From 18 November 2025, mandatory identify verification with Companies House for all company directors and persons of significant control (PSCs) on incorporation and appointment will be legally required. This forms part of new anti-fraud legislation introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA), aimed at improving corporate transparency and reducing financial crime.

Protecting What Matters Most: Your Will and Lasting Powers of Attorney At Ward Williams, we understand that your Will and Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) are more than just documents; they are essential tools that reflect your voice, your wishes, and your legacy. By creating or updating these important legal instruments, you can ensure that both your loved ones and your busi ...

From April 2026, HMRC’s Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment (MTDIT) will come into effect. This is a major change to the way self-employed individuals and landlords will need to report their income to HMRC. Instead of submitting a single annual Self-Assessment return, affected taxpayers will need to keep digital records and send quarterly updates to HMRC using ap ...

Are you claiming all the business expenses you're entitled to? Many owner-managed businesses miss out on valuable tax relief each year, often without realising it. In this article, our Ward Williams experts highlight the most commonly overlooked costs, signs you might be underclaiming, how far back you can go to fix it, and what to do next. Whether you’re a sole trader or run a limited company, this guide helps you stay tax-efficient, compliant, and financially smart.

Payroll is often seen as a back-office task, but mistakes, delays, or outdated processes can cause real issues for your business. In this article, we outline five telltale signs that your payroll needs a review from deadline pressures and staff queries to compliance gaps and missed insights. Whether you manage payroll in-house or outsource it to a firm like Ward Williams, this guide helps you stay accurate, up to date, and in control.

Electric company cars offer businesses cost savings through tax reliefs and lower running costs, while boosting sustainability credentials. This guide covers key benefits, including capital allowances, Benefit In Kind rates, VAT rules, and upcoming Vehicle Excise Duty changes, helping business owners make informed decisions and maximise savings.

Winter Fuel Payments 2025/26: This article explains the upcoming changes to Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners in England and Wales, including the new income threshold of £35,000 and how repayments will be handled through the tax system. It outlines who qualifies, the payment amounts, and why these changes matter for your financial planning. The article also offers practical advice on what pensioners should do now to prepare and where to seek help if needed.

Wellbeing isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a business strategy. In this article, Ward Williams shares how business owners can improve performance, retention, and leadership impact by focusing on five pillars of wellbeing: mental, physical, financial, social, and career. Learn what’s worked for our team and how small actions can create meaningful cultural change.

Malcolm McKinnell took on the British Heart Foundation London to Brighton bike ride on Father’s Day, facing steep hills and warm weather along the challenging course. Despite the physical demands, he enjoyed the supportive atmosphere, especially the cheering crowds at the Brighton finish line. His journey highlights determination and the rewarding spirit of fundraising for heart research. Contributions to support Malcolm’s efforts are welcome on his JustGiving page.

If you've given shares or share options to employees or directors in the last tax year, you may need to file an Employment Related Securities (ERS) return by 6 July. In this article, we explain who it applies to, what’s involved, and how we can help — all in plain English, without the jargon. Don’t leave it too late — check if you're affected today.