Latest News

Chief Economist Provides Economic Insight at Business Leaders Lunch

Mark Berrisford-Smith, Head of Economics at HSBC captivated local business leaders at annual Business Lunch, Broughton Hall, Skipton.

Stephen Dinsmore Leads Armstrong Watson Commercial Funding

Stephen has moved to Armstrong Watson from Sedulo Funding Solutions where he held the role of Senior Funding Manager.

Stephen has extensive experience within the finance industry across the Yorkshire region, working with SMEs to provide the most suitable funding strategies and providing guidance on the raft of lending options available.

What’s the value of your pension?

In April 2015 pension legislation changed resulting in people using pensions as a way to pass on wealth to subsequent generations due to the favourable Inheritance Tax treatment.

Using Your Pension to Live the Retirement you Want

The introduction of pension freedoms has been a huge benefit for the over 55s and can now mean a pension can now offer the ability to take a more phased approach to retirement.

Increasing Tax Burden for Landlords

As many landlords will be aware, the government have over a number of years increased the tax burden of property ownership, particularly residential property, and from 6 April 2020 the government will now further reduce the deemed occupation period allowable under Principal Private Residence relief and remove Lettings Relief - which could considerably increase the amount of Capital Gains Tax a landlord will pay.

How to prepare your portfolio for inflation

Very low or very high inflation is damaging to the economy. The aim is usually to try and keep the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) at 2% in order to maintain a ‘Goldilocks Economy’ – not too hot, not too cold.

Entrepreneurs’ relief may be abolished after the general election

There have been quite a few tax surprises in the leading parties’ manifestos ahead of the general election on 12^th December. Not least amongst these is the possible abolition of Entrepreneurs’ relief (ER) by both the Conservative and Labour parties.

Cyber Savvy Christmas Shopping

Follow our cyber security tips to protect yourself from online scammers using fake websites and phoney branding.

Beware of these Inheritance Tax pitfalls

There are many cases where HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have argued that part of a farming business is chargeable to Inheritance Tax (IHT). It is dangerous to assume that 100% Agricultural Property Relief (APR) or Business Property Relief (BPR) will apply to every asset in a modern farming business.

The key here is to look at the differences between APR and BPR:

An Inspector Calls - a visit from ‘The VATman’

Back in the dim and distant past I remember leaving school and joining H M Customs and Excise as a trainee VAT officer.  I was appointed to the wilds of South West Scotland and given a plastic brief case with ‘ER’ emblazoned across it to visit VAT registered businesses and check their returns.  Back in those early days there was a deep suspicion and fear around VAT that often translated into a hostile atmosphere during inspections.