointed Armstrong Watson as auditor and advisor to our group of companies.

We were initially looking for a responsive and experienced partner to support us through the statutory audit process but we have found Armstrong Watson very proactive to support us on a much wider basis. From an audit perspective the team were very knowledgeable and great to work with, delivering the audit on time, in budget and completely remotely. However Armstrong Watson are really adding value with their strategic tax advice around areas such as company valuations, share options and R&D tax credits.

I would have no hesitation in recommending the team at Armstrong Watson

Tony Pickworth, Finance Director, Asite Solutions Limited

It was a pleasure to work with the Corporate Finance, Tax and Audit teams at Armstrong Watson during our acquisition of Finlaysons Contracts. A proactive, pragmatic and collaborative approach ensured that the opportunity was presented in the best way for all parties and the skills of the Armstrong Watson team, along with their strict attention to detail, instilled great confidence in the process. While I don’t plan on buying another business for a while, I would certainly have no problem doing it all again with this team.

Tommy Cubby, Managing Director, Cubby Construction Limited

Andrew and Becky leading the audit and tax teams at AW have both provided excellent support to us over a number of years. Tax positions change regularly, so we always hold regular face-to-face meetings with Becky and the tax team to ensure we stay ahead of these changes, and the support is always up to date and proactive. Our audits are delivered flexibly, utilising technology to ensure the audit is completed in an efficient way as possible, and Andrew and the AW team have always flexed their approach as our capabilities have evolved. Importantly, we have continuity of relationship in both audit and tax, so the service always retains relevancy and we can stay focused on key issues.

Ben Humpage, CFO, NRL Recruitment

For the past 30 years Armstrong Watson have dealt with my annual Tax Return, provided personal investment advice including advice on Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax, Trusts and other matters. Stephen Short and the team have always provided excellent service,  and carry out work in an efficient and professional manner.

I'm very pleased, following a recommendation, that I changed my Accountants to Armstrong Watson and my profound thanks goes out to everyone at AW for all they have done during those 30+ years.

Richard Metcalfe-Gibson, Kendal

Graham significantly improved our tax position, ensuring that it was correct for our business. He successfully communicated our unique complexities to HMRC and other relevant authorities, all of whom who were satisfied with the submission. This delivers a tax efficiency and significant saving that directly improves our business growth, boosts our R&D capabilities and will hasten the launch of a new, job-creating product in Cumbria.

We are absolutely delighted with the outcome.

Bradley Kieser, Director SMS Speedway

The relationship between Armstrong Watson and Simpson was initially established prior to the Management buy-out of the Simpson business, which is now some 25 years since and has proved to be a long and lasting quality relationship, developed primarily with the Audit and Tax teams who have supported us well through our business growth and succession.

We have also been able to take advantage and drive improvements and success through our business operations with the help of the Armstrong Watson Strategic Business Advice Service, which has acted as a catalyst to release the potential within our management team, and triggered further business development opportunities.

Ron & Beryl Gatenby, Directors, Simpson (York) Ltd

Our family business has been supported by Armstrong Watson over the past 40 years, this alone is testament to the quality service and invaluable advice they provide us.  They are only a phone call away, whether it be about tax, pensions, payroll, accounts or personnel queries.

We know that we can pick up the phone and our queries will be promptly dealt with in a professional but friendly manner.  To be quite frank we would be lost without them.

Fontana's Fish and Chips

Armstrong Watson have been our accountants and tax advisers for many years. We have an exceptionally good working relationship, so much so that we see them as another arm of our team here at The Lakes.  They not only deal with our accounts and tax affairs, they understand our business and the way we run it, which is so important when we talk through problems or opportunities. They have supported us throughout a period of significant growth and it goes without saying that their pro-active approach to business and tax planning has been invaluable. We would not hesitate to recommend them.

The Lakes Free Range Egg Co

In all my dealings with Graham, I have found him to be exceptionally professional. He has dealt with several complex issues for me, including the merger of several businesses. He is very well supported by a strong team at Armstrong Watson and has been instrumental in allowing me to expand my business to multiple locations. I would highly recommend Graham and Armstrong Watson

Chris Matthews, Silver Link Clinics

We find using Xero easy and have been doing so for I think over four years now. We first moved to Xero when we decided to update our accounting process from ‘large paper book keeping books’ to something ‘electronic’. The team at AW put the ‘background’ information into the system, it was then easy to add the ‘direct bank link’ and going forward reconciliation has been very easy and preparation and submission of the VAT return is very straightforward. If we ever need any help the knowledgeable staff are always easy to contact and have always been able to answer any questions.

Hewer Hill Farm, Hesket Newmarket

Armstrong Watson have been extremely helpful in assisting Eureka secure a Museums and Galleries Exhibition Tax Relief claim. At the outset, Olivia came to visit the museum to see the exhibition space and to talk us through the claim, showing knowledge and enthusiasm. Throughout the process, Will kept me updated on the progress of the claim, advising us on the qualifying costs and accompanying narrative, to ensure all eligible expenses were included in the claim and our filing position was robust. Thanks to Armstrong Watson’s proactive advice, we have been able to make a substantial claim this year and have gained valuable insights which will allow us to maximise the available relief for future exhibitions.

Andy Forbes, Finance Director at Eureka! The National Children’s Museum

When Rodger Hill moved to Armstrong Watson we moved too!

We have confidence in Rodger and trust his advice, we have worked with Rodger for years and he has helped us develop our farming partnership.

Armstrong Watson is a forward thinking company offering clients a varied selection of events and informative workshops, we have been using Xero for over a year now and have found the training, help and support excellent. The system is easy to use and we are now ready for Making Tax Digital.

The Woodhouse Family

When invited to acquire the Practice from the former Partners, we approached Richard Gibson and his Glasgow legal sector/Corporate Finance team to assist us with the purchase.

Richard and his team quickly demonstrated an excellent knowledge of the taxation and regulatory issues surrounding the purchase, and helped structure the transaction to ensure the acquiring business was structured appropriately, and benefited from the most tax advantageous structure when completing the purchase.

Richard built an excellent working relationship with our corporate legal advisor, our funders and the in house finance team to make the purchase and takeover as seamless as possible, and his ongoing involvement has allowed us to focus on the development of our own Practice.

Graham Craik, Managing Partner, Levy & McRae

I’ve been with Armstrong Watson for over 20 years and have worked with them on quite a range of things from accounts, corporation tax, self-assessment returns and general compliance.

What sets Armstrong Watson apart from other accountants is the personal relationship we have developed. They always go the extra mile and are always there when I need help and advice.

I trust Armstrong Watson. They always act in my best interest - and having that feeling of security is priceless. 

Ben Peters, Managing Director, BHP Associates, Harrogate

I have been self employed for over 50 years using the services of accountants. This firm is quite simply the best I’ve had. I always deal with the same person, Ross Campbell. He is entirely efficient and dependable, but most importantly he understands and adapts to my personal circumstances with friendliness and endless good will. This is the genuine, old fashioned personal relationship that we all miss so much. I feel very lucky indeed to have Ross on my side.

Mr W J Muir

We moved to Armstrong Watson due to their specific legal sector expertise and knowledge.  We have been very pleased with the quality and efficiency of the accountancy, tax and financial advisory services provided by Andy Poole, Graham Poles and the rest of the AW team.  We value the fact they truly understand our business and the legal sector as this enables them to provide us with pro-active valued added advice and suggestions to make our business and strategic business planning even better.

Carl Newton, Managing Partner, Myerson

Discussing matters of succession planning with family members is a challenging but necessary process if you wish to try and minimise inheritance tax. In recent years, with the help of Helen Thornley and the rest of the team at Armstrong Watson, we have been able to take proactive steps to manage our family’s affairs to the point where we are now confident about the future.

Charles Lowther, Owner, Askham Hall

I became subject to an enquiry by the Revenue with regard to a self employed individual who would assist from time to time in the business.  The Revenue wanted to argue that he was an employee and this would have significantly increased the costs of using this person.

I engaged Graham Poles of Armstrong Watson to assist with this enquiry and he immediately took control and pulled together evidence to support our argument.  After protracted correspondence and an internal review, HMRC agreed that the individual was self employed.  Graham was always professional in his dealings and ensured I knew what the position of the enquiry was at every step.  I would thoroughly recommend both him and Armstrong Watson.

Billy Bone, Firstprobe Limited

We were the subject of a serious tax enquiry into both the company and the directors, concerning a fraud, with a real risk of criminal prosecution.  The enquiry lasted for almost three years and throughout this period Andrew Mitchell was our rock, providing valuable advice and support to us in a calm and extremely professional manner and eventually negotiated a satisfactory financial settlement with HMRC.  I would have no hesitation in recommending Andrew and Armstrong Watson to another client in a similar predicament.

Director, Manufacturing Company

Andrew Mitchell’s direct line is one of the few telephone numbers I know by heart. It is a number I dial regularly, whenever I have any question on any aspect of taxation. More often than not he is at his desk and picks up immediately, but if not I never have to wait long for him to return the call. This level of service is important to me. 

My company, Brook Taverner Limited, and I have being working with Andrew and the tax team at Armstrong Watson Skipton for close to 20 years now. During this time he has acted and advised on a wide variety of corporate and personal tax issues, from the relatively straightforward to the wildly complicated. At all times his research into the matter in question is very thorough and the advice given is always balanced and sensible. This common sense approach suits me and as a result any decision I have to make then becomes a simple one.

My relationship with Andrew and Armstrong Watson is one that has certainly served me well in the past and will, no doubt, continue to do so for quite a few years to come.

Andrew Booth, Director, Brook Taverner Limited

We are business owners from Dumfries and Galloway and we have had the rather unfortunate experience of being subjected to an enquiry by HM Revenue & Customs.

We had previously thought our affairs had been correct and up to date, however, we had not fully understood the taxation system and were unaware of certain reporting requirements and the interaction with international tax issues.

Having never had any former experience of an HM Revenue & Customs enquiry we did not know what to expect but from the start of the enquiry Armstrong Watson, and in particular, Scott McIver assisted us throughout the process. 

When we first met Scott he immediately made us feel at ease and took on a great deal of the burden of the enquiry. Scott and his team, which also consisted of Graham Poles, collated and analysed all the necessary information. HM Revenue & Customs had requested details of our business and personal affairs for the previous 20 years and Armstrong Watson prepared a formal report for submission to HM Revenue & Customs.

Perhaps the most daunting aspect of the enquiry was the formal interview we had to attend with HM Revenue & Customs Officers. Scott and Graham both attended the meeting with us which provided us with a great deal of comfort.

Scott ensured there was always good and clear communication between us and HM Revenue & Customs so that we all knew exactly where we were, what was required and what needed to be done. 

As a direct result of their efforts the penalties which HM Revenue & Customs could impose were reduced as far as possible. This in itself was a great result, however, by far the greatest benefit was knowing that we had Armstrong Watson and Scott assisting us through the process.

Dumfries Client, Business Owner

Armstrong Watson has been providing IBISWorld with audit services since we began operations in the UK in 2010.  More recently we have also engaged them to assist with our tax services.  Our experience throughout the relationship has been that of a very professional organization that provides a high level of expertise and comfort to ensure confidence in the end product.  Matthew, Helen and Zoe are responsive and personable, further making Armstrong Watson a pleasure to work with

Jody Scott, Global Finance Manager, IbisWorld

We were recently left with a very complex family estate to unravel. Helen was able to guide us through the process of IHT submission to HMRC and help unravel a number of complex tax issues in a calm and professional manner. She answered all of our questions promptly and provided clear guidance as to the individual steps we needed to take, making the whole process a lot easier and simpler to deal with.

Helen's work meant we did not have to engage a solicitor to close the estate, thus saving expensive legal costs and time and also brought in other experts (Trust & Investment Funds) to advise us as and when needed. At all times we found Helen easy and pleasant to deal with no matter how stressed we were with having to deal with what was essentially an emotional roller coaster ride. The estate took over two years to close out, but without Helen's support it would still be going on now.

I would recommend Helen and Armstrong Watson without any hesitation or reservation; they are the “go to source” for all financial issues and advice in my opinion.

Phil & Justine Waddington

The most important qualities I value in my relationship with Armstrong Watson are trust, efficiency and knowing that when necessary. I am satisfied they can help with any personal financial matter, or business matter if required.

I am always very pleased with the manner in which my tax return is completed, on time and without any fuss, but knowing that they are always available for further help and advice if necessary. I would recommend Armstrong Watson to my friends.

Private client, Lochmaben

We have been with Armstrong Watson for approximately 10 years. Armstrong Watson has handled both my dental practice accounts and the accounts for our rental houses. Since Graham has taken overall supervision in recent years we have benefited from a greatly improved service with a complete overview of our joint situation. We have always been treated with consideration and appreciate his friendly professionalism. We have felt that all our financial questions have been answered fully and promptly by Graham.

Steve Tonkin and Mary Thorne

Armstrong Watson work very closely with our company and we meet with Tony Bullock regularly to discuss the business and strategic matters. During one such meeting we mentioned a new craft tool that we were involved with, and some of the technical challenges we had faced in this regard.

Armstrong Watson immediately made us aware of research & development tax relief. We then met with their R&D tax relief expert who explained the relief clearly and we agreed a way forward in order to make our first claim under this relief. Armstrong Watson helped us every step of the way, making the process easy and really showing knowledge and expertise throughout.

I would strongly recommend any company involved in science or technology to seek help with R&D tax relief claims from Armstrong Watson
 

Brian Welch, Managing Director, UK Industrial Tapes Limited

Engineered Assistance Ltd design and manufacture specialist mobility equipment for the healthcare sector, and are based in West Yorkshire.

The Armstrong Watson team helped us prepare R&D tax relief claims since the company was first incorporated and have saved us huge amounts of tax which we have consequently been able to reinvest in our technology.

The team have a great understanding of the R&D tax relief rules and his advice has been invaluable in not only preparing accurate claims for HMRC, but also maximising the tax relief available.  I would definitely recommend Armstrong Watson to any company who think they might be able to make a claim.

Dane McGee, Managing Director, Engineered Assistance Ltd

We have no doubt that many accounting firms could provide us with an audit service but I am certain that very few take the care and interest in  the company and the people behind it. Armstrong Watson has been our auditors and tax advisers for 10 years and has provided us with support when it was most needed.

Jim O’Connor, Kirklees Youth Training