Articles & Insights (Index)

29th January 2021

Q&A with Rafi Saville, Forensic Partner

Rafi Saville joined HW Fisher 24 years ago. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a partner after only 8 years and now leads the…

29th January 2021

Business Interruption Insurance: what does the Supreme Court’s judgment mean for businesses?

The landmark Business Interruption Insurance court case came to an end this month as the Supreme Court ruled in favour of small businesses forced to…

27th January 2021

No self-assessment late filing penalty for those who file online by 28 February

HMRC has this week announced there will be no late filing penalty for those who file their self-assessment tax returns online by 28 February, removing…

27th January 2021

New year, new finances – 3 reminders for authors going into 2021

It’s a new year and a renewed opportunity to catch up on your finances and ensure you are benefiting from all avenues of income open…

11th January 2021

HW Fisher provides due diligence for MagiClick’s acquisition of financial services specialist Dock9

MagiClick, a leading provider of digital technology and design capabilities with a strong presence across Turkey and the MENA region, announces its acquisition of Dock9…

8th January 2021

Brexit: What you need to know about the UK leaving the EU

After months of negotiations, the UK and European Union finally agreed a deal that will define their future relationship, which has come into effect as…

8th January 2021

Protecting your brand the supply-side way

If you or your company has a brand you have carefully built up over the years, the last thing you want is to lose control…

5th January 2021

Less than a month to go until self-assessment – avoid these common mistakes!

On the 5th of January 2021, HMRC confirmed 55% of Self-Assessment customers have already filed their return. We are urging those who still haven’t completed…

5th January 2021

The Chancellor must now prioritise solving the relationship between Landlords and Tenants

Commenting on the latest financial support measures announced by the Chancellor today, Russell Nathan, head of our Hospitality team says: “The latest support offered today…

4th January 2021

5 reasons why royalty audits are worth your time and money

Royalty audits are not a phenomenon that is too well known outside particular sectors of the economy but they are, in fact, hugely important to…

15th December 2020

Crisis Management in Charities

An unexpected crisis can dominate a charity and stagnate a charity’s activities. Knowing the essential steps in dealing with a crisis is important and can…

14th December 2020

Where there is a challenge, there is opportunity! Reflections on 2020

2020 has been a year unlike any other. It has been a challenge for all of us, in all walks of professional and private lives,…

11th December 2020

Taxation of SEISS grants: What you need to know

The extension of the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) has been welcomed by many and will support small businesses until the end of the tax…

11th December 2020

Heirs continue to be stung by inheritance tax

As the saying goes, there are only two things certain in life – death and taxes. The phrase comes to mind as the UK government…

8th December 2020

Future of hospitality – navigating prolonged uncertainty

It’s been a difficult year for our clients and friends in the hospitality industry. Businesses across the sector have had to push the boundaries of…

27th November 2020

Are you virtual Christmas party ready?

Some good festive news to end on this month. There was some speculation that HMRC would not give the green light for UK employers to take advantage…

26th November 2020

Q&A with Robert Fowler, Head of Music Audits – Forensic

This month saw Robert Fowler join the HW Fisher team to help expand our music royalty audit offering, a sector that has increased in demand…

26th November 2020

Spotlight on Business: Interview with Yugna Shah, founder of The Painted Peacock

It’s a tough time for small businesses, to find out more we spoke (virtually) to Yugna Shah, tax manager turned chocolatier to discuss how she…

25th November 2020

Accounting Implications of Covid-19 Support Under FRS102 [UPDATED]

With so many different loans and grants available to businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic there are many new challenges in how to account for the…

19th November 2020

Caution: CFOs of growing UK large businesses need to plan for a different relationship with HMRC

CFOs of large UK business approaching group turnover of £200m and/or net assets in excess of £2bn need to be preparing for a change in…

18th November 2020

Covid-19: Top 10 considerations when it comes to protecting your business against fraud

Covid-19 changed the way we work overnight. And as we rapidly pivoted to working from home, the pandemic also changed the environment for criminals to…

11th November 2020

More help on its way for the self-employed! The SEISS scheme explained.

Following the announcement of a second lockdown, the government have announced an extension of the self-employed income support scheme. This scheme received praise during the…

5th November 2020

Furlough scheme extended until March – reaction from HW Fisher

Commenting on the announcements made by The Chancellor on an extension to furlough today, Simon Michaels, partner at accountancy firm HW Fisher said: Businesses will…

5th November 2020

All change! (again) – an overview of changes to Government support packages

We have lost count of the number of changes and announcements from The Chancellor that have been made since March. With the support available in…

30th October 2020

Life after Furlough: what we want to see from Government

As the Furlough period comes to an end, businesses in the hospitality sector will be taking a long hard look at their future. Despite a…

29th October 2020

How to manage intellectual property ahead of Brexit

So far, the protection of EU intellectual property rights has continued to apply as normal in the UK, but this will not be the case…

29th October 2020

How your business can benefit from Kickstart

How can you and your employees benefit from the Kickstart scheme The Kickstart scheme was launched by the Government to ‘help young people into work…

29th October 2020

Countdown to Brexit: Top 6 tax issues businesses should be thinking about

BREXIT is fast approaching on 31st December 2020 and although a comprehensive trade deal may be agreed prior to that date, at this point in…

28th October 2020

How to avoid a last minute panic when filing your tax return

Ahead of the paper self-assessment deadline, 31st October 2020, HW Fisher share their advice to make sure you file on time and correctly. Confused about…

26th October 2020

The Chancellor’s latest support scheme – an FAQ

The latest Government measures come just weeks after the Chancellor’s Winter Economy Plan and Extension to the Job Support Scheme. With the support available in…

26th October 2020

Planning for a strong 2021 – strategies charities can put in place now

In the past few months, the pandemic has had a seismic impact on charities, and reinforced some of the wider challenges charities face. While dealing…

22nd October 2020

Chancellor’s revised measures: It’s a big ask for employers to fund a ‘redundant workforce’

Commenting on the revised measures announced by The Chancellor today, Simon Michaels, CEO of Business Solutions at accountancy firm HW Fisher said: “This is clearly…

16th October 2020

Financial due diligence – is it really necessary?

If you are considering making a business acquisition you will no doubt have considered the legal requirements in terms of negotiating a sale and purchase…

15th October 2020

Tier 2 lockdown measures catastrophic for the hospitality industry

Commenting on the Tier 2 restrictions announced today, Russell Nathan, head of hospitality, said: “The tier 2 lockdown measures announced today will be catastrophic for…

14th October 2020

Covid-19 Support Schemes come to an end – what happens next?

Two of the Covid-19 funding schemes introduced by government to support businesses are coming to an end, with claim deadlines approaching this month. The second…

14th October 2020

Job Support Scheme Extension – your questions answered

The new measures come just two weeks after the Chancellor’s Winter Economy Plan, where he announced the Job Support Scheme – billed at the time…

9th October 2020

The Chancellor’s local furlough scheme – initial reactions from HW Fisher

Commenting on the announcements made by The Chancellor on furlough changes today, Russell Nathan, head of hospitality at accountancy firm HW Fisher said: “It’s a…

25th September 2020

Manage your HMRC queries effectively using our Tax Investigation Service

Over the past few months, we have all faced a truly unprecedented situation. The global coronavirus pandemic has affected our families, our businesses, our communities…

24th September 2020

The Chancellor’s Winter Support Package – initial reactions from HW Fisher

Commenting on the announcements made by The Chancellor on a winter support package today, Simon Michaels, CEO of HW Fisher Business Solutions said: “It’s a…

24th September 2020

Can licence agreements in the gaming industry hold water?

Digital transformation in the gaming industry has only been accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic, with the global video game market now forecast to be worth…

24th September 2020

The reform of Capital Gains Tax

Capital Gains Tax (“CGT”) is a relative newcomer to the tax party, having been introduced to the UK in 1965, but it may be only…

24th September 2020

Untangling royalties in the gaming industry

Licensing and royalties in the gaming industry are complex, particularly with the accelerating trend towards digital gameplay and the rise of new platforms for distributing…

23rd September 2020

New curfew for hospitality is another blow to the industry

Russell Nathan, hospitality expert at accountancy firm HW Fisher comments: “This announcement is another blow to the struggling hospitality industry, who have been patient and…

23rd September 2020

Covid-19 recovery: make the most of additional funding available

Among some of the various Covid-19 recovery schemes introduced by government to support businesses, is a new, little known, fund of £20 million from which…

15th September 2020

High Court – Business Interruption Insurance – businesses must now pay attention

Commenting on the decision made by the High Court today on the landmark Business Interruption Insurance case, Rafi Saville, forensic partner at accountancy firm HW…

26th August 2020

Q&A: All you need to know about the Business Interruption Insurance court case

Nearly 400,000 small businesses are waiting to see if insurers will be forced to pay out on their business interruption policies after a landmark High…

24th August 2020

Reverse charge VAT on construction services

The new VAT reverse charge for construction services comes into force on 1st March 2021.  It applies to certain supplies of construction services by construction…

17th August 2020

No more bank of mum and dad! Is this a trend set to continue?

Nationwide, the UK’s second-largest mortgage lender, recently announced a policy change, implementing restrictions on first-time buyers trying to get on the housing ladder. For these…

12th August 2020

Guidance for charities entering the second half of 2020

As we enter the second half of 2020, it is important for charities to take stock of best practices, and to lay a strong foundation…

31st July 2020

Business Interruption Insurance – why businesses should follow the High Court case closely

The covid-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented financial challenges for businesses across the UK. For those in the hospitality and leisure industry, many have had…

30th July 2020

Eat Out to Help Out scheme is proving wildly unpopular

From August, The Eat Out to Help Out scheme will be introduced, however Russell Nathan, senior partner, explains why it might not be as popular…

30th July 2020

Making Tax Digital – false alarm or not?

We’ve had false alarms from HMRC before but this time it looks as if they are serious. Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment (MTD…

29th July 2020

Disposals of UK residential property – New reporting regime

The reporting and payment of capital gains tax on disposals of UK residential property changed with effect from 6 April 2020. In practice, the change…

20th July 2020

It’s time for businesses to rewrite the rulebook

If your business can’t wait until January for the retention bonus scheme, Simon Michaels, CEO of HW Fisher Business Solutions outlines what you can do…

15th July 2020

Covid-19 – Time to buy or sell?

The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly affected corporate buy and sell activity worldwide, with the first quarter of 2020 cited as being down 25% on 2019…

15th July 2020

Post-lockdown divorce – why you need an expert

The Covid-19 pandemic has been a difficult time for many people, with the monotony of working from home, the anxieties and frustrations of childcare and…

8th July 2020

The Chancellor’s Summer Statement – initial reaction from HW Fisher

VAT should be reduced for the hospitality sector for a minimum of two years – January isn’t enough time to create long term certainty Our…

30th June 2020

Managing a responsible recovery

2020 marked the beginning of what the UN called the decade of delivery, the 10 years where governments, institutions and individuals would work with intent…

25th June 2020

A step in the right direction for hospitality but more to do

Russell Nathan, senior partner at top accountancy firm HW Fisher comments on the recent hospitality news: “Our restaurants, pubs, bars and hotels are struggling. Health…

25th June 2020

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Flexible Furlough

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will enter its second phase on 1 July. From this date, it will be possible to “flexibly” furlough employees…

16th June 2020

Jason Steinberg joins HW Fisher as corporate tax partner

HW Fisher, the top 30 chartered accountancy practice, has bolstered its corporate tax division with the appointment of Jason Steinberg as partner. Originally a trainee…

4th June 2020

Guidance for charities on serious incident reporting during Covid-19

The Charity Commission has provided guidance on what trustees need to consider in reporting serious incidents during and linked to the coronavirus pandemic. Having reviewed…

3rd June 2020

Extension of the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme grant

Along with an extension to the assistance for employers in the form of the flexible furlough scheme, the Chancellor has announced a second, if smaller,…

3rd June 2020

Phase 2 of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS): A guide

After weeks of supporting businesses through lockdown, the Government is now assisting employers in easing their employees back into work as the restrictions are relaxed.…

1st June 2020

Authors’ tax trap – incorporations that go wrong

Our Authors & Journalists team advises writers on whether they would benefit by operating through a limited company. Care is needed as there can be…

26th May 2020

Covid-19: Exemption for reimbursed home office equipment

It has been confirmed by the Treasury minister that organisations reimbursing staff for equipment purchased that enables them to work from home during the pandemic…

12th May 2020

A Guide to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) [Updated]

Under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, announced on 19 March 2020, the Government has put arrangements in place to provide grants to cover 80% of…

7th May 2020

Helping our clients through Covid-19: Stories of how we have been supporting our clients secure government loans

Financial Support for the Retail Sector Client: Sole trader – designer Loan secured: £200,000 from HSBC through CBILS Approach: Through internal collaboration we were able…

4th May 2020

A guide to the Coronavirus ‘bounce back’ small loan scheme

Originally announced by the Chancellor on 27 April, the Bounce Back Loan Scheme  (BBLS) opened for applications on 4th May. This microloan is to help…

1st May 2020

Temporary VAT relief on PPE

HMRC has announced the temporary relief from VAT of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). With effect from 1 May 2020, supplies of PPE will qualify to…

28th April 2020

Guidance for SMEs: your key questions answered

The government has issued, and in some cases subsequently revised, measures to support SMEs during this time. Here, Simon Michaels and Jonathan Bourne answer some…

22nd April 2020

Support for self-employed individuals: your questions answered

The Government has only recently issued its help package for the self-employed during the impact of Covid-19 and many questions remain outstanding. Our Partners have…

22nd April 2020

Guidance for charities: your key questions answered

In the current circumstances we know a lot of charities are having to change the way they operate to ensure fundraising and funding can continue…

22nd April 2020

Covid-19 Support for Innovative Companies

On 20 April 2020 the Government announced a support package for innovative firms facing financing difficulties due to the coronavirus outbreak. The new package includes:…

21st April 2020

Partnering with clients through Covid-19 – Stories of how we have been supporting and advising clients

Helping the Retail Industry Keep Up-to-Date and Make Well-Informed Decisions for the Future Partner: Ross Fabian Client: European distributor for a sports footwear brand Advising…

20th April 2020

A Guide to the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme

20 April 2020 The Government’s Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) launched officially on 20 April 2020. Originally announced by the Chancellor on 2…

9th April 2020

Covid-19 support for charities – current funding initiatives available

In the current circumstances we know a lot of charities are having to change the way they operate to ensure fundraising and funding can continue.…

9th April 2020

Financial Reporting Implications of Covid-19

The uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 has huge implications on financial reporting. All company directors have a responsibility to prepare financial statements that give a true and…

8th April 2020

How we have been supporting clients through Covid-19

Preparing to Keep a Healthcare Company Afloat in the Absence of Patients Partner: Joel Courts Client: Dental sector Advising on: Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme…

31st March 2020

Claiming a grant under the Covid-19 Self-employment Income Support Scheme – advice for authors

You can use this scheme if you’re self-employed as an individual or in a partnership and have lost income because of coronavirus. You can apply…

31st March 2020

Claiming a grant under the Covid-19 Self-employment Income Support Scheme – advice for actors

You can use this scheme if you’re self-employed as an individual or in a partnership and have lost income because of coronavirus. You can apply…

30th March 2020

Claiming a grant under the Covid-19 Self-employment Income Support Scheme – advice for musicians

You can use this scheme if you’re self-employed as an individual or in a partnership and have lost income because of coronavirus. You can apply…

28th March 2020

Covid-19 guidance webinar series – advice for businesses, the self-employed and charities

Over the past few weeks, the UK Government has announced a host of packages to support individuals and businesses through the impacts felt by the…

27th March 2020

Support for the self-employed – an outline of the new measures

Who is eligible for the support? Despite the Chancellor’s saying that the package for the self-employed provides parity with employees, there are some very material…

26th March 2020

Covid-19 – Advice for Authors

We’re living through unprecedented times; it’s not going to be easy and we are all going to have to work together to get through it.…

25th March 2020

VAT Payments Holiday – Key Points Summarised

On 20 March 2020 the UK Government announced temporary changes to the VAT system, as part of a package of measures in response to the…

23rd March 2020

COVID-19 – Guidance for Business

19th March 2020 The Government has issued COVID-19 guidance for employers and small businesses. The guidance assists employers with issues facing the health and wellbeing…

23rd March 2020

COVID-19 – Government Support for Business Explained

19th March 2020 The Government has issued COVID-19 guidance for employers and small businesses. The guidance assists employers with issues facing the health and wellbeing…

23rd March 2020

A Guide to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

23rd March 2020 The Government announced in the Budget on 11th March 2020 that Small and Medium sized companies (with turnover up to million) would…

12th March 2020

Budget 2020: our commentary

Chancellor Rishi Sunak delivered his first Budget in the House of Commons yesterday, where he announced the government’s tax and spending plans for the year…

5th March 2020

Accountancy firm HW Fisher calls for the Chancellor to “keep it simple and don’t stifle entrepreneurship”  

Ahead of the budget next week, top 30 accountancy firm HW Fisher outlines three areas of focus for the Government. HW Fisher explains why the…

4th March 2020

Authors and Their Loan Out Companies

Many authors channel their income through limited companies but they have to be operated correctly and it is usually best to seek professional advice. Sometimes…

27th February 2020

Pre-nup or Post Traumatic Stress?

Just got engaged on Valentine’s Day? Along with the ring and the champagne there may be one other not so romantic thing you need to…

20th February 2020

The new £20 note: what you need to know

While it looks like we are moving towards a cashless society, currency redesigns can still have a huge impact on businesses. It’s essential to be…

11th February 2020

HW Fisher has partnered with Curtis Brown Creative to provide a fully funded place on their brand new screenwriting course

In a new partnership with HW Fisher, Curtis Brown Creative has announced a scholarship enabling one writer of limited financial means to join their first…

23rd December 2019

How to avoid a last minute panic when filing your tax return

Ahead of the online self-assessment deadline, 31st January 2020, HW Fisher share their advice to make sure you file on time and correctly. Jamie Morrison,…

23rd December 2019

HW Fisher assists in Mayfly Outdoors’ first UK acquisition

  HW Fisher have advised Colorado-based manufacturer of premium fly-fishing products, Mayfly Outdoors, on its acquisition of Airflo, a UK-based fly line manufacturer. As this…

19th December 2019

Electric cars – support the environment and make significant tax savings

While tax incentives have always been on offer for companies to purchase electric, hybrid and low emission cars, recent changes announced by the Treasury have…

19th December 2019

Driving profit and purpose

Historically, there has been a divide between the individual activists drawing attention to the climate crisis and the investors who “pledge” to tackle it. As…