News & Views
-
Pre-Budget Report 2009 - blog review
The Chancellor delivered his Pre-Budget Report 2009 on Wednesday 9 December 2009. Our Partners and Managers posted a number of blogs in relation to the 2009 Pre-Budget announcement – on both SME Plus blog and Tax Plus blog.
Please find below a list of the respective blogs posted:
Tax Plus
Pre-Budget Report 2009 – key points for private clients
Pre-Budget Report 2009 – furnished holiday lets
Pre-Budget Report 2009 – national insurance contributions
Pre-Budget Report 2009 – bank payroll tax
SME Plus
Pre-Budget Report 2009 – company cars and fuel
Pre-Budget Report 2009 – Research & Development (R&D)
Pre-Budget Report 2009 – yet more changes to the pension regime!
Pre-Budget Report 2009 – International aspects
Pre-Budget Report 2009 – key business issues
Pre-Budget Report 2009 – national insurance contributions
Pre-Budget Report 2009 – time to pay
To receive our blogs direct to your inbox visit http://www.mercerhole.co.uk/news, click on the blog of your interest and follow a few simple subscription directions.
-
Mercer & Hole blog round up
Mercer & Hole’s Tax Plus Blog, SME Plus Blog and Insolvency Blog feature regularly updated information, comment and ideas from Mercer & Hole’s experts. Below are some blog topics that our experts have been posting over the past few week, feel free to visit our blogs posts and leave your comments.
Tax Plus
Mansworth v Jelley – a change of heart – once upon a time a long time ago , well 2003, anyway, there was a rather odd tax case on share options which led to the situation in which, on the exercise of share options, subject to income tax, followed by a sale of those shares, there was an effective double counting of the base cost…read more
Mercer & Hole partner Helen McKie recognised as one of the ‘Top 35 Under 35’ advisers – congratulations go to Helen McKie on being recognised as one of the Top 35 Under 35 advisers in Private Client Practitioner’s listings…read more
SME Plus
Minimum pension age due to change on 6 April 2010 – the minimum pension age is due to change on 6 April 2010. The change means the earliest you’ll be able to take your pension benefits will increase from age 50 to age 55..read more
Advance warning on late payment penalties for PAYE – HMRC has issued an update on the new rules that will apply to late PAYE payments with effect form May of next year…read more
Is now the time to fix your rate? – as of today, interest rates on various tracker mortgages from Woolwich have been reduced by 0.50% – for example, a lifetime tracker to +2.29% above the Bank of England base rate…read more
Insolvency Blog
INSOL Europe – Deputy President – Chris Laughton, a restructuring and insolvency partner at Mercer & Hole in London, has succeeded to the deputy presidency of INSOL Europe…read more
Employment Rights Act – increase in maximum amount of a week’s pay from 1 October 2009 – with effect from 1 October 2009, the maximum amount of a week’s pay for the purposes of calculating payments under the insolvency (and other) provisions of the Employment Rights Act 1996 is increased from £350 to £380…read more
To receive our blogs direct to your inbox visit http://www.mercerhole.co.uk/news, click on the blog of your interest and follow a few simple subscription directions.
-
Liz Cuthbertson appointed partner with Mercer & Hole
Mercer & Hole chartered accountants are delighted to announce the appointment of Liz Cuthbertson as a partner with the firm.
A private client tax expert, with a particular interest in advising on non domiciliary issues, Liz is also a qualified chartered accountant. At Mercer & Hole she advises a portfolio of high net worth clients on matters of wealth preservation, offshore tax planning, and inheritance tax and estate matters. Liz joined Mercer & Hole in a senior manager role in 2006.
Liz aims to grow her portfolio with Mercer & Hole across all these areas and develop her specialism of non domiciled tax matters.
Liz started her accountancy career with KPMG in Hamburg, after leaving university with a degree in German and Italian. For three years she worked as an auditor on a number of large quoted businesses, often German subsidiaries of UK companies and worked to German accounting standards, as well as UK GAAP.
It was her return to the UK in 1997, to join Coopers & Lybrand, that saw Liz’s transfer into the private client arena.
Liz’s experience was broadened further during a two year stint with Doughty Hanson & Co, a private equity firm, where she advised on tax implications of the co-investment scheme and the remuneration for key executives, many of whom were non UK domiciled.
Returning to practice in 2001, with Rawlinson & Hunter, Liz advised a portfolio of high net worth individuals on a range of advisory matters and continued to work with both UK and non UK domiciled clients.
Liz qualified as a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland in 1997 and became a member of the Chartered Institution of Taxation in 2000.
Liz’s appointment as a partner sees the number of female partners at Mercer & Hole chartered accountants increase to six, a notable 30 percent of its twenty-strong partner group
-
Mercer & Hole celebrate 20 years in Milton Keynes
Mercer & Hole are delighted to announce their twentieth anniversary. The chartered accountants celebrate this milestone one year on from moving into larger offices in Silbury Court.
On 16 August 1989 the Mayor of Milton Keynes opened Mercer & Hole’s first offices in Milton Keynes, within Ashton House in Silbury Boulevard. Existing Mercer & Hole partners Howard Wilkinson, Mike Joy and Paul Maberly were among the first intrepid half dozen who opened the office.
Mercer & Hole opened its Milton Keynes office when the economy was booming, only to witness a ‘bust’ in the early 1990s. The Milton Keynes team worked extremely hard to make a name for itself; this included Howard Wilkinson and his ‘team’ taking to the ice dressed in MK Kings uniform and skating with guests during one of the firm’s early office Christmas parties!
On the landmark, Howard Wilkinson comments,
“Twenty years after first coming to Milton Keynes and on our first birthday in our new offices, is an ideal time for Mercer & Hole to reflect on our growth and successes in Milton Keynes. We started from scratch here and worked unbelievably long hours, but it was great fun. Over the years we have built a strong reputation, particularly with fellow professionals in the Milton Keynes business community. For me, Milton Keynes has a buzz all of its own and despite current conditions, remains a vibrant place to work twenty years on.”
-
Mercer & Hole host business seminar in Milton Keynes
In conjunction with the MK Chamber, Mercer & Hole Chartered Accountants hosted a business seminar for their professional contacts, clients and MK Chamber members on Tuesday 30 June 2009.
The seminar ‘Practical tips for recession and recovery’ was presented by Robert Jamieson a Partner at Mercer & Hole and past president of the Chartered Institute of Taxation and took place at the Jurys Inn Hotel, Milton Keynes.
Robert’s presentation touched upon the key matters relating to the considerable rate and depth of changes made by the Government on tax and business issues over the last 12 months. His presentation explained the ramifications of the Finance Bill 2009 on businesses and their leaders, and offered tips on how to mitigate the impact of the new regime.
The evening’s event concluded with delegates’ questions and an opportunity for networking.
-
Scaling the heights…Michael Lockyer completes his biggest challenge to date
By day he is the Managing Partner of Nightingale Associates, the financial services arm of Mercer & Hole Chartered Accountants, but in November 2008 Michael Lockyer had plans on a much grander scale – the size of Himalayan mountain Ama Dablam to be exact.
The intrepid walker completed a gruelling climb of Ama Dablam in Nepal, a technically challenging mountain standing 6854 metres high. In the 1950s the mountain was declared, ‘impossible to climb’ and many who plan to climb Everest use Ama Dablam as a warm up, as there is nothing more technical on Everest than Ama Dablam.
Commenting on his climb, Michael states: “It took a month in all to travel, walk and climb to the summit. Acclimatisation was the biggest problem and I was very fortunate that I had no real illness on the mountain, however, I did get frost nip in my left foot on the summit day. I still have a sore foot and toes but feel a tremendous sense of achievement having successful completed the climb!”
-
Mercer & Hole appoint Paul Webster as joint Managing Partner
Mercer & Hole have appointed Paul Webster as joint managing partner – effective from 24 November 2008. Paul has worked for Mercer & Hole for over 30 years becoming a partner in 1981. Having worked closely alongside Senior Partner Howard Wilkinson during this time, he is well placed to implement Mercer & Hole’s strategic plans moving forward.
-
Mercer & Hole announce Milton Keynes office move… and have a drinks reception to celebrate!
Mercer & Hole’s Milton Keynes staff have moved office…but they haven’t gone very far. The firm remains at 420 Silbury Boulevard but has moved from the 3rd to the 1st floor.
The new office space equipped with advanced technology features and resources, is a demonstration of the firm’s commitment to better serving its clients. The move accommodates recent staff growth and enables the firm to provide the highest level of professional services.
To celebrate the move, Mercer & Hole hosted many of the prominent business leaders and its clients in the Milton Keynes area on Tuesday 11 November 2008, for a drinks reception at their new office space. The jovial mood was enhanced by the hired entertainment in the form of a close up magician who kept the firm’s guests both bewildered and amused.
Commenting on the office move Senior Partner, Howard Wilkinson comments: “It is testament to the growth of our firm in the Milton Keynes area that we needed to acquire bigger office space to meet the needs of our clients, as well as improve the working conditions for our staff. We look forward to welcoming all of our firm’s friends, old and new, to our new office space”.
-
TIAG makes it into the Top 30 Accounting Networks and Associations 2008
In a recent Accountancy Age survey (November 2008) The International Accounting Group (TIAG) made it into the Top 30 Accounting Networks and Associations 2008. This illustrates rapid growth for the network, which was only conceived 10 years ago, rightfully taking its place amongst some of the most esteemed accounting networks and associations in the world.
Mercer & Hole is a founder member of TIAG giving links to like-minded accountancy firms, typically with 5–25 partners, in almost 90 countries across the globe. TIAG works closely alongside its sister network, TAGLaw, providing seamless access to strong local law firms in over 120 jurisdictions.
-
Local Business Professionals Brave the Rain to Claim Golf Victory
The heavens may have opened more than once but representatives from the local branch of Allied Irish Bank battled the elements on Wednesday 15th October 2008 to reign victorious at this year’s Mercer Hole Golf finals day.
Competing against 7 other teams of banks and solicitors from St Albans, Milton Keynes, Northampton and London the St Albans based Bank scored the highest points on the day winning a special trophy for their achievement.
The Mercer & Hole Golf Society tournament has been running since 2001 with matches taking place throughout the year and culminating in a finals day each October. The annual Mercer & Hole Golf Finals day took place at Harpenden Golf Club, Hammonds End Hertfordshire on Wednesday 15th October 2008 and was concluded by a 3 course dinner in the clubhouse.
-
Another employee from Mercer & Hole receives prestigious Charity Diploma
A second member of the Mercer & Hole audit and assurance team is celebrating the awarding of the prestigious new Diploma in Charity Accounting from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) – the new charity sector qualification. Wendy Bambrick, like Louise Giles before her, has successfully completed the diploma via the study route and has become one of a select few to have achieved this new charity sector qualification.
This high level qualification has been specifically designed by the Institute for Chartered Accountants for professionals working in the Charity and Voluntary Sector. The diploma is being promoted to recognise the work carried out by employees, supporters and professional advisers to charities. Wendy will now be eligible to use the letters DChA after her name, denoting her understanding of the implications of charity accounting.
Wendy, who is a manager within the firm’s busy audit and assurance department said of her achievement: “I am very pleased to have been awarded the diploma, especially given that the Charity sector is an important part of Mercer & Hole’s work. It is a particularly enjoyable sector to work in as you feel a real sense of service to the community – gaining the qualification is an excellent way of demonstrating formal recognition of this.”
-
Restructuring & Insolvency
Mercer & Hole’s Restructuring & Insolvency department has changed its name from Rescue, Recovery & Insolvency to emphasis the nature of the work it undertakes.
Specialising in corporate restructuring and insolvency, the department is known for saving businesses, reputations and livelihoods. This has never been more pertinent than during the current period of economic downturn when having the necessary business restructuring and turnaround skills has become even more important.
Steve Smith, Partner, Restructuring & Insolvency, comments: “We always review how we present ourselves in the market place and felt that the rebrand was necessary to enable us to clearly define our position and the services we offer within the market”.
Commenting further he states: “We have built up a strong reputation as a trusted name in the business turnaround and insolvency sectors. Implicit in this is a continuing commitment to delivering advice of the highest quality and maintaining and developing our existing business relationships and strategic partnerships with our many professional contacts”.
Restructuring & Insolvency is just one of the service areas offered by Mercer & Hole. The firm also provides audit and accountancy, taxation, transaction services and a wide range of niche services to businesses and private clients.
-
Mercer & Hole acquires Steward & Pellant
Mercer & Hole are delighted to announce its second acquisition of the year.
Effective from 8 September 2008, two partner practice Steward & Pellant will become part of Mercer & Hole’s London office.
Based in Croydon, south-east London, Steward & Pellant have been established for over 40 years and provide a wide range of services far exceeding the normal audit and tax compliance work including trusts and specialist advisory work on a wide variety of matters.
As part of the merger their Croydon office will close and both Steward & Pellant partners will join the Mercer & Hole team. Helen Cain will be joining as a partner and Keith Hubbard-Brown will remain available to the firm as a consultant.
Speaking of the acquisition Howard Wilkinson, Senior Partner at Mercer & Hole comments: “We are delighted to be merging with a firm that shares our commitment to client service. We look forward to welcoming Helen Cain and Keith Hubbard-Brown to our team and know they bring a wealth of experience with them which will only strengthen the service we offer to our clients.”
-
CAPITAL GAINS TAX – A NEW ERA BEGINS
In association with the Northamptonshire Chamber, Mercer & Hole Chartered Accountants will be hosting a business seminar on Wednesday 18 June 2008.
The seminar ‘Capital Gains Tax (CGT) – A New Era Begins’ will be presented by Robert Jamieson a partner at Mercer & Hole and past president of the Chartered Institute of Taxation and will take place at The Heroes Suite, Northampton Saints, Franklin’s Gardens, Weedon Road, Northampton NN5 5BG at 17.15.
BOOKING INFORMATION – CAPITAL GAINS TAX A NEW ERA BEGINS:
Wednesday, 18 June 2008 @ 17:15 – 19:30 (followed by drinks and light snacks)The Heroes Suite, Northampton Saints, Franklin’s Gardens, Weedon Road, Northampton NN5 5BG
If you would like to book your free space, please send an e-mail including your name, company name and contact details to Palak Patel at marketing@mercerhole.co.uk. -
Mercer & Hole announce the promotion of Helen McKie to Private Client Partner
Mercer & Hole is delighted to announce the promotion of Helen McKie to Private Client Partner.
Helen, who was promoted to Director of Mercer & Hole Trustees Limited (the firm’s Trust Corporation) in 2007, has rapidly progressed through the Mercer & Hole ranks, having joined the firm’s graduate training programme in July 2003. Her areas of specialism include private client work, with particular emphasis on high net worth individuals, their families, and dealing with the taxation, administration and accounting of their trusts.
Helen became a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation in July 2006, having achieved the highest mark in the specialist paper on the taxation of individuals, trusts and estates and was awarded the prestigious Institute’s Spofforth Medal, for the May 2006 sitting. Helen also has an Economics & Statistics degree from Exeter University.
Howard Wilkinson, Senior Partner at Mercer & Hole comments: “Helen’s rapid progression from graduate trainee to partner is testimony to the firm’s commitment to developing and nurturing talent from within and demonstrates the significant achievements Helen has made since joining us.”
For details of all the partners of Mercer & Hole please click here.
-
Tax Plus - Budget 2008
Chancellor Alistair Darling delivered his first Budget on Wednesday 12 March 2008. An overview of the key measures announced are available in our Tax Plus – Budget 2008 special.
To find out more, please click here.
-
Mercer & Hole add Transaction Services to their portfolio of business services
Mercer & Hole is delighted to announce that it has added Transaction Services to its portfolio of business services offerings. The Transaction Services team will be lead by Mercer & Hole Director, Julian Dobbin.
The world of business transactions (sometimes referred to as Corporate Finance) is a fast paced, stressful and often mysterious environment. Our aim is to ensure you receive the best possible advice and that each transaction is processed quickly and efficiently.
For further information regarding Mercer & Hole’s Transaction Services, please visit our website.
