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Reflections on the 2024 Academy Reporting Season and Top Tips for 2025

Looking forward to the 2025 academy reporting season, there are a few key areas to consider that can improve the process and ensure compliance.

Armstrong Watson urges Government to rethink IHT increase on farmers in new report

Armstrong Watson is among a group of accounting firms across England and Scotland who have raised concerns about the wider impact of Rachel Reeves’ proposals to cap Inheritance Tax (IHT) reliefs for agricultural and business property.

Kitchen Rivals presents unique insight into hospitality business for sector lead

Armstrong Watson's Matt Hutton works closely with many hospitality businesses but was given a unique insight into the sector when he took part in the Kitchen Rivals charity event in Cumbria. 

Six tips for a successful business expansion in 2025

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:

Scottish Budget: Income tax band increases

Among the SNP’s Scottish Budget proposals for the coming tax year, Finance Secretary Shona Robison announced increases to the income tax starter rate and basic rate thresholds, however these small tax savings do very little to ease the pain of fiscal drag for many.

How much will your salary bill increase from April 2025? Download our free Forecasting Tool

Changes announced in the 2024 Autumn Budget will significantly impact employer wage bills from April 2025.

Preparing for April 2025 in the hospitality sector

Following the Chancellor’s recent budget, businesses in the hospitality sector will need to prepare as best they possibly can for the changes announced, many of which come into effect from April 2025.

How can businesses budget for increased NMW and National Insurance costs?

Changes announced in the Autumn Budget present a number of challenges to business owners, ones which cannot be ignored and require some careful consideration and planning.

Double U-turn on Double Cab Pick Ups

Slipped into the main Autumn Budget document was the announcement that Double Cab Pick-ups (DCPU) will be treated a cars from 6 April 2025.

Options to explore for farm businesses following Autumn Budget

While the Autumn Budget 2024 will have come as a seismic shock to many farming businesses, it’s important to take the time to properly digest the announcements, take the appropriate advice, and consider the alternatives.