news
The latest news and business insights from Consilium Chartered Accountants.
insights
Insights and advice from Consilium Chartered Accountants.
News
INSIGHTS
How to deal with an HMRC investigation
19th MAY 2025
Facing an investigation into personal or business tax affairs? Tax expert Craig Coyle offers tips on how to deal with an HMRC investigation ...
INSIGHTS
Cash flow management for business expansion
13th MAY 2025
Cash flow management is challenging for small and medium-sized businesses at any time. It is especially the case when you are trying to scal ...
CLIENTS
Start-up to exit: how Consilium helped Andrew Chandler and RDM become a global success story
12th MAY 2025
Andrew Chandler is one of Consilium’s most successful entrepreneurial clients. Having founded Resource Data Management (RDM) in 2000, he bui ...
INSIGHTS
Tax Tip Tuesday: Benefits-in-kind
5th MAY 2025
Are you an employer who provides benefits-in-kind to your staff? If yes, and the benefit-in-kind has not been payrolled, a P11D form mu ...
INSIGHTS
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax | Insights
30th APR 2025
His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed its intention to implement Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Self-Assessment fr ...
PEOPLE
The Consilium Edge: Year Two
29th APR 2025
Developing and launching a bespoke personal and professional development programme is a huge achievement for a small professional services f ...
DEALS
Consilium advises AGR Hospitality in the acquisition of Stirling’s historic Golden Lion Hotel
28th APR 2025
Consilium Chartered Accountants are delighted to have provided corporate finance advisory and tax advisory services to AGR Hospitality (Stir ...
INSIGHTS
UK Double cab pick-up tax changes | Insight
25th APR 2025
Double cab pick-up tax treatment for company vehicles in the UK is changing. Tax expert Kirsty Boal looks at what businesses need to do now ...
DEALS
Consilium provides lead advisory to Cleartech Group as it acquires ECB (Water Solutions)
15th APR 2025
Consilium Chartered Accountants are delighted to have provided lead advisory and tax due diligence services to Cleartech Group for the acqui ...
INSIGHTS
Top tax strategies for SMEs
9th APR 2025
Before President Trump’s game of tariff bingo kicked off, the top item of UK business news was the changes to Employers’ National Insurance ...
DEALS
Consilium serve up tasty advice for the shareholders of PJs Foods in their sale to Tiffin Sandwiches
8th APR 2025
Consilium Chartered Accountants have provided full lead advisory services to PJs Foods Limited in their sale to Tiffin Sandwiches. Glasgow-b ...
INSIGHTS
Tax Tip Tuesday: Corporation Tax instalment payments
31st MAR 2025
Large companies with annual taxable profits between £1.5 million and £20 million must pay their Corporation Tax electronically in instalment ...
INSIGHTS
How to access funding to grow your business
10th MAR 2025
Recently, I returned from my annual ski holiday, where I was reminded of the similarities between riding the slopes and navigating the world ...
CASE STUDY
Consilium help Travelnest secure £2m R&D grant
7th MAR 2025
The ability to capitalise on the vast potential of AI and automation in the hospitality sector requires resources, and resources require fun ...
INSIGHTS
Tax Tip Tuesday: Tax year end planning checklist
3rd MAR 2025
As the 2024/25 tax year ends on 5 April 2025, individuals may wish to consider some tax planning before the tax year end date, including*: * ...
INSIGHTS
Is your business ready for the increased cost of employment?
25th FEB 2025
The conclusion of the tax year in April is a busy time for UK businesses. This year is no exception and is further complicated by a raft of ...
INSIGHTS
Does your business need a statutory Audit?
24th FEB 2025
With Audit thresholds changing this year and greater scrutiny of business finances, Associate Director Andrew McKay answers: does your busin ...
INSIGHTS
What UK tax reliefs are available to companies?
12th FEB 2025
As cost pressures continue to challenge business growth, understanding the tax reliefs available to companies has become essential. In this ...
PEOPLE
Consilium join forces with Dains Group
6th FEB 2025
Consilium Chartered Accountants have joined Dains Group as part of a drive to become the leading SME advisory business in Scotland. The acqu ...
INSIGHTS
Exit planning: a guide to the critical stages of business growth from start-up to exit
5th FEB 2025
In the conclusion to her three-part series, Corporate Finance Director Siobhan Moore takes a closer look at exit planning as the final stage ...
INSIGHTS
Tax Tip Tuesday: Rental property allowable repairs
4th FEB 2025
Good news from HMRC about rental property allowable repairs… HMRC recently confirmed that replacing a boiler with a new equivalent is ...
INSIGHTS
Scaling a business: a guide to the critical stages of business growth from start-up to exit
28th JAN 2025
Even seasoned entrepreneurs find it challenging to navigate the stages of business growth successfully. In this three-part series, Corporate ...
INSIGHTS
A guide to the critical stages of business growth from start-up to exit – part one
20th JAN 2025
Navigating the stages of business growth from start-up to exit is both exhilarating and complex. Consilium Chartered Accountants have been h ...
INSIGHTS
Lease accounting changes to UK GAAP coming in 2026
13th JAN 2025
For accounting periods starting after 1 January 2026, significant changes to lease accounting in the UK are in the pipeline. The changes to ...
INSIGHTS
Tax Tip Tuesday: Self-Assessment Tax return deadline is looming…
8th JAN 2025
The clock is ticking down to the deadline for submitting your Self-Assessment Tax return online and paying your Tax liability… The dea ...
INSIGHTS
UK company size thresholds for statutory Audits are changing. Is your business ready?
16th DEC 2024
Audit Director Brian Thomson summarises the new regulations increasing UK company size thresholds for statutory audits, effective from 6 Apr ...
INSIGHTS
2024 Scottish Budget largely avoids controversy
12th DEC 2024
Consilium Tax partner Craig Coyle summarises the 2024 Scottish Budget and highlights the key lessons for business owners and high-net-worth ...
INSIGHTS
Tax Tip Tuesday: Annual function tax exemption
2nd DEC 2024
Don’t let a surprise tax bill ruin the Christmas party! Often (incorrectly) known as the “Christmas party exemption”, the annual function ta ...
PEOPLE
Consilium appoints new Director as Corporate Finance team expands
26th NOV 2024
Today, Consilium Chartered Accountants announced the arrival of Siobhan Moore as Corporate Finance Director. Following another year of growt ...
INSIGHTS
Exit planning and the Autumn Budget: should you buy before you sell?
25th NOV 2024
In the final part of our series, Linzi Wilson analyses the impact of the 2024 Autumn Budget on business owners planning to exit a business i ...
INSIGHTS
Planning to exit a business in the next 3-5 years? Stick to the plan
19th NOV 2024
In part two of our three-part series, Corporate Finance partner Linzi Wilson considers the impact of the Autumn 2024 Budget on business owne ...
PEOPLE
Consilium collaborates with Andersen Global
19th NOV 2024
Andersen Global strengthens its coverage in the United Kingdom through a Collaboration Agreement with Scotland-based Consilium Chartered Acc ...
INSIGHTS
Exit planning and the Autumn Budget: why some business owners should consider selling now
13th NOV 2024
In the first of a three-part series, Linzi Wilson looks at the impact of the 2024 Autumn Budget on Exit planning for business owners. This w ...
PEOPLE
Consilium strengthens senior team with 13 promotions
5th NOV 2024
Consilium Chartered Accountants have today announced a total of 13 promotions, across all levels of the business following another successfu ...
INSIGHTS
Tax Tip Tuesday: Trivial benefits exemption
5th NOV 2024
The trivial benefits exemption may allow employers to give employees tax-free non-cash rewards of up to £50 each. Employees can receive mult ...
INSIGHTS
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment – November 2024 update
1st NOV 2024
Associate Director Martin Kerr provides an update on Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment and HMRC’s expanded plans for a pilot ...
INSIGHTS
2024 Autumn Budget: Capital Gains rumour turns out to be true (sort of)
1st NOV 2024
Consilium Tax partner Craig Coyle dissects UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s 2024 Autumn Budget and highlights the key lessons for business owne ...
PEOPLE
From Tax returns to the dance floor: meet the Accountant who’s a Dancing star
17th OCT 2024
At Consilium, we love celebrating the successes of our team members and showcasing their interests outside of work. In our latest People ins ...
INSIGHTS
Time to top-up gaps in your National Insurance payments
8th OCT 2024
UK citizens have less than six months to address gaps in their National Insurance (NI) records, stretching back to 2006, to potentially boos ...
INSIGHTS
Top 10 tips for implementing Cloud Accounting
4th OCT 2024
We’re not afraid to bang the drum for Cloud Accounting. The benefits, advantages and cost savings speak for themselves when it comes to owne ...
INSIGHTS
Tax Tip Tuesday: Decontaminated land costs
1st OCT 2024
Expenditure incurred when decontaminating acquired land impacted by industrial use can attract enhanced company tax reliefs. This includes c ...
PEOPLE
What to expect as a Consilium Graduate trainee
23rd SEP 2024
As our Graduate recruitment drive continues, Senior Manager Andrew McKay gives us a flavour of what it is like to join Consilium as a Gradua ...
INSIGHTS
Capital Gains Tax, Oasis and reading the tea leaves
3rd SEP 2024
Ahead of the Autumn 2024 budget announcement, Tax partner Craig Coyle has been reading the tea leaves, pondering the future of Capital Gains ...
INSIGHTS
How can SMEs retain and attract the right talent?
16th AUG 2024
When people are your biggest asset, it can be tough for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to compete with other firms for talent. Car ...
INSIGHTS
When Tax is taxing: understanding the 2023/24 UK tax reporting requirements
7th AUG 2024
If HMRC informs you that you do not need to send a Self-Assessment tax return, it might suggest that you have no tax to pay. However, many U ...
INSIGHTS
Acquisitions for business growth: a guide to the upsides and risks
22nd JUL 2024
Acquisition has always been a potential path to business growth but one that is not short of associated risks. In our latest insight Corpora ...
DEALS
Consilium advises Di Maggio’s Restaurant Group on Paesano and Sugo acquisitions
4th JUN 2024
Consilium Chartered Accountants have provided lead advisory and financial due diligence services to Di Maggio’s Restaurant Group (DRG) in th ...
INSIGHTS
Charities report: the 2024/25 financial outlook for charities
30th MAY 2024
Following the release of our 2024 Charities Report*, Associate Director Brian Thomson examines the financial outlook for charities in Scotla ...
INSIGHTS
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment – May 2024 update
21st MAY 2024
Associate Director Martin Kerr provides an update on Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment and highlights the value of consideri ...
INSIGHTS
Electric cars: the tax pros & cons of going fully electric
20th MAY 2024
Businesses offering company electric cars have enjoyed significant tax benefits to date. However, as the tax treatment of electric cars in t ...
DEALS
Consilium advises Hamilton Robertson on acquisition by Greenwood Moreland
14th MAY 2024
Owner-managed business specialists, Consilium Chartered Accountants have provided Corporate Finance and Tax advisory services to Hamilton Ro ...
INSIGHTS
Auditors: the misunderstood referees of Accounting
13th MAY 2024
The role of an Auditor, much like a sports referee, is often maligned and misunderstood. Both, however, are essential to the success of thei ...
PEOPLE
How to start a career as a Chartered Accountant
29th APR 2024
Are you considering a career as a Chartered Accountant but unsure where to start? Our Audit Associate Director Brian Thomson was a panellist ...
INSIGHTS
The risks of working with inaccurate financial data
25th APR 2024
Accurate financial data is the bedrock of business success, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). Business Services Ass ...
DEALS
Consilium advise Cofficient on successful transition to Employee Ownership
16th APR 2024
Scottish accountancy and business advisory firm Consilium Chartered Accountants have advised Cofficient on the successful transition to empl ...
INSIGHTS
Self-assessment: why tax returns are still taxing
15th APR 2024
Personal Tax expert Joyce Fleming delves into the archives to look at what came before self-assessment tax returns and asks if the current s ...
DEALS
Consilium advises EDC Group on their successful transition to Employee Ownership
10th APR 2024
Consilium Chartered Accountants are delighted to have advised EDC Group on the successful transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). G ...
INSIGHTS
Minimum Wage and Living Wage increases are coming
26th MAR 2024
For business owners, April 1st heralds changes to pay rates for all employees but especially young employees. The National Minimum Wage and ...
INSIGHTS
Budget 2024: winners and losers
8th MAR 2024
In every UK Budget, as in life, there are winners and losers. For every person out living the high life celebrating a big lottery win, there ...
CASE STUDY
Deep dive: how Consilium helped Caldive unlock their business potential
26th FEB 2024
In the world of maritime services and deep-sea diving, precision and data are paramount. Ross-shire-based Caldive Limited found themselves f ...
PEOPLE
Consilium and the ICAS Foundation join forces to boost diversity in Accountancy
20th FEB 2024
Imagine an accountancy profession that is socially diverse and open to all. That is the ambitious vision driving a new partnership between C ...
INSIGHTS
Payrolling of employer provided benefits: is your business ready?
12th FEB 2024
Are you a UK business owner grappling with mountains of paperwork? Brace yourself, because your benefits administration is about to get a di ...
INSIGHTS
Perplexing Payroll: why businesses are choosing Payroll outsourcing
5th FEB 2024
Payroll. The mere mention of it can send shivers down the spines of even the most seasoned business owners and financial controllers. Ever-c ...
INSIGHTS
UK Company Law: big changes coming in March 2024
29th JAN 2024
Big changes to UK Company Law are coming in March 2024 that will impact businesses of all sizes. Accounting and Business Services Associate ...
CASE STUDY
Consilium secure £450k grant for James Scott and Sons
23rd JAN 2024
When James Scott and Sons were introduced to Consilium Chartered Accountants, they faced two challenges: how to fund a move to new premises ...
DEALS
Consilium provides FDD services as Smedvig Capital invests in Sweden’s Minut AB
12th DEC 2023
Consilium Chartered Accountants are delighted to have provided financial due diligence services to Smedvig Capital as they invest in the Swe ...
PEOPLE
Defining values, decoding colours: the Consilium brand story
6th DEC 2023
Clients, friends and interested observers will have noticed some changes at Consilium Chartered Accountants recently. A refreshed brand iden ...
INSIGHTS
2023 Autumn Statement commentary
24th NOV 2023
As a result of an ill-considered poll on LinkedIn earlier this week, our 2023 Autumn Statement commentary will have the theme of TV quiz sho ...
PEOPLE
Consilium strengthens senior team with internal promotions
14th NOV 2023
Glasgow-based Consilium Chartered Accountants have strengthened their senior management team with a round of internal promotions. Having rec ...
PEOPLE
What is it like to be a Consilium Graduate trainee?
19th SEP 2023
When it comes to deciding where to begin your Chartered Accountancy career after graduation, there are plenty of options. While graduate tra ...
INSIGHTS
Investment opportunities unlocked: navigating the Enterprise Investment Scheme
11th SEP 2023
The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) is an important UK tax relief, particularly at a time when companies may struggle to borrow from bank ...
INSIGHTS
The cost savings of using Cloud Accounting
4th SEP 2023
Scottish small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) face many challenges, and one of the most significant is managing their finances. Traditio ...
DEALS
Consilium advises shareholders of JWF Process Solutions on Nevis Capital buy-in
22nd AUG 2023
Glasgow-based engineering firm JWF Process Solutions has secured a significant investment from Nevis Capital. The deal, which was advised by ...
INSIGHTS
The importance of industry experience in financial due diligence
16th AUG 2023
Undertaking financial due diligence is a fundamental step in the process of selling a business. This comprehensive review of a company’s fin ...
INSIGHTS
The benefits of financial due diligence
7th AUG 2023
Buying a business is expensive; both in monetary terms and in the management time required to execute a deal. However, as Corporate Finance ...
DEALS
Consilium advises Martin Precision as business transfers to Employee Ownership Trust
3rd AUG 2023
Precision engineering business Martin Precision Ltd has transferred to employee ownership thanks to advice and support from Consilium Charte ...
INSIGHTS
The benefits of Cloud Accounting for UK small businesses
4th JUL 2023
Small business owners often wear many hats, from CEO to office manager, and everything in between. One of the most important roles is the ac ...
PEOPLE
Netball star with a head for numbers aims for World Cup glory
26th JUN 2023
With a plane ticket to South Africa for the 2023 Netball World Cup in her pocket, Consilium CA trainee and Scotland goal shooter Beth Goodwi ...
DEALS
Consilium provides FDD to Smedvig Capital for €6m investment in EdgeTier
19th JUN 2023
Consilium Chartered Accountants have supported Smedvig Capital in the successful completion of a €6 million investment round into EdgeTier, ...
DEALS
Consilium advises shareholders of Lothian Building Supplies on disposal to JW Grant
14th JUN 2023
Owner-managed business specialists, Consilium Chartered Accountants have provided lead and tax advisory services to the shareholders of Loth ...
INSIGHTS
This is why an external audit is good for your business
9th JUN 2023
“An external audit is good for your business”. Chartered accountants get a range of responses when they say this alternating between suspici ...
INSIGHTS
Succession and tax planning for family businesses
31st MAY 2023
Succession and tax planning for family businesses can be complex issues to navigate. It is essential for family business owners to have a cl ...
INSIGHTS
What are the accounting and tax implications of providing employee benefits?
30th MAY 2023
As a UK business owner, it is essential to understand the accounting principles and tax implications of providing employee benefits. Offerin ...
DEALS
ThinCats choose Consilium for FDD as part of Dot Surveying deal
11th MAY 2023
Consilium Chartered Accountants have provided financial due diligence (FDD) services to ThinCats Group as part of the sale of Dot Surveying ...
INSIGHTS
Taxable expenses and benefits: a guide for UK business owners
11th MAY 2023
Calculating and reporting taxable expenses and benefits for employees can be time-consuming and complex for business owners. In this article ...
INSIGHTS
Tax implications of leasing vs buying equipment
5th MAY 2023
While both options have pros and cons, it is crucial to understand the tax implications of leasing vs buying equipment as Consilium Tax expe ...
DEALS
Consilium provide FDD to Foresight Group for £4m investment in Firefish Software
3rd MAY 2023
Glasgow-based Consilium Chartered Accountants have provided financial due diligence services to Foresight Group in respect of their £4m inve ...
INSIGHTS
The role of Management Accounting in strategic decision making
24th APR 2023
Management accounting is a vital tool that helps businesses to make informed decisions based on financial data. It involves the collection, ...
INSIGHTS
6 Inheritance Tax planning mistakes to avoid
18th APR 2023
Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning is an essential part of estate planning for high-net-worth business owners and entrepreneurs in the UK. When ...
INSIGHTS
UK land and property disposals and Capital Gains Tax
17th APR 2023
Capital Gains Tax is a complex topic at the best of times. When it comes to UK land and property disposals it is even more so. In our latest ...
INSIGHTS
Insights: Spring Budget 2023 commentary
22nd MAR 2023
The Chancellor’s alliterative theme of the Spring Budget 2023 was the four E’s of Enterprise, Employment, Education and Everywhere. Such ent ...
INSIGHTS
Insight: UK Chancellor’s 2023 spring budget
15th MAR 2023
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt went one better than 4 of his 5 predecessors today in that he delivered a Budget. Consilium Tax partner Craig Coyle o ...
DEALS
Consilium advise Electric Heating Company on £3.8m investment
16th FEB 2023
SME specialists Consilium Chartered Accountants have provided corporate finance and tax advisory services to the Electric Heating Company (E ...
INSIGHTS
Time to plan for the end of capital expenditure super deductions?
15th FEB 2023
Since 1 April 2021, so-called tax ‘super deductions’ have been available on qualifying spend on plant or machinery. With super deductions du ...
INSIGHTS
Investors’ Relief: the forgotten million-pound opportunity?
14th FEB 2023
For Consilium’s latest insight, Craig Coyle looks at the frequently overlooked Investor’s Relief and the tax benefits it can offer to invest ...
INSIGHTS
A short guide to Employee Ownership Trusts
17th JAN 2023
When it comes to business disposals, an increasingly popular option is the Employee Ownership Trust. Corporate Finance Partner Linzi Wilson ...
INSIGHTS
Rising interest rates make late tax payments more costly
9th JAN 2023
Rising interest rates are a challenge for businesses at any point. However, as Tax specialist Duncan McKellar explains they are a major issu ...
INSIGHTS
Government delays digital Income Tax Self Assessment for self-employed
21st DEC 2022
The UK government announced this week a significant change to Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Self Assessment. Self-employed individ ...
INSIGHTS
Insight: HMRC’s new VAT penalty regime and the increased cost of non-compliance
15th DEC 2022
As VAT specialist Martin Kerr outlines in Consilium’s latest insight report, late submission or payment is about to become a lot more costly ...
INSIGHTS
Insight: in a time of rising costs, knowing your breakeven point is essential
6th DEC 2022
Our latest insight comes from Accounts and Business Services Partner Derek Shaw as he highlights why business owners need to know their brea ...
PEOPLE
Redefining our values (with a bit of help from Scottish Athletics and Gregor Townsend)
22nd NOV 2022
How can the culture of a company be defined? Are company values just a nice thing to have or critical for business success? Tricky questions ...
INSIGHTS
The Autumn Statement: less growth, more plan?
21st NOV 2022
Consilium Tax Partner Craig Coyle takes a deep dive into the UK Chancellor’s Autumn Statement and the implications for taxpayers and b ...
INSIGHTS
Tax insight: UK Autumn statement 2022
17th NOV 2022
The UK Chancellor today – 17 November 2022 – delivered his Autumn Statement, in effect a Budget aimed at repairing the damage do ...
PEOPLE
Senior management promotions announced by Consilium Chartered Accountants
9th NOV 2022
Scottish firm Consilium Chartered Accountants have announced a round of internal promotions that will further enhance the company’s prospect ...
PEOPLE
Dual careers: win on Sunday, study on Monday
7th NOV 2022
Ever wondered with it’s like to be a professional sportsperson while holding down a full-time job? All while sitting some of the toughest pr ...
DEALS
Consilium advise Instinctive BI on sale to Version 1
1st NOV 2022
Glasgow-based firm Consilium Chartered Accountants have provided corporate finance and tax advisory services to Instinctive BI as part of th ...
INSIGHTS
Family Investment Company: pass on wealth, keep control & minimise tax
12th OCT 2022
This month’s insight comes from Consilium Tax Partner Craig Coyle as he examines thebenefits of a Family Investment Company, as part of Inhe ...
PEOPLE
Anne McCulloch joins Consilium as Senior Tax Manager
11th OCT 2022
Consilium Chartered Accountants are delighted to announce that Anne McCulloch has joined the firm from RSM. Taking up the role of Senior Tax ...
INSIGHTS
Insight: UK Chancellor’s Growth Plan mini-budget – September 2022
23rd SEP 2022
Billed as the Government’s response to soaring energy costs and inflation, Consilium Chartered Accountants Tax Partner Craig Coyle ass ...
DEALS
Consilium advise Panoramic Growth Equity on investment in Aluminium & Plastics Systems
6th SEP 2022
Consilium Chartered Accountants are delighted to have provided financial due diligence services to Panoramic Growth Equity as part of their ...
DEALS
Consilium advise Campbell Thomson Insurance Services on sale to Verso Wealth Management
22nd AUG 2022
Consilium Chartered Accountants recently provided corporate finance and tax advisory services to Campbell Thomson Insurance Services Limited ...
PEOPLE
Consilium Q&A: Beth Goodwin, Scotland netballer
2nd AUG 2022
As the 2022 Commonwealth Games continue in Birmingham, we caught up with our colleague, CA trainee and netballer Beth Goodwin for a chat abo ...
PEOPLE
Consilium’s star student goes for gold at Birmingham 2022
25th JUL 2022
On the eve of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Consilium trainee and netball star Beth Goodwin shared her thoughts on representing Scotland and ...
PEOPLE
Craig Coyle joins Consilium Chartered Accountants as Tax Partner
19th JUL 2022
Consilium Chartered Accountants are delighted to announce the appointment of Craig Coyle as Tax Partner. Joining the existing Partner team, ...
