Latest News

Life Insurance - Have you Got it Covered?

It’s never been as important to ensure that enough life cover is in place.  Now more than ever the onus is on the individual or business to protect themselves.  The state will not pick up the pieces, if the worst was to happen through either death or illness.

I wanted to share with you some real life examples as to how I have helped our clients recently, and it may help you to identify scenarios which you may help yourselves, your friends or relatives too.

Life events – Birth of a Child

Autumn Statement 2012

The Autumn Statement 2012 will be made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, on Wednesday 5 December at 12.30pm.

The Statement provides an update on the Government's plans for the economy based on the latest forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility.

These forecasts are published alongside the Autumn Statement on 5 December. It is regarded as the most significant economic event of the parliamentary year, after the Budget.

Child Benefit and Higher Rate Tax Payers

From January 2013 a person who earns more than £50,000 must advise HMRC if they receive Child Benefit personally, or if they are the higher earner of a couple where their partner receives Child Benefit. If you fall into this category you may be receiving a letter soon from HMRC advising you of the new tax charge.

We have summarised below the details of the tax charge that will apply from 7 January 2013:

Tax Return Deadline Approaching

The filing deadline for paper copies of your Self Assessment tax return for 2012 was 31 October 2012. If you file a paper return after this date penalties will apply.

If we prepare your return it will be filed electronically, the deadline for electronic filing of 2012 Self Assessment returns is 31 January 2013.

Sage 50 Accounts Exam Successes at Armstrong Watson

Armstrong Watson is delighted to announce that Sharon Carr, based at its Fairview House office in Carlisle, and Louise Holmes, based at its Birbeck House office in Penrith, have both achieved Sage 50 Accounts qualifications at levels 1, 2 and 3.

The Sage certification is based on Sage 50 Accounts software and consists of an online exam for each level of certification. Through achieving this qualification Sharon and Louise have demonstrated that they both have a thorough knowledge of the system and our clients can continue to rely on their advice.

The Prince’s Trust brings international fashion to Yorkshire

Internationally renowned fashion designer Zandra Rhodes and Harvey Nichols Leeds teamed up with youth charity The Prince’s Trust to preview their latest collections at a glittering evening in Leeds last night.

Local firm beats competition from world’s biggest payroll bureaux to win top award at national CIPP awards

Local firm Armstrong Watson has beat off competition from the world’s largest payroll bureaux in order to scoop the ‘Employer of the Year’ award at the national ninth annual Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP) Payroll and Pensions Excellence awards.

The national awards ceremony is the payroll industries most prestigious awards for individuals and organisations working in the payroll and pensions professions and recognises excellence in this field.

Our money is on Cumbria's west coast!

Chartered Accountants and Financial Services firm Armstrong Watson is developing the support it is able to offer clients in west Cumbria through expansion and significant investment in its Workington office, which is based at the Lillyhall Business Centre. The firm has made the decision to invest resources into the region which represents an area of growth for Armstrong Watson.

Armstrong Watson Secures £120,000 Tax Repayment for U2T Photonics UK

Armstrong Watson is delighted to announce that it has obtained a R&D repayable tax credit of well over £120,000 for U2T Photonics UK Limited, based at NetPark in County Durham this year.

Nigel Holmes, Director of Corporate Tax at Armstrong Watson, says, "We introduced the idea of Research & Development (R&D) Tax Relief to U2T Photonics UK Limited a few years ago and they have received large repayable tax credits for the past two years. This year they have received in excess of £120,000.

Every step along Hadrian’s Wall earns cash for Tynedale Hospice at Home

 Northern based Accountancy and Financial Advisers Armstrong Watson is for the first time ever taking on a mammoth challenge to walk the length of Hadrian’s wall in one day, in order to raise money for Tynedale Hospice at Home.