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Making Tax Digital changes for the self-employed and landlords

Small business owners across the UK need to prepare for a significant change that will affect how they report their earnings to HMRC.

RNIB improvements: Are there lessons here for your charity?

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has faced a raft of challenges that have tested its resilience. It has had to rebuild trust and make bold steps to recover from multiple failings found by the Charity Commission to ensure it could continue its work. The charity’s journey from crisis to recovery, offers a valuable insight and lessons other charities can learn from.  

How can professional firms leverage client relationships to drive revenue growth?

Professional firms are fortunate in that they tend to have a bank of clients where, due to nature of the work undertaken, they’ve built a strong relationship, usually at a senior level. Assuming that all clients ‘belong’ to the firm rather any one individual fee-earner, then the possibilities for cross-selling and expanding services offers can be considerable.

VAT policy change on management of pension funds opens door to 4-year reclaims

HMRC has announced a potentially significant policy change on VAT deduction on the management of pension funds.

Effective from 18 June 2025, the update allows employers to fully recover VAT on both invested and administration costs related to pension funds, eliminating the previous requirement to apportion costs between employers and pension funds trustees.

Financial planning in a new era: Navigating UK tax changes to IHT, CGT & pensions

For context, this is my 20th year working as a financial planner, the last 12 and a half of them spent here in the team at Armstrong Watson. In my opinion, the current and planned changes in legislation are the most seismic and impactful of my working life.  

Does a tourist tax help or hurt local tourism?

Recent months and years have seen more and more areas proposing to introduce a “tourism tax” on visitors. 

Is an Employee Ownership Trust right for your law firm

Succession planning remains one of the most critical decisions for owners of law firms, particularly those seeking to preserve their firm’s legacy, values, and workforce. As traditional exit routes face increasing tax burdens and external sale risks, Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) have emerged as a compelling alternative—offering a blend of financial efficiency, cultural continuity, and long-term stability.

Survey highlights challenges faced by farming sector

Armstrong Watson’s latest Family, Privately-Owned and Owner Managed Business Survey has revealed that farm businesses are being tested by economic volatility and digital transformation.

Navigating and mitigating the financial risks for leaders of smaller UK law firms

Cash flow problems, financial difficulties, and business exit strategies are significant concerns for leaders of smaller law firms. Understanding the risks and knowing your options can help mitigate personal liability and ensure the best outcome for your firm, clients, and career.

FAQs on changes to Inheritance Tax legislation for farmers

Many farmers are concerned about the impact of Inheritance Tax reforms but there are ways to put yourself, your family and your business in a better position. This FAQ guide will help you identify aspects of IHT and succession planning that you need to consider.