Budget announcement: our first thoughts
The 2025 UK Budget, delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on 26 November, combined fiscal consolidation with targeted support for households and business. For our clients, the Budget brings urgent focus to pension strategies, property taxation, dividend/savings planning, and cash flow impact for both individuals and businesses. Key announcements Freeze in personal tax thresholds will […]
Autumn Budget 2025 – The Complete Summary
The 2025 Autumn Budget, delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on 26 November, sets out significant changes that will impact both individuals and businesses. From extending tax threshold freezes to capping employee pension contributions caps as well as taxing savings and investments, the measures announced will make staying compliant more complex and bring more people within the scope of tax. In this document […]
Autumn Budget 2025 – The Key Takeaways
Overview Many possible changes were the subject of speculation leading up to the Budget: this list includes things that have been ruled out, as well as changes that the Chancellor announced These key points include measures that were announced previously but are about to come into force Measures which will not take effect until future […]
Autumn Budget 2025: HB&O Live Updates and Expert Commentary
Follow our live updates as the Chancellor delivers the Autumn Budget 2025. HB&O’s specialists will share their initial reactions to the key announcements and outline the potential implications for businesses and individuals. Helen Coombes Head of Tax Neil Allcroft Tax Director Jessica Mason Head of VAT Vanessa Glenn Senior Tax Manager Mark Johnson Corporate Tax […]
New Business Guide: Essential Checklist for Limited Company Owners
Setting up a limited company is a big milestone, but it also comes with responsibilities. This guide gives you a clear, practical overview of the key things you need to know to help you stay compliant, manage your finances and grow with confidence. Company Setup: Directors and Share Structure Legally, a company is only required […]
The limits of AI and why a human touch still matters in tax
Artificial intelligence is improving efficiency in accountancy but continues to struggle with complex tax matters and financial advice, according to an adviser at a leading independent firm. Holly Walker, Tax Senior at HB&O, has highlighted how AI can be a powerful tool to streamline processes, but it is still not ready to advise on complex […]
HB&O celebrates further trainee success as Tim and Sophie become qualified
A pair of rising stars at a leading Midlands independent accountancy firm are celebrating after achieving their professional qualifications. Tim Smith and Sophie Butteriss, both based in HB&O’s Coventry office, have completed their final exams and will become chartered accountants. They will now move into senior positions at the firm which employs 14 trainees across […]
Neil Allcroft urges action on ID verification for directors & PSCs
Business leaders and entrepreneurs are being warned to act now to avoid being caught out by one of the biggest reforms of UK company law in decades. In a landmark move to bolster integrity and transparency in corporate governance, Companies House will introduce mandatory identity verification for individual company directors and Persons with Significant Control […]
Leading firms HB&O and Validera join forces to support education providers
Two leading firms have formed an exciting new partnership to address a shortage of external audit specialists in the education sector. HB&O, which has offices in Coventry, Leamington and Birmingham, has joined forces with Staffordshire-based Validera to offer external audit services to the education sector which has been suffering from a lack of competition. The […]
HB&O advises prompt preparation for Making Tax Digital
HB&O is encouraging landlords and sole traders not to get caught out by major new legislation that comes into force next year by making changes now. Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is a government initiative designed to transform the tax system, modernising tax administration to make it more efficient and simpler for taxpayers. The […]
Rob Kendall retires after 40 years with HB&O
Rob Kendall, who lives in Kenilworth, joined HB&O in 1985 and will be stepping away from the business after 40 years with the firm. He had previously worked for Thompson McLintock, as well as Dafferns and Thornton Baker before joining Harrison Beale, which at the time had eight staff at one office on Queen’s Road […]
Supporting business and sport: HB&O sponsors Stefan Hill’s racing comeback
A world champion endurance motorbike racer from Coventry has made his return to Supersport racing with support from a regional accountancy firm. Stefan Hill is racing for Astro JJR HIPPO Suzuki in the British Supersport Championship, marking his return to the sport after specialising in endurance racing. The 26-year-old is a former World Endurance Cup […]