2010 September | McBrides

Gavin Barclay LLB FCCA – Manager
September 30, 2010 by Shirley1
Gavin joined McBrides in 1997. As well as looking after a portfolio of audit clients he is also our resident VAT specialist. He deals with clients’ ad hoc VAT queries, advises on the structure of transactions from a VAT perspective and undertakes VAT health checks. Gavin also assists with IT selection and implementation for clients, particularly Sage accounting products.

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Andrew Carey FCCA ACIArb – Manager Business Support & Solutions
September 29, 2010 by Shirley1
Andrew joined McBrides in 2000, with 10 years experience in the accounting profession. A qualified certified accountant, Andrew is responsible for managing the Business Support & Solutions service for audit exempt partnerships and limited companies.

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stocks and shares ‘out performing cash ISAs’
by Shirley1
Savings in stocks and shares ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts) are outperforming those in cash ISAs, according to figures from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

New data has shown that the accumulated value in stocks and shares ISAs climbed by 53% in 2009/10, reaching £178 billion.

The rise is thought to have been fuelled by last year’s increase in the stock markets.

Conversely, low interest rates are believed to have depressed the value of cash ISAs, which rose by just 9% to £172bn.

Cash ISAs are held by about a third of the UK’s adult population. In April this year, the ISA allowance increased from £7,200 to £10,200, of which half can be saved in cash.

Please contact us to discover how we can help you plan to maximise your personal wealth.

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savers’ compensation limit set to rise
by Shirley1
The deposit protection limit for savings is set to increase from 1 January 2011, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme has announced.

Under the new regulations, the compensation limit for savers who lose money when a bank or building society goes under will rise to the equivalent of the first 100,000 euros (around £84,450).

Currently, individuals are only compensated for the first £50,000 held in an account with a defaulting provider.

It follows new European legislation aimed at ‘harmonising’ the amount of money that is paid out to savers throughout Europe.

The new rules also stipulate that compensation claims should be made within 20 days of an institution being declared in default.

The compensation limit was last raised in 2008 to fully protect the first £50,000 of savings – up from the previous limit of £35,000.

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small firms urged to claim backdated rate relief
by Shirley1
A leading business group is calling on small firms to claim their share of £200 million in backdated rate relief.

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) has warned that many enterprises could lose out on the money unless they apply for the relief by the 30 September deadline.

Any small business occupying commercial premises between 1 April 2007 and April 2010 could be entitled to receive backdated Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR).

However, the lobby group claims that too few business owners are aware that they may be able to claim the money.

‘Claiming backdated SBRR before the 30 September 2010 deadline could mean that a small business paying £5,000 a year in rent gets a cheque from the council that is enough to cover its overheads until March 2011, just for filling in a form,’ said Andrew Bacon, the FPB’s Property Adviser.

‘Time is running out, so it is important to act now. The simple solution is for every business to send in the correct claim form before 30 September 2010. Those who are not eligible will simply be rejected, but those that are eligible will get the money they deserve.’

For more information visit: www.sbrr.co.uk

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Margaret Falconer BA(Hons) – Manager Business Support & Solutions
September 28, 2010 by Shirley1
Margaret brings a wealth of experience in personal tax and accounts preparation to her responsibility for McBrides’ “one stop shop” for sole traders and smaller partnerships. She joined us in 1988 and pioneered the Business Support & Solutions team’s extended opening hours facility (Tuesdays till 8.00pm).

Outside work Margaret enjoys going to the theatre; reading; playing golf; and most of all spending time with her family. She is also trying to learn French and hopes she will get proficient enough to at least ask for a good wine!

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Mark Grady BA(Hons) FCA – Manager
September 27, 2010 by Shirley1
Mark has been with McBrides since entering the accountancy profession in 1996. He qualified in 1999 and went on to specialise in corporate finance. He is now an experienced member of the corporate finance team and has been involved in a wide range of corporate finance activities. In addition, Mark looks after a varied portfolio of clients, assisting them with compliance, tax and other business advisory matters.

Outside work Mark spends much of his spare time with his family and enjoys the occasional game of golf.

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Tanya Hamilton BA(Hons) FCA – Manager
September 26, 2010 by Shirley1
Tanya joined McBrides in 1995 as a graduate trainee and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1998. She is an experienced manager specialising in auditing and advising solicitors’ practices. Tanya also looks after a varied portfolio of clients.

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Nigel Ling BEng(Hons) ACA – Manager
September 25, 2010 by Shirley1
Nigel joined McBrides as a graduate trainee in 1999. He qualified with us gaining experience in audit, accounts preparation and the corporate tax affairs of family-owned and owner-managed businesses. Nigel looks after a varied portfolio of clients.

Outside of work Nigel is a keen cyclist and runner and is working on his golf. Recently family time has taken over following the birth of his son in August.

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Darren Peeling BA(Hons) ACA – Manager
September 24, 2010 by Shirley1
Darren joined McBrides as a graduate trainee in 1994. He trained and qualified with the practice, gaining considerable commercial and practical experience through auditing and advising owner managed businesses in a range of sectors. As one of our managers, he continues to look after many of these clients today, as well as assisting Terry Baldwin in dealing with the tax affairs of our larger corporate groups.

In his spare time, Darren enjoys travelling, pub quizzes, Chinese food and real ale – or any combination thereof. To offset the adverse effects, he also enjoys country walking, swimming and the occasional round of golf.

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