Armstrong Watson's Payroll Professionals included in the exclusive 'The Reward 300' index

Armstrong Watson's very own Karen Thomson, Director of Group Payroll Services, and Suzanne Gallagher, Head of Payroll Operations, have both been included in the exclusive 'The Reward 300' index of the Pauroll profession's most influential leaders, Hear how to felt about this amazing accolade.

Success in defending Law Firm under HMRC Investigation following the Brabners VAT on disbursements case

As a result of the Brabner's case, we have seen HMRC targeting this area of HMRC inspections more closely. We at Armstrong Watson were able to intervene at an early stage in a similar case, and gave sound advice which resulted in a positive outcome. Stepehen Ferrie, VAT consultant, explains more... 

I have made a will so why do I need a Power of Attorney?

Many people take the time and trouble to make a will, so that their estate is distributed in accordance with their wishes when they die, but far fewer set up a Power of Attorney (POA) arrangement.

A POA and a will are entirely different. The former allows someone appointed by you to look after your affairs on your behalf during your lifetime should you become unable to do so yourself and is effective up to when you die, at which point it ceases and your will becomes relevant.

Pension default funds

The House of Commons Work and Pensions Select Committee have recently released a report on its enquiry into the pension freedoms which were introduced three years ago and proposes the introduction of what it calls a new, simple, standard drawdown pension.

The suggestion is that all providers who offer a drawdown arrangement (the method by which you can take your pension commencement lump sum entitlement and set a level of withdrawal from the remaining pension pot) and for them to offer a default investment solution targeted at their core customer group.

High Street lending to SME businesses has fallen

Access to funding has become more or a key issue for SMEs especially those in the property sector as lending falls over the last 12 months. This fall is indicative of the wider lack of financing available to smaller businesses from the high-street lenders across all industries as the economy rebalances. Contact Armstrong Watson for help and financial support.

Manufacturing – legal and professional services to a sector experiencing rapid change

As professional advisors, the ability to speak our clients language and have a genuine understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherit in their sector can really differentiate the value we can provide.

The Industrial Revolution... in Accounting

As an audit and assurance partner, based in the Yorkshire region for the top 30 practice Armstrong Watson, I can certainly say that I have seen some significant changes in the profession over the last 25 years.

Whitakers Chocolates - The Key to Sweet Success!

We recently asked William Whitaker, the Managing Director of Whitakers Chocolates 5 questions about the current issues facing his business. find out what he said below.

Are Charities missing out?

One of the main purposes of a charity is to raise money to support its specific cause, but surprisingly, up to 85% of UK charities are missing out on funds which could help them progress and carry out more of their vital work.

Have you been asked to move your Bank Account to another bank by Royal Bank of Scotland?

RBS have recently written to their Business Banking clients with a turnover of less than £25 million to find another bank. If you are interested in swapping your business bank, get in touchg and we can help guide you through this sometime difficult process