Auto Enrolment - don’t forget the increase in minimum contributions

Under Auto Enrolment legislation, as an employer you have a legal obligation to ensure that both you and your staff pay into a pension scheme, but many employers and employees alike may be unaware that the minimum contribution levels increased from 6 April.

An Interview with Ben Peters: Demonstrating Added Value

We have been providing independent financial planning advice to clients across the North of England and Scotland for many years, and our aim is to always ensure that we provide real value to the individuals and businesses we work with.

In truth, value is very personal and difficult to define. Advice itself is somewhat intangible – it’s not something you can touch or see, and yet what you receive and, more importantly, how you benefit from the advice can be very powerful and at times life-changing.

Current Matters in Progress from the Legal Sector Team

The Amrstrong Watson Legal Sector team highlight the Current Matters they are working on with clients.

Help to Buy mortgage - How the five year interest free period works

In 2013 the Government launched the Help-to-Buy scheme to assist first time buyers to get onto the property ladder and after the first five years interest becomes payable at a rate of 1.75% on the equity loan, unless the borrower can re-mortgage to pay the loan off.

NEST - looking to change death benefit rules

The National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) was set up by the Government specifically for auto enrolment purposes - auto enrolment was introduced in 2012 to ensure that every employee has access to a workplace pension.

There are now multiple providers available for employers to utilise as part of their auto enrolment duties.

Deliberate deprivation or not?

The funding of long term care costs can be an emotive subject and a recent case in which a council acted incorrectly, when it ruled that an elderly lady had deliberately spent her money to avoid paying care home fees further illustrates this.

The lady, aged 80, entered a care home following a stroke she had suffered in 2007. She had sold her home to pay for her care but continued to make regular gifts to her relatives as she had done before she had suffered the stroke.

Celebrating the Launch of our New Glasgow Office

Armstrong Watson, Accountants, Business and Financial Advisers launched their new Glasgow office at a drinks reception held at Glasgow’s 29 Private Members Club on Thursday 19th April.  The event was held to mark the merger of the top 30 accountancy firm with the former Haines Watts Glasgow Office based in Blythswood Square.

Over 120 guests from across central Scotland celebrated the amalgamation of the two firms and were introduced to Armstrong Watson’s ambitious plans for the business.

“Deal Readiness” – 10 Things to Think About

There are many things to consider when thinking of selling your business that it can seem complicated and daunting. To bring you some clarity and peace of mind, Avantika runs through 10 things that potential buyers will consider during their due diligence process that can put you in a strong position and maximise your wealth

Changes Ahead You May Have Forgotten About

With the start of the new financial year, there may be some changes in Payroll Services that you may have forgetten about. 

5 Important Considerations with respect to the Residence Nil Rate Band

Understanding the complexities of the Residence Nil Rate Band can be challenging, but Tax Consultant, Emily Harrison, runs through the 5 most important areas surrounding the Residence Nil Rate Band provisions.