Academies Benchmark Report 2023

Growing nervousness for Academy Trusts highlighted in the latest Academies Benchmark Report. The 11th annual Kreston Academies Benchmark Report highlights growing nervousness in academy trusts about what the future might hold for the health of the sector’s finances. Although significant surpluses are being reported in the sector, per pupil income has increased by just 1% […]

Autism Together appoints accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth

North West charity Autism Together has appointed Mitchell Charlesworth as its auditors and to provide support with a range of financial and business advice services. Following a competitive tender process Mitchell Charlesworth was chosen to support the charity with a range of specialist advice, including audit, accounts, tax and VAT services. Autism Together is a […]

HMRC confirm VAT return portal closure date

HMRC have confirmed that on Tuesday 1 November 2022, VAT registered businesses will no longer be able to file their quarterly or monthly VAT returns via their online VAT account. This means that VAT registered businesses must have compatible software in place to maintain VAT records and file their VAT returns within the Making Tax […]

Changes to National Minimum and National Living Wage Rates and Age Bracket Changes 2022

Employers should be aware that on 1 April 2022, the government is increasing both the National Minimum and National Living Wage rates. National Minimum Wage & National Living Wage Changes: From 1 April 2022, National Minimum Wages and National Living Wage Rates will increase as follows: From £8.91 to £9.50 per hour for workers aged […]

National Insurance Contributions and Dividend Tax Rates set to rise

The government have recently announced that both National Insurance Contributions and Dividend Tax Rates will increase by 1.25% from April 2022. These rises are part of a wider NHS and health and social care recovery plan, which from April 2023 will be known as the ‘Health and Social Care Levy’ (and will be shown on […]

Reminder: Form P11D submission deadline is approaching

Are you an employer? Do you provide benefits or expenses to your employees (or members of an employee’s family)? If so, your business may have to report these details to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) by completing and submitting forms P11D and P11D(b) to HMRC by 6 July 2022. Examples of some of the most common […]

Updated Timeline Announced for Making Tax Digital for VAT!

HMRC have today (17 October 2018) announced that for a small minority of VAT registered businesses with more complex requirements, Making Tax Digital for VAT will be delayed until 1 October 2019. We have produced a helpful Making Tax Digital for VAT timeline below:  

Mitchell Charlesworth boosts corporate recovery and insolvency team

Mitchell Charlesworth has boosted its corporate recovery and insolvency team with the appointment of Julie Webster from RPG Business Recovery. Julie, who joins as an associate in the Manchester office, has nineteen years’ experience in restructuring and insolvency across a variety of sectors including retail, leisure and construction. A licensed insolvency practitioner, Julie qualified with […]

Kreston members Awni Farsakh and Mitchell Charlesworth collaborate to host UAE VAT Seminar in Dubai

Mitchell Charlesworth VAT Director, Alison Birch, was the guest speaker at a recent VAT seminar at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Dubai. The event was hosted by fellow Kreston member Awni Farsakh and there were 53 delegates from over 34 companies in attendance. Alison, who has specialised in VAT for 16 years, presented on VAT […]

Mitchell Charlesworth appointed by FC United of Manchester

FC United of Manchester has appointed Manchester accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth to provide a range of financial and business support services. The appointment comes at a time when FC United of Manchester recently won the Manchester Premier Cup for the first time in its history. The club has kicked off its thirteenth season this month […]

Accountancy experts take platinum Xero partner status

Experts from North West accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth have achieved the very highest status level for their knowledge and expertise. The team have qualified as Xero Platinum Partners having committed over 500 clients to Xero’s ground-breaking accounting software system. Xero is a cloud-based accounting system that enables company owners to run their business finances on […]

Government Announces Delay to Making Tax Digital Ambitions

The Government’s plans to implement their Making Tax Digital project has been delayed by at least two years until 2020. Background: In the Spring Budget of 2015, the Government announced their plans to overhaul the current tax system by requiring the majority of UK businesses to use accounting software and requiring the submission of summarised […]

Maritime Monitoring Company Bouyed by Merseyside Innovation Award Win

Yesterday evening, Liverpool-based Marlan Maritime were awarded the highly contested and prestigious Merseyside Innovation Award 2017 (MIA). Winning this year’s award for its innovative use of radar monitoring of tidal patterns and coastal surveillance, Marlan Maritime Technologies Limited provides engineers, conservationists and councils with up-to-date information about the changing patterns of shorelines. Presented by the […]

Updated HMRC Guidance for holding companies and VAT Recovery

In April 2017 HMRC released their updated guidance for holding companies and VAT recovery. This is important because the activities of a holding company can differ and as a result so will its VAT status and eligibility to reclaim VAT on costs.   This updated guidance from HMRC defines what a holding company is and […]

What we may see in the last ever Spring Budget

Ahead of the Spring Budget 2017 we have outlined what we expect to see announced by Chancellor Philip Hammond. By way of reminder, this will be the last budget to take place in March, and a second budget will take place this Autumn (2017). Thereafter, we will have an annual Spring Statement starting in 2018 […]

Ultrasonic Coffee Machine Cleaner claims January Merseyside Innovation Award

If you have ever bought a coffee from a high street chain you may not have noticed the cloth used to clean the milk steam wand. Jonathan Quinn did and his hygienic solution has won the Merseyside Innovation Awards 2017 January monthly prize. He has developed an ultrasonic cleaner which dispenses with the need to […]

Mitchell Charlesworth bolsters Corporate Tax Team

Mitchell Charlesworth has strengthened its growing tax team with the appointment of Jennifer Curtis as corporate tax manager. Ms Curtis will be based across the company’s Chester, Liverpool and Manchester offices, and take responsibility for corporation tax reviews. She’ll also play a key role in assisting with the firm’s increasing volume of Research and Development […]

MC Vanguard support NHS Imaging Equipment Specialist in Securing Investment

Med Imaging Healthcare has secured £3million investment through the Foresight Regional Investment Fund, which targets small- to medium-sized enterprises in the region. Med Imaging provides servicing, reactive maintenance, repair and sale of a range of diagnostic imaging equipment for the NHS, private health sector and dental markets. It employs 41 staff from its Knowsley headquarters […]

Mitchell Charlesworth announce promotion in Chester Office

Mitchell Charlesworth is announcing a new promotion after continued growth, which also saw the North West based chartered accountants and business advisors rise 7 places in the annual Accountancy Age Top 50+50 survey. Heather Townsend has been promoted to a managerial role at the St Nicholas Street firm following years of committed service. Mitchell Charlesworth […]

Mitchell Charlesworth Appoint Senior Personal Tax Manager

Mitchell Charlesworth have appointed a senior personal tax manager boosting its expert tax team. Latha Rodgers will be responsible for leading on personal tax across the partnership providing a broad range of advice, including income and corporation tax, stamp duty land tax, inheritance tax and will planning. Mitchell Charesworth’s tax team spans across the firm’s […]

VAT Aide Memoire for Minimising Your Threats & Maximising Your Opportunities

A large proportion of a business’ cash flow can be tied up in VAT so it is crucial to manage both VAT payment and VAT compliance efficiently and effectively. Additionally, VAT can be complex for some types of business due to special rules applicable to their sector and can cost businesses dear if VAT issues […]

Mitchell Charlesworth Charge Up Audit Department with New Appointment & Promotion

Mitchell Charlesworth is charging up its audit and accounts division with the appointment and promotion of specialist staff. Newly appointed Ramon McKenna, 31, will take up his role as manager in the Liverpool based Audit and Accounts team, whilst Louise Casey has been promoted to manager within the team. Mr McKenna started his career at […]

Mitchell Charlesworth Appoint Senior VAT Manager

Mitchell Charlesworth have appointed a new Senior VAT Manager to drive growth across its specialist tax division. Alison Birch based in Mitchell Charlesworth’s Manchester office, is tasked with expanding its VAT service and attracting new clients across the board. Alison, who graduated with a BSc in Psychology from the University of Central Lancashire, started her […]

Mitchell Charlesworth’s Accelerated Service completes Watford Control acquisition

Mitchell Charlesworth has completed its first transaction through its new Accelerated service with the sale of manufacturer Watford Control. The Accelerated Service was established in early 2016 to deliver high-speed support for businesses looking to sell quickly to meet a goal or due to cash flow, profit and balance sheet pressure.  The latest deal saw Watford […]

Mitchell Charlesworth announces Kemp and Co Merger

SME specialist and North West based accountants and business advisors, Mitchell Charlesworth has today announced the merger with Kemp & Co accountants. Kemp & Co has been based in Liverpool for over 50 years and specialise in supporting SME businesses. Partners Michael Todd and Malcolm Grant together with their staff are now relocating to Mitchell […]

MC Vanguard’s Jerry Scriven joins the VOOM from Virgin Media Business judging panel

MC Vanguard’s Jerry Scriven has been invited to join VOOM from Virgin Media Business’ semi-final judging panel by event partner ICAEW. Corporate finance partner Jerry will be judging the top 40 entrants from each category who have received the most votes at a live semi-final on Monday 21 May in Manchester. Semi-finalists will have 2 minutes to […]

VAT and Overseas Supplies of Digital Services

Businesses who supply digital services to overseas customers may be unaware of the potential VAT obligations that exist in countries around the world due to changes in the place of supply of digital services. What are digital services? Digital services are services which are automatically delivered over the internet, or an electronic network, where there […]

Merseyside Innovation Awards honour three pioneering businesses

Three pioneering Merseyside businesses have claimed the April, May and June Merseyside Innovation Award (MIA) monthly prizes. Property Moose, one of the world’s first fully integrated digital property crowdfunding platforms, 5D Health Protection Group, leading specialists in biofilm science and Glow New Media, an award winning mobile app developer and web design agency, were each […]

VAT Reverse Charge for Construction Services

Update: VAT Reverse Charge Delayed until 1 March 2021 – read more. To tackle VAT fraud in the construction industry a domestic reverse charge will be introduced with effect from October 2019. This means that the buyer will be responsible for bringing VAT to account rather than the supplier. HMRC have issued a consultation on […]

Mitchell Charlesworth promotes seven

North West accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth has made seven promotions, including two partners in its tax and corporate finance teams. Alison Birch has become a VAT partner in the tax team. Alison joined the firm in 2016 as a senior manager and has worked in VAT for over 17 years, both in professional practice and […]

MC Vanguard advises on sale of Crest Environmental

MC Vanguard Corporate Finance has advised on the sale of Crest Environmental to AA Woods Holdings. Based in St Helens, Crest Environmental, which was founded in 1999, undertakes asbestos remediation, contaminated land clearance, waste packaging and disposal, surveying, industrial cleaning, plant dismantling and re-instatement works to both the private and public sectors. AA Woods Holdings […]

How does the VAT reverse charge for construction work?

September 2019 Update: VAT Reverse Charge in Construction Industry Delayed by 12 months – read more. To read an updated version of this article please click here. To tackle VAT fraud in the construction industry a domestic reverse charge will be introduced with effect from October 2019. Alison Birch, VAT partner at Mitchell Charlesworth, explains what […]

5D Health Protection Group Wins Merseyside Innovation Award

Liverpool’s multi award-winning contract research organisation and centre of excellence in biofilm and microbiology testing, 5D Health Protection Group, has won this year’s highly contested Merseyside Innovation Awards (MIA). Since 1996 the MIA have recognised and rewarded companies and individuals in Merseyside who use creativity to fuel growth and profitability. The MIA aim to help […]

Fleetsolve takes home MIA Prestige Award

Fleetsolve, the Wirral-based renewable power solutions specialist, has won the Merseyside Innovation Prestige Award. On Tuesday 10th July, the Merseyside business community came together to celebrate the region’s leading innovators at the Merseyside Innovation Awards and saw Fleetsolve take home the Prestige Award. Introduced in 2016, the Prestige Award recognises businesses with a turnover of […]

Mitchell Charlesworth boosts tax team with two new senior hires

North West accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth has strengthened its expert tax team with two senior appointments. Phil Hartley and Phillippa Britchford have both joined the firm as tax managers. Phil Hartley is a chartered accountant and chartered tax adviser with more than eight years’ experience of dealing with owner-managed businesses and providing tax advice on […]

Mitchell Charlesworth boosts corporate finance team with the promotion of James Curtis to manager

Mitchell Charlesworth has bolstered its corporate finance arm, MC Vanguard with the promotion of James Curtis to corporate finance manager. James joined MC Vanguard two years ago, and is primarily based in the Manchester office, although operates on a regional basis; working alongside corporate finance partners Brian McCann and Jerry Scriven on a variety of […]

HMRC report shows increase in R&D tax relief claims but many SMEs are missing out on this valuable tax credit

Phil Hartley, tax manager at North West accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth comments on the latest research and development (R&D) tax relief statistics from HMRC. Revised statistics from HMRC for 2015/16 and 2014/15 tax years show a significant increase in the number of R&D tax credit claims being made – 43,040, for 2015/16 and 35,145 for […]

MC Vanguard advises on the sale of Little Friends Day Nursery

MC Vanguard Corporate Finance has advised on the sale of Little Friends Day Nursery to the Elmscot Group. Chester-based Little Friends will be rebranded as Elmscot Day Nursery and Nursery School (Chester). Little Friends becomes the sixth nursery of the Elmscot Group and its 14th educational setting, including its eight Kids Collective out-of-school clubs. The […]

Annual Investment Allowance

With the UK’s exit from the EU rapidly approaching, the possibility of a ‘no deal’ scenario is looking increasingly likely. Although the government is maintaining that a deal is more likely than no deal, HMRC have released guidance to help businesses prepare for Brexit in the event there is no deal.  This note outlines the […]

R&D tax credits for the architecture and engineering industry: Is your innovation being rewarded?

Although research and development tax credits have been available to businesses since 2000, many architectural and engineering companies are not aware that they could be eligible for this valuable tax credit, worth up 33.35p in the £1. To qualify for R&D tax credits a company must have made an ‘advance in science and technology by […]

Merry Christmas…

…and Best Wishes from Mitchell Charlesworth We would like to take this opportunity to extend our thanks to all of our clients and contacts for your support throughout the year. Opening Times Please note that our offices will close on Friday 21 December and re-open at 9am on Wednesday 2 January 2019. To uphold our […]

Government plans to shake up insolvency regime

Julie Webster, corporate recovery and insolvency associate at Mitchell Charlesworth, comments on the Government’s plans to introduce tougher insolvency laws. In August the UK government announced a range of proposed changes to insolvency law. Ministers propose to introduce new insolvency laws which improve restructuring options for companies in financial distress and address issues highlighted by […]

Making Tax Digital for VAT – How will it affect you?

Alison Birch, VAT partner at Mitchell Charlesworth reminds businesses that the Government’s new rules around Making Tax Digital come into force in less than three months, leaving limited time to prepare for these rules which require businesses to keep their VAT records digitally and submit their VAT return to HMRC through Making Tax Digital compatible […]

Eleven banks approved to join £350 million RBS Incentivised Switching Scheme

Eleven banks have been approved to participate in the £350 million RBS Incentivised Switching Scheme – an initiative designed to increase competition within the UK SME banking market which is due to launch in February 2019. Arbuthnot Latham, Clydesdale, Co-op Bank, Hampden & Co, Metro Bank, Monzo, Nationwide, Santander, Starling, TSB and Handelsbanken have all […]

Deficits distract academies from education

A new academy survey warns that financial uncertainty risks hampering academies in the North West. The eighth Kreston Academies Benchmark report, the largest independent survey of the financial health of the academy sector, has revealed that Academy Trusts continue to show deficit, with 50 per cent showing an in-year deficit before depreciation, down from 55 […]

Mitchell Charlesworth strengthens corporate recovery and insolvency team

Mitchell Charlesworth has bolstered its corporate recovery and insolvency team with the appointment of Tim Brock. Tim has more than sixteen years’ experience in restructuring, accelerated mergers and acquisitions and insolvency across a variety of sectors including retail, education, charity, manufacturing and property. A chartered accountant and insolvency practitioner, Tim qualified with KPMG and has […]

Accountant aims to raise £2.5k for charity Stick ‘n’ Step by running London marathon

An accountant from Runcorn will be taking on the London Marathon in aid of cerebral palsy charity Stick ‘n’ Step. Paul Richards, an associate at Widnes accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth, is taking on the 26.2 mile challenge for the first time in April and hoping to raise £2500 for Stick ‘n’ Step. Stick ‘n’ Step […]

The new college insolvency regime

Tim Brock, qualified accountant and restructuring professional at Mitchell Charlesworth, explains what colleges need to know about the new insolvency regime. Colleges will be allowed to fail Further education funding challenges have been well documented over recent years with funding down and costs / competition up. Should a college run out of money it can […]

Cara Bartlett takes on 13 half marathons in 13 weeks for charity

Mitchell Charlesworth’s head of marketing, Cara Bartlett, is running 13 half marathons in 13 weeks for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. Cara and her husband Nick are more than two thirds through the 170 mile challenge which started with the Helsby Villages half marathon on 20 January and ends with the Coast half marathon, […]

Tectores Crowned Latest Merseyside Innovation Awards’ Monthly Winner

Wirral-based Tectores have become the second monthly winners of the 2019 Merseyside Innovation Awards (MIA). Their innovative PelliTec blister prevention pad, which sticks to footwear not the skin, looks to solve a perennial problem; they have turned their focus to preventing blisters rather than treating them. The MIA’s aim to help companies transform their ideas […]

Solicitors Regulation Authority to launch new accounts rules in November

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has confirmed new regulations will come into force on 25 November 2019. The regulator said the new standards and regulations are shorter and more targeted than the existing set and will remove many prescriptive rules, reducing the burden on solicitors and law firms and allowing solicitors greater freedom to use […]

Signing up to Making Tax Digital for VAT – Important information

As you will be aware, Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT is now live and all businesses registered for VAT and trading above the VAT registration threshold (unless deferred or exempt) must maintain digital records and submit their VAT returns through functional compatible software. The first VAT return required to be submitted under the MTD […]

Orcha Crowned Merseyside Innovation Awards’ March Monthly Winner

Daresbury-based Orcha have become the March monthly winner of the 2019 Merseyside Innovation Awards (MIA). Referred to as ‘the Martin Lewis of Health Apps’, Orcha is the trusted source for health app advice and, in 2018 was enlisted by NHS Digital to conduct app evaluations for the central NHS Library. The MIA’s aim to help […]

Mitchell Charlesworth announces raft of new client wins

Mitchell Charlesworth’s Manchester office has secured a raft of new client wins across Manchester and the North West. Six local businesses have appointed Mitchell Charlesworth to provide a full range of financial and business advice services, including audit and accounts, tax planning, VAT, R&D tax credits, payroll and strategic planning. Mitchell Charlesworth’s new client wins […]

Mitchell Charlesworth strengthens team with key promotions and appointment

North West accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth has strengthened its audit and accounts team with four key promotions and a new appointment. Louise Casey, Ramon McKenna and Heather Townsend have all been promoted to associate, Amy Taylor has been promoted to manager and John Davies has joined the team as a manager. Louise Casey graduated with […]

PIN IoT announced as latest monthly winner of the Merseyside Innovation Awards

Liverpool-based PIN IoT have been announced as the May monthly winner of the 2019 Merseyside Innovation Awards (MIA). The team at PIN IoT have developed a unique solution that uses new wireless technology to track waste containers at very low cost. The solution targets a widespread market problem and has the potential to save the […]

Mitchell Charlesworth managing partner takes on 200 mile challenge in aid of scout group

Paul Wainwright, managing partner of Mitchell Charlesworth, is planning to run and cycle 200 miles over four days in aid of the 1st Great Sutton Scout Group in Cheshire. Paul, who lives in Little Sutton and is the ex-chair of the scout group, intends to run 15 miles and cycle 35 miles per day, for […]

HMRC clarifies its position on import VAT reclaim

Do you need to change your importation process? HMRC have released Revenue & Customs Brief 2/2019 to confirm the VAT recovery position of import VAT claimed by businesses that do not own the goods they are importing (e.g. toll operators or where title passed prior to the good entering the UK). HMRC’s view has always […]

Mitchell Charlesworth supports The Hollies Farm Shop Group with senior finance hire

Mitchell Charlesworth has supported The Hollies Farm Shop Group with the recruitment of a senior accounts manager. New hire Nathalie Hallworth brings with her over 15 years of management accounting experience, having worked with large plc organisations such as Steinhoff UK Group and also within smaller companies such as The Stanneylands Hotel and Knutsford Admin. […]

KRTS Power to Respond Ltd announced as latest monthly winner of the Merseyside Innovation Awards

Wirral-based KRTS Power to Respond Ltd have been announced as the June monthly winner of the 2019 Merseyside Innovation Awards (MIA) for their pioneering specialist mental health, trauma and crises aftercare App. The MIAs aim is to help companies transform their ideas into successful businesses, contributing towards Merseyside’s economic development. Since 1996, the awards celebrate […]

Three Merseyside businesses battle for the chance to win £10,000

Three pioneering Merseyside businesses will compete to take top prize at the 2019 Merseyside Innovation Awards (MIA) ceremony on Wednesday 10th July at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa, Liverpool. DriverNet, a mobile workforce management system, ORCHA, a digital health app reviewer and PIN IoT, a cloud based asset management system, will go head-to-head for […]

8 top tips for a successful R&D tax claim

The government is actively pushing UK companies to claim R&D tax relief, given they have a commitment to spend 2.4% of national wealth on R&D by 2027. However, it is believed that only 5% of qualifying companies for R&D tax relief are making claims. Given that an average R&D claim can be worth c£47,000 to […]

MC Vanguard advises on MBO of Challenger Mobile Communications

MC Vanguard has advised on the management buy out of a Welsh business-to-business telecoms provider. Jeff Eamens of Challenger Mobile Communications has bought out Wayne Skellon, with whom he co-founded the business in 1991. The buyout was supported by a £1.4m loan from the Development Bank of Wales as well as additional funding from Barclays […]

The impact of Brexit on the legal sector

In a series of blogs, Mitchell Charlesworth partner, Mike Buxton, looks at some of the key challenges faced by the legal sector over the next 12 to 18 months, specifically Brexit, technology, competition and succession planning. Mike’s first blog is about Brexit. Brexit Brexit has been looming over us for almost 3 years now and […]

The new VAT reverse charge for the construction industry – November 2020 update

June 2020 Update – VAT Reverse Charge in Construction Industry Delayed until 1 March 2021 – read more. To tackle VAT fraud in the construction industry a domestic reverse charge will be introduced with effect from 1 March 2021. Alison Birch, VAT partner at Mitchell Charlesworth, explains what this means for businesses in the construction […]

Mitchell Charlesworth hosts charity quiz in aid of Ronald McDonald House

Mitchell Charlesworth is hosting a charity quiz in aid of Ronald McDonald House. Ronald McDonald House in Manchester supported Phil Hartley – quizmaster and one of Mitchell Charlesworth’s tax managers – and his family when his son had open heart surgery for tracheomalacia by providing a ‘home away from home’ during what was a very […]

Technology and the legal sector

In a series of blogs, Mitchell Charlesworth partner, Mike Buxton, looks at some of the key challenges faced by the legal sector over the next 12 to 18 months, specifically Brexit, technology, competition and succession planning. Mike’s second blog is about technology. Technology With every industry, technology is leading the way to change and transforming […]

Urgent Information about EORI Numbers

Further to our last Brexit update which you can read here, the Government has confirmed the Chancellor’s intentions to accelerate Brexit preparations for businesses, in an effort to ensure they are ready to trade immediately post-Brexit. Whereby the initial advice to businesses who trade within the EU was to apply for an EORI (Economic Operator Registration […]

Update to the VAT Do-It-Yourself Scheme

The government have today released a full list of eligible building materials and services on which DIY builders can claim back VAT in certain circumstances. Read on if you’re unfamiliar with the scheme. What is the VAT DIY Scheme? The objective of the scheme is to put a private individual, who is either building their […]

Breaking: Delay to Domestic Reverse Charge VAT in Construction Services

HMRC have today announced that the Domestic Reverse Charge VAT for Construction Services will be delayed until 1st October 2020. Construction businesses who are registered for VAT should be aware that the roll out of the domestic reverse charge has been postponed by 12 months.  The move comes as a result of concerns by industry […]

Staying competitive in the legal market

In his latest blog Mitchell Charlesworth partner, Mike Buxton, looks at how law firms can remain competitive. Competition Competition in the legal sector has never been greater, with a continuous stream of new entrants entering the overcrowded legal market exploiting changes in legislation and technology. There is constant pressure on law firms to ensure they […]

Mitchell Charlesworth host Charity Quiz in aid of Ronald McDonald House

Last night, (Thursday 26 September 2019) Mitchell Charlesworth hosted a charity quiz on behalf of Ronald McDonald House, Manchester. Around 90 local professionals battled it out to take top spot, raising over £1500 for the charity.  MC Tax Manager Phil Hartley proved to be an eloquent orator, and can now add quiz-mastery to his list of talents […]

HMRC report shows rise in R&D tax relief claims but many SMEs are still missing out

Phil Hartley, tax manager at North West accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth comments on the latest research and development (R&D) tax relief statistics from HMRC and the latest trends in R&D claims in the North West. Revised statistics from HMRC for 2015/16 and 2016/17 tax years continue to show that the number of R&D tax credit […]

Financial challenges within the education sector begin to bite

Tim Brock, qualified accountant and restructuring professional at Mitchell Charlesworth, provides an update on the new college insolvency regime. As discussed in my previous article, a new insolvency regime known as ‘education administration’ has been introduced to further education colleges and sixth form colleges. The process is designed to minimise disruption to existing students should a […]

HMRC allow businesses to apply for more time to comply with Making Tax Digital

MTD is in full swing with the deferred businesses now falling within the scope of MTD.  Although businesses were required to maintain digital records and submit their VAT returns through functional compatible software from 1 April 2019 (or 1 October 2019 for deferred businesses), HMRC allowed a 12-month soft landing period for businesses to ensure […]

Mitchell Charlesworth raises over £1800 for Ronald McDonald House

Mitchell Charlesworth has donated more than £1800 to Ronald McDonald House, Manchester and this week presented a giant cheque to the charity. The majority of the funds were raised at a quiz night in aid of the charity which was hosted by Mitchell Charlesworth in Manchester city centre. Around 90 business owners and professionals battled […]

Further pledges to review IR35/Off Payroll Rules Announced

The Conservative Party have pledged to review the ‘Off Payroll’/IR35 Rules as part of their manifesto to support self employed workers. The Chancellor Sajid Javid confirmed on 2nd December that the party will review the proposal to extend the IR35 proposals to the private sector.  The other main political parties have also pledged to review the […]

Merry Christmas…

..and Best Wishes from Mitchell Charlesworth! We would like to take this opportunity to extend our thanks to all of our clients and contacts for your support throughout the year. Opening Times Please note that our offices will close at 1pm on Tuesday 24 December and re-open at 9am on Thursday 2 January 2020. To […]

Pre-pack sale saves jobs at Preston law firm

Seven jobs have been saved at a Preston law firm following its sale out of a pre-pack administration. Jeremy Oddie and Julie Webster from Mitchell Charlesworth were appointed joint administrators on 23 December 2019. Established in 2001, personal injury firm PHC Law was founded by Philip Cuerden who died unexpectedly in March 2019. Chris Wood […]

Exclusive Rewards receives R&D tax credits which help launch new website

North West cashback website Exclusive Rewards has launched a new website. Southport-based Exclusive Rewards was established in 2017 and its members can earn cashback and access discounts from over 4,000 retailers when they shop online via the website. Exclusive Rewards has partnered with TAM Asset Management giving members the option to use their cashback account […]

Changes to National Minimum and National Living Wage Rates 2020

Employers should be aware that on 1 April 2020, the government is increasing both the National Minimum and National Living Wage rates. National Minimum Wage & National Living Wage Changes: From 1 April 2020, National Minimum Wages and National Living Wage Rates will increase as follows: From £8.21 to £8.72 per hour for workers aged […]

Mitchell Charlesworth boosts audit team with two new appointments and a promotion

North West accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth has strengthened its audit and accounts team with two new appointments and a promotion. Jonathan Lucas has joined the team as a manager, Heather Heyl has joined as an assistant manager and Nick Spruce has been promoted to assistant manager. Appointments and promotion New recruit Jonathan Lucas is ACA […]

HMRC announces change to the Off-Payroll Working Rules (IR35)

HM Revenue & Customs have today clarified that the new off-payroll working rules (referred to as IR35) that come into effect from 6 April 2020 will only apply to services provided by from that date forward.   Any services provided prior to 6 April 2020, regardless of date of payment for those services, will not be […]

Making Tax Digital – Soft-landing period ends soon

**Updated 15 February 2021** In April 2019 Making Tax Digital (‘MTD’) was launched which requires businesses to maintain digital records and prepare and submit VAT returns digitally.  With full digitisation it is HMRC’s view that errors will reduce which in turn should reduce VAT loss.  HMRC accepted that this was a big change for business […]

Updated: Business Continuity Assurance

Introduction and Reminder (Updated 24 March 2020) In light of ongoing developments regarding COVID-19, and the we wanted to reassure our clients and address any concerns that you may have.  We are therefore issuing this reminder about Mitchell Charlesworth’s Business Continuity plans, which has been updated in light of the Prime Minister’s new restrictions on […]

Chancellor outlines Emploment and Wage Subsidy Measures in light of COVID-19

Please refer to our updated guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme here, updated on 23 March 2020. This afternoon, 20th March 2020, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced in this his third financial intervention in a matter of days, his employment and wage subsidy package to protect jobs and livelihoods during the COVID-19 pandemic. […]

Information on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

The government has laid out unprecedented new measures to protect individuals and employments during the Coronavirus pandemic.  On the evening of Friday 20 March, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced historic, temporary measures to maintain jobs and the UK economy on top of announcements previously made. The key measures announced are as follows: New Coronavirus Job […]

What is meant by ‘Furlough’? Your questions answered

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mitchell Charlesworth Payroll Services team are currently receiving an extremely high volume of queries from employers who are broadly asking the same questions. This article is aimed at addressing those questions.  However, the caveat applies that as there is very little by way of clear answers to some of the questions, […]

Chancellor Outlines Support Measures for Self Employed

The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has this evening, 26th March 2020, outlined the Government’s measures to support the self employed during the COVID-19 pandemic, by announcing a new “Self Employed Income Support Scheme” to support self employed individuals who are adversely affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. Points to note are as follows: – Applicable self employed […]

Updated: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

The government has provided further guidance for employers on how the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will operate, how much can be claimed and the eligibility criteria.  The information below is based on facts as we know it and is subject to change. Job Retention Scheme CJRS for employers (businesses and charities), so that 80% […]

Business Insurance – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Some or all of my employees are working from home due to recent government guidance, will they be covered by my insurance policy? If you currently purchase employer’s liability cover for your business, this will extend to cover them while they are working from home during this period. Q: My business and/or premises is […]

Changes to the Insolvency Scheme during COVID-19

On Saturday 28th March the Business Secretary Alok Sharma announced changes to the insolvency regime in order to allow those UK companies weakened by the current pandemic to continue trading when faced with possible concerns over their solvency. The Business Secretary has temporarily suspended the Wrongful Trading provisions contained within S214 of the Insolvency Act. […]

Jobs saved as engineering firm acquired out of administration

Twenty-one jobs have been saved at a Lancashire engineering firm after it was acquired out of administration. Established in 1996, Performance Springs Ltd is a multi-award winning manufacturer of high performance springs, based in Lytham St Annes. Jeremy Oddie and Julie Webster from Mitchell Charlesworth were appointed as joint administrators on 4 March 2020 and […]

New partner appointed by Mitchell Charlesworth

Mitchell Charlesworth has appointed a new partner. Alex Makinson has over twenty years of experience in audit, accounting, corporate and personal tax planning including profit extraction, business succession planning, corporate restructuring and growth support. He has a keen interest in owner-managed businesses and advises organisations across a variety of sectors, ranging from professional and medical […]

Updated Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and furlough

Further guidance was issued over the weekend concerning the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and furlough.  We have highlighted the key points below: Those who left their jobs after 28 February and their new positions have fallen through as a result of COVID can be re-hired by their old employer and furloughed Those who were made […]

Charities and COVID 19 Update

The Chancellor has this evening (8 April 2020) announced a package of financial support for frontline charities during the current coronavirus pandemic.  In his speech, Rishi Sunak confirmed that charities across the UK will receive financial support to ensure their vital work can continue.  £360m will be made available from government departments to charities, with […]

Updated: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Furlough Claims

The government’s portal for claiming furlough grants under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is expected to be ready to accept claims from 20th April. HMRC are expecting phone demand to be beyond their capacity to offer a normal service. Therefore, claims will not be made by phone, it will be an online only service. We have […]

Furlough period extended until the end of June 2020

The Chancellor has today confirmed that the furlough scheme will now extend to the end of June 2020. The scheme, announced last month as part of a package of measures to support business, the scheme was originally set to run from the 1st of March until the end of May.  This has now been extended […]

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme extended until October 2020

The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has today (12 May) announced that the job retention scheme (CJRS) will be extended, for four months, until the end of October.  The scheme as it stands, i.e. the government paying 80% of employee’s wages, will continue until the end of July. From the period August to October the Government’s contribution […]

Update to Furlough Scheme and SEISS

The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has this evening (29 May) announced updates to both the Furlough Scheme and the Self Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) as follows: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme The scheme as it stands i.e. the government paying 80% of employee’s wages up to a maximum of £2,500 per month will continue throughout June […]

Government launches consultation on taxation of coronavirus support payments and recovery of incorrect use of funds

The government have launched a consultation for draft legislation to be included in the Finance Bill 2020.  The draft legislation will allow for the recovery of tax on payments made under the SEISS and the CJRS grant schemes, which such schemes obviously not having been included in the original draft of the 2020 Bill.  However, […]

Breaking: Further Delay to Domestic Reverse Charge VAT in Construction Services

HMRC have today announced that the Domestic Reverse Charge VAT for Construction Services will be delayed until 1st March 2021. Construction businesses who are registered for VAT should be aware that the roll out of the domestic reverse charge has been postponed for a further 5 months.  Due to the current pandemic, businesses are focusing […]

Mitchell Charlesworth clients rally during pandemic

It’s easy to overlook success in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, so we wanted to applaud some of the great work being delivered by clients who have positively reacted and adapted during this time. Media and Digital Limited Cheshire based digital marketing agency MaD (Media and Digital Limited) put their digital wherewithal to excellent use with […]

Withdrawal of Postal Search Concession: VAT Implications

HMRC have announced in Revenue and Customs Brief 6 (2020) that they are withdrawing the postal concession for property searches with effect from 1 December 2020.   From this date, solicitors and conveyancers will no longer be able to treat postal property searches as a disbursement, and VAT must therefore be charged. The change comes as […]

Furlough Fraud – Accidental or Deliberate?

There has been plenty in the media of late concerning potential abuse of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (a.k.a. the furlough scheme, or CJRS) after HMRC received over 3000 reports of fraudulent use of the scheme, where some employers have allegedly instructed their furloughed employees to continue to work. Two thirds of British private sector […]

Insolvency petitions suspended until September 30th 2020

**UPDATED: TIME PERIOD FOR STATUTORY MORATORIUM AND TERMINATION CLAUSES FOR SMALL SUPPLIERS NOW EXTENDED FROM 30TH SEPTEMBER TO 30 March 2021** The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill which received Royal Assent on 25 June 2020 has come into force as the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020, with effect from 26 June 2020. The headline […]

Academies Financial Update: Growth funding now available through the new Trust Capacity Fund

This week, the Department for Education published guidance on the new Trust Capacity Fund to encourage the growth and development of trusts through financial grant support. The new fund will offer a range of financial grants covering a number of areas ranging from £50,000 to £310,000 with up to £17 million being made available over […]

VAT Rate Cut to 5% for certain sectors

The Government has announced a temporary reduction of the VAT rate applicable to the hospitality sector.  The reduced rate of 5% will apply to certain transactions from 15 July 2020 to 12 January 2021. Full guidance has not yet been released but it would appear the reduced rate of VAT will apply to: Food (eaten […]

Chancellor’s Summer Statement

In light of the UK economy having retracted by 25% since the global COVID-19 pandemic, and with the OBR predicting ‘significant’ job losses, today, Wednesday 8 July, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced his new “Plan for Jobs.” We’ve detailed the key actions the Chancellor announced today below: Job Retention Bonus: To encourage employers to bring […]

“Eat Out to Help Out” (EOHO) Scheme

As we reported yesterday the Chancellor introduced a new “Eat Out to Help Out” (EOHO) scheme to support hospitality businesses by encouraging the public to eat out by offering 50% discount. The Government have now released further information about the Scheme, which businesses are eligible, and how they can register for the Scheme. What is […]

VAT Rate Cut Further Details

The Government yesterday announced a temporary reduction of the VAT rate applicable to the hospitality sector.  The reduced rate of 5% will apply to certain transactions from 15 July 2020 to 12 January 2021. We have updated yesterday’s note to reflect the guidance that has been released today.  We will provide further updates as and when any […]

VAT Rate Cut for the Hospitality Sector | Highlights

Following on from the government’s recent announcement, the temporary reduction of the VAT rate applicable to the hospitality sector will come into effect on Wednesday 15 July 2020. To ensure that you are aware of the changes and how they will affect your business, we have produced a short video running through the main points. […]

Apprenticeship Incentive Payments Update 28 January 2021

** Article Update: The Apprenticeship Incentive Payment Scheme has been extended until 31 March 2021 from its original expiry date of 31 January 2021** As part of his ‘Plan for Jobs’, last week the Chancellor announced that an incentive payment would be made to employers who hire an apprentice between 1 August 2020 and 31 […]

ESFA issues a further letter to all Accounting Officers

The Chief Executive of the Education and Skills Funding Agency, Eileen Milner, has once again written to Academy Trusts’ Accounting Officers (copying in all Chairs of Trustees) with an offer of thanks and an update on the financial management of trusts during COVID-19 and looking forward. The letter aims to summarise all of the information […]

Update: Making Tax Digital | 22 July 2020

HMRC announced its roadmap for the future rollout of Making Tax Digital (‘MTD’) yesterday (21 July) and the scope will increase significantly. MTD for VAT Currently, MTD for VAT is only compulsory for businesses with a taxable turnover in excess of the VAT registration threshold.  However, from April 2022, MTD will become compulsory for all […]

Job Retention Scheme Guidance Announced

Due to the extension of furlough until 31 March 2021 the Job Retention Bonus will not be available in February as per the Chancellor’s statement on 5th November 2020.* On the 8th July Chancellor Rishi Sunak as part of his ‘Plan for Jobs’ announced a new employer incentive in the form of the Job Retention Scheme […]

Academies Financial Update: Catch-Up Premium and Reporting Requirements

The DfE and ESFA have recently published two important documents advising and updating academies on the new Catch-up Premium and specific COVID-19 reporting requirements for the 2019-2020 financial statements. Catch-up Premium The Department for Education has now provided much more guidance on the specifics of the Catch-up Premium including: Eligibility – Setting out the eligibility for […]

Academies Financial Submissions Deadlines Extended

The Chief Executive of the Education and Skills Funding Agency, Mrs Eileen Milner, has today (26th August 2020) written to all Accounting Officers and Chairs of Trustees advising them of an extension to the deadlines for many of the key financial submissions for academies. As you are aware, all academy trusts must usually submit their […]

New grants for businesses affected by local lockdowns

Businesses in England that fall within local lockdown areas and are required to close* will now be able to claim up to £1,500 per property for every three weeks of closure. The Government announced the new scheme on Wednesday 9 September, in an effort to protect jobs where a business is required to close due […]

CJRS Calculation Changes

A small but important update to the UK Government’s guidance around the calculation of ‘normal working hours’ when employers submit claims under the CJRS Scheme, effective from 14 September 2020 was announced recently. If an employee stops being furloughed or flexibly furloughed partway through a claim period, then when calculating the number of furloughed hours […]

Employers sent furlough scheme compliance letters from HMRC

HMRC has stepped up compliance activity and begun to write to employers who it believes may need to repay some or all of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (a.k.a CJRS or furlough scheme) grant they have claimed. What does the letter say? The letter says the CJRS claim made by the employer appears to be […]

Chancellor’s Winter Economy Plan

The Chancellor Rishi Sunak, has today, Thursday 24 September, announced his Winter Economy Plan in the shape of a new Job Support Scheme, Pay as You Grow Loans, deferred tax bills and an extension to the VAT rate cut. We’ve detailed the key measures the Chancellor announced today below: Furlough/Job Support Scheme The current Coronavirus Job […]

Time to Pay Scheme

Following on from the Chancellor’s Winter Economic Statement last week, further details have now been announced regarding the ‘self serve’ Time to Pay (TTP) scheme, whereby self assessment tax payers can now apply online to spread the cost of their tax liability via instalments. From 1st October, those wishing to avail themselves of the opportunity to spread their […]

Job Retention Scheme Bonus Guidance

*Due to the extension of furlough until 31 March 2021 the Job Retention Bonus will not be available in February as per the Chancellor’s statement on 5th November 2020.* The government have today (2nd October) issued further guidance around the Coronavirus Job Retention Bonus scheme, previously announced as part of the Chancellor’s “Plan for Jobs” back in July. […]

HMRC report shows rise in R&D tax claims

Phil Hartley, tax manager at North West accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth, comments on the latest research and development (R&D) tax relief statistics from HMRC and the latest trends from R&D claims in the North West. Revised statistics from HMRC for 2016/17 and 2017/18 tax years continue to show that the number of R&D tax credit […]

Chancellor announces expansion of Job Support Scheme with localised lockdown furlough and cash grants for affected businesses

The Chancellor has today confirmed an expansion to the previously announced Job Support Scheme. Businesses whose premises are legally required to shut for some period over winter as part of local or national restrictions will receive grants to pay the wages of staff who will be unable to attend work, as well as cash grants to […]

Liverpool City Region announces new Hospitality & Leisure Support Grant

Following the Government’s announcement that the Liverpool City Region would be placed into ‘Tier Three’ restrictions as of 14 October, an emergency fund has been launched to protect the Liverpool City Region’s hospitality and leisure businesses. This new grant will be co-ordinated and administered by the six local authorities that form the Liverpool City Region […]

COVID-19: R&D tax credits boost cashflow

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mitchell Charlesworth has helped businesses in the North West access more than £1.4m from the government’s research and development (R&D) tax credit initiative. The average amount of R&D tax relief received by Mitchell Charlesworth’s clients was £33,171. Successful claims have been made across a wide variety of industries. […]

Charity Fraud Awareness Week 2020: 5 steps to protect from charity fraud

This week is International Charity Fraud Awareness Week 2020 (19 – 23 October) which aims to raise awareness and share best practice in tackling fraud and cybercrime in the charity sector. COVID-19 has seen a rise in fraud and cybercrime against charities, so it’s crucial to be informed and aware of the dangers. We’re supporting […]

Cautionary tale about HMRC tax investigations

Mitchell Charlesworth partner Mike Buxton advises businesses and individuals on how to guard against the spiralling costs of a HMRC tax investigation or enquiry. A tax investigation can be a stressful, time-consuming and expensive experience. Thousands of businesses and individuals are investigated by HMRC every year and many are selected at random. HMRC made more […]

Chancellor amends Winter Economy Plan for Tier 2 & 3 Businesses

On Thursday 22 October the chancellor Rishi Sunak announced further financial support measures for businesses falling within the Tier 2 and Tier 3 levels of UK restrictions. One of the driving forces behind the decision to expand the government’s winter support scheme comes as a result of certain businesses falling between two stones – seeing […]

Applications for the Liverpool City Region Hospitality & Leisure Support Grant close tomorrow 30 October 2020

A reminder that applications for the Liverpool City Region Hospitality & Leisure Support Grant close at 5pm tomorrow, 30 October 2020. The scheme was set up in addition to the Government’s Job Support Scheme and Local Restrictions Support Grant and was launched earlier this month to protect the Liverpool City Region’s hospitality and leisure sector. […]

Alert for Employers: Job Support Scheme (Open) – Temporary Working Agreement

Generally, employers are able to claim the JSS Open where some, or all, of their employees are working reduced hours with employees still working for at least 20% of their usual hours. Importantly, the employer must have reached a written agreement with their employee (or reached written collective agreement with a trade union where the […]

National COVID-19 Restrictions reimposed for November & further economic support announced

The Government announced yesterday, Saturday 31 October that the UK as whole faces further restrictions in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, over and above the local and national restrictions already in force, together with details of the economic support available during this initial further lockdown period. Whilst we’re awaiting the release of further technical […]

Self Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) 80% Grant Extension for November

In his speech to the House of Commons on 2nd November, the Prime Minister confirmed that in line with the month long extension of the furlough scheme announced on 31 October, that November’s element of the third grant round of the SEISS (incorporating the months of November, December and January 2021) will now be calculated on 80% […]

Insolvency news update: Q3 2020 company insolvency rates released

Jeremy Oddie, corporate recovery and insolvency partner at North West accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth comments on the latest company insolvency statistics released by the government. The latest company insolvency statistics released by the government, which cover July to September 2020, show corporate insolvencies in England and Wales fell to 2,672, down 9% on Q2 2020, […]

Furlough and SEISS now extended to March 2021

The Chancellor has today confirmed that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is to be extended beyond the November 2020 lockdown period. Acknowledging that the financial ramifications of lockdown extends further than lockdown itself, the Chancellor has confirmed that the furlough scheme will be extended until 31st March 2021.  Furlough will be paid at a rate […]

Furlough claims for November open today | Updated CJRS Guidance

A reminder that claims under the extended CJRS scheme for November open today, with a deadline for the month of November closing on 14th December.  The government have now issued updated guidance around the extension of the furlough scheme, and we have highlighted some of the main changes from the original scheme below: Increased level of support […]

Greater Manchester Combined Authority launches £10 million Bounce Back Fund

In partnership with GC Business Finance, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (“GMCA”) has pledged £10 million emergency funding to support businesses based in the region who were unable to access the Bounce Back Loan scheme. The scheme aims to plug gaps in Bounce Back Loan availability and is designed to specifically support sole traders, entrepreneurs and […]

VAT Update for Employers – Business Gifts, Staff Parties and Business Entertainment 2021

**Article updated December 2021** The area of entertainment and gifts always seems to raise questions for businesses about what can, and cannot, be reclaimed (although we accept that entertaining is up in the air at the moment!). In this article, Mitchell Charlesworth’s VAT partner Alison Birch looks at three areas (Business Gifts, Staff Parties and […]

Companies House urges all companies to sign up for email reminders

Companies House is urging all companies to sign up to their email reminder service for annual accounts and confirmation statements. They are in the process of contacting all companies, that are currently receiving paper reminders, to confirm that the postal reminder service has now stopped. The email reminder service is free, and companies can: choose […]

Paying VAT which has been deferred due to Coronavirus

**Updated February 2021: New Deferral Payment Scheme for deferred VAT payments** *This article was updated on 14 April 2021 to include details regarding penalties or interest that may be charged.* In September 2020, the Chancellor announced his Winter Economy Plan in which he confirmed that deferred VAT due in March 2021, could be repaid in 11 month interest […]

Warnings over new HMRC insolvency ranking due on 1 December 2020

Jeremy Oddie, corporate recovery and insolvency partner at North West accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth comments on some of the latest concerns surrounding HMRC’s imminent preferential creditor status in insolvencies. As I mentioned in my last blog, on 1 December 2020 HMRC regains its status as a preferential creditor, at least partially, in any business insolvency. To […]

Changes to National Minimum and National Living Wage Rates and Age Bracket Changes 2021

For 2022 rates please click here. Employers should be aware that on 1 April 2021, the government is increasing both the National Minimum and National Living Wage rates. National Minimum Wage & National Living Wage Changes: From 1 April 2021, National Minimum Wages and National Living Wage Rates will increase as follows: From £8.72 to […]

Liverpool City Region announces further support for the hospitality and leisure sectors

The Liverpool City Region has announced a new £9.5 million support fund for hospitality and leisure businesses together with their supply chains. This new scheme is designed to support businesses that have not been eligible for or received funds from other support grants, including the Liverpool City Region Hospitality and Leisure Grant and the Local […]

Mitchell Charlesworth appointed by Michael Carrick Foundation and British American Football Association

Manchester accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth has been appointed by Michael Carrick Foundation and the British American Football Association (BAFA) to provide a range of financial and business support services. Michael Carrick, currently assistant coach at Manchester United FC, launched his charitable foundation in 2017 as part of his testimonial, which celebrated his 11 years as […]

A warning regarding HMRC phishing attempts

A warning for all businesses and individuals to be vigilant after a recent spate of phishing letters have been reported. Customers are advised to exercise caution if they are contacted by a source purporting to be HMRC and to report any suspicious activity via the link below. If there is any doubt about the legitimacy […]

Arcadia and Debenhams collapse

Jeremy Oddie, corporate recovery and insolvency partner at accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth, comments on the collapse of Debenhams and Arcadia and the uncertainty facing the UK retail industry. Last week it was confirmed that all 124 Debenhams stores are set to close after the final efforts to rescue the ailing store chain failed. It means […]

Covid-19: financial recovery strategies for law firms

Mike Buxton, head of professional practices at Mitchell Charlesworth, discusses the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on law firms and post-lockdown strategies for financial recovery. During the last 9 months we have seen all industries affected by Covid-19, including professional practices, which have felt the impact in many different ways depending on their area of […]

Brexit Summary – December 2020

The end of the year – and therefore the end of the transition period – are both fast approaching, and from 1 January 2021 there will be significant changes to the way we trade with the EU – deal or no deal!  We have outlined below the key points you should be thinking about to […]

Impact of financing on audits and the change to HMRC preferred creditor status

As the fallout of Covid-19 continues, businesses are now starting to feel the consequences of the actions they took to help them through these unprecedented times. One of the most common actions taken was to make use of the financial lifeline offered by the Government supported CBILS and bounce back loan schemes. These schemes provided […]

Furlough extended until end April | Business Support Loans extended until end of March

The Government have announced today that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will now continue until the end of April 2021, with the government continuing to contribute 80% of furloughed employees’ wages. Employers will only be required to pay NICs and wages for hours worked (if flexi-furloughed), and NICs and pension contributions for hours not worked. […]

Wishing you a Merry Christmas…

…and Best Wishes from Mitchell Charlesworth As 2020 draws to a close and we look ahead to a new year, we would like to thank our clients and contacts for their support throughout what has been a most challenging year. Rest assured our teams will continue to help you however we can over the coming […]

Government extends insolvency measures plus business evictions ban extended until March

The government has announced further extensions to insolvency measures as well as a separate announcement that it will extend the temporary ban on business evictions until 31 March 2021. In summary, the government’s recent announcements* are: It intends to reinstate the temporary suspension of the use of statutory demands and winding-up petitions until 31 March […]

Further financial support grants announced due to Lockdown 3.0

The Chancellor has this morning confirmed that businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors are to receive one-off grants ranging between £4,000 and £9,000. A £594 million discretionary fund has also been made available to support other impacted businesses which will be available via Local Authorities across the United Kingdom, including the Devolved Administrations. […]

Mitchell Charlesworth helps North West businesses access over £2.1 million in R&D tax credits in 2020

In 2020 Mitchell Charlesworth has helped businesses in the North West access more than £2.1 million from the government’s research and development (R&D) tax credit initiative. The average amount of R&D tax relief received by Mitchell Charlesworth’s clients was more than £40,000. Successful claims have been made across a wide variety of industries, including manufacturing, […]

Mitchell Charlesworth moves to new Manchester office

North West accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth is set to move to new premises in Manchester city centre. The new office is located at 44 Peter Street in Manchester. The firm will occupy grade A office space on the third floor of the building. The office is currently being fitted out and will have all the […]

Self Assessment Filing Deadline Extended

HMRC have today (25 January 2021) confirmed an extension for the submission of 2019-20 tax returns. Providing that tax returns are filed online by 28 February 2021, HMRC have confirmed that self-assessment customers will not be subject to a late filing penalty, although tax payers are urged to file by 31 January if they are […]

A year on from when Covid-19 hit, what next for the UK retail sector?

With news announced this month that British retail suffered its worst annual sales performance on record in 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic*, we look at where the sector is now and what challenges lie ahead. The UK high street has had an unsettled start to 2021, with well-known retailers hit by a clothing sale slump. […]

£1000 Cash Boost for Employers hiring trainees

On 27th January the government announced a new £1,000 cash incentive to encourage employees to hire trainees within the workplace.  The aim of the cash boost, which is available until 31 July 2021, is to help businesses with associated costs of providing a work placement for a trainee, including facilities, uniforms or helping with travel costs. […]

Information about Bounce Back Loans

The government have this morning, 8 February, confirmed some changes to the Bounce Back Loan repayments under the ‘Pay As You Grow’ scheme (PAYG).  In addition to the support measures announced last year of the 6 month interest-only repayment terms, and the option to extend loan repayment periods from 6 to 10 years, the Chancellor […]

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority creates new Liverpool City Region Local Business Support Grant

Local authorities in the Liverpool City Region have confirmed the launch of a new grant to support businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Who is eligible? To qualify for support, businesses must: Be a small or micro business Have been trading on 1st February 2021 with a view to making a profit or surplus and […]

Mitchell Charlesworth secures 45 new academy school clients

Mitchell Charlesworth has secured 45 new academy school clients. The 45 academy schools are based across the North West and the Midlands. They include Liverpool-based Northern Schools Trust, which runs three academy schools and Cheshire-based North West Academies Trust which runs nine academy schools. The firm has also been appointed by Concordia Multi Academy Trust, […]

First year allowance on electric cars for capital allowances extended to 31 March 2025

In the Spring Budget 2020, the Government announced that it planned to extend the 100% first year allowances for zero-emission cars, zero-emission goods vehicles and equipment for gas refuelling stations by four years from April 2021. It has recently been confirmed that this extension has been passed and will run until 31 March 2025. CO2 […]

Reforms to the Prompt Payment Code will help small businesses

The Government has strengthened the Prompt Payment Code and told big businesses they must pay small suppliers within 30, rather than 60 days. The Department for Business said that despite 3,000 companies signing up to the code, poor payment practices are still rife, with many payments delayed well beyond the current 60-day target required for […]

HMRC Gives more time to pay self assessment tax bill

  HMRC have today (19 February 2021) confirmed that they will not charge Self Assessment tax payers the usual 5% late payment penalty, providing their tax bill is paid by 1 April 2021 or they have entered into a payment plan by that date. The 5% penalty is normally applied on 3 March. However, interest […]

Spring Budget 2021 | An overview of the Key Announcements

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has this afternoon delivered his 2021 Spring Budget.  We summarise below the key announcements ranging from COVID-19 support announcements to tax changes.  Our supplemental budget analysis will follow once we have digested the finer details of the Chancellor’s announcements. Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme extended The ‘furlough’ scheme will be extended and gradually […]

Government extends corporate insolvency measures until 2022

Businesses have been given “much needed breathing space” during the Covid-19 pandemic with the government’s extension of insolvency measures until 2022. The government announced that it is extending the powers it has under the Corporate Governance and Insolvency Act and intends to make temporary amendments or modify the effects of corporate insolvency and governance legislation […]

Mitchell Charlesworth helps Cheshire duo launch mobile pizzeria company

Chester accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth has helped two Cheshire entrepreneurs launch a state-of-the-art mobile pizzeria business. Dough & Go was created by friends Mark Gibbons and Danny Mead, who came up with the idea of providing a takeaway food service for rural communities that lack restaurants or takeaways close by. Having both lived in rural […]

Important information for newly self employed intending to apply for the fourth SEISS grant

Newly self employed, i.e. those who started their business in 2019/20 who had previously been ineligible for financial support under the Self Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) may now become eligible for support under the fourth grant, (subject to having submitted a tax return for 2019/20 by midnight on 2 March 2021).  Applications for the fourth grant […]

Award-winning Liverpool gardener stars at prestigious flower show

Award-winning Liverpool garden designer Peter Lloyd has created a unique garden based on mindfulness for RHS Flower Show Tatton Park this summer. Peter’s impressive design, called Breathe Easy, is a space for relaxation, retuning and meditating. As mindfulness and meditation both focus on breathing, two large flower beds have been designed in the shape of […]

Reminder: 2 weeks to go until the changes to the off-payroll rules (IR35)

From 6 April 2021, changes to the off-payroll rules (also known as IR35) will take effect in the private sector.  These rules have been in place for the public sector since April 2017 and are aimed at shifting the responsibility for determining employment status from an individual contractor to the organisation that engages them.  The […]

Mitchell Charlesworth bolsters tax team with director appointment

Mitchell Charlesworth has bolstered its tax team with the appointment of a new director of tax. Aaron Phillips has over twenty years of experience in both personal and business tax planning. He qualified as a Chartered Tax Adviser in 2005 and became a Fellow of the Association of Tax Technicians in 2011. With experience of […]

Applications now open for Business Recovery Loan Scheme

As announced in the Chancellor’s Budget on 3rd March the Business Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) is now open for applications (6 April 2021). What is it? The new government-backed loan scheme is the successor to the BBLS, CBILS/CLBILS, and is available to businesses who are adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.  It is provided by a number of […]

SEISS 4th Grant – Additional requirements for applicants

HMRC have this morning issued further guidance ahead of the fourth round of the Self Employed Income Support Scheme opening later this month. HMRC have now confirmed that they will make contact with claimants (who they consider to be eligible based on tax returns at this point) by mid-April, either by letter, email, or via […]

Reminder: Restart Grant Scheme is open for applications

A quick reminder that as per the Chancellor’s Budget on 3rd March, the Restart Grant scheme, which is intended to support non-essential businesses in re-opening safely as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, is now open for applications. What is it? The new government-backed Restart Grant replaces the Local Restrictions Support Grant and is administered via Local Authorities. Who […]

Audit transformation combines digital innovation and human interaction

The last year, despite all its challenges, has been a valuable learning experience for Mitchell Charlesworth. Whilst we had already embraced the changing technological horizon before Covid, it certainly accelerated our journey, says Mitchell Charlesworth head of audit, Louise Casey. Many audit firms of a similar size to us started with adopting paperless auditing. That […]

Mitchell Charlesworth promotes five

North West accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth has made a series of promotions, including an audit and accounts partner and a director of tax. Jamielee Johnston has become an audit and accounts partner in Manchester. Jamielee has over thirteen years’ practice experience and has worked her way up at Mitchell Charlesworth, joining as an assistant manager […]

Government extends Covid-19 insolvency measures to the end of June

The government has extended temporary insolvency measures supporting businesses during the pandemic till the end of June 2021. The measures in the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act which are being extended till 30 June 2021 include: The temporary suspension of statutory demands and winding-up petitions to protect companies from creditor enforcement action due to debts […]

Freeport tax incentives

The government plans to create eight new Freeports in England as a means to boost trade, jobs and investment across the country. We expect the special taxation and customs rules for the areas will help businesses to trade and manufacture goods more cost effectively, countering the effects of other complications such as Brexit and Covid-19. […]

SEISS 5th Grant Guidance for Applicants | Cash boost for apprenticeships | A reminder about changes to the CJRS

There have been a couple of announcements in recent days in terms of guidance on the SEISS 5th grant and a reminder about the cash boost for apprenticeships, originally announced back in the Spring Budget. We have summarised this guidance below and also taken the opportunity to remind you about the upcoming changes to the Coronavirus […]

Businesses should prepare now for the end of government Covid-19 support

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge economic impact on businesses. Over the last 15 months businesses have had to cope with lockdowns and forced closures which have led to the government providing unprecedented support, such as business loans, tax relief, grants, temporary insolvency measures and the furlough scheme. Just last month the government extended […]

The Future of Furlough

When the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak announced the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) on 20 March 2020 many employers were relieved to know that they had breathing space to close or scale back their businesses without having to make their workforce immediately redundant. The portal for making claims went live one month later and while it’s […]

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on linkedin SEISS 5th Grant – Guidance for applicants

HMRC have this morning, 6th July, released the guidance of the fifth and final grant of the Self Employment Income Support Scheme. Are you eligible to claim? Claimants reasonably believe that they will suffer a significant reduction in their trading profits due to reduced business activity, capacity, demand or inability to trade due to COVID-19 […]

Reporting Coronavirus grants and support payments on tax returns

As you will be aware, there have been many taxable grants and support payments available from government schemes for both businesses and self-employed individuals during COVID-19. The government has now produced guidance to assist individuals when deciding whether or not such payments should be included on their Self-Assessment Tax Return (where their agents do not […]

Mitchell Charlesworth helps North West businesses access over £3.6 million in R&D tax credits during Covid-19 pandemic

During the Covid-19 pandemic Mitchell Charlesworth has helped businesses in the North West access more than £3.6 million from the government’s research and development (R&D) tax credit initiative. The average amount of R&D tax relief received by Mitchell Charlesworth’s clients was more than £42,000. Successful claims have been made across a wide variety of industries, […]

Get ready for the new 12.5% VAT rate!

All businesses claiming VAT back on travel or staff entertainment need to be aware of the new 12.5% rate. In July 2020, the government temporarily reduced the VAT rate to 5% for certain supplies within the hospitality sector. This was initially for a period of 6 months but was extended as the pandemic continued to […]

High income child benefit charge – an update

Following the recent Upper Tribunal decision in the case of Wilkes V Revenue & Customs Commissioners, it was held that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) could not impose a high income child benefit charge (HICBC) on an individual by way of a discovery assessment where the individual liable to the charge did not file a […]

Bounce Back Loan Scheme misuse

The bounce back loan scheme (BBLS) was made available to help support businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic and there are many SMEs across the UK who will now be starting to repay their bounce back loans as the year long payment holiday comes to an end. As repayments kick in the Insolvency Service is warning […]

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax delayed until 2024

On 23 September HMRC announced that the introduction of Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA) will be postponed by a year until April 2024. It means businesses and landlords with a business income over £10,000 will now have an extra year to prepare for the digitalisation of income tax. General partnerships […]

Health and Social Care Levy – the wider impact on businesses and what happens next

On 7 September 2021 the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announced the introduction of a new Health and Social Care Levy. The anticipated £36 billion that will be raised from the scheme over the next three years will be “going directly to health and social care across the whole of our United Kingdom”, said the Prime […]

HMRC report shows further rise in R&D tax claims

Phil Hartley, director of tax at North West accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth comments on the latest research and development (R&D) tax relief statistics from HMRC and the latest trends from R&D claims in the North West. Revised statistics from HMRC for 2017/18 and 2018/19 tax years continue to show that the number of R&D tax […]

Mitchell Charlesworth boosts team with seven senior appointments and announces new hybrid working model

North West accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth has made a series of senior appointments in its audit and accounts, outsourcing and wealth management teams. In addition, the firm is making changes to its working model which will allow greater flexibility for staff in relation to post-pandemic working. Senior recruits and promotions Manager Gary Evans has been appointed to […]

Charity Fraud Awareness Week 2021

Next week is Charity Fraud Awareness Week 2021 (18 – 22 October) which aims to raise awareness and share best practice in tackling fraud and cybercrime in the charity sector. The Covid-19 pandemic has seen a rise in fraud and cybercrime against charities, so it’s crucial to be informed and aware of the dangers. Cyber […]

Additional Grant Funding for Businesses

The Government has provided some Local Authorities within the region with a fixed amount of funding in the form of an Additional Restrictions Grant (“ARG”) to enable them to continue to support businesses through the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Each of the Local Authorities below have different eligibility criteria and application periods which we […]

The Budget – October 2021

Phil Hartley, tax director at Mitchell Charlesworth comments on today’s Budget announcements about R&D tax credits and business rates: R&D tax relief The Chancellor announced that the government’s target of hitting £22bn in research and development (R&D) investment would be pushed back to 2027, two years later than had been planned initially, which isn’t great […]

Business insolvency – recognising the warning signs

How to self-diagnose the state of your business, the danger signs to look out for and what to do next. As a business owner, can you afford to pay when you should pay? Have you got the wealth to make the payment? If you can’t answer yes, time is critical. You should: Speak to your […]

Government sets out steps to update R&D tax reliefs

On 30 November 2021 the government announced plans to implement a number of changes to research and development (R&D) tax reliefs and introduce measures to target abuse. Phil Hartley, director of tax at North West accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth comments on the new rules, which will be introduced from April 2023. As part of Tax […]

Merry Christmas from Mitchell Charlesworth

Best Wishes from Mitchell Charlesworth As 2021 draws to a close and we look ahead to a new year, we would like to take this opportunity to extend our thanks to all of our clients and contacts for your support throughout what has been another challenging year. On behalf of all Mitchell Charlesworth partners and […]

Financial Support Announced for Hospitality & Leisure Sectors

Further financial support has been announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak today in light of the rapid spread of Omricon and its subsequent detrimental financial impact upon businesses in certain sectors. What is being made available? Grants of up to £6,000 per premises for businesses in the hospitality and leisure sector, to be distributed via Local […]

Mitchell Charlesworth helps North West businesses access over £3.1 million in R&D tax credits in 2021

In 2021 Mitchell Charlesworth has helped businesses in the North West access more than £3.1 million from the government’s research and development (R&D) tax credit initiative. This is an increase of more than £1 million compared to the R&D tax credits accessed in 2020. The average amount of R&D tax relief received by Mitchell Charlesworth’s […]

HMRC extends Self Assessment filing deadline

HMRC announced today (6 January 2022) that it is waiving late filing and late payment penalties for Self Assessment taxpayers for one month – giving them extra time, if needed, to complete their 2020-21 tax return and pay any tax due. HMRC said it recognised the pressure faced this year by Self Assessment taxpayers and […]

Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant

On 21 December 2021, the Chancellor announced further financial support for businesses within the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors in the form of the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant (“OHLG”). Further guidance has now been issued including eligibility, criteria and how to apply: Who is eligible for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant? To qualify […]

Reclaiming Employees’ Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) paid due to COVID-19

The Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme repays employers the SSP paid to current or former employees. Who can use the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme? The scheme is intended for employers only and allows them to claim back up to two weeks’ of SSP if: They have already paid employee’s sick pay They […]

Mitchell Charlesworth advises Breaking Free on its sale to LifeWorks

Mitchell Charlesworth has advised Breaking Free, a leading provider of digital substance use disorder treatment, on its sale to LifeWorks. Founded in 2010 and based at premises in Manchester and Birmingham, Breaking Free is a pioneering digital health and behavioural science company specialising in addictions. They develop, implement and evaluate evidence-based digital behaviour change interventions […]

Multi-academy trusts report record-breaking financial surpluses but sector warns caution

A new academy survey shows academies in the North West boosted their surpluses during the Covid pandemic. The 10th annual Kreston Academies Benchmark Report has revealed that the average in-year financial surplus for a multi-academy trust (MAT) doubled to more than £460k in 2021 up from £221k in 2020. Overall, this equates to a 94% […]

Changes to National Minimum and National Living Wage Rates and Age Bracket Changes 2022

Employers should be aware that on 1 April 2022, the government is increasing both the National Minimum and National Living Wage rates. National Minimum Wage & National Living Wage Changes: From 1 April 2022, National Minimum Wages and National Living Wage Rates will increase as follows: From £8.91 to £9.50 per hour for workers aged […]

Mitchell Charlesworth helps mobile food business Dough & Go expand

Local entrepreneurs grow their mobile food business and expand into new marketplaces. Dough & Go currently operates a mobile pizzeria business and has launched a second food van which will offer modern street food with a gourmet twist to an extended customer base. Dough & Go was launched just over 12 months ago by friends […]

Reminder for Employers: Submit your claim under the Covid Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme

The Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme repays employers the Statutory Sick Pay paid to current or former employees who were off work due to coronavirus related illness between the period 21 December 2021 – 17 March 2022. This scheme ends on the 24th March and we are encouraging our clients prior to the cut […]

New partner appointment at Mitchell Charlesworth

Mitchell Charlesworth has promoted Louise Casey to partner. Louise graduated with a degree in business and marketing, and then worked for an international bank prior to training for her ACA qualifications at a top 20 firm. She joined Mitchell Charlesworth in 2012 and progressed to associate before being appointed head of audit for the practice […]

The impact of rising inflation on charities

As inflation continues to rise and charities face rapidly increasing costs, Louise Casey, partner at Mitchell Charlesworth, discusses how charities can prepare for the challenges ahead. The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics showed inflation in the UK hit a 40-year high of 9% in April and The Bank of England has warned […]

Businesses who make import/export declarations urged to act ahead of the closure of CHIEF

HMRC have issued letters to traders advising them on the closure of its CHIEF System (Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight). It will close in 2 phases – for import declarations on 30 September 2022 and for exports on 31 March 2023. After these dates, import and export declarations can only be made via […]

MTD for ITSA – get ready for the digitalisation of income tax

In just over 18 months, Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA) will be introduced. It will change the way millions of self-employed business owners and landlords report their earnings to HMRC. While HMRC has yet to release the full guidance on MTD for ITSA, here is a brief outline of what […]

Eligibility criteria for ‘Help to Grow: Digital’ expanded to include micro businesses

Last month the UK Government confirmed that the eligibility criteria for their ‘Help to Grow : Digital’ scheme has been expanded to include micro businesses, as well as extending the scope to include e-commerce software to support businesses looking to sell online.  The scheme, originally announced in the Spring Budget 2021, seeks to boost business […]

Mitchell Charlesworth bolsters team with ten senior appointments

North West accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth has made a series of senior appointments to its audit and accounts, tax, outsourcing and insurance teams. Managers Reece Sutcliffe and Alex Young have been appointed to develop the firm’s outsourcing services which include systems automation, management reporting, VAT returns & bookkeeping. Reece Sutcliffe delivers specialist compliance and advisory […]

Applications now open for new iteration of the Recovery Loan Scheme

It was announced last month that the UK Government in association with the British Business Bank would relaunch their financial support via a new iteration of the Recovery Loan Scheme. The aim of the Scheme is to help smaller businesses access finance they may not have had access to commercially on equivalent terms, during this […]

PM Announcement – Financial support for businesses, charities and public sector organisations through the current energy crisis

The Prime Minister has today announced financial support for businesses, charities and public sector organisations through the current energy crisis. The PM has confirmed that they will receive the ‘equivalent support’ for the next 6 months as that offered to domestic energy users. The measures will come into effect on 1 October 2022 for a […]

Mitchell Charlesworth are deeply saddened to hear the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.

We join the Royal Family and the nation in their grief and offer His Majesty King Charles III and the Royal Family our heartfelt condolences. Our offices will be closed on Monday 19th September to mark the State Funeral.

Government publish details of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme

The Government have this morning set out their plans to help cut energy bills for businesses in the form of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme. The support will extend to businesses, charities and public sector organisations, alongside the previously announced Energy Price Guarantee for households, with the intention of supporting growth, preventing unnecessary insolvencies and […]

Our response to the Mini Budget 23 September 2022

Before Mr Kwarteng stood up to make his statement on ‘The Growth Plan’, much of what he had to say about energy support for businesses and households, bankers’ bonuses, investment zones and reversals to NICs had already been announced. The government also said that the Chancellor’s statement would not be subject to a forecast from […]

Chancellor’s Statement on the Medium-Term Fiscal Plan – 17 October 2022

The new Chancellor Jeremy Hunt this morning made a statement with the intention of giving stability to markets. He advised that almost all tax measures announced in September’s Growth Plan will now be reversed. The chancellor confirmed the following proposed changes will now no longer proceed: • Cutting dividends tax by 1.25% from April 2023 […]

Summary of the Autumn Statement – November 2022

On Thursday 17 November our latest Chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivered the third fiscal statement in as many months, against a backdrop of rising inflation and economic recession. The Chancellor laid out three core priorities of stability, growth, and public services, seeking a balanced path to support the economy and return to growth partially through public […]

Mitchell Charlesworth promotes six

North West accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth has made a series of promotions Ramon McKenna has been promoted to a partner and will now be based at our Widnes office. Ramon has over 20 years of experience and has worked his way up at Mitchell Charlesworth, joining us at our Liverpool office as a manager in […]

VAT on costs relating to funded occupational pension schemes

HMRC has updated their internal guidance in relation to funded occupational pension schemes. In the UK, HMRC’s policy has been to distinguish between costs incurred in relation to the: Setting up and day to day administration of occupational pension schemes Investment management relating to the assets of occupational pension schemes HMRC allowed employers to deduct […]

VAT Treatment of Sports Facilities by Local Councils

Following the recent CJEU decision in London Borough of Ealing, HMRC has revised their policy on the exemption of sporting services supplied by local authorities. The CJEU concluded that the UK was incorrect to exclude local authorities from the exemption for the provision of sporting facilities on the grounds that it would have provided them […]

Mitchell Charlesworth corporate recovery and insolvency partner Jeremy Oddie comments on the collapse of Carillion:

The age-old adage of “Cash is King” once again holds true. Rumours of Carillion taking longer and longer to pay its suppliers have been flying around as early as 2013. Recent press articles have implied that contracts were being pursued for turnover only, without in-depth analysis of the true margins associated with each contract. The […]

Carillion collapses into Liquidation

Much has been made of various Carillion group companies having entered compulsory liquidation (also known as Winding Up by the Court) in the early hours of the morning of Monday 15th January 2018. The Official Receiver (part of the government agency, The Insolvency Service) has automatically taken up the office of Liquidator by virtue of […]

MC Vanguard advises on sale of North Wales company Nation Recruit

MC Vanguard Corporate Finance has advised on the sale of Nation Recruit to Templine Employment Agency for an undisclosed sum. Based in Prestatyn, North Wales, Nation Recruit was established in 1995 by managing director Lynne Fattah and specialises in the recruitment of temporary and permanent industrial staff. Nation Recruit is joining Templine, a UK-wide provider […]

Payroll update relating to Itemised Payslips

Itemised payslips will soon need to contain information regarding the number of hours worked. The update to the Employment Rights Act 1996 has been laid before Parliament and will come into force from 6 April 2019. It requires that payslips either include an aggregated number of hours or separate figures for different types of work (or rate […]

Academies fight to stay afloat as reserves crisis looms

Eight out of ten academies are running at a deficit, as they battle to hold on to their dwindling resources under a deluge of rising costs and increasing scrutiny, according to the latest survey of academy schools. The seventh Kreston Academies Benchmark report, a leading independent survey of the financial health of the academy sector, […]

Sale Sports Club appoints accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth

Community sports hub and charity Sale Sports Club has selected Manchester accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth to provide a range of financial and business advice services. Following a tender process, Mitchell Charlesworth was chosen to support the club with a range of specialist advice, including charity advice, accounting, payroll, tax and VAT services. Founded in 1854, […]

Updated VAT guidance in relation to the receipt of grants

HMRC have published updated VAT guidance in relation to the receipt of grants.  This is available here but the factors to consider when determining the VAT treatment of payments received are detailed below. A grant is understood to be a freely given payment for which nothing is given in return.  The receipt of such a payment is […]

VAT and Vouchers

HMRC have confirmed that the new EU rules governing vouchers will be implemented notwithstanding our impending exit from the EU. The new rules come into effect from 1 January 2019. The recently closed consultation relates only to how these rules will be written into UK law. The new directive defines a voucher as an instrument […]

A design for success: Blinx awarded March MIA Award

Intuitive app Blinx – which unifies and correlates companies’ data – on one highly visual platform has claimed March’s Merseyside Innovation Award (MIA). Providing users with a fully integrated end-to-end solution, Blinx combines core ERP processes and business intelligence with gaming design principles to offer users advanced insight into their entire operation from procurement to […]

Mitchell Charlesworth sponsors CLA Cheshire AGM

Mitchell Charlesworth is delighted to sponsor the CLA Cheshire AGM and drinks reception next month. The event is to be held on the evening of 8 May at Haughton Hall, near Tarporley, Cheshire, a grade 2 listed building and private residence of Phillip and Becky Posnett. CLA members will hear from CLA President Tim Breitmeyer […]

VAT ruling on Nesquik fruit-flavoured powders provides food for thought

With Nestlé recently losing its appeal in relation to the VAT treatment of Nesquik fruit flavoured powders, it has got us thinking about the weird and wonderful subject of VAT and food. Nestlé argued that as the flavoured powders are to encourage the drinking of milk, they should be zero-rated. The chocolate powder is already […]

MC Vanguard: The importance of telling the growth story

Telling the growth story is one of the 10 key steps that we work through with our clients as they prepare their business for sale, says Brian McCann, partner at MC Vanguard Corporate Finance. The growth story is important because, firstly, it is very difficult to find a buyer prepared to pay a good price […]

Potential deadline for EU VAT refund claim – 5pm on 29 March 2019!

PLEASE READ OUR UPDATED GUIDANCE HERE – 24 SEPTEMBER 2019 There is still a huge amount of uncertainty as to what, if anything, will happen on 29 March 2019. As of today, a delay is looking likely but until this (or a deal) is confirmed businesses still need to be prepared for us exiting without […]

DriverNet Wins Merseyside Innovation Award 2019

St Helens-based DriverNet, has won this year’s highly contested Merseyside Innovation Awards (MIA), hosted at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa, Liverpool. Since 1996, the awards have recognised and rewarded companies and individuals in Merseyside who use creativity to fuel growth and profitability. The awards  aim to help them turn great ideas into great […]

Polymorph take home 2019 Prestige Award

The Merseyside Innovation Awards (MIA) concluded last night and saw leading IT services company, Polymorph, receive the 2019 MIA Prestige Award, recognising businesses with a turnover of £1m-£25m who are investing in innovation and employment in the Liverpool City Region, on a larger scale than the main MIA award contenders. Runcorn-based, Polymorph’s Mercury software enables […]

Brexit Update: Where are we now? July 2019

With Britain’s exit from the EU fast approaching and a deal not looking likely, businesses need to be considering how they may be impacted by a ‘no-deal’ Brexit and what steps they may need to take to ensure seamless trading pre and post exit. HMRC have released ‘no-deal’ guidance to help businesses plan and we […]

Brexit Update: Where are we now? August 2019

With Britain’s exit from the EU fast approaching, businesses need to be considering how they may be impacted by a ‘no-deal’ Brexit and what steps they may need to take to ensure seamless trading pre and post exit. HMRC have released ‘no-deal’ guidance to help businesses plan and we have prepared a summary of this […]

Potential deadline for EU VAT refund claim – 5pm on 31 October 2019!

HMRC have announced that businesses will not be able to use HMRC’s VAT online services to claim a VAT refund from an EU member state after 5pm on 31 October 2019. Many UK businesses will incur VAT in the EU in the course of their business, for example, attending events in the EU or travelling […]

Changes to National Minimum and National Living Wage Rates 2019

Employers should be aware that on 1 April 2019, the government is increasing both the National Minimum and National Living Wage rates. National Minimum Wage & National Living Wage Changes: From 1 April 2019, National Minimum Wages and National Living Wage Rates will increase as follows: From £7.83 to £8.21 per hour for workers aged […]

Spring Statement 2019

Amidst all the Brexit debates, the Chancellor Philip Hammond presented his second Spring Statement on Wednesday 13 March 2019. Whilst there were a lot of provisos around his announcement dependent upon the UK departing Europe with a deal, the Chancellor provided an update on the economy and responded to the Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts. […]

The New SRA Accounts Rules – 25 November 2019

As we highlighted last month, the Solicitors Accounts Rules are facing their biggest overhaul in over 20 years.  The new Rules will come into immediate effect on 25 November 2019, meaning changes to your systems and procedures will be required. At first glance, it seems as though the new guidance is simply a rehash of the […]

Merseyside Innovation Awards Announce Runcorn-Based Polymorph as First Monthly Winner of 2019

Runcorn-based IT services company, Polymorph, has been announced as Merseyside Innovation Awards (MIA) first monthly winner of 2019, for its global software product Mercury. Since 1996, the awards have recognised and rewarded innovative companies and individuals in Merseyside who use creativity to fuel growth and profitability. MIA’s aim is to help companies turn great ideas […]

VAT Update for Employers – Business Gifts, Staff Parties and Business Entertainment November 2019

The area of entertainment and gifts always seems to raise questions for businesses about what can, and cannot, be reclaimed. In this article, Mitchell Charlesworth’s VAT partner Alison Birch looks at three areas (Business Gifts, Staff Parties and Business Entertaining) where VAT can become complicated and outlines, using examples, the best ways to manage these […]

Political Parties’ Tax Policies – A Useful Comparison | General Election 2019

With the General Election looming and changes ahead, particularly in relation to tax, we thought it would be useful to summarise exactly where the parties stand on the main business tax issues. As expected, there are large differences between the parties’ intentions towards business tax and it is important that you are aware how the […]

Brexit Update: Where are we now? March 2019

With 29 March fast approaching and a deal still not agreed, businesses need to be considering how they may be impacted by a ‘no-deal’ Brexit and what steps they may need to take to ensure seamless trading pre and post 29 March. HMRC have released ‘no-deal’ guidance to help businesses plan and we have prepared […]

MC Vanguard: 2019 market predictions and deal of 2018

Jerry Scriven, partner at MC Vanguard Corporate Finance, makes his market predictions for 2019: When it comes to investment activity we will continue to see polarisation between sectors attractive to acquirers and investors and sectors deemed much less so. Investment is linked to risk and certain sectors are greatly affected by the risk exposure posed by […]

Entries for 2019 Merseyside Innovation Awards now open

Now in its 23rd year, the Merseyside Innovation Awards are open once again for submissions, which will see the winners scoop £10,000 later this year. The Merseyside Innovation Awards celebrates creativity and innovation across the region and has a long history of contributing to the economic development of multiple businesses from all around Merseyside. An […]

Budget 2018 – The Headliners

The Chancellor of the Exchequer this afternoon delivered what has been widely considered to be a very positive budget; austerity is ending, the Government are investing more money into public finances, and the personal allowance increase has been brought forward to April 2019, together with increases in the National Living Wage. This evening we have […]

2018 MIA finalists contest for chance to win £10,000 cash prize

Three innovative firms, who between them are seeking to streamline supply change management, enable a smoother service for disabled travellers, and protect us from microbial contamination, will each pitch for the chance to win this year’s Merseyside Innovation Awards. Oblige Global, an innovative software based service which uses smart technology solutions to remove barriers faced […]

Entries for 2018 Merseyside Innovation Awards now open

Entering its 22nd year, the Merseyside Innovation Awards are now open for submissions, which will see one applicant win £10,000 in the accolades’ final later in the year. Renowned for celebrating creativity across Merseyside, the Merseyside Innovation Awards has a long history of contributing to the economic development of multiple businesses and the region as […]

Changes to National Minimum and National Living Wage rates 2018

Employers should be aware that on 1 April 2018, the government is increasing both the National Minimum and National Living Wage rates. These changes include the largest increases in a decade for the rates that apply to 18-20 and 21-24 year olds. As the minimum wage increases more employers than ever will be directly affected, […]

Spring Statement 2018 – Summary

The Chancellor Philip Hammond presented his first Spring Statement on Tuesday 13 March 2018. In his speech he provided an update on the economy and responded to the Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts. In addition he launched consultations on various aspects of the tax system. We have put together a summary which concentrates on the […]

Road Mole seals victory with first Merseyside Innovation Award for 2018

Revolutionary pothole repair system, Road Mole, renowned for it’s fast and cost-effective circular reconstructive technology, has claimed the very first monthly prize in 2018’s Merseyside Innovation Awards (MIA). Designed and developed in Wirral by brothers Doug and Craig Jackson, Road Mole utilizes patent pending expertise to repair potholes and ironworks on highways with limited disruption […]

Autumn Budget 2017 – Initial Reaction

Chancellor Philip Hammond today (22 November) announced his first Autumn Budget in which he focused on Britain’s long-term economic future after revealing significant downgrades to the growth forecasts for the UK economy by 2022. He said he was investing to “build an economy fit for the future” as he announced over £20bn of new investment […]

Spring Budget 2017 – Initial Reaction

Chancellor Philip Hammond today (8 March) announced his ‘final’ Spring Budget which contained measures that he described as laying the infrastructure for a “stronger, fairer, more global Britain”. As Mitchell Charlesworth predicted last week, the Chancellor briefly touched upon Business Rates reform and other items such as the definition of ‘self employed’ but there is the […]

Mitchell Charlesworth reveals charity monies raised in 2017

2017 saw a busy fundraising year for staff at Mitchell Charlesworth. All five of their North West based offices took part in various charity days held throughout the year raising a huge total of just under £6,000! The charities included Macmillan, Children in Need, Genetic Disorders and Parkinsons UK to name but a few. Staff […]