Are you looking for a challenging and rewarding role with a forward thinking firm? Why not contact us to start the conversation.
Who are we?
Ballards is an award-winning firm providing a range of accountancy services to different sectors.
We provide anyone who joins us with a variety of different clients across these industries ensuring every day delivers a challenge.
We pride ourselves on our modern approach delivering exceptional service, thinking outside the box and using technology where we can, to help our clients grow. We have a great community at Ballards and look after our teams members in many different ways.
How do we do this?
We train, we pride ourselves on the training we provide to everyone throughout their career with us
We support everyone through their own development path, Career Development Managers provide guidance and assistance bespoke to individuals
We empower individuals with work and their career
We reward through a competitive salary, some great benefits including wellbeing. Our approach to flexibility ensuring we all maintain the right balance for both work and home demands. We also celebrate individual and team success with some great awards!
Our vision
Take a look at who we are.
- Enthusiasm
- Willingness to change
- Passionate about technology
- Teamwork whilst dealing with change swiftly and efficiently
- Excited to innovate and share ideas
Positions available.
Whether you are starting out on your career or looking to join somewhere new, take up the challenge and start building your career with Ballards!
Take a look at our current vacancies or email us to express an interest in working for a great team.
- IT & Digital Transformation Consultant
- Business Services Tax Manager
- Audit & Accounts Associate
- Trainee Chartered Accountant (Graduate Programme)
- Private Client Tax Manager / Senior Manager
- Corporate Tax Senior / Assistant Manager
- Executive Recruitment Consultants
Due to business growth, we currently have a new opportunity for an IT & Digital Transformation Consultant to join our IT & Digital Transformation team. With a competitive salary, flexible and hybrid working, and a broad benefits package, this role is an integral part of the consultancy and delivery services provided by Ballards.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced IT project manager who is looking to make the next step into consultancy, or equally someone who is currently delivering consultancy services with an IT project delivery background.
About the role:
- Delivering client projects as either part of a team or as the sole engagement manager.
- Become actively involved in developing new IT and Digital service offerings for the department.
- Identify new business opportunities with both existing clients and new potential clients.
- Provide expert technology and business advice, both internally and externally.
- Assist in developing the department/practice, including leading internal projects, reviewing ways of working and communicating key messages.
About you:
- PRINCE 2 practitioner or equivalent project management qualification.
- Experience of delivering and project managing IT and Digital projects, either in a consulting role or as part of a business.
- Highly motivated to grow and develop the existing IT & Digital department.
- Strong technical knowledge.
- Experience of working in a client-facing role.
- Able to prioritise own workload and work to deadlines.
- A passion for providing excellent customer service.
- Ability to innovate and share ideas.
About the rewards:
- Hybrid and flexible working
- Broad benefits package
- Career progression
- Option to buy extra holiday
For more information, please contact Lauren Williams on 01905 794504 or email careers@ballardsllp.com
Due to business growth, we currently have a new opportunity for a Business Services Tax Manager to join our Business Services team. With a competitive salary, flexible and hybrid working, and a broad benefits package, this role is an integral part of the Business Services function.
The Business Services team provides a range of excellent services to SMEs including accounts and tax compliance, outsourced finance and payroll, and business advice The Business Services Tax Manager will be responsible for supporting the clients and staff within the Business Services department with a range of tax advice.
About the role:
- Providing tax advice and answering queries relating to small owner managed businesses, including but not exclusively: Income tax and National Insurance, Corporation Tax, and VAT, whether directly to the client or to Business Services team members.
- Assisting in the business development of the department by producing tax content for marketing purposes.
- Supporting the Business Services team with compliance advice and reviewing of Self-Assessment Tax Returns.
- Undertaking tax reviews of Corporation Tax returns and Self-Assessment self-employment/partnership returns.
- Liaising with the Private Client and Corporate Tax departments to ensure consistency of approach with clients.
- Assisting in tax planning assignments undertaken by Private Client and Corporate departments.
- Ensuring tax training for OMBs is provided to colleagues within Business Services.
- Liaise with HMRC, clients and third parties, as necessary.
About you:
- ACA / ACCA / CTA qualification, or a similar professional qualification (QBE candidates may also be considered).
- Strong communication skills – both verbal and written.
- Experience of working in a client-facing role.
- Experience of dealing with tax matters pertaining to SME’s.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Able to prioritise own workload and work to deadlines.
- A passion for providing excellent. customer service
- Ability to innovate and share ideas.
About the rewards:
- Broad benefits package
- Career progression
- Flexible working and option to buy extra holiday
For more information please contact Lauren Williams on 01905 794504 or email careers@ballardsllp.com
Due to business growth, we currently have a new opportunity for an Audit & Accounts Associate to join our Corporate team. With a competitive salary, flexible and hybrid working, and a broad benefits package, this role is an integral part of the audit function, which has grown considerably, and has real scope for progression.
The Audit & Accounts Associate will work as part of a wider team and directly with clients; with a large and varied client base – including those in manufacturing, tech, agriculture, and healthcare – the work is diverse, and no day is the same. Clients are generally located within a 50-mile radius of the office, so there is no extensive travel is required.
About the role:
- Taking the lead on audits on a variety of organisations’ audits, including on-site attendance, liaising with clients and managing the audit team.
- Undertaking a wide-range of accounts preparation jobs – including the preparation of business and corporate tax calculations.
- Drafting tax returns for Partners / Directors of associated accounts jobs.
- Liaising with clients, colleagues and third parties.
- Ensuring all deadlines are met, compliance is adhered to, and clients are kept informed.
- Occasionally attend networking and business development opportunities on behalf of the Firm.
About you:
- Working towards ACA / ACCA qualification, or a similar professional qualification
- Strong communication skills – both verbal and written.
- Experience of working in a client-facing role
- Knowledge of the auditing role and its benefits to the organisation
- Excellent attention to detail
- Able to prioritise own workload and work to deadlines
- A passion for providing excellent customer service
About the rewards:
- Broad benefits package
- Career progression
- Flexible working and option to buy extra holiday
For more information please contact Lauren Williams on 01905 794504 or email careers@ballardsllp.com
Think all accountancy firms are the same? Think again…Ballards LLP is an entrepreneurial business that is passionate about helping our clients realise their goals and potential through providing a range of cutting-edge services and solutions. Whether you are looking for a role delivering strategic business advice, complex tax planning, or digital consultancy, we may have a rewarding and challenging career for you.
We offer fully funded study packages which means that you train to become a Chartered Accountant or Chartered Tax Advisor whilst you work.
Graduates at Ballards are practical, entrepreneurial, brave thinkers who thrive working on both team and individual tasks. For our 2023 intake, we are looking for Graduates who are interested in Accountancy, Audit, or Tax specialist areas.
Our three-year graduate programme will take you on a journey from Graduate to professionally qualified Chartered Accountant with the full support of colleagues, managers, mentors, and buddies.
In that time, you will pack in lots of learning and new experiences. You will study through ICAEW as part of a Level 7 apprenticeship programme and revise for your exams whilst working alongside experienced colleagues in the world of accountancy and consultancy. In turn, you will help us provide market leading business advice to support our clients’ growth.
You won’t be pigeonholed or limited in the exposure you receive – you will be given the opportunity to work on a variety of exciting projects from day one and help provide a great client service.
We know this journey will not be easy, but you’ll be given the support to achieve as much as you want to achieve, making this path both rewarding and challenging.
Working with clients in many different sectors, you will get a full understanding of the complete business lifecycle – this will also give insight into any area of accountancy you wish to specialise in.
SOUND GOOD?
To apply for our Graduate Programme or to find out more about a career at Ballards, contact Lauren Williams on 01905 794504 or email careers@ballardsllp.com
Due to continued growth, we have an opportunity for a Private Client Tax Manager to join our Business Services team. With a modern approach to accountancy and a passion for technology, Ballards LLP provides a wide range of tax services across a variety of sectors.
The successful candidate will be ATT/CTA qualified and have previous experience delivering advisory projects to clients. Business development, and international client experience will also be an advantage.
About the role:
- Support the Private Client Tax Partner with new and existing clients
- Maintain strong client relationships and ensure all enquiries are dealt with promptly
- Preparation of a wide-range of tax advice for clients – including complex reports
- Expand the firm’s private client tax advisory offering, including content-driven business development
- Develop own network of contacts internally and externally
- Responsible for coaching and developing junior members of staff
About you:
- ATT / CTA or a similar professional qualification
- Experience working in a role with significant corporate tax compliance and/or advisory exposure
- Strong communication skills – both verbal and written.
- Excellent attention to detail
- Commercial approach to resolving issues
- Not afraid to voice opinions in a constructive and meaningful way
- Able to prioritise own workload
- A passion for providing excellent customer service
About the rewards:
- Broad benefits package
- Career progression
- Flexible working and option to buy extra holiday
For more information or to apply for the role, please contact Lauren Williams on 01905 794504 or email careers@ballardsllp.com
Due to continued growth, we have an opportunity for a Corporate Tax Senior / Assistant Manager to join our Corporate team. With a modern approach to accountancy and a passion for technology, Ballards LLP provides a wide range of tax services across a variety of sectors.
The successful candidate will be ATT/ACA/CTA qualified and have at least 2 years’ experience working in a role with significant corporate tax compliance and/or advisory exposure.
About the role:
- Manage a mix of compliance and advisory projects concurrently
- Ensure all corporate tax returns are reviewed and or completed accurately and on time
- Maintain all compliance and documentation for corporate tax affairs to a high standard
- Advise clients on corporation tax payments including QIPs
- Manage group loss relief claims and loan relationship queries as and when they arise
- Support the Firm’s R&D offering and associated projects which come from those works. Take ownership of R&D jobs as appropriate for the grade
- Manage enquiries into corporation tax returns as and when they arise
- Appropriate involvement in Tax DD assignments and Tax Transaction Advisory services
- Support management and delivery of tax advisory projects resulting from proactive advice during the compliance process
- Liaise with HMRC, clients and third parties, as necessary
- Oversee any training on taxation needed to the Audit and Accounts teams.
- Promote diversity and equality within the teams
About you:
- ATT / ACA / CTA or a similar professional qualification (or in the final stages of such qualifications)
- At least 2 years’ experience working in a role with significant corporate tax compliance and/or advisory exposure
- Strong communication skills – both verbal and written.
- Excellent attention to detail
- Commercial approach to resolving issues
- Not afraid to voice opinions in a constructive and meaningful way
- Able to prioritise own workload
- A passion for providing excellent customer service
About the rewards:
- Broad benefits package
- Career progression
- Flexible working and option to buy extra holiday
For more information or to apply for the role, please contact Lauren Williams on 01905 794504 or email careers@ballardsllp.com
Due to continued growth, we have an opportunity for motivated, ambitious, recruiters to join our subsidiary company, Four Squared Recruitment.
This role would suit someone who has some recruitment experience, or you might be from a HR, Sales or Customer Service background and want to get into the exciting fast paced environment recruitment offers. You might work on a non-finance recruitment desk currently and have decided you want to be more of a specialist recruiter.
About the role:
From the start you will be given the opportunity to manage your own desk and be expected to do the following:
- Maximising on recruitment opportunities in the marketplace through continuous networking with clients and developing a network of candidates
- Generating new clients through marketing calls, clients visits and targeted marketing campaigns
- Developing long-term effective business relationships with clients and candidates
- Becoming a specialist and market leading recruiter within the finance sector through successful placements
- Attraction, selection, and interview of suitable candidates to meet the needs and demands of your clients.
- Effectively using advertising and social media platforms
- Establishing long term relationships with your candidates and providing career solutions which maximise their working arrangements.
About you:
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
- Attention to detail and ability to analyse information
- Strong interpersonal skills – Empathy, understanding, rapport building etc
- Be able to listen to client requirements; ask the right questions; and research potential candidates
About the rewards:
- Broad benefits package
- Uncapped monthly-paid commission
- Hybrid working and option to buy extra holiday
For more information or to apply for the role, please contact Lauren Williams on 01905 794504 or email careers@ballardsllp.com
We will endeavour to respond to every application we receive however may not be able to respond to all applications due to the volume we may receive. Therefore, if you have not heard back from us within 3 weeks of applying, your application has not been progressed any further.
Our Trainee programmes can be entered at two different entry levels –
School Leavers
Joining Ballards is a great way to start your career whilst still gaining additional qualifications. Its an alternative to university whilst still giving you the experience and technical know how to further your career. Join us and study for your AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) up to level 4. We will continue to support you throughout your next preferred stage, whether to specialise in general accountancy or tax. We recruit our school leavers with a view to starting your journey in September so please enquire or forward your details to us.
Graduate Programme
Our three-year graduate programme will take you on a journey from graduate to professionally qualified chartered accountant with the full support of colleagues, managers, mentors and buddy’s.
In that time, you will pack in lots of learning and new experiences. You will study through ICAEW as part of a Level 7 apprenticeship programme and revise for your exams whilst working alongside experienced colleagues in the world of an accountancy and consultancy business. In turn you will help us provide market leading business advice to support our clients’ growth.
You won’t be pigeonholed or limited in the exposure you receive. You will be given the opportunities to work on a variety of exciting projects from day one and help provide a great client service.
We know this journey will not be easy, but you will be given the support to achieve as much as you want to achieve, making this path both rewarding and challenging.
Working with clients in many different sectors, you will get a better understanding of the complete business lifecycle. This will also give insight into any area of accountancy you wish to specialise in. You will enjoy being part of a firm that has a strong sense of purpose.
For our 2023 intake we are looking for graduates who are interested in both Accountancy or Tax specialist areas.
If you are interested in either of these entry levels please send your CV with covering letter to careers@ballardsllp.com
Experienced Hires
We are always keen to hear from experienced professional individuals who share our values and DNA. If you do not see a position above of interest but are still interested in joining our team, please make contact with us for an informal discussion.
Your career with Ballards.
Who you’ll be working with.
Your personal development plan.
Progress in your career.
Making quality second nature.
What do we look for.
We have a flexible approach to academic entry requirements. We will consider your academic achievements alongside your strengths, motivations and connection with us.
We work hard to create a respectful, open and diverse place to work. We are an inclusive employer and committed to ensure our workforce is representative of our society, we strive to help our people to perform at the best of their ability and realise their potential.
Your Benefits – Your choice.
Our core benefits include:
- Enhanced annual leave
- A flexible approach to balancing work and life – work from where you feel comfortable
- Volunteering Charity Day – a day where you can support your chosen charity through volunteering without the need to take your annual leave
- Enhanced Family Leave – leave when you need it most
- Group Personal Pension Plan
- Life Assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Other wellbeing benefits
Benefits you can choose:
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Private medical cover
- Flexible Holiday Purchase Scheme
Kind words
Insight
The Fractional IT Director Service
In this short video, I will outline three key advantages that your business can gain from appointing an IT Director.
Additional Tax Relief for R&D Intensive SME Companies
A technical note has been released, ahead of legislation due to be published later this year in relation to additional tax relief available for R&D intensive SME companies.
What Is The Patent Box Regime?
The UK government implemented the Patent Box tax structure in 2013. The regime offers a lower rate of corporation tax on earnings from patented discoveries in order to encourage businesses to invest in research and development (R&D). In this article, we will explore what the Patent Box regime is, how it works, and what kind of projects it could be used for.
Ballards Have Charity Efforts All Wrapped Up For Worcester’s Foodbank
Kind-hearted staff at Ballards LLP broke out the paper and sellotape to wrap gifts as part of the Lowesmoor lifeline’s latest bid to help those most in need.
Are you aware of the inheritance tax exposure on your business assets?
Business owners, are you aware of the inheritance tax exposure on your business assets?
If the answer is no, then you’ll want to watch this video, as I may have a great solution.
Using Digital Technology To Make Better Business Decisions
In today’s world, businesses are facing increased pressure to make informed decisions that drive growth and success. To do this, they need access to accurate and timely data, and the ability to analyse it effectively. Digital technology has revolutionised the way businesses operate, and can be a powerful tool for making better business decisions.
Property Watch – January 2023 UK residential property transactions
In this article, we look at the UK residential property transactions for the UK housing market transactions for the year to 31 January 2023 with comparatives for the same period to January 2022.
Mortgage relief restriction – Does the change in interest rate affect landlords?
You will be aware of the recent increases in the Bank of England base rates which currently stands at 4%, up from an all-time low of 0.1% only just over a year ago. What you may not have realised yet is what effect this has on a non-corporate landlord’s tax position.
With the advent of higher interest rates, the restriction to claiming higher rate tax relief on mortgage interest is becoming increasingly important.
Basis Period Reform: Everything you need to know
The Basis Period Reform, find out how this may affect you and your available options.
Property Watch – December 2022 UK residential property transactions
In this article, we look at the UK residential property transactions for the UK housing market transactions for the years 31 December 2021 and 2022 as reported by HMRC through Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) reporting.
Making R&D claims – Are you providing detailed work evidence?
It may be clear to you that you are undertaking innovative and qualifying activities for R&D purposes, however, it needs to be presented to HMRC in a clear and understandable way to evidence that it meets the criteria for relief.
Changes to VAT penalty regime
For VAT periods starting on or after 1 January 2023, HMRC has abolished the old surcharges and changed the way penalties are applied to late returns. Here is everything you need to know.
Teens to Retirees – HMRC reveals who files a tax return
Did you know 16% of those who filed tax returns for the 2020–2021 tax year were 65 years of age and older?
How long do we need to retain business records?
Having complete business records in place allows you to answer any queries HM Revenue and Customs may have. But how long do you have to retain these records? The answer depends…
How to write an accurate business case
You want to invest, but you don’t know how much to invest, what to invest in or when to invest. In times like this, we turn to a business case.
Property Watch – November 2022 UK residential property transactions
In this article we look at the UK residential property transactions for the UK housing market transactions for the years 30 November 2021 and 2022 as reported by HMRC through Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) reporting.
Selling Residential Property – Do I need to pay tax?
This is a question I’m often asked; in this video, I give my answer in relation to selling residential property and paying tax on the sale.
The tax implications of making a loan to an employee
Businesses with spare cash are increasingly helping out their employees with short-term loans, especially due to the cost of living increases. If you are thinking of doing so, here are the things you need to know.
Sign of the times as food bank chosen by accountants
Ballards will be working with Worcester Food Bank to provide emergency food parcels to people in the city.
What is a Current State Assessment?
The first step on a Digital Transformation journey is the most important. But ask yourself – How do I know which direction to take if I don’t know where to start?
Have you heard of a Current State Assessment?
R&D Changes – Autumn Statement
As an area that we specialise in, we paid particular attention to the R&D updates in the Autumn Statement.
Learn more about the key announcements impacting R&D Tax Relief Claims.
Business Records – How long do we need to retain them?
Having complete records in place allows you to answer any queries HM Revenue and Customs may have. But how long do you have to retain these records? The answer depends…
Are there tax implications of making a loan to an employee?
Businesses with spare cash are increasingly helping out their employees with short-term loans, especially due to the cost of living increases. If you are thinking of doing so, here are the things you need to know.
5 Things you didn’t know about Cloud Accounting
In this video, we share the 5 ways in which my clients are saving time and money using Cloud Accounting Software.
Property Watch – October 2022 UK residential property transactions
In this article we look at the UK residential property transactions for the UK housing market transactions for the years 31 October 2021 and 2022 as reported by HMRC through Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) reporting.
Risk mitigation in project management
When I start managing a new project, one of the first things I ask myself and the project team to consider is: “What could go wrong, and if it does how serious is it going to be ?”
There are various methodologies for managing risks, here are 5 steps which you may find useful when delivering large, complicated transformation projects.
Making Businesses Green, it’s not easy, or is it?
Budgets are tightening, consumers are struggling, and you might be asking yourself if you can afford to be Green. Then throw into the mix, the dizzying array of choices or approaches and seemingly contradictory advice; doing the right thing can feel impossible. This article discusses a few ways in which you might encourage some industrially green shoots.
Making Tax Digital is coming on the 6th April 2026, are you ready?
Are you an individual subject to income tax on the profits of your trade, profession, vocation, or property business? Making Tax Digital is coming in 2024, are you ready?
A modern technology fail
We want to share an experience where a company failed to implement modern technology, this in turn had implications on their business, reputation, and most likely potential profit.
I want to invest in solar panels for my home – should I use my limited company to do so?
As gas and electricity prices rise, an increasing number of people are turning to solar panels to try to cut costs. The question then arises – how can I do this most tax-efficiently?
Property Watch – September 2022 UK residential property transactions
In this article we look at the UK residential property transactions for the UK housing market transactions for the years 30 September 2021 and 2022 as reported by HMRC through Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) reporting.
Failure is an option – R&D Tax Relief
Bringing to you another misconception of R&D Tax Relief – the idea that a project must be successful to qualify. This is not the case…
IT and Software suppliers love lazy buyers
When buying a car, you wouldn’t simply walk into a showroom and pay the price on the windscreen of the car without negotiating – so why would you do this when buying software or IT services ? Unfortunately, far too many times I hear of businesses doing exactly that.
Property Watch: August 2022 UK residential property transactions
In this article we look at the UK residential property transactions for the years to 31 August 2021 and 2022 as reported by HMRC through Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) reporting.
Cars and Commercial Vehicles – Everything you need to know
Are you buying a van or a car? And why does it matter? When it comes to buying vehicles for use in the business, there is a big difference tax-wise between cars and commercial vehicles. Here’s why it matters..
Mini Budget – The Headlines
The Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, today (23/09/22) announced a package of tax cuts worth £45 billion, here is what the Mini Budget headlines included…
Looking for R&D Specialists – Introducing our Support Service for Professionals (SSFP)
With a focus on R&D Tax Relief specifically, our in-house R&D specialists are well equipped to build a robust and high-quality claim, keeping their main agents up to date on progress and liaising with them for the adjustments required.
Your IT Wizkid: Knowledge is a dangerous thing
Having someone in the organisation who can diagnose your immediate issues is no doubt useful, they might even have a wider interest in IT. They can build your business applications, create your access database, or carry out whatever IT support you need at a given point in time. While this might seem perfect, this article highlights a few examples of why it might not be.
Property Watch: Residential property trends 2005 to 2022
Tax partner, Martin Adams, looks back at the residential property transactions over the past 17 years and the events that have affected the UK residential property market.
Avoiding CGT pitfalls: unexpected tax liabilities on business sales
Two recent first-tier tribunal tax cases, which were very similar in terms of the facts, show the importance of taking expert advice on structuring the consideration mechanisms for business sales.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Trust Registration Service (TRS)
The Trust Registration Service (TRS) is a register of the beneficial ownership of trusts. As first set up in 2017, trustees were required to register on TRS only if the trust was liable to pay certain taxes. However, new rules introduced on 6 October 2020 extended the scope of the trust register to UK and some non-UK trusts, with some specific exclusions, regardless of whether or not the trust is liable to pay any tax.
Property development: VAT and Option to Tax
Many businesses are looking to make the most out of redundant buildings by turning them into commercial lets. One aspect of this which is often overlooked is VAT and the misunderstood Option to Tax.
Divestiture: issues in separation and integration in unprecedented times
When a business takes the decision to divest a part of itself, there are a number of complicating factors that stand in the way of success, for both the seller and the acquirer. These have only been exacerbated recently by the long tail of COVID, by the war in Ukraine, by supply chain issues, by the tightening labour market, and by rapid inflation. However, the money is still there for good deals, both in the full coffers of PE houses, and from debt funders looking to deploy cash.
Separation and integration projects have differing objectives for sellers and buyers, but both need now more than ever to deliver for their respective stakeholders. The money in the market needs to be invested, and is available for the right transaction.
Looking to set up a Furnished Holiday Let business?
Are you looking to set up a Furnished Holiday Let business (FHL)? Here are five things to watch out for.
I have inherited a share of property. Does this have any tax consequences?
When a property is inherited, the estate may be subject to inheritance tax on the excess over the nil rate band. If the property was the deceased’s main home, and passes to direct descendants, the estate may qualify for an additional relief, termed a residence nil rate band. A previous insight has covered this topic in detail. This can lead to an additional nil rate band of up to £350,000, which would otherwise be taxed at 40%, giving rise to overall tax relief of up to £140,000. If this has not been achieved by the will, it is possible that this could instead be achieved through use of a deed of variation.
A spotlight on future retail technology trends
I recently attended the Retail Technology Show at London Olympia. This was my first in-person expo since before Covid, and it was a refreshing experience to catch-up with technology suppliers and retail ex-colleagues in person.
The show was extremely well organised, with an interesting variation of retail technology providers in attendance, ranging from start up tech firms to large multi-nationals – all showcasing both their current and future technology and software offerings.
Cashflow-friendly employee incentives – the EMI scheme
Both businesses and employees are facing pressure on their finances arising from the recent tax hikes and the high levels of inflation that we are all experiencing. Now is therefore a good time to consider employee incentives that have minimal upfront cash outflow whilst providing potentially significant long-term rewards. This will help motivate and retain key members of your workforce.
For companies these can take the form of share incentives where an employee is provided with either shares, or ‘options’ to acquire shares at a future date, normally on the occurrence of certain events or performance targets being achieved.
If I make a profit when selling or trading in my car, is this taxable?
In the current second-hand car market, it is common for people to be offered payment on return of their vehicle at the end of a PCP lease agreement. One would imagine that if the leaseholder refused this offer and sold privately, they may be able to make a greater profit. Alternatively, if a car has been purchased second-hand previously, it may be possible to sell this and even make an overall profit.
So, the question is, is this taxable?
Spring Statement 2022 and tax rises
There has been a lot in the press made of the squeeze on household spending and the Chancellor was under much pressure to help with this when he approached the dispatch box on 23rd March to make the Spring Statement. His increase of the primary threshold for National Insurance is meant to be his key answer to that issue, but it is worth noting that from a business perspective this increasing threshold is not being mirrored to the secondary threshold for National Insurance and hence the 1.25% increase to Employers’ National Insurance is going ahead in full.
How to sell your company tax-free: an Employee Ownership Trust
When a shareholder sells their shares, they are normally subject to capital gains tax on the disposal. There is however a way to undertake a company disposal and not pay any tax at all. The way to do this is to sell to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). EOTs were introduced in 2014 to encourage greater employee ownership of companies inspired by the John Lewis business model.
Since their introduction, popularity of this business model has been gaining momentum with more and more companies choosing to adopt this structure.
