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05/07/2010
Lincolnshire Accountants in London Visit
Lincolnshire chartered accountants Nicholsons recently treated a group of their clients to a day out in London, mixing investment advice with a tour of some of the city’s main financial sights.
They were invited to the capital by specialist investment company Octopus Investments, who wanted to give a presentation on some of their funds to potential investors. The guests were able to hear more from the Octopus team on their investment philosophy and their views on the current state of the market.
Nicholsons invited eight clients along, as well as taking three members of its own staff, and decided to make a day of it by visiting the Financial Quarter of the City – including the Bank of England Museum, Canary Wharf and Tower 42 (formerly the NatWest tower).
Partner Richard Grayson said: “We had the opportunity to visit Octopus and hear about some of their products, so we took along some clients who we thought may be interested and decided to see a little more of the city while we were there.
“It was an interesting day, and we appreciated the chance to hear the insights of the Octopus team, as well as seeing some of the main financial sights in the capital.”
For more information, contact Jeannine Peta Thornley at Nicholsons on 0845 2766555
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Lincolnshire chartered accountants Nicholsons will be offering local businesses an insight into the world of cloud computing when it hosts a seminar on the subject next month.
Cloud computing involves the use of web-based software which can be accessed from anywhere, rather than being limited to a particular computer.
One way in which the technology can be used is in the field of accountancy software, and Nicholsons has used the Xero system for the past year, which allows their clients to log on and update their financial information on a regular basis, allowing Nicholsons to quickly analyse these figures, take action where necessary and make proactive suggestions.
Nicholsons partner Richard Hallsworth and Xero founder Hamish Edwards will both be speaking at the event, giving an insight into how cloud computing works and how it can be used to help businesses of all types and sizes.
Richard said: “We have found using Xero a big advantage, as it has allowed us to act as a financial ‘guardian angel’, looking at firms’ accounts and making suggestions in real time, rather than waiting until the figures are sent to us as was the case before.
“I am certain that cloud computing will continue to play a big role as more and more firms adopt it, and any business which is not already familiar with the idea is welcome to come along and find out more about how it could benefit them.”
The seminar takes place from 5pm on 7 September. For more information, or to book a place, contact Jeannine Peta Thornley at Nicholsons on 0845 2766555 or visit the events page and click on the on-line booking form.
An accountant at Lincolnshire chartered accountants Nicholsons has successfully moved on to the next stage in her career after being promoted from a junior to a semi-senior role at the firm.
Becky Betts joined the practice in April 2008 and began studying for her professional qualifications with the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
She secured the promotion after completing her AAT exams and building up her practical experience over the past two years, and is now looking forward to taking on some more challenging work as well as having more direct contact with clients.
Becky, 20, who has lived in Lincoln all her life, will also be continuing with the rest of her ICAEW exams, as she continues to improve her technical expertise.
She said: “I have enjoyed working at Nicholsons and get on well with all of my colleagues and clients, so I’m delighted to have been given the chance to progress my career here.
“The managers and partners have all been very supportive throughout my training and I hope to continue building up my knowledge and experience with their help.”
Nicholsons senior partner Richard Grayson added: “It is important to build for the future at a practice like ours, which is why it’s always very pleasing to see someone like Becky who we took on as a trainee, successfully build their practical experience and qualifications to move on up within the firm.”
For more information, contact Jeannine Peta Thornley at Nicholsons on 0845 2766555
A senior accountant at Lincolnshire chartered accountants Nicholsons recently chalked up 40 years with the firm.
Richard Peet joined the company in 1970 as an accounts junior and has remained there ever since, working his way up to his current senior role, where he has developed a particular knowledge of the farming sector.
Having worked on a farm during his school holidays, Richard always had a keen interest in agricultural matters and has developed his expertise during his time at Nicholsons.
He celebrated his milestone with colleagues on Tuesday (July 27), when he was presented with a new bicycle in recognition of his efforts.
Richard, aged 56, is a keen cyclist and rides the three miles to work each day. In his spare time he also enjoys carp angling, walking and spending time with his family.
He said: "I am very happy to have reached 40 years with the firm and am grateful to my colleagues for their good wishes and support."
"I particularly enjoy working with our clients in the farming sector and being able to build up relationships with people over many years is one of the reasons I still enjoy working here today."
Nicholsons senior partner Richard Grayson added: "Richard is a valued member of our team, and I know his knowledge and expertise is particularly appreciated by our farming clients."
"We are delighted that he has reached this milestone with us and thank him for his efforts which have played a big part in Nicholsons' ongoing success."
For more information, contact Jeannine Peta Thornley at Nicholsons on 0845 2766555
Six team members at Lincolnshire chartered accountants Nicholsons have added another string to their bows by passing their certification exams for a leading online software provider.
Xero is an award-winning online accountancy solution which gives Nicholsons instant access to their clients’ vital financial information, allowing them to give targeted financial help and advice and highlight any concerns or problems as they arise.
Richard Hallsworth, Steph Danby, Becky Wells, Becky Betts, Peter Herbert and Simon Hall have all passed a series of tests confirming they are able to use the software correctly and apply it to their clients’ needs.
Richard, a partner at the firm, said: “XERO is an exciting bookkeeping application, not only because it is online and offers a lot of flexibility but because it makes maintaining your books and records simple and easy.
“Over the last nine months we have helped over 50 clients set up and use XERO. The feedback from these clients has been fantastic and we are looking to help even more clients move onto the software over the next 12 months.
“Having six XERO certified advisors will mean we can help even more business owners to liberate their book keeping!”
XERO Business Commercial manager Darren Glanville added: "We are delighted about our partnership with Nicholsons, and the fact that they have passed our stringent certification deserves a special mention."
For more information, contact Jeannine Peta Thornley at Nicholsons on 0845 2766555
The Chancellor, George Osborne, will present his budget speech on Tuesday, 22 June, the government has announced.
The Conservative-Lib Dem coalition had previously pledged that such a budget would take place within 50 days of them gaining power.
Given the need to repair the public finances, it is likely that this Budget will see the introduction of some tax rises, with Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and VAT thought to be likely targets.
The budget is also likely to see the partial scrapping of the employer element of the previous government’s proposed rise in National Insurance, and may also include some movement towards the Lib Dem policy of increasing the income tax threshold to £10,000.
We will keep our clients informed of any further developments.
Lincolnshire-based firm of chartered accountants, Nicholsons, is advising clients to take note of this year’s Budget and the provisions it has made to aid the growth of businesses across the UK.
Alistair Darling dubbed his third Budget, and his last before the general election, as the ‘budget which would set out a route to long term recovery’ for the country’s weakened economy.
A fundamental feature of this plan is a package to increase investment in small and medium sized businesses.
The Chancellor said that although the future is looking a little brighter, the economy is at a crossroads and is still in a ‘period of uncertainty’. However, he also said that he is keen to do all he can to help businesses through this difficult time, with a list of implementations aimed at companies of small and medium stature.
Darling outlined plans to provide £2.5bn in support for small businesses to boost skills and innovation, as well as the doubling of the small firm investment allowance from £50,000 to £100,000.
Part of the programme to help boost innovation in enterprise is a plan for everyone in the UK to have access to broadband internet, with a view to support and encourage digital business development.
The relief on capital gains tax for entrepreneurs will also be doubled, and there will be a one year cut in business rates from October, meaning that some 500,000 companies will benefit from a tax saving.
Darling said that although the UK is slowly heading away from the dark times of the recession, growth cannot be taken for granted. He acknowledged that the Government must play its part in helping businesses to grow and develop, and that access to finance is vital in order for this to be possible. To this end, the Chancellor announced that over the next year he has agreed with RBS and Lloyds banks for them to lend at least £94bn, with a minimum of half going to small to medium sized businesses.
Continuing with the theme of aiding SMEs, Darling also announced plans to create a new investment corporation – UK Finance for Growth – designed to oversee the Government’s £4bn range of support services for businesses. He also promised to increase the number of Government contracts that are given to small-medium sized firms by 15%.
Other points worth noting include the fact that the Inheritance tax threshold will now be frozen for four years, and there is a predicted growth of 1-1.25% for the UK economy in the next year, with a downgraded growth forecast of 3-3.5% for 2011.
Some may also be relieved to learn that there were no planned changes to VAT or income tax announced this time around.
Richard Grayson, senior partner at Nicholsons, said: "Small to medium businesses have faced a tough couple of years, so it is potentially good news that the Government’s focus now seems to be on helping them to grow, with the aim of aiding the economy’s recovery. Some of the planned changes could mean there are some positives ahead for the country’s smaller enterprises. However, the Chancellor also announced a series of moves in the Pre-Budget Report last year which will cost businesses more money when they come into force, in particular the increases in National Insurance contributions. This 'tax on jobs' does not encourage higher levels of employment."