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IT & Digital Transformation

Our IT & Digital Transformation department is brimming with highly skilled IT and Digital consultants with real-life, industry based experience of developing IT & Digital Strategies, conducting detailed technology reviews, selecting and procuring IT systems and experts at implementing new IT systems.

We provide independent and impartial IT & Digital advisory services, aimed at supporting clients wherever they may be in their transformation journey.

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IT Current State Review

The IT Current State Review is designed to deliver an independent and impartial review of the IT function. The review maps out the IT system landscape, 3rd party IT supplier relationships, underlying IT infrastructure and key data flows. Our expert consultants analyse the information gathered, comparing to best practice and similar businesses, to identify gaps, key risks and opportunities. The output is clear score card report along with a set of prioritised, real-life, actionable recommendations.

Benefit – The independent review ensures the business is better equipped to understand how their IT function aligns to the business needs and where the focus should be to reduce cost and risk or to gain efficiencies from IT improvements.

CHECK OUT A CASE STUDY (RISILIENCE)

Project Reviews

A common concern among business owners is how effective internal projects are being managed and if they are going to achieve the original business case aims. We can provide an independent review that analyses the practices and methods being used on key projects, while also providing a health check on any in-flight projects along with any remedial actions if required.

Benefit – A project review provides a clarity of understanding on the current status of a project and if it is on track to deliver against success. It enables businesses to make informed decisions to help ensure projects deliver the anticipated benefits, while reducing the risk of over run and unexpected additional costs.

Due Diligence

Click here to learn more about our Due Diligence offering

Part-time CIO / IT Director

A commercially focussed Chief Information Officer (CIO) or IT Director ensures alignment between the IT function / capability and the wider business strategy / vision. Ensuring the correct IT systems and providers are selected and correctly managed to drive efficiencies and business improvements. They represent IT at a board level and are fundamental in defining IT governance, whilst managing and mitigating IT risk. This type of resource is costly to employ, with many businesses not having the budget or need for a full-time CIO / IT Director. We can provide part-time CIO / IT Director expertise on a scheduled or adhoc tactical basis.

Benefit – Access to an experienced CIO / IT Director who can reduce your organisational risk, ensuring your IT capabilities can support your business without the cost and commitment of a full time position.

CHECK OUT A CASE STUDY (NEWTON WATERPROOFING SYSTEMS LTD)

CHECK OUT A CASE STUDY (UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL)

IT & Digital Strategy

An IT & Digital strategy focuses on using technology to improve business performance. It specifies the direction a business should take to create new competitive advantages with technology, as well as the tactics it will use to achieve these changes. We work with our clients to understand their business strategy and ensure that an IT & Digital strategy is developed to support it.

Benefit – Development of an IT & Digital strategy will ensure your technology plans and investments are aligned to delivering the needs of your current and future business.

IT Solution Design

Businesses often have a specific requirement to achieve i.e “We want to start selling our products online”, “We wish to expand into a new territory”, “A new disrupter has entered the marketplace and we need to compete”, but are unsure of the best and most cost effective IT solution to support the ambition. We work with our clients to ensure the business’s requirements are investigated, agreed, and documented. Our expert consultants will provide insight into the various solution options, with the pros and cons clearly described. The final output being an independent recommended solution design.

Benefit – Businesses benefit from the in-depth knowledge of our consultants to ensure the various solutions are fully explored, with the resulting independent solution design meeting the business requirements in the most practical and cost effective way.

System Specification & Selection

When it comes to selecting new systems there are a vast array of options in the marketplace, each with differing functionality and price points. Selecting the wrong systems can be a costly and time consuming mistake, though this is easily avoided. Our expert team have in-depth knowledge of the IT system marketplace, and following our structured methods we guide our clients through the software selection process to ensure the perfect fit for their business.

Benefit – Save time and effort researching the IT system marketplace, and avoid the costly mistake of selecting the wrong systems. We provide independent impartial advice from experts who have real life experience of selecting and implementing new IT systems.

Procurement Assistance

Negotiating and procuring a new IT system is not a simple process. There are many factors that need to be considered, negotiated and agreed during the procurement process. Our consultants have real-life experience of negotiating and procuring IT systems, with detailed knowledge of typical market prices. We can help our clients through the procurement process to provide assistance on understanding the areas of negotiation and what a solid and fair agreement should cover.

Benefit – Businesses benefit from our experience and marketplace knowledge to help ensure they get a fair deal when procuring new IT systems, resulting in an agreement aligning to the business needs.

Process Improvement / Optimisation

Following Lean Six sigma methodologies, we work with clients to scour through their processes; ferreting out any inefficiencies and implementing improvements. We find and focus on change that drives the largest benefits the quickest and producing measurable results. The methodology can be applied to both manufacturing and office/paper based processes with equal success.

Benefit – This is a benefits led approach, clients can expect: reduced costs, increased efficiencies, decreased WIP and better data and reporting.

CHECK OUT A CASE STUDY (HARROW COUNCIL)

Project Management

Any business planning to implement a new IT system, perform an upgrade or carry out a major change can benefit from effective project management. Managing projects following a proven and structured methodology reduces risks, while increasing the likelihood they are delivered on time and to budget. Our certified project management consultants all have real-life experience of delivering complicated IT projects across multiple sectors, following a project management approach using tried and tested methods that reduce risk, while successfully delivering projects in a consistent manner

Benefit – We help ensure projects are delivered on time, to scope and on budget. Businesses gain access to highly experienced project managers, who have real-life experience of successfully delivering complicated projects.

CHECK OUT A CASE STUDY (PROCOMM SITE SERVICES LTD)

CHECK OUT A CASE STUDY (CREATIVE FOLKS LTD)

For more information about our Digital Transformation services
please get in touch.
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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Basis Period Reform: Everything you need to know

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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…

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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…

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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…

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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.

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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.

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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..

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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…

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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