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In developing our business, to provide high speed devices for fibre-optics systems at the limit of technology today, u2t Photonics UK has needed to have a tight rein on the financial management of the company while we are focused on the technical and business challenges.

For financial support at u2t, we have relied on Armstrong Watson to provide sound financial advice but also more practical help where, for example, they have taken tasks on to allow us to get on with our main job. Responses to questions have been dealt with in an accurate and extremely timely manner which is important in a small technology business. At an early stage in the life cycle of a company it is particularly important that the development costs are well managed. Armstrong Watson educated us on the options for managing our tax affairs and ensured we made the most of tax measures which support small and medium sized enterprises. This most especially applies to the use of the tax credit offer from government which allows us to keep tight controls on our R&D costs.

In summary we have been delighted with the support, interaction and responsiveness which we experienced with Armstrong Watson, right from our first engagement with them four years ago.

Steve Clements, Managing Director, U2T Photonics UK Ltd

I contacted Nigel after reading an article in Taxation about EBTs. I liked the simplicity of the idea and how it involved working with the tax system rather than against it. The idea enabled me to reach a favourable EBT settlement with HMRC. I have subsequently used Nigel’s knowledge of R&D tax credits to help a manufacturing business that I am a director of. Once again, I am delighted by the outcome. I am keen for Nigel and Armstrong Watson to play a bigger role with a number of companies I am involved with.

Iain Jenkins, Director, Aquaspira Ltd, Creditflux Ltd, Alpha Haven Ltd

When the company was sold to a private equity firm, Armstrong Watson was instrumental in assisting the purchase; formulating the financial models, cash flow analysis and pro forma profit and loss. The team produced high quality results and provided an invaluable contribution in the post transaction.

The effective sale of the business was made so by having the right people with the right skills who really understood the business and our requirements, in particluar David Richmond. David has an excellent understanding of business finance reporting, his knowledge and the ability to understand different situations provided invaluable in developing the strategic direction of our business. Armstrong Watson are a very professional outfit and without doubt their contribution has made the transaction exceedingly cost effective and we would highly recommend them.

John Williams, Managing Director, Ness Furniture

We engaged Andy Poole and his specialist legal sector team at Armstrong Watson as our accountants in 2012, only the second firm of accountants we have used in our 18 year history. We found that their management of the handover of responsibilities from our previous accountants was very smooth and constructive.

In the first year, we have been very satisfied with the level of specialisation which they bring to our sector. Our previous accountants were a top 10 UK firm, but we do not feel that they were able to offer the same depth of advice. Andy’s knowledge of the legal market shines through in his pro-active advice and they have been very keen to help to improve our business.

They have already suggested and implemented a change in our business structure to better suit our commercial needs. This should result in very significant tax efficiencies, even though we have not noticed any real changes to the way we run our practice on a day to day basis. We get on with running our practice and they get on with supporting us.

We are very happy with our decision to appoint Armstrong Watson and we are sure that they will bring on-going benefits to our business going forward.

John Gaunt, Senior Partner, John Gaunt & Partners

My contact is with Hilary Farish. Her work regarding my income tax and the helpful and kindly way in which she has dealt with my queries and my tax affairs which were complicated this year because of the death of my husband, have been greatly appreciated.

M Shepherd

Daryl Warwick acted as liquidator for one of the University’s subsidiaries which had ceased trading. Daryl provided a clear timeline and prompt and tailored advice along the way. It was particularly useful to have him attend board meetings as it gave the Directors clarity on the process that was being followed and confidence in what was being proposed.

Andrew Heron, Deputy Director of Finance, University of Cumbria

Andy's knowledge of the legal sector is phenomenal and his in-depth understanding of the issues being faced by lawyers at this time of unprecedented change is undoubtedly of huge help to his clients. He can identify ways of structuring a legal business so as to operate within the confines of a highly regulated environment but whilst making it more effective and more profitable. He is also personable and presents informative and engaging training sessions - which are not always qualities that can be attributed to accountants!

Natalie Saunders, Managing Director, Pharos Legal

Having worked with David on a number of capital allowance cases over the last year, I would like to say that his technical knowledge of the tax rules with regards to capital allowance claims is second to none. David's attention to detail and expertise has enabled Bushell Raven and Armstrong Watson to work together as a team to produce some extremely cost beneficial results for clients.

Whether the premises is a holiday park, offices, pub or hotel, David's specialist knowledge of the qualifying expenditure allowances for each category has been invaluable to us when preparing the capital allowance surveys and reports, sometimes working to very tight tax submission deadlines.

We look forward to working with David in partnership again in the near future.

Gary Bushell FRICS, MAE, Managing Director, Bushell Raven Limited

We are a leading UK manufacturer based in West Yorkshire, we undertake research and development to produce environmentally friendly and innovative protective packaging solutions.

Armstrong Watson advised us on the potential for making a claim for R&D expenditure and Steve Holmes guided us through the entire process. Steve’s friendly, proactive approach, sound advice and in-depth knowledge of a complex tax area, secured a considerable reduction in our corporation tax bill. I would recommend Steve’s services to anyone who might be in a position to claim R&D tax relief.

Andrew Corney, Financial Director, Custompac Limited

We were involved in carrying out the refurbishment of several existing warehouse buildings on the site which were clad in asbestos sheeting and we intended to replace the covering with modern materials.

When it was pointed out to Armstrong Watson that these buildings were being redeveloped and they had contained asbestos, they suggested submitting a land remediation relief claim to cover the cost of removing the asbestos and the replacement materials.

Because of the extensive nature of the redevelopment work a claim was submitted to HMRC which led to a corporation tax saving of £208,000. HMRC enquired into the relevant tax return. However, after a robust defence of the claim by Armstrong Watson and a site visit by HMRC, the claim was accepted in full.

This opportunity has led us to refurbishing five buildings on the site retaining the previous structure and providing good quality warehouse space at a competitive price. Without this happening the buildings would likely have remained in their previous dilapidated condition and would have eventually been demolished.

A W Goddard, Chief Executive Officer, Kingmoor Park Properties Limited

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