Press coverage UK200Group goal is to achieve regular press coverage in both the national and regional media. We have an excellent publishing record in the major broadsheet titles which inform and project the activities and developments of the Group to both the commercial and professional sector. As well as UK200Group articles, storylines can include individual member firm articles where they have a strong link to the Group’s activities and are newsworthy at a national level. UK200Group in the news May 2008 Commercial Property - Keith Thompson partner of Vanderpump & Sykes Solicitors and Chairman of the Uk200Group Pproperty & Construction Group, in this issue highlights the necessity of Energy Performance Certificates [EPCs] under the heading - An expert guide to commercial property. SAIFInsight - In this issue David Ingall, Managing Partner at JWPCreers Accountants and Business Advisors and President of the UK200Group states that it is a thankless and probably fruitless exercise to try to second guess a Chancellor, but with his Autumn Statement and Budget out of the way and the economic climate getting distinctly chillier, David says it is worthwhile at least considering What does the future hold? April 2008 Accountancy - in a recent survey by the UK200Group clients only rate high fees as the third most important reason for switching accountants behind poor advice (86.8%) and lack of personal contact (65.8%). David Ingall, president of the group, said the results showed that once companies find an accountant they are happy with they will stick with them. SAIFInsight - David Ingall, UK200Group President and Managing Partner at JWPCreers Accountants and Business Advisors in Yorkshire, writes about the advantages to be gained from using the professional services of a UK200Group member - It's Cold Outside. March 2008 Solicitors Journal - Mark Sharpley legal group chairman and partner at Smailes Goldie, Hull, writes about the Dormant Accounts Bill the government is hoping to pass allowing cash lying dormant in unused accounts to be donated to good causes. Putting aside for a rainy day - and then forgetting about it - seems to be something of a multibillion-pound habit in the UK. Primary Business Today (WMS) - Following her article last month Ann Tudor, Specialist Medical Accountant at UK200Group member firm Whittingham Riddell answers further questions on the changes to the NHS Pension Scheme with effect from 1 April 2008. SAIFInsight - David Whiscombe member of UK200Group Tax Panel and Director of Tax at member firm Berg Kaprow Lewis writes that the key element in our tax system is missing and that in recent months the Chancellor Alistair Darling has signally failed to deliver certainty in three key areas of tax policy. February 2008 Practice Management - Financial changes are afoot and practice managers need to be on top of them, advises Ann Tudor specialist medical accountants at Whittingham Riddell and member of UK200 Healthcare Group. GPs' annual superannuation contributions will increase from April 2008 - employee contributions will be tiered and linked to levels of full-time equivalent earnings. Accountancy - announces the election of David Ingall as President of the UK200Group. David is the Managing Partner of accountancy firm JWPCreers. Primary Business Today [WMS] - Ann Tudor a principal with Whittingham Riddell LLP and member of UK200 Group Healthcare answers questions on NHS Superannuation Scheme Changes which are introduced from 1 April 2008. SAIFInsight - David Ingall, UK200Group President and Managing Partner of JWPCreers Accountants explores the question - What is the point of Budgeting and Forecasting? January 2008 Taxation.co.uk - following comments by the Director General GBI and Policy representative at Forum of Private Business on the Chancellor's announcement regarding Capital Gains Tax concessions, Mike Dawes, Tax Partner at UK200Group firm TWP wrote "Certainty is fundamental to an efficient taxation system, and the Chancellor's dithering has not been helpful. The belated Christmas present is welcome news for small entrepreneurs who may need up to a couple of years to sell their businesses. It will be important to see the details; for example, will crystallised deferred gains on redemption of QCBs be taxed at the lower rate?" David Young, chairman of the UK200Group Tax Panel wrote "This is a knee-jerk patchwork solution to a blindingly obvious problem that should have been thought through before the proposals were tabled. Perhaps our terminally-ill tax code could be given a life saving drip if occasionally the Treasury spoke to tax professionals both inside and outside HMRC before it tabled a proposal rather than afterwards." Primary Business Today - Tax Returns and Superannuation Questions and Answers - Ann Tudor, principal at Whittingham Riddell LLP and member of UK200 Healthcare Group covers these issues for the healthcare industry. SAIFInsight - Jonathan Russell, UK200Group Executive member and partner in ReesRussell, writes about The Health of the Nation, something which worries many. Firstly there is the physical health of individuals and secondly the financial health of the nation. December 2007 AgribusinessFocus - Jonathan Russell, UK200Group Executive member and partner in ReesRussell, underlines the pitfalls of passing on the family farm to the next generation. businesszone.co.uk - David Ingall, UK200Group President writes on the money matters blog. Whether you are just beginning a new venture, in the throes of running your business or nearing retirement age, the time has come for you to think about selling up. It is never too early to consider your exist strategy. Your Witness - in the same way that many lay people do not recognise the various expertise among lawyers, many lawyers do not understand the work that accountants do or, more importantly, how expert accountants might help. Under the heading - Why use an accountant expert? Jonathan Russell sets out some of the areas for consideration. Financial Director - On the final page of an article by Peter Bartram, 'Another year bolder', Jonathan Russell, UK200Group Executive and partner in ReesRussell, is quoted as arguing that more focus on the green agenda could encourage a swing back to sourcing goods and services closer to home. November 2007 Solicitors Journal - David Ingall says all professional firms suffer from the perennial problem of having clients who will not settle their fees - bad debtors are an occupational hazard. businesszone.co.uk - as a result of banks moving small businesses into the retail banking sector, Jonathan Russell, partner in UK200Group member firm ReesRussell says facilities are very difficult for the new business. Small businesses are our future lifeblood and banks and government need to understand that these businesses need the fertile ground on which to start up. SAIFInsight - Death and taxes - Jonathan Russell, partner at ReesRussell, Witney and UK200Group Executive member, writes about the difficulties - How do we plan? Solicitors Journal - Taxing divorce - David Young chairman of UK200Group tax panel and associate tax director of Berg Kaprow Lewis LLP says that tax issues can compound the stress of a divorce, but careful planning can help minimise losses for both parties. Primary Care Today - there have been numerous changes to pension rules recently in particular the virtual rewriting of the rules concerning contributions and benefit limits. This was called Pensions Simplification, but simple is not a concept usually associated with pensions. Simon Brook, Partner and medical practice specialist Price Bailey and committee member of UK200 Healthcare Group offers a little food for thought for those thinking about their own pension provision. In practice he says the rules for most people are fairly straightforward. Practice Management - financial planning is a core part of a practice manager's job write AnnTudor. GPs and practice managers are more concerned than ever about the cash flow pressure in their practices and referring persistently poor payers to solicitors or taking Court action should be seriously considered. Primary Business Today - Ann Tudor a principal with Whittingham Riddell LLP and member of UK200 Group Healthcare helps Practice Managers resolve some business problems via Q & As surrounding key dates in the Self-Assessment Tax System businesszone.co.uk - Money matters blog - David Young associate director of BKL and Chairman of the UK200Group tax panel gives case examples in connection with the sweeping changes to capital gains tax in the pre-budget report. SAIF - Have you done your tax return yet? Jonathan Russell, UK200Group President and partner in ReesRussell LLP, advises on preparing for the January tax return - whether using an accountant or doing it yourself. October 2007 Business Network - article on our annual conference being held in Bristol in November. Best Practice - Laurie Heizler, a partner with UK200Group lawyer member Wright Hassall LLP explains as changes to the trade mark examination process come into effect how to protect intellectual property Best Practice - Jonathan Russell, senior partner at ReesRussell and President of UK200Group, invesitages how the current turmoil in the banking market affected SMEs' ability to secure loans? Financial Times - In an article 'Communication can be taxing', David Young, tax partner at BKL and Chairman of UK200Group tax panel, points out that tax has moral and policital overtones, as well as economic ones. Solicitors Journal - an imprecise science, Simon Blake, corporate finance partner at Haslers and chairman of the UK200Group Corporate Finance Panel, says valuing a business correctly may be a challenge, but there are standard methods that can help simplify the process. UK200Group Corporate Finance Panel promote the services of their members Business Network - Leon du Plooy, IT Manager at UK200Group member firm Ellacotts LLP based in Banbury, says using a firm of accountants offering IT services can save you money as they will be less likely to oversell a product or supply an unnecessary product. David Young, partner in BKL LLP in London and chairman of UK200Group Tax Panel writes about some of the advantages that can be gained from advance tax planning and Nick Mayhew, partner in Price Bailey LLP in Hertfordshire and chairman of UK200Group Business Strategy Panel says to routinely think and act strategically, rather than tactically, dues not involve the necessity of a weekend retreat in order to discuss the bigger picture. SAIF - Part Three - Exit Strategies - David Ingall managing partner at JWP Creers, Yorkshire and vice-president of UK200Group continues by covering the areas that need to be considered when identifying the potential purchaser. September 2007 Practice Management - Looking further afield - Ann Tudor member of the Healthcare Trade Group and partner at Whittingham Riddell discusses the wider context for planning the delivery of new services in general practice. SAIF - David Ingall, continues his article on Exit Strategies - Part Two - David writes "like most things in life a little planning pays off many fold and I wish you well." August 2007 In House Executive Summer 2007 - David Whiscombe, UK200Group Tax Panel member and Partner in London firm Berg Kaprow Lewis LLP - While working from home can cost you money, you can offset many of these expenses against your tax bill. Primary Business Today - Specialist healthcare accountants and lawyers help Practice Managers resolve some business problems. A question and answer session with Simon Brook, UK200Group Healthcare Committee Member and Partner and Medical Practice Specialist with firm Price Bailey LLP; Marcus Ward VAT Director with Price Bailey LLP and Suki Harrar Partner in UK200Group Lawyer firm Wright Hassall. Accountancy Age - Small firms hit back over audit quality record - Jonathan Russell, president of the UK200Group, said "your basic audit is not going to be improved by increasing in size". SAIF - David Ingall, Vice President of UK200Group and Managing Partner at JWPCreers writes the first of two articles on Exit Strategies - so you think you know where you are now, but do you know where you want to be in five, ten or twenty years' time? July 2007 Solicitors Journal - The Legal profession were warned to be particularly cautious when authoring payments on behalf of their business. A series of case studies by Spencer Simmons, Forensic Accountant and Dispute Resolution partner at UK200Group firm Haslers identifies the risks business owners open themselves up to by unscrupulous employees, if secure safety procedures are not put in place for dealing with company payments and accounts procedures. As Chairman of the Group’s Forensic Accounting and Dispute Resolution Panel, member of the Academy of Experts and Expert Witness Institute, Spencer has dealt with many cases of fraud and the warns solicitors to 'look before they sign on the line' if they do not want to suffer huge losses. Surrey Chamber of Commerce - Small and medium sized businesses are now involved in record levels of mergers and acquisitions. Wilf Altman, UK200Group, takes a closer look at current trends. Practice Management - practice managers of medical practices were advised this month by Ann Tudor, specialist medical accountant and business advisor with UK200Group firm Whittingham Riddell LLP, Shrewsbury on new sources of income. Practice Managers were reminded by Ann that because gross income from medical services delivered by GP practices is under increasing pressure, new avenues of growth should be explored. Her case study shows that a business plan which forces everyone involved to look outside the box can deliver real opportunities. June 2007 In Practice - Developing a business strategy service can provide a valuable additional service for clients, states Nick Mayhew, Business Strategy Partner at UK200Group firm Price Bailey LLP. Strategic planning is high value advisory work for the more capable accountancy firm. It is also right on the button in terms of things that motivate clients confirms Nick Mayhew, Chairman of UK200Group’s Business Strategy Panel. SAIFInsight - Independent funeral director businesses can cut down on their paperworkaccording to Lindsay Henson, Senior Tax Manager at UK200Group firm Forrester Boyd in Grimsby by applying for an HMRC dispensation. All businesses must declare subsistence and expenses paid to employees and directors and dispensations means that companies do not need to spend time filling in multiple forms when the tax due is nil. Uniforms, eye tests, medicals, professional subscriptions as well as travel and entertaining can also be included in the dispensations says Lindsay. Catalyst Magazine - Terry Jordan, Capital Taxes Consultant at UK200Group member firm Berg Kaprow Lewis LLP explains why Inheritance Tax is no longer just for the rich. Practice Matters - The golden rules of selling a business if followed can ensure businesses do it successfully. Daniel Shear, Director of Corporate Finance at UK200Group firm Berg Kaprow Lewis in London says keeping your eye on the ball is very important while looking for a buyer. There are many deals that begin promisingly but fall through because the vendor became distracted. So don't neglect your business while trying to sell it, says Daniel. P3 - UK200 Healthcare Group Business Gurus Jon O’Shea, Tax Partner with UK200Group firm Haslers, London and Mark Lewis, Solicitors with UK200 Group Lawyer member Wright Hassall LLP Warwickshire answer some important financial and legal questions raised by pharmacists in this business journal for pharmacists. Practice Management - Security in GP practices is gaining attention from the Government, healthcare services and the media as more practice managers express concern for the safety of their staff and patients’ advises Ann Tudor, member of UK200 Healthcare Group firm Whittingham Riddell LLP, Shrewsbury. Practice Management - Changes to VAT rules on non-medical services provided by GP practices means that if GP practices are above the threshold, they need to register says Tom McCrone, Chairman UK200 Healthcare Group and Tax Partner at Wylie & Bisset, Glasgow. May 2007 ACA Accounting&Business – Accountancy firms’ corporate finance specialists, such as UK200Group’s Corporate Finance Panel, are helping small and medium sized businesses across the board in record levels of M&As. Mostly private deals with transaction values in the range of £250,000 to £5m or more where our Corporate Finance members act as advisers to vendors, purchasers and investors. Simon Blake, corporate finance partner and Chairman of UK200Group’s Corporate Finance Panel attributes wider interest in M&As in the SME sector to an increasing entrepreneurial spirit partly encouraged by the current capital gains tax taper relief legislation. Frequently we are asked by vendors to introduce them to new investment opportunities, involving both cash and skills, says Simon Blake. Best Practice - smart thinking for business advisers John Thame partner at UK200Group member firm Ellacotts, has been sorting the wheat from the chaff for his farming clients for a decade. He tells Liz Loxtokn why having farming in his blood has stood him in good stead and is determined to sow the seeds of recovery in the agricultural field. Personnel today - Microsofts chief executive Steve Bullmer's announced at the Institute of Directors' Conference that he culls one in every 15 employees every year. Hamish Cameron Blackie partner at Barlow Robbins, lawyer members of UK200Group responds to this by saying that he considers this is a poor way of motivating staff. Accountancy Age - Simpler tax forms would result from an overhaul of UK law argues David Whiscombe, Director of Taxes BKL Tax London. The time has come for a radical rethink of tax law as it is now so complicated, the much-vaunted rewrite has resulted in HMRC replacing the 800 or so sections of the old tax law with something over 2,500 sections of new tax acts. If HMRC insists on having the most complex tax code in Europe it is basic arithmetic to at least reserve it only for the biggest and most sophisticated tax planners. This supports the results of a recent National Audit Office report that UK tax law was very complicated. The majority of UK taxpaying public aren't special cases or avoiders states David Whiscombe, member of UK200Group Tax Panel, they just want to understand the rules. Financial Management - A CIMA publication for accountants reported on the billion of tax lost through offshore tax havens. David Whiscombe, Director of Taxes BKL Tax London, commented on the steady development of anti-avoidance disclosure rules by HMRC and the successes of its Special Civil Investigations Offshore Fraud Projects Group in persuading a high street bank to release information on clients with offshore bank accounts. David Whiscombe member of UK200Group Tax Panel welcomes HMRC's tougher stance as he believes tax havens are unfair to smallish UK-based firms when they are seeking to compete with large companies. SAIFInsight – Funeral directors who ignore the new rules on company cars do so at their peril warns Lindsay Henson, Tax Manager with UK200Group member firm Forrester Boyd, Grimsby. New rules governing company cars came into effect from 6 April 2007 and Lindsay, member of UK200Group Tax Panel, explains the serious hike in potential tax charges and how employees in funeral businesses may be affected l.henson@forrester-boyd.co.uk. April 2007 Practice Management – An overview of the healthcare sector’s future following UK200 Healthcare Group’s national training course in February confirmed that change is certain in the industry. Tom McCrone advises practice managers and readers to ensure their accountant and professional advisors are prepared for the changes ahead and can provide the expert help and guidance needed to help GP practices. Solicitors Journal - Solicitors are selling their skills to an increasingly demanding marketplace. This pressure puts further strain on the equity partners comments Mark Sharpley, Partner at Smailes Goldie Accountants & Business Advisors, Hull and Chairman of the UK200 Legal Group of accountants and lawyers. Understanding working capital, working with it and improving to survive are key messages from Mark with real case studies, two where solicitors; practices made real improvements and one on a forced merger. Best Practice - The Accountancy Age supplement for accountants and business advisors. UK200Group President Jonathan Russell and forensic accountancy partner at ReesRussell, Witney, is keen to dispel the myth that forensic accountancy and expert witness work are glamour assignments and why the expert services of UK200Group’s Forensic Accounting and Dispute Resolution panel are often called upon by SME businesses. SAIFInsight – One common method of allowing employees to acquire shares in funeral director businesses is to grant them an option to purchase shares, or partly paid shares, explains Stephen Deutsch, Senior Tax Consultant at UK200Group member firm BKL Tax, London. Tax considerations of partly paid share schemes were also explained by Stephen, member of UK200Group Tax Panel stephen.deutsch@bkltax.co. March 2007 Catalyst Magazine - the business magazine from Clydesdale Bank where David Young, Tax Partner, BKL Tax London andChairman of UK200Group Tax Panel answers questions on how to plan for the year ahead. ThirdSector– The journal for charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprise alerted its readers to the UK200 Charities Group report on The Charities Act 2006 which contains information about changes to accounting procedures, reporting standards and external scrutiny of accounts. The UK200 Charities Group report is particularly relevant for cross-border charities, which are facing a nightmare of dual regulation, says Mike Procter, Head of Charities at UK200Group firm FW Stephens, London. Mike continues, cross-border charities are facing a nightmare of dual regulation, there are similarities in English & Scottish legislation on definitions of public benefit and how to operate as a charity, but they are not the same. Practice Management - The journal for Practice Managers of GP practices advised its readers of a recent review of £250k VAT assessment of a medical recruitment agency which was successfully withdrawn after the intervention of UK200Group accountancy member firm Haslers, London. Debra Dougal, Director of VAT at Haslers said the VAT due on supplies of staff in the healthcare market, followed HM Revenue & Customs' new position that agencies supplying doctors, nurses and other medical staff are not exempt and must charge VAT. In this particular case the VAT man could not make up his mind whether VAT was due or not and after two years decided it was. A strong and compelling case for misdirection, covered by Extra Statutory Concession, was then mounted to show the client had been misdirected resulting in Customs withdrawing its assessment, agreeing not to seek recovery of any VAT for the period in question. SAIF - Independent Funeral Directors were given advice on the art of budgeting and forecasting by David Ingall, managing partner at UK200Group firm JWPCreers, York. David asks funeral directors to look at their business, set benchmarks, standards and targets to identify - What they do well - What is the most profitable work - Where that work comes from - What is it costing them. February 2007 Best Practice - The Accountancy Age supplement for accountants and business advisors talks to David Saunders, managing partner of UK200Group firm Ellacotts LLP about IT value added services for clients. As we have increased our use of technology it has made it easier for Ellacotts LLP and our clients to focus on revenue generating activities, confirms David. There is no time to waste if accountants want to go the extra mile to help make businesses more efficient writes Lesley Meall. Accountancy Age - Reports that requests for funding under the government small firms loan guarantee (SFLG) scheme have almost halved in the last year should be treated with suspicion, comments Jonathan Russell, President UK200Group and partner at ReesRussell, Oxfordshire. A strong advocate of the SFLG scheme which for once he believes the government has got right. Banks just need to use it more and forget the amount of paperwork they have to do for SFLG schemes. Accountancy Age - Concerns are growing that HM Revenue and Customs is misusing its powers in an attempt to extend corporation tax enquiries into the personal financial affairs of company directors. 'Section 20 is being used and abused by inspectors who dislike the constraints of the self-assessment enquiry regime' said Barry Lewis, senior partner at UK200Grop accountancy and business advisory firm Harris Lipman, London. Accountancy Age - HM Revenue and Customs is going one step beyond from being a user-friendly department to a zero-tolerance organisation with the setting of totally unrealistic deadlines in its enquiries into corporation tax self-assessment returns, says Barry Lewis, senior partner at UK200Group accountancy and business advisory firm Harris Lipman, London. Accountancy Age - HM Revenue and Customs has been using very aggressive behaviour in recent weeks to extend corporation tax enquiries into the affairs of company directors. Advisers are unhappy with the threat of Section 20 of the Taxes Management Act by HMRC to glean this information, says Barry Lewis, senior partner at UK200Group accountancy and business advisory firm Harris Lipman, London. Practice Management - Effective business continuity planning is essential for practice managers to ensure their business is protected from potential business disruptions through IT systems failure and the spread of ever increasing sophisticated virus technology, says Kash Kurup, partner at UK200Group accountancy and business advisory firm Haslers, London. Business network - Jonathan Russell, President UK200Group and accountancy Partner with UK200Group member firm ReesRussell in Witney advises businesses to ensure their accountant adds up when it comes to offering good advice and strategic planning. Recruiter - VAT consultant Debra Dougal from UK200Group member firm Haslers, North London successfully launched a VAT misdirection case against HMRC on a VAT bill of £250,000 for a recruitment agency client. SAIFInsight - Business continuity planning should be taken seriously to protect businesses from uncertainty, this was the message Laurence Jacobs, partner at UK200Group member Firm Haslers, was sending to independent funeral directors. Staff training, careful IT investment and best practice procedures should all be included in the BCP, as part of an overall IT security policy. January 2007 SolicitorsJournal - To what extent is HM Revenue and Customs allowed to change UK residency rules? This was a question David Whiscombe, Director of Taxes at UK200Group firm Berg Kaprow Lewis, London asked when HMRC moved the goalposts on residency in the UK. David is a member of our Tax Panel and as our advert states, is one of the Group's 17 tax experts who have the expertise and professional knowledge ot help plan and manage tax overheads. Accountancy Age - Should contingency liability always be disclosed asked Jonathan Russell, President UK200Group, in an article headed 'A public's right to know'. Without wishing to prejudge the outcome of current investigations, he argued, the Farepak saga offers an opportunity for accountants and auditors to consider what information we provide and also how we provide it. Midland Business Today - Business taxes are overheads, they reduce profits and show no benefit for the expense, was the message from UK200Group Tax Panel. How to profit from tax is advice that isn't always available, except from tax experts like UK200Group Tax Panel. Observing and following a few golden rules for sound tax management can achieve positive tax savings. Financial Director - Daniel Shear, Chairman UK200 Group Corporate Finance Panel and Partner, Berg Kaprow Lewis Corporate Finance, London comments on private equity houses and mounting concerns about the debt private equity firms load on to companies acquired. 'Whether a private equity portfolio company will be able to offer the same level of service or the same quality product while operating on a lower cost base is debatable' comments Daniel. Financial Mail on Sunday - Commenting on mergers, Daniel Shear, Chairman of UK200 Group Corporate Finance Panel and Partner, Berg Kaprow Lewis Corporate Finance, London, says 'We've seen significant increases in mergers and acquisitions in the small and medium sector in the last two years. British companies are leading the way spurred by a relatively stable economy, available funds and the low cost of borrowing'. Paul Storer, Corporate Finance Director and Partner, Price Bailey, Cambridge and UK2000Group Corporate Finance Panel member, says 'Make sure your business is financially strong and has good management information systems. More owner-managers are thinking about selling due to increasing regulatory pressures and the impact of the China boom'. Practice Management - Commercial success by managing an efficient and effective commercial practice is central to achieving profitability and long-term success says Simon Brook, UK200 Healthcare Committee member and Healthcare Partner, Price Bailey LLP. SAIFInsight - Independent funeral directors were advised by Lindsay Henson, Tax Manager at UK200Group firm Forrester Boyd, Grimsby to beware new style HMRC inspectors. Lindsay, specialist in tax investigations is a member of UK200Group Tax Panel and warns funeral directors to beware as HMRC may be using new style inspectors but the guidance notes are way out of date. December 2006 Accountancy Magazine - 'Tis the season to give jollies. Partners of five member firms attending the UK200 Group's annual conference were asked what they did for clients at Christmas. Answers ranged from sending cards and calendars, photographs of leading Scottish golf clubs, wine, chocolate and pens. One member questioned whether even cards were worth the effort. 'Everyone knows it's done simply by pressing a button'. Accountancy Magazine - An article on the government's thinking about raising the audit exemption threshold by another 20 percent quotes Jonathan Russell, president UK200Group and partner in ReesRussell, Witney, Oxfordshire, who says he would be enthusiastic about the prospect of change and arguing that the current rules determining which companies are audited are a 'blunt instrument' and that it would be better to change the emphasis away from size towards ownership. 'I think that when there are investors who don't have any control, then that's when you need to audit' comments Jonathan. Business & Finance Scotland - Giving a corporate overview, Mike Sheppard, Senior Partner at UK200Group accountancy firm Wylie & Bisset, Glasgow, and member UK200Group Executive Committee, feels that 2006 was an eventful year for the accountancy profession. 'There has been an increased volume of business from both existing and new clients, so our services are in demand, and most accountancy practices are busy. On the downside we have had to contend with increasing bureaucracy, international auditing standards and new ethical standards, and the new companies bill currently going through Parliament. Best Practice - Software upgrades don't happen as a matter of course in an accountancy firm or among its clients says Martin Minett, Chairman UK200 IT Group and partner, Hillier Hopkins Accountants and Business Advisors. Martin was commenting on the wide range of IT business software products on the market and stated 'people tend to stick with what they know, unless there's good reason to change'. SAIFInsight - Funeral directors were advised to complete and submit self assessment tax returns to HMRC on time. Failing to take reasonable care can include failure to keep proper records and results in an enquiry by HMRC, says Tom McCrone, Tax Partner, at UK200Group firm Wylie & Bisset, Glasgow. November 2006 Practice Management - Tom McCrone, Healthcare Specialist Tax Partner, Wylie & Bisset and Chairman UK200 Group advised Practice Managers and GPs to ensure self assessment tax return are completed and submitted on time. Specialist healthcare accountants can provide help and advice in the event of an HMRC investigation, confirms Tom. Financial Director - Joanna Lada Walcki, Associate with UK200 Lawyers Group member Barlow Robbins LLP contributed to Q&As to help Financial Directors dispelling myths of ageism. Joanna explains the lawful criterion which should be used when calculating an employment benefit for length of service. Accountancy Magazine - Canvasses the views of UK200Group members Martin Minett and Ashok Shah on the use of spreadsheets. Martin Minett as Chairman of UK200Group's IT Panel agrees that the spreadsheet has become such a basic tool of the trade and the one most finance people would want to use. Ashok Shah confirms most finance professionals would rather live with the limitations of a familiar tool than face the pain of learning something new. Solicitors Journal - Mark Sharpley, Chairman UK200 Legal Group and Partner, Smailes Goldie, Hull, explains the importance of team work amongst professionals. Management buy-outs only ever succeed, says Mark, if accountants and lawyers work together fully from the start. SAIFInsight - Lindsay Henson, Senior Tax Investigations Manager, from UK200Group firm Forrester Boyd, tells Independent Funeral Directors of a seemingly innocuous request from HM Revenue & Customs that can lead to more serious consequences. October 2006 Practice Management - Tom McCrone, Healthcare Specialist Partner at UK200Group member firm Wylie & Bisset and Chairman of our Healthcare Group explains the benefits partnership agreements can bring to GPs and the importance of up-to-date partnership agreements. SAIF Insight - Independent Funeral Directors were advised by Andy Thackeray, from UK200Group firm Mitchell's in Chesterfield why a good accounting system is a key business tool and the benefits it can deliver as a performance indicator. September 2006 Growing Business - UK200Group survey of businesses with a turnover of between £500,000 and £12m found that 60% of them expect to spend up to £100,000 on efforts to grow their businesses, while nearly a quarter claim they will spend more than that amount. Growing Business Growthclinic - Jonathan Russell, President, UK200Group explains the new tax rules and employment regulations which have recently been brought in relating to employing temporary workers. Practice Management - Simon Brook, member of UK200 Healthcare Committee and medical practice specialist at UK200 Group firm Price Bailey LLP explains through his top tips for successful people management which Practice Managers need to adopt good HR disciplines for all staff. Practice Management - Secure information is crucial for all GP Practices and Practice Managers according to Martin Minett, Chairman UK200 IT Group and IT Technical Partner at UK200 Group firm Hillier Hopkins LLP. Comprehensive reviews of Practice security policies and regular screening of all internal systems and external penetration tests against all systems connected to the internet can help Practice Managers maintain secure IT structures. ThirdSector – UK200 Charities Group report on The Charities & Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2006 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 was published this week. John Watkins, Partner at UK200 Group Scottish member firm Dickson Middleton and Chairman of UK200 Charities Group explains to Helen Warrell, Finance Editor the purpose of the report was to avoid any jargon so that lay trustees and those with no specialist knowledge in the Scottish Charity sector will understand the legal requirements for all charities in Scotland including cross-border charities. August 2006 Financial Adviser – Reported UK200Group SME business survey on conducted during the summer which showed that 50% of SMEs expect to increase employment and profits and spending but are concerned over market competition and legislation. The survey also covered the services SMEs receive from banks. Business Network – Responses from Small and Medium Sized enterprises to Uk200Group business survey conducted during the summer indicated that 50% of SMEs expect to increase employment and profits and spending. The survey also covered the services SMEs receive from banks. SAIF Insight - Colin Mills from UK200Group explained the importance of cash flow management and how the independent funeral business could manage this. Colin Mills is a member of UK200Group's Corporate Finance Panel and Partner at our member firm Larkings, Maidstone. First Voice - Helen Phillips, member of UK200Group Executive Committee and accountancy partner at Keen Phillips talks to Alex Byth from the Federation of Small Businesses on the low uptake by SMEs of the Small Business rate Relief. The FSB is campaigning to alleviate the 'intolerable burden' of business rates in the UK. Acquisition Finance - Daniel Shear, Chairman of UK200Group Corporate Finance Panel and Partner at BKL Corporate Finance, explains that by combing their skills as part of the UK200Group, a collection of corporate finance specialists are punching above their weight in the mid-market July 2006 Growing Business - UK200Group's survey of small businesses revealed that 50% if sMEs expected to grow during the next 12 months. UK200Group's annual survey confirmed a positive outlook among small to medium-sized businesses. The Group's survey also revealed few businesses planned to change banks. The Times and The Guardian - Peter Scott, Environmental Law Expert at UK200Group firm Parkinson Wright Solicitors represented 14 mussel farmers in the Wash appealing against a refusal by English Nature to allow them to scare eider ducks off their crops. The future of mussel cultivation in the Wash depends on the decision of DEFRA ministers following the public enquiry held in Boston Lincolnshire from 27 to 30 June in which Mr Scott acted as advocate. Accountancy Age - Martin Minett, Partner at our Hemel Hempstead accountancy firm Hillier Hopkins and Chairman of UK200 IT Group talks to Accountancy Age on whether specialist business applications will replace spreadsheets as the tool of choice for SMEs. FarmingUK - online - Single Farm Payment Scheme - a regulatory load of farm yard manure. Paul Rice, Partner in the Farming and Rural Business Team of UK200Group Lawyer member firm Wright Hassall explains why the administration of the SPS has not gone smoothly and what the consequences will be. Paul Wright is a member of UK200 Argicultural Group Paul.Rice@wrighthassall.co.uk. Financial Mail on Sunday - Business Briefing covered UK200Group’s National Economic Survey conducted June/July 2006. Our survey indicated that three out of four owners of small businesses say the greatest barrier to growth is market competition, while 63% blame the skills gap and 59% point to the increasing burden of red tape. But despite these problems, more than half of companies remain confident that they can boost levels of employment and increase their profit margin over the next 12 months. P3 - a pharmacy journal covering key business and professional issues for pharmacists from a new perspective. UK200 Healthcare Group Business Gurus Tom McCrone, Tax Partner at our Glasgow accountancy member firm Wylie & Bisset and Chairman of UK200 Healthcare Group and Roger Smith, Commercial Property Partner at our solicitor member firm Barlow Robbins LLP. Woking, answer some important financial and legal questions raised by pharmacists. SAIF Insight - Independent Funeral Directors were given a brief guide of the new complex inheritance tax regulations by UK200Group Tax Panel member Andrew Miller. Exemptions and reliefs, probate, deeds of variation, rate of tax, business property and overseas aspects are some of the issues covered by Andrew Miller, Tax Partner, FW Stephens, Accountants and Business Advisors, London. June 2006 Charity & Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 - Jenny Simpson, UK200 Charities Committee member and Manager at Wylie & Bisset, Glasgow, explains why the charity sector in Scotland is experiencing a period of unprecedented change. The Act received Royal Assent on 14th July 2005 although its provisions are being enacted over a period up to and including 2007. The most fundamental affect of the Act is the creation of a regulatory body the Office of Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), which received its statutory powers on 24th April 2006. Solicitors Journal - Anne-Marie Naylor, member of UK200Group Forensic Accounting Panel and Partner in UK200Group firm Hart Shaw - Macclesfield, discusses the Lords' decision in Miller [2006] UKHL 24 and why it is increasingly critical to get share valuation right when dealing with matrimonial settlements. Anne-Marie is a Cardiff University Accredited Expert Witness. Accountancy Magazine - Andrew Blakey partner at UK200Group firm JWPCreers, York, discusses the Professional Oversight Board for Accountants (POBA) report on the accountant's role in supporting small and medium sized businesses and the continued benefit in producing full detailed annual accounts. Best Practice Magazine - discusses Lord Carter's recommendations to change the deadline for self assessment tax returns. David Whiscombe, Director of Taxes at UK200Group firm BKLTax London, contributes to the debate by stressing that 'We are going to end up with people worked off their feet for six months of the year. You can't expect people to do tax returns for six months, then switch over to audit etc. The work is too specialised.' SAIF Insight - Independent Funeral Directors were made aware of what they need to do if they are selected for an enquiry by the Inland Revenue. Lindsay Henson, Senior investigations Manager at UK200Group firm Forrester Boyd explained that a tax investigation can arise for a number of reasons and what action needs to be taken by funeral businesses. May 2006 Practice Management - Practice Managers of GP surgeries were given an insight into payroll intricacies and how employers should conduct their payroll affairs so that employees are happy with the correct payroll deductions. UK200Group member David Butler, Tax Consultant at BKL Tax, London advises how to avoid costly pitfals during the current tax year ending 5 April 2007. SAIF Insight - Independent Funeral Directors were advised of a ruling by the European Court concerning UK businesses ability to recover VAT on fuel purchased by employees. Debora Douglas, VAT Manager at UK200Group firm Haslers, explains the procedures and evidence required for making a claim to recover VAT on employee mileage claims. April 2006 SAIFInsight - the journal for independent funeral directors. David Butler, tax consultant with UK200Group firm BKL Tax explained what action needed to be taken to close off the business payroll and get the end-of-year returns to HM Revenue & Customs and meet the PAYE - end of your deadlines. PPR - Tom McCrone, Chairman of UK200 Healthcare Group and partner at Wylie & Bisset, tells Carolyn Scott from PPR the journal for Community Pharmacists that the Chancellor had created a budget of missed opportunities for pharmacy in March 2006. Practice Management - the magazie for Practice Managers of GP Surgeries talks to Simon Brook, Price Bailey LLP and member of the UK200 Healthcare Group on the Chancellor's Budget 2006. Simon who leads the medical services division at Price Bailey LLP says there is little or no mention of the health service in this year's budget. March 2006 Business & Finance Scotland - Mike Sheppard, vice president UK200Group and senior partner at Wylie & Bisset, Glasgow comments on how to conduct an MBO in a touch economic climate. Mke says that while every deal is different, there are key factors the involved accountant should handle. Practice Management - the journal for GP Practice Managers covers the issue of Value Added Tax and dispensing practices. Marcus Ward, VAT Specialist on UK200Group Tax Panel discusses the effects of the changes announced to the settlement of the 2006/2007 GMS payments, in particular the loss of the VAT allowance. Marcus is VAT director at Price Bailey LLP, Bishop Stortford. Catalyst Magazine - the business magazine from Clydesdale Bank. UK200Group answer questions on Tax-saving ideas - are there any that really can save money? and How to write the perfect business plan. Third Sector - the essential weekly news for charities discusses investment portfolios and what trustees need to know. Mike Proctor, member of UK200 Charities Group and partner at FW Stephens says a useful source is the Charity Commission web site. Chancellor's Budget - David Whiscombe, member of UK200Group Tax Panel and Director of BKLtax gives his views on 'The fiddling chancellor'. There is virtually nothing in this Budget that will make any substantial difference to the SME sector taken as a whole says David. Ely standard - UK200Group's Business Strategy Panel Chairman Nick Mayhew confirms why SMEs need the help of Group members with their business strategy planning, however, the majority of SMEs need to wake up to the opportunities and new competitive threats. Nick is head of strategic development at his firm Price Bailey LLP, Bishop Stortford. SAIFinsight - the journal for independent funeral directors. Steve Martin, a wealth management consultant for UK200Group firm Haslers, advised independent funeral directors that from 6 April, new tax rules apply to pensions and explains what a difference A-Day makes. Talking Sense - the newsletter from Chartered Developments includes an article People Power about Sales Director, Peter Rosenwald's participation in the UK200Group's 20th Annual Conference in Southampton last November. Moneybox - Helen Phillips, partner at Keen Phillips and member of UK200Group Executive Commitee, tells SMEs that running their accounts well can ensure the whole company operates efficiently. February 2006 Accountancy Age - Daniel Shear, Chairman UK200Group Corporate Finance Panel and partner BKL Corporate Finance, London, talks to Paul Gosling about how a good venture capitalist can assist SMEs who are looking for investment of less than £2m by providing management resources and helping them get clients. Companies and advisers need to understand the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 - seeking investment is, subject to some exceptions, now a regulated activity. Farmers Guardian - Richard Barnett, Chairman of UK200 Agricultural Group and partner at Howard Worth, explores the benefits for farmers wishing to take their single farmer payments in euros. UK200 Agricultural Group and Group Prime Partner Clydesdale Bank take a look at the potential benefits and pitfalls of the €Euro option. Accountancy Age - Mike Sheppard, Vice President UK200Group spoke on behalf of Group members and their many thousands of SME clients when he contributed to the Accountancy Age debate on how the Big Four firms exert too much political influence. Mike says if smaller accountancy firms were able to represent the SME market perhaps things would have been different. SAIFinsight - Lindsay Henson, member of UK200Group Tax Panel and Partner at Forrester Boyd, explains to The voice of Independent Funeral Directors and Planners how to minimize their tax bill before 5 April 2006. North West and North Western Lancashire CC - Helen Phillips, partner at Keen Phillips and member of UK200Group Executive Committee, tells SMEs that running their accounts well can ensure the whole company operates efficiently. January 2006 UK200Group supports Macmillan Cancer Relief - Over £1220 was raised at the Group's annual conference held in Southampton. UK and International accountants, lawyers and other guests enjoyed taking time out from the busy conference schedule to raise funds for such a worthwhile charity. Pharmacy Business - Tom McCrone, Chairman of UK200 Healthcare Group and partner with Wylie & Bisset, looks at the issues surrounding business finance for pharmacists. Tom talks to Sonya Dhalla, Assistant Editor, on how UK200 Healthcare Group can help pharmacists get to grips with the new regulations and guidelines of the New Pharmacy Contract. Farming UK Interactive - Richard Barnett, Chairman, UK200 Agricultural Group and our Prime Parnters - Clydesdale Bank, explain to farmers their Single Farm Payment (SFP) in Euros rather than Sterling has unlocked the potential for businesses to explore the new benefits of Euro based loans. Best Practice Magazine - for accountants and their clients speaks to UK200Group member firm Dains about their five year strategic plan launched in 2003. Chris Windsor, Audit and IT Partner, explains how the best way to ensure success was to have a software solution that would unite the five offices and their specialist consultancy services by working closely with one supplier. Accountancy Web - A quick guide to HR for your accountancy firm. Peter Gilman, Heads up the People Management Department at the UK200Group member firm Price Bailey LLP and explains what accountancy firms should be doing to recruit and retain the right people from trainees through to senior managers. Professional networking and training opportunities provided by UK200Group means firms of all sizes can access expert help while also learning from the success stories within the Group. CA Magazine - takes a quick peek into the IT virtual crystal ball for the next 12 months. UK200Group Vice-President Mike Sheppard, Senior Partner at Wylie Bisset, explains to David MacMurray the changes he anticipates coming soon to accountancy firms. Accountancy Magazine:
Personal File People Moves
Jonathan Russell, Partner at Critchleys, Oxford is appointed new president of UK200Group. During his two year presidency he will implement a five year strategy plan. Predictions for 2006
Jonathan Russell, President, UK200Group gives his predictions for accountants for 2006. Financial Reporting Audit
Andrew Blakey from UK200Group firm JW Pickles & Co., and a member of the ICAEW's Audit Assurance Faculty, explains to Alice Nixon how accountants can overcome a vicious circle of audit concerns for small and medium firms are set to continue long into 2006. December 2005 Best Practice Magazine - covering business issues for accountants and their clients speaks to Martin Minett, Chairman of UK200Group IT Committee and Partner at Hillier Hopkins on accountants clubs. Accountancy firms spoilt for choice as software vendors battle for accountants' loyalty by Microsoft disturbing the status quo between Sage and Intuit. AccountancyAge.com – Arctic reason: HMRC appeal could follow, accountants warn. The decision of the courts to find in favour of the Jones’ in the Arctic Systems husband-wife-tax case has led to many words of congratulations. However David Whiscombe, Director of Taxes, Berg Kaprow Lewis Tax and member of UK200Group Tax Panel comments ‘The Revenue may be able to appeal to the House of Lords (they will need consent to do so); or of course they may change the law. It’s reasonable to expect that any change will not be retrospective’. David Whiscombe answers some initial questions arising out of the Arctic Systems wins Landmark Section 660A appeal in UK200Group Talking Tax issue 12. November 2005 Accountancy Magazine.com - People in the News Section reports on UK200Group's new president Jonathan Russell, Partner at Critchleys, Oxford and his plans for his two-year presidency. 24 November
Solicitors Journal - management section - how to keep your books looking healthy, an article by David Ingall, Partner at JW Pickles and Vice-Chairman of UK200 Legal Group. He talks to Judy Hodgson, Solicitors Journal, of the importance of good accounting and business practices under the client money rules. UK200 Legal Group work closely with clients and understand what solicitors require from their banks. 11 November 2005
Pharmacy Business talks to Trevor Cook, Partner, Baines Jewitt and member of UK200 Healthcare Group on how pharmacists can get the most out of their accountants. Pharmacists are choosing accountants with specialist knowledge of the pharmacy sector as they can help with their business strategy planning under the new pharmacy contract and stop tax becoming taxing. Best Practice - Accountancy Age magazine - Profile Section this month looks at Simon Brook, partner, Price Bailey LLP, member of UK200Group's Healthcare Committee and specialist accountant and business advisor for GP Practices. Simon comments that medical practices have very particular requirements and he has seen GP's workload increase over the years, as more services are moved from hospitals to surgeries. Today's medical practices are looking much more business-like than they used to as a result of the new GP contract brought in in April 2005. Accountants working within the healthcare sector need to be extremely knowledgeable with professional awareness of the business strategy needs and requirements of general practitioner clients. Simon Brook's profile as Partner, Price Bailey LLP and member UK200 Healthcare Group can be viewed Profile article on Simon Brook Best Practice - Accountancy Age magazine - Analysis Section this month includes comment from Jonathan Russell, partner Critchleys and President UK200Group on how changes to audit regulations will open up new opportunities for small accountancy firms. Jonathan elected President UK200Group on 11 November believes the move is an opportunity for accountants to be seen as the true business advisers.... October 2005 The Venturer - a Corporate Finance magazine with a regional distribution for Berkshire, Essex and Herts, contains an article on the pros and cons of going on the AIM market. Featuring Paul Storer, Director of Corporate Finance, Price Bailey LLP and member of UK200Group Corporate Finance Panel, the article was written by Wilf Altman and appeared in the October 2005 edition. Practice Management Magazine - for Practice Managers of GP Surgeries and Medical Centres, covers the UK200 Healthcare Group survey amongst GPs and Practice Managers on the new GMS contract. The survey revealed differences of opinion between the two professions on the role of Practice Managers. Accountancy Magazine Special Report - Institute consolidation was a collection of views from ICAEW members and Helen Phillips, President UK200Group commented August 2005 ICP - Business Focus - Tax Efficient Childcare Assistance
Tom McCrone, chairman UK200Group - Healthcare and partner Wylie & Bisset, Glasgow, offers some advice to readers of Pharmicy Business August 2005, on tax efficient childcare assistance for small employers, such as pharmacists, without incurring tax or NIC. click here July 2005 Accountancy magazine July 2005 published its Top 60 league table of UK Accountancy firms 2005 and this year we are delighted to see that 7 UK200Group firms were listed. Liz Fisher reports "it has been a happier year for the Top 60 accountancy firms in the UK" and we would like to congratulate all Partners and staff who helped these UK200Group firms achieve this magnificent result. UK200Group firms appear inTop 60 Accountancy Magazine awards June 2005 Accountancy Age issues its respected league table ranking of the top 50 Accountancy Firms in the UK
June 2005 has seen 4 UK200Group firms appear in the top 50 listing and we are delighted to congratulate all partners and staff who have helped these firms achieve this magnificent status. UK200Group firms appear in Top 50 Accountancy Age awards Pharmacy Business - Calling on pharmacy's friends
Tom McCrone, Chairman, Healthcare Group and partner at Wylie & Bisset, encourages pharmacists to seek the right kind of assistance to help them meet the new contract's requirement. Written by Nicola Saminather, Staff Writer, Pharmacy Business - Calling on pharmacy's friends MedEconomics - Specialist magazine connectiong GPs and Primary Care Organisations
This article advises GPs to use specialist accountants and advisors, in particular UK200Group Heathcare accountants. Carole Slingsby, MedEconomics asked GPs - Is Your accountant really up to the job? This article also advises them to ensure their accountant is a GP finance specialist. May 2005 Accountancy Magazine
'Talking 'bout my generation' - introducing ICAEW's 125th anniversary special report, Alice Nixon talks to three families of accountants about how times have changed in the profession. On pages 40-41 of the magazine (pages 3-4 of attached extract) Helen Phillips, President of UK200Group compares her experiences with her goddaughter Natasha Higman ICAEW-125th_anniversary_special_report (subscriptions number for Accountancy Magazine 0870 2404388) April 2005 Accountancy Magazine
UK200Group President, Helen Phillips, and other leading figures in the profession Comments on proposals for institute consolidation. CA Magazine
Michael Sheppard, Senior Partner, Wylie & Bissett and member of UK200Group Executive, starts a new series of interviews. SAIF Magazine
A UK200Group article examines the pros and cons of planning management succession. March 2005 Pharmacy Business
UK200Group Lawyer members Collyer Bristow write on the new employment law and its implications for pharmacists. The Independent on Sunday
David Ingall, Managing Partner, J W Pickles & Co. and Chairman of UK200Group's Smaller Firms Forum writes on 'Setting your tax records straight'. Independent Community Pharmacist
In this month's Business Focus, UK200 Healthcare Group Chairman Tom McCrone writes on business and tax issues when opening a second pharmacy. January 2005 Independent Community Pharmacist
UK200 Healthcare Group, Chairman, Tom McCrone, introduces the Group to Independent Community Pharmacist - Business Focus Readers. Pharmacy Business
The Disability Discrimination Act, just in force, is discussed by UK200Group. DDA - how is your pharmacy faring? December 2004 SAIF Insight
UK200Group member discusses 'Gordon's Big Black Hole November 2004 The Independent on Sunday
Quotes Jonathan Russell, vice-president, UK200Group, in an article on 'Finding the Perfect Financial Adviser.' Sunday Post
Quotes the Pensions Minister Malcolm Wicks addressing the UK200Group's annual conference on 'the pensions timebomb' Accountancy Age
UK200Group member Haslers wins 'Medium Firm of the Year' Award. 'Through innovation and making the most of technological advances, Haslers continues to exceed expectations.' October 2004 SAIF Insight
UK200Group members discuss alternatives to selling the business. What can be done isn't fast enough and one of your partners/directors is looking for an exist route? September 2004 UNICHEM: THE Business
'We work closely with UK200Group, the largest mutual association of well-established chartered accountants with a wealth of contacts and specialist knowledge,' says John Jaquiss of Unichems's Commercial Support Division. August 2004 Accountancy
Hillier Hopkins LLP, a l5 partner firm with offices in Aylesbury, Hemel Hempstead and Watford joins the UK 200Group |
