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Property Watch – April 2023 UK residential property transactions

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.

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Top 10 tips to minimise Capital Gains Tax (CGT)

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.

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The potential downsides of an EOT

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.

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The Benefits of Fractional IT Directors for Business Success

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

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Holding Companies – Why use them?

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

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Property Watch – March 2023 UK residential property transactions

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

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Are there tax implications on crypto assets for individuals?

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.

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6 ways to utilise liquid assets

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.

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Capital Allowances: Full Expensing Available to Limited Companies

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.

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EOT – What does it mean for employees?

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.

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Property Watch – February 2023 UK residential property transactions

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.

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Changes to the Pension Annual Allowance

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.

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Ballards Acquire Creative Design Agency

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.

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EMI Administration Simplification

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.

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Setting up an Unlimited Company – The Risks and Benefits

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.

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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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James Syree Ballards LLP

James Syree FCA

Partner & CEO

James is responsible for the overall running of the firm and works with a number of corporate clients and individuals across a number of sectors. He has a particular interest in technology and how the firm can automate as much of the compliance function in order to free up time to spend providing business and planning advice to clients. James oversees a number of large corporate audits but is equally comfortable supporting start ups. He has experience working with venture capitalist backed projects and private equity houses and is passionate about providing sensible, practical advice to business owners and leaders.

Mark Skellum Ballards LLP

Mark Skellum FCA

Partner & CFO

Prior to working with the firm, Mark spent time working with a number of national and international accountancy firms managing a portfolio of large audit clients. He soon realised that he wanted to work closer with business owners and provide a more personal service delivering timely strategic advice. Mark is an expert in business structuring for operational and tax efficiencies. Mark is also a Head of our specialist Healthcare offering in which he works with a number of private consultants and GP surgeries as well as larger corporate healthcare entities such as Super Partnerships and federated entities. Mark is widely recognised as one of the region’s leading authorities on accountancy within the medical sector.

Ballards LLP Headshots 2

Ben Allman FCA CTA

Partner & COO

Ben works closely with Owner Manager Businesses across the region. He is known for having a very hands on approach and providing tailored services. He is an expert in cloud accounting using software such as Xero and Quickbooks to provide clients with real time management information to support sound decision making. Ben is both a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Advisor which provides an added dimension to strategic discussions. Ben also heads up the firm’s Agribusiness offering which supports clients varying from rural estates and farming families to large corporate agricultural manufacturers and distributors.

Matthew Watson Ballards LLP

Matthew Watson FCA CTA

Partner

Matthew is a second generation dedicated healthcare accountant. As a Head of our Healthcare offering, there are few if any that have more experience than Matthew in this area from an accounting and strategic advice point of view. He works with a large number of GP surgeries, hundreds of medical consultants and Directors and a number of corporate healthcare entities such as federations and Super Partnerships. Matthew works closely with Practice Managers and is very hands on with his approach. He particularly enjoys getting under then skin of clients and supporting strategic planning and streamlining clients internal processes. Matthew is both a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Advisor.

James Maynell Ballards LLP

James Maynell FCA

Partner

James joined the firm from global accountancy firm Ernst & Young where he worked on operational and transactional projects with large national and international entities as well as private equity houses. He now works with clients on a range of operational objectives including, sales and purchases, KPI monitoring and uplift, efficiencies, cost reduction and structuring. James is comfortable providing these services as a package or stand alone projects to SMEs and large corporates alike.

Steve Jones Ballards LLP

Steven Jones MCIM

Business Development Partner & CMO

Steven is a partner with the firm and oversees all sales and marketing activities. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and also deals with new client engagement and onboarding. He has a particular interest in digital marketing and often supports clients with their own marketing plans and strategies. Steven also oversees new product development within the firm, diversification, commercial partnerships and client communications.

Ben Powell Ballards LLP

Ben Powell ACA CTA

Partner & CTO

Ben is a partner and Chief Technical Officer for the firm. He is recognised across the region as one of the sector’s most technical accountants gaining prizes from both the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales and the Chartered Institute of Taxation (and is also qualified in both disciplines). Ben works with a varied range of clients including Owner Managed Businesses, large corporates and private clients. He is also one of our leads within the Healthcare team working with GPs, surgeries and corporate healthcare businesses. Ben has advanced experience of systems implementation and is one of the firm’s leads on cloud accounting.

Ballards LLP Headshots 7

Krista Woodman ATT CTA

Tax Partner - Head of Private Client

Having qualified with the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) in 1996 and the Chartered Institute of Tax (CTA) in 1998, Krista has approaching 25 years post qualification experience in advising in tax. This experience has been attained in a variety of firms including Big 4, trust companies and wealth management firms. Her unusual and varied background, both inside and outside of the tax world, helps her to bring a different perspective and understanding to challenges faced by her clients.

Phil Waller Ballards LLP

Phil Waller FCA CTA

Tax Partner

Phil specialises in taxation matters and his experience covers all aspects of the tax spectrum with the possible exception of VAT! He has worked in the area of taxation since 1986 and has developed specialisms in advising owner managers with strategic taxation issues, including group reorganisations and succession/retirement matters. He also has great experience in dealing with the government’s innovative tax reliefs for research and development and patent box, and also shareholder investment decisions involving the many venture capital reliefs, particularly the enterprise investment schemes.

Phil takes pride in helping clients with their business/commercial decisions and how best to take advantage of taxation reliefs which may be available in carrying through those decisions.

Martin Adams Ballards LLP

Martin Adams FCA CTA

Tax Partner

Both a chartered accountant and chartered tax advisor, Martin operates as a mixed tax practitioner who also works closely with our corporate finance team to deliver transactional tax advice for both corporate and property transactions. Such advice includes EIS/SEIS tax relief and EMI management incentives considerations.

As well as tax advice Martin provides valuation services for taxation and commercial purposes, he also takes appointments for contentious valuations in an expert witness/advisor capacity.

Martin is able to advise and help plan for all aspects of a transaction and he regularly provides capital gains tax and inheritance tax advice as part of wider advisory projects. He also enjoys working on R&D tax relief claims.