Latest News

Views of family and owner-manged business sought for Armstrong Watson’s 2023 survey

Call for family and owner-managed businesses to share their views as part of 2023 survey to help provide a vital insight into the challenges they face, aspirations they have and opportunities available.

New legislation aims to improve Lasting Power of Attorney system 

The process of completing a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) has often been considered time-consuming and confusing, but new legislation aims to modernise this process and could be a vital piece of the jigsaw when it comes to implementing a secure financial plan for you and your family.   

Beware – fraudsters want your money!

Following the recent news article regarding Kent, a long-established business and hairbrush supplier to the royal family, who lost £1.6 million in minutes after falling prey to authorised push payment fraud (‘APP') back in July, we look at what APP fraud is, how it could impact your business and most importantly, how you can protect your business from fraudsters. 

The future of inheritance tax in the UK, the debate continues…

Ahead of the Autumn Statement next month, the on-going debate about the future of Inheritance Tax (IHT) continues. While it is unlikely the 40% tax charge - regarded as ‘Britain’s most hated tax’ - will be abolished anytime soon, it’s likely manifestos will promise another review, and perhaps simplification of IHT.

Corporate Finance Partner David Wilson joins Armstrong Watson 

Armstrong Watson has made a key appointment in its growing Corporate Finance team with the hire of new Partner David Wilson.

Funding options for management buyouts

Management buyouts (MBOs) are a popular exit route for the owners of companies, whereby the senior management team purchases the assets and operations of the business. When it comes to sourcing funding to facilitate the MBO, this can come from a variety of sources, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. 

Six tips for a successful business expansion

Every business looking to expand needs to have a detailed vision of what it wants to achieve – whether this is expanding into new markets, attracting new customers, developing new products or services, or acquiring another business.

To do this successfully there are a few things to consider:

BPS losses: Opportunity for farmers to save Capital Gains Tax

It is no longer necessary to hold BPS entitlements to receive payments. As a result, entitlements ceased to have any value on 16 May 2023. However, this may give farmers the opportunity to generate a Capital Gains Tax (CGT) loss which for many will result in a significant tax saving in the future.

Don’t be caught out by the change in basis period – plan ahead

From 6 April 2024, all unincorporated entities (sole traders and partnerships) will be taxed on profits generated in the fiscal year and not those aligned to the business’s accounting year-end. Planning your income and expenses now may help you manage your future tax bills.

Armstrong Watson acquires financial services firm 3G financial

Armstrong Watson is pleased to announce the acquisition of Penrith-based financial services firm 3G Financial.