We are embarrassed to be associated by profession with Price Waterhouse Coopers and their incompetent handling of what should actually be quite an easy job – handing envelopes to celebrities to open and read out a name.
Were we given the simple task to perform, the winner of Best film would obviously be ‘The Railway Children’, best actor would be Bernard Cribbins and best actress Jenny Agutter.
How could they get it so wrong?
In so far as it is possible we are attempting to establish a ‘stand alone’ payroll department so as to be able to properly specialise in this area which continues to be ever more bureaucratic and demanding. Chris Dowdy, who came with us from CVDFK has agreed to head up the new department, a role she previously held at Derngate Mews. Cath and Caroline will continue to support her and provide any holiday cover, so do please continue to employ your usual channels of communication.
Due largely to an increasing workload the partners are pleased to announce that Patience Jamella has been recruited to assist and support Mark Watkins and Sam Leatherland in the tax department. Patience is Rhodesian by birth and has worked in this country for a number of years, including stints at local rivals Grant Thornton.
Blakesley show was held last weekend for the second time at it’s new venue on the Blakesley / Maidford crossroads. The weather was fine, without being too hot and so large numbers of the general public duly attended (at much cheaper rates than ‘Countryfile live!). A good time was had by all.
After the tumultuous events of the past 2 weeks a little political certainty is now appearing returning to the ranks of the Tories, with the Labour Party still to decide their future direction.
The fact remains that there is little the farming community can do but wait and see what happens. The fall in the pound will assist commodity prices at least in the short term and it could be that if a recession does take place in the wider economy as many predict, land prices may firm as a result as was the case back in 2007. That having been said the future of BFP (whilst in place for 2 years) will then presumably come under pressure.
In short, who knows? It seems a lifetime’s politics has taken place in 20 days and any prediction is a ‘mugs game’. It is also more than a little ironic that the leaders of the ‘leave campaign’ are now nowhere to be seen and the new Prime Minister has become leader through her ability to sit on a fence and say nothing. Strange times indeed.
Last week we learned that Venue Retail Limited, represented by John Harris, had defeated HMRC in the First Tier Tribunal. The case concerned the withdrawal of the EIS relief claimed by investors in the company that was formed to operate the merchandising operation for the 2012 Olympic Games.
The case revolved around the definition of the ‘commencement of trade’ and Harris was able to argue that trade started when ‘operations began’, rather than ‘ when the shop doors opened’ as argued by HMRC. Harris based his argument on some old WW1 excess profits tax cases.
As a consequence it is anticipated that the relief that was withdrawn will not be restored. Some £400,000 of taxation is thought to be involved.
The partners are pleased to report that Cherie Howard has recently joined the firm and is currently based in the Agricultural department. Cherie who is 23, is studying for her final AAT exams.
HMT_Budget_2016_Web_Accessible
The full text of the budget is attached. Please remember that until this Finance Bill is enacted later in the summer the provisions contained within it are draft. Should you wish for specific guidance please contact the Office.
The office will be shut from 12.30pm on Christmas Eve, reopening on Tuesday 29th at 9.00am. Then we shut on Friday 1st January and open again on Monday 4th January, 2016.
Happy Christmas!
In recent years the Chancellor has run a ‘mini budget’ in the late autumn of each year. Clearly this year he was under significant political pressure given his wish to reduce tax credits. He has partially back peddled in this regard, but there are significant changes in the following areas:
As always, if you require specific advice in any of these areas please get in touch.
