2026
September 16, 2026
We are delighted to unveil the new Alexander Knight & Co website, designed to better reflect our business, our people and the way we support clients in 2026 and beyond.
Developed and designed by Sugar PR, the new website represents a significant upgrade to our online presence while retaining the distinctive Alexander Knight & Co identity our clients have come to know.
Our familiar colour palette remains at the heart of the design, but it has been given a fresher, more contemporary treatment. Updated typography, stronger imagery and a bolder overall design help bring our people and personality to the forefront.
However, the project has been about much more than simply giving the website a new look.
The structure and content have been completely developed to make the site easier to navigate, more useful and more searchable for both existing clients and businesses considering working with us.
Visitors can now explore our full range of services more easily, understand the sectors and types of businesses we work with and get a much clearer picture of the expertise available across our growing team.
Our people are an important part of what makes Alexander Knight & Co different, so the new website also does a better job than ever before of introducing the brilliant individuals behind our firm.
It provides a stronger platform for our news, business advice and insights too, allowing us to continue publishing useful information about tax, accounting, Companies House changes, business growth and other issues affecting entrepreneurs and company directors.
Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co, said:
“Our business has evolved considerably over the years and we wanted a website that reflected where Alexander Knight & Co is today…but also where we are going next.
“It feels fresh and modern while still being recognisably us. More importantly, it makes it much easier for clients and prospective clients to understand what we do, meet the team and access useful information. We’re really pleased with the finished website and believe it provides a much stronger showcase for the firm.”
Pete Davies, founder of Sugar PR, said:
“Alexander Knight & Co already has a very distinctive identity, so the objective wasn’t to reinvent the brand. It was about evolving it and creating a digital presence that feels right for 2026 and beyond.
“We’ve retained the recognisable colourways while introducing fresher typography, bolder imagery and a much stronger structure for the content.
“The new website showcases the team and the breadth of expertise within the practice far more effectively, while also making it easier for people searching for accountancy advice to find relevant, useful information. It gives Alexander Knight & Co a really strong digital platform to build on over the coming years.”
Alexander Knight & Co is reminding company directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) to complete the new Companies House identity verification process as individual compliance dates begin to fall due.
Identity verification became a legal requirement from 18 November 2025, with Companies House introducing the changes over a 12-month transition period.
Once an individual has successfully verified their identity, Companies House issues them with a unique 11-character personal code.
For anybody becoming a new director, this code is now required as part of the appointment process. Existing directors are also being brought into the new system during 2026 and will need to provide their personal code as part of their company’s next confirmation statement.
People with Significant Control must also verify their identity and provide their code within the timeframe specified by Companies House.
For Alexander Knight & Co clients, there is an important practical point.
We undertake Companies House filings on behalf of many of the businesses we advise. Where a director or PSC has not yet provided us with their personal code, we may be unable to complete the relevant filing once their individual compliance date arrives.
If you have already completed the identity verification process, please send your 11-character code to your usual Alexander Knight & Co contact.
If you have not yet verified your identity, we recommend completing the process as soon as possible rather than waiting until a filing deadline is approaching.
Verification can be completed online through GOV.UK One Login using suitable identification, such as a biometric passport or UK photocard driving licence. Other verification routes are also available.
Kate Rowbottom at Alexander Knight & Co said:
“We are now contacting clients whose individual compliance dates are approaching and where we have not yet received their Companies House personal code.
“The important thing is not to leave it until the last minute. If you have already verified your identity, please send the code to us so that we have it ready for future Companies House filings.
“If you haven’t completed the process yet, we would encourage you to do so as soon as possible. If you experience any problems or are unsure what you need to do, please get in touch and we can help point you in the right direction.”
You can complete the Companies House identity verification process through the official GOV.UK service.
Already verified? Please send your 11-character Companies House personal code directly to Alexander Knight & Co so we can update our records.
Professional exams are an important part of becoming a Chartered Accountant. Here, we believe they should be only one part of a much wider learning experience.
Members of our team are currently progressing through professional accountancy training, including the highly regarded ICAEW ACA qualification.
Completing the ACA involves demanding technical study alongside practical work experience and professional development.
That combination is exactly why we place such an emphasis on supporting trainees both inside and outside the exam room.
Alexander Knight & Co is an accredited training employer and provides structured support for colleagues undertaking professional qualifications.
That includes support towards exam fees but equally importantly our trainees are able to put what they learn into practice with real clients. From relatively early in their careers, team members gain experience across accounts preparation, audit, tax and other areas of the practice, working alongside experienced colleagues and dealing with a diverse client base.
We do not want somebody to reach the end of their exams with excellent theoretical knowledge but little understanding of how an entrepreneurial business actually operates! Our trainees are also encouraged to develop the wider skills increasingly expected of modern accountants, including communication, teamwork, commercial awareness and the confidence to build strong relationships with clients.
Those skills complement the technical knowledge developed through professional study.
Alison Spier, Head of HR & Training at Alexander Knight & Co, said:
“The ICAEW exams are demanding and anybody progressing through them deserves recognition for the amount of work involved.
“Our role is to give trainees the support and practical experience they need alongside their studies. Passing exams is important, but ultimately, we want to develop rounded, confident professionals who understand clients and understand business.
“We take a personal interest in each trainee’s development and it is incredibly rewarding to see them progressing through their qualifications and taking on greater responsibility within the firm.”
Investment in trainees is also investment in the future of Alexander Knight & Co. We are proud to develop talented people at the start of their careers and give them the opportunity to build those careers right here in Hale.
The Chancellor will deliver the 2026 Autumn Budget on Wednesday 28 October, and speculation about what may (or may not!) be announced is already gathering pace.
For business owners, the sensible approach is to separate informed preparation from Budget rumour.
The economic backdrop means the Chancellor will be under pressure to balance the public finances while also creating the conditions businesses need to invest and grow.
So what will we be watching?
Capital Gains Tax is highest on the list. Our client base of entrepreneurs need stability and the ability to plan, so any changes affecting the rate of CGT will be closely scrutinised. Corporation Tax and Income Tax are also high on the list.
For entrepreneurs and company directors, changes affecting capital, pensions, investments or the taxation of business owners can influence major commercial and personal decisions.
We’ll also be watching for measures affecting business investment and any further developments in the Government’s wider programme of tax and Companies House reform.
As always, there will be plenty of speculation in the weeks leading up to 28 October.
Our advice ahead of any Budget is simple: do not make important financial decisions purely because of a newspaper headline or rumour.
Instead, understand your current position, know where potential exposure lies and consider different scenarios. Once the Chancellor has spoken and the detailed documents have been published, decisions can then be based on facts.
Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co, said:
“Every Budget produces weeks of speculation and inevitably some of it turns out to be wrong. What businesses need more than anything is stability and the confidence to invest, recruit and plan ahead.
“Our advice to clients is not to react to every headline. Use the period before the Budget to understand your numbers and identify where potential changes might affect you.
“Then, once we know exactly what has been announced, we can provide proper advice based on the detail.”
We’ll be following the Budget closely and will update our clients on the measures that matter to business owners following the Chancellor’s statement on 28 October.
Our involvement in MGI Worldwide will take members of the Alexander Knight & Co team to two very different destinations during the coming months – Auckland and Brighton.
As a member of the international accounting network, we regularly attend MGI events to exchange ideas, build relationships with fellow firms and keep up to date with developments affecting businesses around the world.
First up is the MGI Worldwide Global AGM in Auckland, New Zealand, taking place from 21–24 October 2026.
The event will bring together professionals from across MGI’s international network under the theme of Growth, Leadership and Change.
Sessions will explore some of the challenges and opportunities facing accountancy firms and their clients, while providing an opportunity to develop relationships with advisers operating in different international markets.
Then, closer to home, the MGI UK & Ireland Partners, Directors & Managers Conference will take place at The Grand in Brighton from 25–27 November.
The theme for this year’s conference is Trust – an especially relevant subject for the accountancy profession and the businesses we support.
These events build on a busy year of international activity for Alexander Knight & Co.
Earlier in 2026, members of our team took part in MGI events covering areas including leadership, audit, tax, client communication and the future of the profession.
Our membership of MGI Worldwide gives Alexander Knight & Co access to trusted professional contacts in almost 100 countries.
That means when one of our clients is expanding overseas, or an international business needs support establishing itself in the UK, we can connect them with people we know within the network.
Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co, said:
“Being part of MGI Worldwide gives an independent practice like ours genuine international reach.
“The conferences are valuable because they allow us to build relationships personally rather than simply looking up an accountant in another country when we need one.
“We also bring plenty of ideas and insight back to Hale. The profession and the needs of our clients are changing quickly, so maintaining those international connections is extremely valuable.”
We look forward to sharing more from Auckland and Brighton later this year.
September 2, 2026
Murray Patt, founder of Hale-based accountants Alexander Knight & Co, takes a look at the future of AI and what it means for business owners who have to manage robots in the workplace…
Artificial intelligence (AI) is currently seen as a useful tool for business owners to write emails, summarise documents or generate ideas. But the next wave of AI usage will be different.
Technology experts are increasingly talking about the rise of AI assistants. These are systems that won’t simply answer questions, but will be able to complete routine business tasks on your behalf.
Imagine asking an AI assistant to prepare your weekly sales report, chase overdue invoices, schedule meetings, compare supplier prices, monitor stock levels or even remind you about important deadlines. The likes of Chat GPT and Gemini already offer integrations that bolt into your existing administrative processes and it’s within this area we expect to see widespread adoption.
Rather than carrying out each task manually yourself, you’ll simply ask your AI platform what you need, review its work and decide what action to take. In many ways, AI is evolving from being a digital search tool into a practical business assistant. A robotic PA.
For small businesses in particular, this is a significant development.
Many owners spend valuable time dealing with administration instead of focusing on customers, growth and strategy. AI assistants have the potential to reduce some of that workload, helping businesses become more productive without necessarily increasing headcount.
Even small daily time savings can build up over a year, giving owners more time to focus on income-generating work and stronger customer relationships.
That doesn’t mean people become less important. Quite the opposite.
While AI may become increasingly capable of handling repetitive and time-consuming tasks, it can’t replace human judgement, creativity, experience or relationships.
Winning new clients, supporting employees, making tough decisions and building trust will remain firmly in human hands. AI can analyse information at remarkable speed, but it can’t understand people in the way that people understand each other.
In 2027, the businesses that are likely to benefit most from AI will not be those that try to replace people with technology. Instead, they will be those that manage AI to support their teams, freeing up time for higher-value work that only people can do.
Businesses that embrace AI thoughtfully are likely to find it becomes another tool that helps employees perform at their best, rather than a substitute for their skills.
The same has been true of previous technological advances. Cloud accounting software didn’t replace accountants – it changed the way we work, allowing us to spend less time processing information and more time providing valuable advice. AI is likely to follow a similar path.
For business owners, the message is simple: you don’t need to become an AI expert overnight. But it is worth keeping an eye on how these technologies develop and considering where they could make everyday operations more efficient.
Your next “team member” may not be another employee. It could be an AI assistant working alongside you and your staff, helping your business become more productive while allowing your people to focus on what they do best.
Contact Murray Patt directly via email: murray@alexanderknightaccountants.co.uk or call him on 0161 980 8788 to discuss his team becoming your new accountants.
September 1, 2026
Alexander Knight & Co has successfully achieved ESGmark® re-certification, reaffirming our commitment to environmental, social and governance best practice.
In a further measure of our progress, we has increased our overall assessment score from 72% at its initial certification to 87%.
The independently assessed certification recognises our firm’s continued progress across the three core areas of environmental responsibility, social impact and good governance.
Alexander Knight & Co originally became the first UK accountancy practice to achieve ESGmark® certification in 2022.
Our latest score represents a 15-percentage-point improvement and follows the submission of detailed evidence demonstrating how responsible practices have become embedded across our business.
A major factor behind the progress has been the formation of an internal ESG working group. Colleagues from across Alexander Knight & Co have been encouraged to identify worthwhile initiatives and then work together to implement them throughout the year.
The approach has helped move ESG beyond policies and commitments by giving staff an active role in deciding how the firm can make a practical difference to its workplace, local community and environment.
Among the group’s most visible initiatives has been Alexander Knight & Co’s ongoing work at Hale railway station. As an official sponsor of the station, the firm’s staff recently spent several days planning and carrying out improvement work, including painting, decorating, cleaning and tidying parts of the station.
The team also installed a bug hotel at the station to support biodiversity and provide a safe habitat for insects and pollinators.
The firm also supports City of Trees, the main charity and community forest movement dedicated to restoring green spaces across Greater Manchester.
Alison Spier, Head of HR & Training at Alexander Knight & Co, said:
“This is a fantastic result and reflects the sustained effort our team has put in since we achieved our original certification. Creating our internal ESG working group has made a major difference. Instead of ESG being something owned by one individual or discussed only at certain times of the year, our colleagues are actively identifying ideas, agreeing priorities and implementing initiatives together.
“That team approach has helped us maintain momentum throughout the year and embed ESG more firmly into the way we operate. Our work at Hale station is a good example. It has brought our colleagues together and enabled them to make a visible, practical contribution to the community in which we are based.
“Moving from 72% to 87% demonstrates that this collective effort is having a measurable impact. We have always been clear that ESG should not simply be a badge or a one-off exercise. It should influence how a business operates, how it treats people, how it supports its community and how it makes decisions.”
Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co, said:
“As accountants and business advisers, we also want to demonstrate to our clients that ESG does not need to be complicated or confined to large corporations.
“Owner-managed businesses can make achievable changes by involving their people, identifying practical opportunities and taking consistent action. We are pleased with our progress, but we recognise that ESG is an ongoing journey and our working group will continue looking for ways in which we can improve.”
Portia Patel, co-founder of ESGmark® added:
“The ESG-related progress made at Alexander Knight is really impressive and this is reflected in an improvement in the overall score to 87%, versus 72% in the initial certification. This is excellent progress and the whole team should feel very proud.”
ESGmark® certification is awarded following a structured assessment and verification process examining an organisation’s environmental, social and governance practices. Certified organisations must provide supporting evidence demonstrating that responsible business principles are reflected in their day-to-day activities.
August 11, 2026
We were delighted to swap calculators for paintbrushes when we volunteered to help improve Hale railway station.
Our colleagues spent several days planning and carrying out the work, including three days on site painting and decorating parts of the station, as well as sweeping, cleaning and tidying the surrounding areas. Pictured above (L-R) are Chloe Higginbottom, Jack Wareham, Alison Spier, Alastair Tough and Owen Li on the platform at Hale Station.
The volunteering forms part of Alexander Knight & Co’s wider environmental, social and governance (ESG) programme and follows the firm becoming an official sponsor of Hale Station last year.
With offices overlooking the railway and staff and clients regularly using Hale Station, the sponsorship reflects the firm’s close local ties and supports its continued upkeep and improvement alongside volunteers from the Friends of Hale Station.
(Colleagues Alastair Tough, Chloe Higginbottom and Owen Li of Alexander Knight & Co in Hale)
Previous initiatives have included refreshing displays celebrating the history of Hale Station and installing a bug hotel to support local biodiversity.
Alexander Knight & Co was the first accountancy firm in the UK to be awarded the ESGmark certification, a trusted and recognised standard that helps organisations evidence responsible business practices.
Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co, said:
“We are proud of our association with Hale station and wanted our support to involve more than simply putting our name on a sign. The station is an important part of our local community so it was great to get the team together, roll up our sleeves and make a practical contribution.”
Alison Spier, Head of HR & Training at Alexander Knight & Co, added:
“Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and there was a real sense of satisfaction in seeing the difference that a fresh coat of paint and some hard work could make. Supporting the community in which we live and work is important to us. We look forward to continuing to work alongside others passionate about the station and finding more ways to help.”
(Colleagues from Alexander Knight & Co at Hale station, 2026)
Opened in 1862, Hale station serves the Mid Cheshire line, providing connections to Manchester, Chester and destinations beyond.
Thank you to all our colleagues who took part. You did a brilliant job and we are proud of you for making such a positive impact on our local community. ❤️
August 4, 2026
We are delighted to have advised Gresham Wealth Management on its deal to join Equilibrium Financial Planning.
Founded in 1995 by the late Colin Lawson, Equilibrium is a Chartered financial planning firm based in Wilmslow, Cheshire, looking after around 1,400 clients and approximately £1.5bn in assets under management. The firm employs around 100 people across financial planning, investment management, client service and support.
Both businesses share a committed outlook on providing first-class client service, and a cultural alignment that makes this a positive merger for clients and staff alike.
Gresham’s entire team will become part of Equilibrium, while continuing to work from the Hale office, giving clients continuity of the same people, in the same place, with a wider range of services and specialist support behind them.
For Gresham, the move is about capacity rather than exit. Joining a larger, well invested business gives the team access to Equilibrium’s technology, financial planning and client service infrastructure, as well as its investment expertise.
It also gives e very member of staff more room to develop their career further.
Morven Millar, Director of Gresham thanked Alexander Knight & Co and said that our financial and transaction support helped the firm reach an outcome that works for clients and staff.
Morven Millar, Director at Gresham Wealth Management, commented:
“We could not have asked for a better outcome. It satisfies all of our long-term plans to deliver the best client outcomes in the most efficient way, while retaining every member of our team and giving them the chance to grow further in a high energy, dynamic company. In a world of fast-changing technology, this helps us achieve exactly that. I want to be clear that this is not a step back for any of us and our clients will continue to deal with the same familiar faces. What changes is what we can offer them.We have known Equilibrium for a long time, and we share the same instincts about how clients should be looked after. That is why this feels like the natural next chapter for the firm we’ve built.”
Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co, said:
“It was a pleasure to support the owners of our longstanding client Gresham Wealth Management on the sale of their business to Equilibrium. As specialists in this sector, we were able to ensure a smooth transaction throughout. We congratulate everyone involved and wish the business every success as part of the wider Equilibrium group.”
*Shortly after this deal concluded, we were saddened to hear of Colin Lawson’s passing. Colin kindly joined us for our Hale office launch party in 2018 and was wonderful company. He will be missed. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
June 11, 2026
With the football taking centre stage over the coming weeks, we’d like to take a moment to wish all of our clients, contacts and friends an enjoyable summer of sport.
Whether you’ll be cheering on England, supporting another nation, or simply enjoying the atmosphere and drama that major international tournaments always bring, we hope the weeks ahead provide plenty of memorable moments.
Football has a unique way of bringing people together. From family gatherings and pub gardens to office sweepstakes and friendly debates around the coffee machine, tournaments often create shared experiences that extend far beyond the pitch itself.
Of course, not everyone will be following the action quite so closely, but even the most casual fans can usually appreciate the excitement that comes with a summer of international football.
At Alexander Knight & Co, we’ll no doubt have a few differing opinions around the office as the tournament progresses, but one thing we can all agree on is that it’s a welcome opportunity to enjoy some well-earned downtime with friends, family and colleagues.
So, whichever team you’re supporting, wherever you’re watching from, and however far your chosen nation progresses, we hope you enjoy the next few weeks of football.
Here’s hoping for plenty of great matches, memorable goals and maybe even a little sporting success along the way.
Enjoy the tournament!
We are incredibly grateful to the many clients who take the time to leave reviews and share their experiences of working with our team.
We are particularly proud that many of the comments we receive mention the professionalism of our team, the quality of our advice and the personal relationships we build with clients over many years.
Murray Patt, Managing Director of Alexander Knight & Co, said:
“We genuinely appreciate every review that our clients leave. We know people are busy, so the fact that they take the time to share positive feedback means a great deal to everyone across the business.
“Our team works hard to provide a high level of service, and it’s always rewarding to hear that our efforts are making a difference. On behalf of everyone at Alexander Knight & Co, thank you for your continued support and kind words.”
Below, we’ve highlighted a selection of recent reviews from clients. We would like to thank each and every one of them for their feedback and for choosing Alexander Knight & Co as their trusted accountancy partner.
Peter Clarkson, Think Hire
“The team at Alexander Knight have been absolutely fantastic over the last 3.5 years. They have always been at the end of the phone for informal advice, and have been a true audit / business partner. I really value the service provided, and they take away any worries of compliance requirements, so that I can focus on the core business.”
David Gee, Dave Draws:
“We have been with Alexander Knight & Co since 2018 and I would highly recommend them. They have always been helpful and professional but also very approachable and open to answering any questions we may have. Murray and his entire team go above and beyond to provide a great service and have also given us valuable advice over the years.”
Joe Trueman, Premier Arches:
“Excellent service from the team at AK. They are attentive, listen to our needs and support us. The team respond fast, and their advice is very valuable to us.”
Michael Howe, SWH Property:
“Professional, reliable and on the money, all delivered in a friendly approachable manner.”
Emma Clarke, Emma Clarke:
“As ever, excellent service. Very highly recommended.”
Dan Masters, Mastery Associates:
“Murray and his team are brilliant. For over 10 years, I have had excellent service and prompt replies to any queries. Murray also has a way of making complex things simple to understand. Highly recommended.”
We are always looking for ways to improve the experience we provide to our clients and make it easier for businesses and individuals to access the advice and support they need.
That’s why we’re delighted to announce that work is well underway on a brand-new website, which we will he launching soon.
The new site is being developed in partnership with Manchester based Sugar PR and will provide a modern, user-friendly experience designed to better reflect the firm, our people and the services we offer.
While our current website has served us well, both technology and client expectations have evolved significantly in recent years. The new platform will offer improved functionality, easier navigation and a richer range of content aimed at helping clients stay informed about the latest tax, accounting and business developments.
Visitors can expect a fresh new design, enhanced mobile experience and easier access to the resources and insights that have become an important part of Alexander Knight & Co’s client offering.
Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co, said:
“We’re incredibly excited about the new website and what it will mean for our clients. As a firm, we’ve continued to evolve and grow, and we wanted our online presence to better reflect who we are today.
“The new site will make it easier for clients and prospective clients to learn about our services, access useful business information and connect with our team. It will also provide a stronger platform for sharing insights and advice that can help businesses make better-informed decisions.”
Pete Davies, of Sugar PR in Manchester, said:
“Alexander Knight & Co has built an outstanding reputation over more than a decade so it’s important that the new website reflects both the professionalism of the firm and the personality of the people behind it.
“The new site has been designed to enhance visibility and showcase the breadth of expertise within the business while making it easier for clients and prospective clients to access useful information and advice. We’re excited to see the finished website go live and believe it will provide a strong foundation for the firm’s continued growth in the years ahead.”
We’ll be sharing further updates in the coming weeks and look forward to unveiling the finished site soon. Watch this space!
