IT & Digital Transformation

As an owner-manager of a business, staying on top of your company’s performance is paramount. In this article, I’ll unveil four essential KPIs that every owner-managed business should embrace for a prosperous future.

In this article, we will explore the challenges faced by the retail industry and how digital transformation is helping to address and overcome these challenges.

At Ballards LLP, we understand the significance of cybersecurity in today’s environment, which is why we’re thrilled to introduce our latest offering – Cybersecurity Analysis Service. A service designed to help businesses, especially Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), in improving their cybersecurity, even when resources are limited.  

As the Bank of England raises interest rates, there’s a growing debate about how to ensure our money works best for us in higher interest, inflation economy. Here’s 4 tips from Ben Powell about maximising your interest rates.

In this article, we look at the UK residential property transactions for UK housing market for the year to 31 July 2023 with comparatives for the same period to July 2022.

Research and Development (R&D) activities play a crucial role in fostering innovation, and governments worldwide recognise this by offering tax incentives to companies engaging in R&D initiatives. However, as a Corporate Tax Manager specialising in this field, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges that companies now face when submitting R&D claims in the current climate. This article delves into some of the major obstacles and offers insights on how to overcome them.

Are there tax consequences of selling the house I live in? In the world of taxation, it’s often said that the answer to many questions is “It depends.” When it comes to Principal Private Residence (PPR) Relief, this statement rings particularly true.

Let’s delve into the essential conditions that influence the applicability of PPR Relief, shedding light on both objective and subjective factors.

The post-Covid property boom has had a profound impact on the UK housing market, resulting in a substantial increase in property values across the country. As a consequence, homeowners are now facing a new challenge: a record-high average mortgage that stands at 3.5 times their annual income.

Offering valuable insight on this situation, Ben Powell, a seasoned expert in the industry, sheds light on the implications of these rising mortgage costs and shares practical advice for homeowners.

In this article, we look at the UK residential property transactions for UK housing market transactions for the year to 30 June 2023 with comparatives for the same period to June 2022.

Any company looking to claim R&D at the moment may understandably be bombarded and overwhelmed by the information being released. What’s new and when do I have to do what?

The following article gives a condensed summary of recent and upcoming changes.

Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) have gained attention and popularity as a means of promoting employee ownership, fostering a positive work environment, and offering a tax-efficient exit option for existing shareholders.

In this insight, we will examine key aspects and significant considerations related to EOT ownership structures.

Worcestershire-based accountancy firm Ballards LLP, along with their partner company Four Squared Recruitment, is once again joining forces to raise funds for the Worcester Foodbank.
Members from both Ballards LLP and Four Squared Recruitment will be participating in the Droitwich Sprint Triathlon, scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 16th.

Choosing the right business model is crucial for the long-term success of a new business. The decisions you make early on can have a significant impact later on. In this article, we will discuss two common options for a startup business: setting up as a Sole Trader or incorporating as a Limited Company.

In this article, we look at the UK residential property transactions for UK housing market transactions for the year to 31 May 2023 with comparatives for the same period to May 2022.

Effective from 1 August 2023, a new requirement has been introduced to further streamline the Research and Development (R&D) tax credit claim process. Businesses seeking to claim R&D tax credits will need to complete the R&D Additional Information Form (AIF), an essential component aimed at enhancing transparency, improving claim accuracy, and facilitating efficient processing. In this article, we will explore the key aspects of the R&D additional form and its significance in optimizing R&D tax credit claims.

A periodic wealth review is an essential step in achieving financial optimisation, ensuring tax efficiency, and aligning your financial strategy with your long-term goals. In this article, we look at what a wealth review will help you to identify.

Ballards LLP has collaborated with Four Squared Recruitment to embark on a series of fundraising initiatives in support of their chosen charity of the year, the Worcester Foodbank. One of the standout events in their fundraising campaign was the recent Worcester half marathon, which took place on Sunday, 21 May.

In this article, we look at the UK residential property transactions for UK housing market transactions for the year to 30 April 2023 with comparatives for the same period to April 2022.

Capital Gains Tax (“CGT”) is a complex tax with different rates of tax being paid on the same transaction, depending on reliefs claimed, levels of income, and other gains in the year. So here are our ten top tips on how to minimise the tax you pay.

While Employee ownership trusts (EOTs) may seem like an attractive option on the surface, there are several downsides that business owners should consider before deciding to pursue this route.

In this article, we will explore the advantages of engaging a fractional IT Director and how they can drive business success.

This video delves into the concept of holding companies and highlights three benefits of using them.

In this article, we look at the UK residential property transactions for UK housing market transactions for the year to 31 March 2023 with comparatives for the same period to March 2022

HMRC recognizes crypto assets as intangible assets, which can potentially give rise to tax liabilities. To gain an understanding of the intricacies involved, please read this latest insight.

When a company has excess cash not being utilised in a bank account, it may choose to invest that money in ways that can potentially earn a higher return than by simply earning a small amount of annual interest.

In this article we share 6 ways a company may better utilise its assets to become less liquid.

From 1 April 2023, the previously introduced Super Deduction capital allowances at 130% are being withdrawn. In an effort to continue encouraging capital investment, read this article to find out what new measures have come into place.

An employee ownership trust (EOT) is a unique type of trust that enables employees to own a stake in their company, providing them with a sense of ownership and control over the business. In this article we delve deeper into what an EOT means for employees.

In this article, we look at the UK residential property transactions for UK housing market transactions for the year to 28 February 2023 with comparatives for the same period to February 2022.

Recently, the Spring Budget announced a change in Pension Annual Allowance that may impact small business owners or sole traders. we have created a short video that provides clarity on what the change means and what steps you should take next.

Ballards LLP has made the move to purchase CreativeFolks in an effort to expand its service offerings as clients look for a more “holistic approach” to their business needs.

The recent budget saw some welcomed simplification to the strict rules that need to be adhered to for Enterprise Management Incentive(EMI) options to qualify for the generous tax breaks provided by the scheme.

When setting up a new business it is important to consider the legal structure that best suits your needs. There are several forms that this can take, including trading as a Sole Trader, a Partnership, a Limited company and an Unlimited company, among others.

In this short video, I will outline three key advantages that your business can gain from appointing an IT Director. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Basis Period Reform, find out how this may affect you and your available options.

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.

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.

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.

Did you know 16% of those who filed tax returns for the 2020–2021 tax year were 65 years of age and older?

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…

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.

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.

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. 

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.