Client Testimonials

We engaged Andy Poole and his specialist legal sector team at Armstrong Watson as our accountants in 2012, only the second firm of accountants we have used in our 18 year history.  We found that their management of the handover of responsibilities from our previous accountants was very smooth and constructive.

In the first year, we have been very satisfied with the level of specialisation which they bring to our sector.  Our previous accountants were a top 10 UK firm, but we do not feel that they were able to offer the same depth of advice.  Andy’s knowledge of the legal market shines through in his pro-active advice and they have been very keen to help to improve our business.

They have already suggested and implemented a change in our business structure to better suit our commercial needs.  This should result in very significant tax efficiencies, even though we have not noticed any real changes to the way we run our practice on a day to day basis.  We get on with running our practice and they get on with supporting us. 

We are very happy with our decision to appoint Armstrong Watson and we are sure that they will bring on-going benefits to our business going forward.

Daryl Warwick acted as liquidator for one of the University’s subsidiaries which had ceased trading. Daryl provided a clear timeline and prompt and tailored advice along the way. It was particularly useful to have him attend board meetings as it gave the Directors clarity on the process that was being followed and confidence in what was being proposed.

Having worked with David on a number of capital allowance cases over the last year, I would like to say that his technical knowledge of the tax rules with regards to capital allowance claims is second to none. David's attention to detail and expertise has enabled Bushell Raven and Armstrong Watson to work together as a team to produce some extremely cost beneficial results for clients.

Whether the premises is a holiday park, offices, pub or hotel, David's specialist knowledge of the qualifying expenditure allowances for each category has been invaluable to us when preparing the capital allowance surveys and reports, sometimes working to very tight tax submission deadlines.

We look forward to working with David in partnership again in the near future.
 

We were involved in carrying out the refurbishment of several existing warehouse buildings on the site which were clad in asbestos sheeting and we intended to replace the covering with modern materials.

When it was pointed out to Armstrong Watson that these buildings were being redeveloped and they had contained asbestos, they suggested submitting a land remediation relief claim to cover the cost of removing the asbestos and the replacement materials.

Because of the extensive nature of the redevelopment work a claim was submitted to HMRC which led to a corporation tax saving of £208,000. HMRC enquired into the relevant tax return. However, after a robust defence of the claim by Armstrong Watson and a site visit by HMRC, the claim was accepted in full.

This opportunity has led us to refurbishing five buildings on the site retaining the previous structure and providing good quality warehouse space at a competitive price. Without this happening the buildings would likely have remained in their previous dilapidated condition and would have eventually been demolished.