We are

Enthusiastic individuals working for extraordinary clients.

Leadership Team

James Syree FCA

Partner & CEO

Mark Skellum FCA

Partner & CFO

Ben Allman FCA CTA

Partner & COO

Matthew Watson FCA CTA

Partner

James Maynell FCA

Partner

Steven Jones MCIM

Business Development Partner & CMO

Ben Powell ACA CTA

Partner & CTO

Krista Woodman CTA

Private Client Tax Partner

Phil Waller FCA CTA

Tax Partner

Martin Adams FCA CTA

Tax Partner

Sean Devlin

IT & Digital Transformation Partner

Andy Bewick

Partner – Corporate & International

Kind words

Having worked with many accountants, Ballards LLP are very good, I get a personal service, and honest advice with no jargon. I particularly appreciate their pre-planning meetings which minimises the GP's time, their support is invaluable and I have on many occasions recommended them.

Ballards LLP really understands the farming business, they speak my language and they know what's going on in the sector. Their advice on diversifying has been great for me. With Ballards LLP, I don't have to worry about the everyday financial compliance and I can concentrate on, with their assistance, growing the farm and pushing forward with my plans.

Ballards LLP have really looked after our business, it was with their help that we acquired the funding to develop our business, and with their ongoing support we keep track of the business financially so we know where we're going.

We have had a very long association with Ballards LLP who have provided our accounting services to us for over 15 years. It has been very reassuring to have such a professional organisation advising with our accounting and development requirements. I really can't recommend Ballards LLP highly enough.

A Personal Tax Account: An Essential Tool for Doctors

As a doctor, managing your finances and ensuring accurate tax payments can be a daunting task. Fortunately, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has introduced a ...

Crafting a Successful System Implementation: A Comprehensive Guide

Establish a solid successful system implementation for the project and ensure that the implementation aligns with the organisation's overall strategic goals. The first and perhaps ...

How to Start Digital Transformation: A Comprehensive Guide

In today's dynamic business environment, digital transformation is no longer optional – it's essential for survival. Businesses of all sizes, from established enterprises to innovative ...

PCSE Seniority Payment Adjustments: A Heads Up for Upcoming GMS Statements

Attention GP practices: A reminder about the PCSE seniority payment adjustments first communicated in October 2023. Most practices should now have received communication from PCSE ...

Optimising Profitability: The Importance of Effective Systems and Processes

Where margins are constantly being squeezed and competition is fierce, the ability to optimising profitability is a critical factor for success. One of the key ...

Entering a New Market: Key Considerations for Businesses

Expanding into a new market can be an exciting, yet daunting, prospect for any business. Whether you're looking to grow your customer base, diversify your ...

The Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) Scheme: Empowering Start-ups and Small Businesses

For start-ups and small businesses looking to attract, retain, and incentivise top talent, the Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) scheme can be a powerful tool. Introduced ...

What’s The Difference Between An MBO And An MBI?

What's the Difference Between an MBO and an MBI? When it comes to business transitions and ownership changes, two commonly used terms are MBO (management ...

Benefits Of Using A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) System

Benefits of using a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system is a powerful tool designed to help businesses manage and streamline their interactions and relationships with ...

Property Watch – February 2024 UK residential property transactions

Property Watch – February 2024. Have a look at the UK residential property transactions for UK housing market for the year to 29 February 2024 ...

Demystifying Wealth Management: Building a Roadmap to Your Financial Future

Building and preserving wealth is a lifelong journey, demanding careful planning, informed decisions, and a comprehensive strategy.

Protecting Your Wealth: Smart Inheritance Tax Strategies for 2024-25

Protecting your wealth is levied on the total value of an individual's estate, encompassing property, money, and possessions, upon their passing. For the 2024-25 tax ...

Changes to the GP Contract 2024/25: Implications for Primary Care Networks – Budgeting, Forecasting, and Financial Planning

This is clearly insufficient to cover the rise in costs already seen for Primary Care Networks (PCNs) or general practice, as a result we may ...

Achieve Robust Cyber Security: 10 Essential Steps

How to achieve robust cyber security? Protecting your organisation from cyber threats is paramount. At Ballards LLP, our Cyber Team offers comprehensive guidance to help ...

A Roadmap to Resilience by the Cyber Security Team at Ballards LLP

Cyber security is no longer just an IT concern – it's a fundamental operational risk. With the advancement of technological innovation and the complexity of ...

Tax Year End 2023/2024: Essential Reminders

As the 2023/2024 tax year draws to a close on 5 April 2024, it's crucial to review your financial situation and take advantage of any ...

Why Having a Good Accountant is So Important for Your Business

Running a business requires dedication, expertise, and a keen eye for detail. While you may possess an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep understanding of your ...

The Customer-Centric Approach: Unlocking the Key to Business Success

In business, one truth remains constant: the customer is king. Successful enterprises understand that being customer-centric approach is not just a buzzword but a fundamental ...

The Spring Budget: What Could Be in Store for Your Finances?

The Spring Budget is fast approaching on March 6th, and there is intense speculation about what Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has in store. With the general ...

Tax Efficient Giving In The UK

Tax efficient giving in the UK can be achieved through several methods, allowing donors to maximise their donations while also minimising their tax liabilities.

Property Watch – January 2024 UK residential property transactions

Property watch insight. Have a look at the UK residential property transactions for UK housing market for the year to 31 January 2024 with comparatives ...

Sole Trader or Limited Company: How to Pick the Right Structure for Your Small Business

One of the very first big choices you'll need to make is whether to operate as a sole Trader or limited Company. Starting a ...

Which is better for your business? Xero or Quickbooks

Deciding between Xero or Quickbooks for your business accounting can be a tough choice. Both platforms offer similar core accounting features for small businesses, but ...

Why You Should Outsource Your Bookkeeping to Your Accountant

There are many advantages to outsource your bookkeeping to your accountant. If you're a small business owner in the UK, you likely handle many financial ...

Management Buyouts – An Overlooked Option for Business Owners Looking to Sell

When business owners looking to sell their company, one option often overlooked is a management buyout (MBO). An MBO is when the existing management team ...

Should You Take on a Business Partner? The Pros and Cons

Deciding whether or not to take on a business partner can be a tough call for entrepreneurs. On one hand, having someone to share the ...

The Risks and Rewards of Using KPIs to Drive Business Growth

KPIs to drive business growth holds tremendous potential benefits but also risks for leaders seeking to spur their organisation's growth. When thoughtfully developed and adaptatively ...

Understanding the 2023 Changes to National Insurance Contributions

In the 2023 Autumn Statement, the Chancellor announced a reduction in the main rates of National Insurance Contributions (NIC). These changes impact both practice employees ...

Why Every Small Business Needs a Small Business Accountant

Effectively managing a small business demands adeptness, adaptability, and resilience, akin to navigating a demanding and ever-shifting landscape. Entrepreneurs, often wearing countless hats and juggling ...

Making Sense of the NHS Pension Remedy: Do I Need an Advisor?

The government has confirmed that compensation will be available where an NHS Pension Scheme member (GP, Consultant, or other NHS member) has suffered "financial loss" ...

What Expenses Can UK Landlords Deduct From Rental Income?

Allowable expenses help reduce your taxable profit, which in turn cuts your rental income tax bill. However, the rules on deductions depend on your property ...

How Does Digital Transformation Work? Unlocking Growth for Your Business

The digital landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, reshaping industries and fundamentally changing how businesses operate. In this dynamic environment, digital transformation has emerged ...

Demystifying Employee Ownership Trusts

Across the UK, a dynamic shift is taking place within the business landscape, empowering employees more than ever before. One of the most prominent drivers ...

Property Watch – December 2023 UK residential property transactions

Property Watch. In this insight, we look at the UK residential property transactions for UK housing market for the year to 31 December 2023 with ...

How To Implement A New Piece Of Software

Implement A New Piece Of Software. Small and medium-sized companies in Britain eyeing a new technology solution would do well to thoroughly assess business needs ...

How Do Xero and QuickBooks Compare for UK Small Businesses?

Xero and QuickBooks (QB) stand out as two leading accounting software options suited for small and medium enterprises in the UK. Comparing functionality, ease of ...

What Are Allowable Business Expenses for Tax Purposes?

What exactly counts as an allowable business expenses for tax. As a business owner in the UK, you likely incur many different expenses related to ...

How to Create an 18-Month Cash Flow Forecast for Your Business

How Can an 18-Month Cash Flow Forecast Help My Business? Creating an 18-month cash flow forecast serves several useful purposes: Identify future cash shortages - ...

How to Choose the Best ERP System: 9 Must-Have Buying Considerations

What core functionality should an ERP system include. Assessing ERP against current workflows spanning finance, HR, manufacturing, inventory and more proves essential. Script demos across ...

How To Choose the Best CRM Software: 8 Key Buying Considerations

8 essential buying criteria to evaluate when determining the best CRM software tailored to your unique workflows and commercial objectives.

The Side Gig Boom: What You Need to Know About Taxes

Side gigs have exploded in popularity in the UK just as much as elsewhere. With the cost of living rising faster than incomes, more and ...

Navigating the Financial Labyrinth: Why You Need a Chartered Accountant

At Ballards LLP, we take immense pride in being chartered accountants – individuals who not only possess deep financial expertise but also adhere to the ...

Important NHS Pension Deadlines Looming for GPs

NHS Pension Deadlines for submitting the Annual Certificate of Pensionable Profits (Type 1 Certificate) for the 2022/23 pension year has been extended to 31 March ...

Dealing with NHS Pension Payment Problems as a GP

It's no secret that many GPs across the UK are increasingly frustrated with ongoing NHS Pension Payment Problems. Pension records often seem to lag behind, ...

Top 5 Cybersecurity Do’s & Don’ts: Expert Tips from Bal Siyan

As cybersecurity concerns continue to evolve, the Security team at Ballards LLP is committed to helping our clients stay safe and secure online. These practical ...

The Critical Importance of Cybersecurity for UK Businesses

In our technologically driven world, the importance of cybersecurity has become critical for all types of organisations across the United Kingdom. As more and more ...

Most Common Tax Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

At Ballards LLP, we're passionate about guiding businesses and individuals towards tax-efficient success. We've seen our fair share of common tax mistakes, and today, we're ...

How To Register A Limited Company

If you are looking for information on how to register a limited company, this comprehensive step- to- step guide provides all the key steps you ...

Key Tax Changes Coming in 2024

As we start 2024, there are several notable Tax changes coming in 2024 that will impact individuals and businesses when the new 2024/25 tax year ...

How to Get Employee Buy-in for New System Implementations

New system implementations or process can lead to major improvements in efficiency and productivity. However, without proper planning and communication, these changes can also face ...