Business Advisory

For many people, once their business is up and running, there is a real danger that a treadmill effect begins whereby the effort needed to just keep the work flowing means there is little time to take stock of where the business is at and where it is going.

From our wide-ranging experience of working through a vast array of business decisions with our clients, we are well placed to offer the time to assist with any business support from a full strategic plan to simply talking through a new opportunity.

For many people, once their business is up and running, there is a real danger that a treadmill effect begins whereby the effort needed to just keep the work flowing means there is little time to take stock of where the business is at and where it is going. From our wide-ranging experience of working through a vast array of business decisions with our clients, we are well placed to offer the time to assist with any business support from a full strategic plan to simply talking through a new opportunity.

New Businesses

There are often many requirements that can remain hidden until it is too late, and it is very important when planning the start of a new business that you work through all the issues before you are caught out by them.

We always welcome the opportunity to speak to new business owners and will be happy to have an initial no-obligation talk through your new business and highlight some of the areas where you may need assistance.

Strategic Planning

“Failing to plan is planning to fail”. This well-worn phrase is somewhat simplistic, but becomes increasingly evident as a business grows larger. We have a range of experience in developing strategic plans for clients to ensure that they are clear about their current position, where they want to be and looking at the various ways to get there.

This also links in to our work in corporate finance when building financial models for businesses to assist in the obtaining of finance from either banks or outside investors.

Trust & Estate Planning

An area of financial planning and advice that can have the longest reaching effects it is vital that you receive advice from people with detailed knowledge and experience. At Lonsdale & Marsh we have a long history of providing advice in this area and have a team of specialists with long and wide experience.

When looking at this area it is important to start with the underlying reason for the decision and then provide a solution within the current capital taxes framework that enables the client’s requirements to be

Almost suitably fulfilled. This requires a detailed appreciation of both the legal environment that surrounds this area and critically the taxation effects of any decision, as these will often last a lifetime and longer.

Tax

Tax is one area that whilst we all accept that we must pay it, we’d like to pay no more than is necessary. It is also an area that can provide the most sleepless nights and headaches for people.

We like to provide advice and assistance that ensures our clients are fully compliant and also reduce their tax burden as far as possible.

We provide advice across all the common areas of UK tax, both for corporate and individual clients, and provide the necessary guidance where these two areas often overlap.

Tax is one area that whilst we all accept that we must pay it, we’d like to pay no more than is necessary. It is also an area that can provide the most sleepless nights and headaches for people.

We like to provide advice and assistance that ensures our clients are fully compliant and also reduce their tax burden as far as possible. We provide advice across all the common areas of UK tax, both for corporate and individual clients, and provide the necessary guidance where these two areas often overlap.

Personal Tax

Working with our clients, we look at the various taxes that each are going to encounter and proved advice and assistance to minimise the tax and ensure that necessary returns are completed in good time.

We will provide advice that covers all areas of personal and corporate tax where these interact to come up with solutions that are most tax efficient for clients, whilst still providing peace of mind that all known issues have been dealt with to avoid any nasty surprises further down the line.

Corporate Tax Advice

Working normally as part of an accounting or audit assignment, our team will look in detail at areas of your business where there is potential for tax saving to ensure that your business is structured in the most tax efficient way possible taking into account other factors such as ownership requirements. We will assist with all corporate tax returns, both for corporation tax and other taxes that businesses encounter in their lifetime

Forensic Accounting & HMRC

Often accompanying the most stressful times in life, forensic accounting and HMRC enquiries require a level of detailed knowledge in the specific area, combined with the ability to draw on a wide range of business and taxation experience that few accountants can truly offer.

Forensic Accounting

Lonsdale & Marsh has been involved in performing forensic accounting assignments for many years, appointed by both courts and solicitors directly. We can assist in providing the background business knowledge and information in such a way as to assist in providing the basis for settling a variety of claims and disputes. This will often encompass both matrimonial disputes and general commercial and personal cases.

Share Valuation Services

We are able to undertake valuations for all purposes and possess considerable experience in working with HM Revenue & Customs on share valuation matters. We are experienced in negotiating for buyers and sellers in commercial deals, as well as providing valuation reports.

HMRC Enquiries

With many years of experience in dealing with HMRC enquiries ranging from routine PAYE visits to aspect and full enquiries of all types of tax returns, we are fully equipped to assist and guide you through what can be a very stressful process.

Code of Practice 9 (COP9) Enquiries and Contractual Disclosure Facility

In cases where HMRC suspect serious fraud and attempt to deal with this through a civil investigation of fraud procedure, it is vital that you receive clear and expert advice.

Often you may be unable to use your own accountant to deal with this matter for you as they will undoubtedly have been involved in your affairs up to this point and there may be some conflict of interest. Alternatively they may not have the required expertise in the areas under investigation.

We offer a service to guide you through the COP9 process, working with you to compile the report required by HMRC and meeting with HMRC on your behalf. We will work through your situation and the areas of enquiry by HMRC and ascertain an accurate picture to ensure that HMRC’s opinion is correct.

This can obviously be a highly stressful situation and it is important that you contact us quickly to avoid increasing or prolonging the stress.

Payroll

The ever increasing raft of legislation surrounding payroll means that many business owners just don't have the time to keep on top of the requirements and remain compliant. Add to this the increasing threat of prosecution and fines by HMRC and outsourcing your payroll can look like a time and cost effective solution.

Our service includes:

• Monthly/Weekly preparation of payslips and payment reports.
• Correct treatment of statutory deductions and payments.
• Advising you of the PAYE and tax to pay each month.
• Dealing with HMRC on your behalf.
• Reminding you of any deadlines to avoid the ever-increasing penalties for late submission.

Our team of payroll specialists can reduce the monthly stress and burden of this complex area of employment and leave you time to dedicate to the growth of your business.

VAT:

So many business owners feel that they spend more time dealing with routine administration and book-keeping than they would like and as part of our ongoing commitment to reducing the compliance burden for our clients, we offer a VAT return preparation service to take away the often time consuming task of preparing monthly and quarterly VAT returns.

After agreeing the timescales and the procedures with you, our service includes the following:

• Preparation and review of VAT return figures.
• Online submission of VAT return on your behalf to HMRC.
• Advising of the amount of VAT payable.
• Dealing with HMRC on your behalf.
• Reminding you of any deadlines to avoid the ever-increasing penalties for late submission.

As this is a routine but ever more complex area of business life, it is one of the ideal areas for outsourcing as a cost effective way of recovering some time to spend on the growth of your business.