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Coffee with…Alison Spier

We are pleased to be an accountancy practice with a reputation for nurturing top-tier talent. With a hands-on approach to training, direct mentorship from senior accountants, and a diverse range of entrepreneurial clients, it’s an exciting place to build a career in accountancy.

But what really sets Alexander Knight & Co apart?

To find out, we sat down with Alison Spier, our Head of HR & Training, over coffee at Nostro, the first-class local cafe just yards from our office in the heart of Hale.

Q: Alison, Alexander Knight & Co has a strong reputation for its graduate trainee programme. What makes it so unique?

Alison:

It’s all about hands-on experience. We don’t believe in just keeping trainees at their desks, doing theoretical work or tucked away in an obscure department like many other firms. From the outset, they get real exposure to client accounts, tax planning, audits – you name it. And crucially, our senior accountants take a personal interest in their development. Each trainee gets a mentor onsite here in our Grade A office to guide them every step of the way.

 

Q: That sounds quite different from a lot of the big firms, where trainees can feel like just a number.

Alison:

Exactly! We’re not a corporate machine churning out accountants. We genuinely care about developing individuals. The training and support is bespoke for each person, tailored to their strengths and ambitions. Some might find they love working with start-ups, others might be drawn to tax strategy or offsite audits. We help them find their niche and help them to propel their career with us in accountancy.

Q: Do you only recruit people with finance or business degrees?

Alison:

Not at all. What we are really looking for is intellectual curiosity about business and finance. Some of our best trainees have come from backgrounds in maths, engineering, even history. If someone has an analytical mind, enjoys problem-solving, and has a genuine interest in how businesses operate, they could be a great fit.

Q: So, attitude and mindset matter more than a specific degree?

Alison:

Absolutely. We can teach someone how to read a balance sheet. What we can’t teach is that natural curiosity and drive to understand how businesses work. A positive, professional and enthusiastic attitude to everything is what we’re really looking for in people.

Q: Alexander Knight & Co is part of MGI Worldwide. What does that mean for trainees and senior staff?

Alison:

It opens up incredible opportunities. MGI Worldwide connects us with firms in over 100 countries, which means our team – both trainees and senior leaders can gain international experience, build global networks, and develop skills beyond what they’d get in a typical accountancy practice.

Many of our team members have had the chance to travel to international conferences, meet peers from different countries, and even work on cross-border projects. For trainees, this exposure is invaluable it helps them understand how business operates on a global scale and expands their professional network early in their careers.

It’s great for personal development too. Travelling, meeting new people, and working in different cultural and business environments builds confidence and adaptability. It’s not just about technical skills; it’s about growing as a professional.

Q: Hale seems like a fantastic place to work. What’s the appeal?

Alison:

Hale is a brilliant place to build your career. It has that village charm but with a really entrepreneurial spirit. There are so many exciting businesses here from tech start-ups to boutique brands and our clients reflect that. You’ve also got amazing restaurants, independent shops, and easy access to Manchester including the airport for international travel.

Q: The client base seems incredibly interesting at Alexander Knight & Co.

Alison:

It is! One day, you’re helping a local hospitality brand refine their financial strategy: the next, you’re advising a fast-growing tech firm on scaling their business, the next you’ll be auditing an international business. Our clients are ambitious, creative, successful – and they really value our input. That makes the work so much more rewarding.

Q: We know that Alexander Knight & Co looks for people who share its core values. What are those?

Alison:

First, integrity. Our clients trust us with their businesses, so we need to be honest, reliable, and always act in their best interests. Second, collaboration. Accountancy isn’t a solo sport we work closely as a team, and our best people are those who thrive in that environment. There’s a real buzz in our office. Our team is constantly bouncing ideas off each other, learning from one another, and sharing insights. Thirdly growth – which is crucial when you’re training.  Ultimately, we have a holistic approach to training – we support the whole person to grow professionally, personally and in terms of providing them with future career opportunities.

As an accredited training provider it means our people get structured, recognised training that puts them on the best possible career path. We support trainees through their qualifications whether that’s AAT, ICAEW or ACCA, covering exam fees and study materials. But beyond that, we give them the practical experience that makes a real difference. Some firms focus purely on the academic side, but we make sure our trainees gain practical skills too. By the time they qualify, they’re not just accountants they are confident professionals who understand business.

If you are eager to learn, excited by business, and want to be part of a team that genuinely cares about your development, then this is the place for you.

You’ll get hands-on experience, real mentorship, and the chance to work with incredible clients. It’s not just about becoming an accountant it’s about shaping a career that’s meaningful and fulfilling.

FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT OUR GRADUATE TRAINEE PROGRAMME AND OUR CURRENT VACANCIES CLICK HERE.

 

 

 

 

 

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Debrief from our traip to Lisbon with MGI Worldwide

Greg, Chloe and Dan have returned to the office today eager to share their professional learnings after an inspiring and successful trip to Lisbon, Portugal. 
 
The MGI Talent Meeting was a collaborative event organised by MGI Europe and MGI UK & Ireland with strong support from the MGI Global team. It was more than just a gathering. For ten years, this event has brought together bright minds from across the  network, fostering international connections that enrich both personal growth and career success.

The meeting was dedicated to celebrating commitment to the profession and demonstrating the strength of the collective talent in the MGI membership. 

Alison Spier, Head of HR and Training at Alexander Knight & Co, said: 

“This was a unique opportunity for our trainees to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and explore inspiring topics with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

“We know that Greg, Chloe and Dan enjoyed the network-building opportunities, insightful discussions on professional issues and had an enriching and fun experience in one of Europe’s greatest cities. 

“We are all looking forward to them sharing their insights across our team in the coming weeks and months here in our practice.” 

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Why selling your business now can make perfect sense

Changes to the tax rules introduced in the latest Budget have seen a large number of entrepreneurs planning to exit their business to take advantage of current rates before they leap up from April 2025.

We have seen the same with clients bringing forward their plans to exit. There is a clear window of opportunity to consider and we are seeing plenty of action here.

The Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) rates are going up in April, so entrepreneurs considering an exit should note this. Until the 5th of April 2025, BADR rates remain at 10% although the standard rate of capital gains tax has increased from 20% to 24%. From 5th April 2025 the BADR rate increases to 14%, with a further increase to 18% for the 2026-27 tax year. We are seeing a rise in business sales as people aim to secure the current lower rates.

If you’re planning to exit soon, it might be worth accelerating those plans to lock in the better tax treatment while you can. But of course, careful planning here is essential and this is where our team can help.

If you are looking to sell your business and take advantage of the current lower rate of tax contact Murray Patt immediately so we can guide you on the process.

 

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Chloe, Dan and Greg fly to Lisbon

Members of our team are heading to Lisbon, Portugal to further develop their skills as part of the MGI Talent Group. We  see it as a great opportunity for our colleagues to learn, connect, and grow with their European peers.

The MGI Talent Meeting is a collaborative event organised by MGI Europe and MGI UK & Ireland with strong support from the MGI Global team, is more than just a gathering. For nine years, this event has brought together bright minds from across our network, fostering international connections that enrich both personal growth and career success.

Taking place in February in Lisbon, the Talent Meeting is dedicated to celebrating our commitment to the profession and demonstrating the strength of our collective talent. This is a unique opportunity to connect with our peers, exchange ideas, and explore inspiring topics with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

We are confident that Chloe, Dan and Greg will enjoy the network-building opportunities, insightful discussions on professional issues and have an enriching and fun experience in one of Europe’s greatest cities.

 

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UK company size ‘thresholds’ to increase

The government has announced measures to “cut complexity and reduce the reporting burden on companies” which it estimates will result in around 113,000 companies and LLPs moving from the small to micro-entity category, 14,000 moving from medium-sized to small and 6,000 moving from large to medium-sized.

 

April 2026 year-end’s will be able to follow the rules first, although there is some potential planning available for clients to take early advantage of the changes – please contact us to discuss further.

Companies able to move down a size category will be entitled to the accompanying reduction in reporting and audit requirements.

For entities moving into the small entities regime, the impact will be significant. They will be exempt from the requirement to have a statutory audit of their annual accounts (subject to implications of group membership) and from producing a Strategic Report. They will also be able to take advantage of simpler accounting requirements. Those moving to the micro entities regime will additionally be exempt from producing a Directors’ Report and certain ‘sensitive’ disclosures.

You can find more details on the excellent ICAEW website here or speak to Murray or Kate at Alexander Knight & Co.

 

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Alexander Knight & Co delivers 100% (of tax returns) again!

The January tax deadline is often a source of stress for many individuals and businesses, but this year, we are pleased to confirm that yet again, all of our clients who provided their information to us saw their tax returns filed on time.

This highlights our commitment to providing seamless and reliable service, ensuring our clients can focus on their priorities without worrying about tax compliance.

Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co, said:

“We’re always pleased to take the hassle away from our clients during the busy January rush. Filing tax returns can be daunting, but our team’s dedication and expertise ensured that every client met their obligations without any last-minute panic.

“A huge well done to our team who delivered yet again. Their hard work and dedication are what makes us stand out. They went above and beyond to ensure each client’s tax affairs were handled with the utmost care and professionalism.”

From early planning to meticulous follow-ups, our professional team in Hale worked tirelessly to ensure everything was completed efficiently and accurately. The high-pressure environment of the January filing season can be challenging, but our team’s collaborative spirit and problem-solving mindset once again delivered outstanding results.

The success of this year’s tax filing season is not just a reflection of our technical expertise but also of the trust our clients place in us. By entrusting their tax compliance to Alexander Knight & Co our clients can rest easy knowing that their tax affairs are in safe hands.

Our proactive approach, combined with a focus on building strong client relationships, ensures that we stay ahead of the curve and deliver value at every step. We want to thank our clients for their trust and our incredible team for their unwavering dedication.

Here’s to another successful year of taking the stress out of tax and delivering peace of mind for all those entrepreneurs we serve!

 

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Bristol training and development for the Alexander Knight & Co team

As members of  MGI Worldwide we were pleased to be involved with the most recent Directors and Managers Conference.

Kate, Danielle, Alastair and Murray attended on behalf of Alexander Knight & Co.

The 2024 MGI Worldwide Directors and Managers Conference proved to be a spectacular success, and we made the most of this extraordinary event. Held in the vibrant city of Bristol the conference brought together top talent from across the network for two days of collaboration, learning, and celebration.

The theme of this year’s conference, ‘Culture and what good looks like for the firm of the future’, resonated deeply with attendees, setting the tone for forward-thinking discussions and strategic insights. The conference agenda was packed with insightful sessions on leadership, innovation, and the evolving role of accountancy in a rapidly changing world. Representatives from our firm found the discussions around marketing, AI and culture particularly valuable.

Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co, said:

“The conference provided a brilliant platform to share ideas and learn from other member firms across the globe. It’s always inspiring to hear how others are embracing challenges and finding innovative solutions to serve their clients better.”

One of the highlights of the event was the unparalleled networking opportunities. From breakout sessions to informal evening gatherings, we enjoyed connecting with fellow MGI Worldwide members, exchanging experiences, and forging stronger professional relationships.

“It was fantastic to meet so many like-minded professionals who share the same passion for excellence. The collaborative spirit within the network is truly something special, and it’s great to feel part of such a dynamic and supportive community,” explained Murray.

As the conference concluded, we returned home energised and ready to implement new ideas. The event reinforced the value of being part of the MGI Worldwide network, which continues to foster growth, innovation, and a sense of community.

As Murray confirms:

“We left the conference feeling inspired and motivated. The knowledge we’ve gained and the connections we’ve made will undoubtedly help us better serve our clients and continue to grow as a firm.”

Alexander Knight & Co is already looking forward to the next MGI Worldwide event and we remain committed to contributing to the network’s collective success.

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Growth at Alexander Knight & Co

We are delighted to welcome Chloe Higginbottom to our growing team in Hale.

Chloe joins us as a trainee accountant from Saffrey and is a graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. Chloe will play a key role in our Audit & Accounts team looking after our entrepreneurial clients and supporting our senior team.

Alison Spier, who leads recruitment and HR at Alexander Knight & Co said:

“We are pleased to confirm Chloe’s appointment and we are proud to support another recent graduate into our practice as we commit to develop the next generation of accountants.”

Chloe Higginbottom, said:

“I’m thrilled to have joined the team at Alexander Knight & Co. This is an exciting opportunity to develop my skills and learn from such experienced professionals. I’m looking forward to contributing to the firm’s success and growing alongside the team and our clients.”

We have growth plans in the pipeline for 2025 and we have a range of roles available you can view here.

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12 things we’ve learned in 12 years

12 things we've learned in 12 years

It’s been 12 years since we started running our own accountancy practice and we’ve learned some lessons along the way. We hope we can inspire other people to launch their own business and we hope, above anything to provide our ongoing support and encouragement to those who wish to be entrepreneurs themselves in 2025. 

 

1) People are everything 

When Murray launched Alexander Knight & Co in 2012, he was swiftly followed into his new practice by some loyal and respected former colleagues who were able to bring their already considerable knowledge, skills and positivity to our new venture. Since then we have assembled a first-class team and it is no exaggeration to say that they are the bedrock of our success so far. Investing in good people is always good for your business.

2) Clients are (also!) everything

One of the biggest things we are proud of is the loyalty of our clients. Many clients have been with us from day one – and we are grateful and thankful for their loyalty. By placing our clients’ needs first – and understanding their mindsets as individual entrepreneurs -we’ve been able to support them and grow with them and we’ve seen their businesses flourish. Look after your clients!

3) Entrepreneurs truly are the backbone of our economy

Despite the seemingly endless attacks on businesses from various Governments down the years and an increasingly cumbersome tax system we know more than most that entrepreneurs are the real superstars of the economy. We will continue to promote their best interests and always advocate to make it easier to do business in the UK.

4) You have to take some risks to get rewards

Taking risks is essential for entrepreneurs because success often lies in seizing new opportunities. Without taking risks you might end up missing out on the rewards that can follow. Not every risk you take will pay off but you’ll be proud of the ones that do – and you’ll learn from the ones that don’t.

5) Every business has ups and downs

Changes in the economy, changes in personnel, changes in technology, fierce competition are just a handful of the many reasons why every business has challenging times. Everybody that runs a business will agree that it’s not all plain sailing. Stick with it and be resilient!

6) Consider the wider community

Not only are small, medium and large companies creating jobs but they are also investing in their community, raising funds for charities and doing their best to help the environment. Many firms now (just like us) have a formal ESG policy in place and even though the economy is challenging, all these businesses (and our clients) put a huge amount of effort into helping others. It’s a side of business that not everyone sees.

7) Trusted relationships are key to growth

We’ve got many trusted relationships locally, nationally and globally which help us grow, develop and support our business. It’s really important to maintain trust with your clients, customers and professional network. Keep doing a good job time after time!

8) Work/life balance is essential

Life as a business owner can be stressful at times. Taking care of your mental and physical health is really important. Not only do you need to be fit and healthy to run the business effectively you also need to balance work with family life and other hobbies and pursuits. You will be a much more effective business owner if you’re not just all ‘work, work, work’!

9) Office environment is important

When we first launched, our office was perfectly suited to a small team but we always had ambitions to secure some premises that better suited our people, culture and clients. Moving to Grade A office space with room to grow in the heart of Hale in 2018 was a great move for us. Moving location can be a really positive step in your business if you get it right.

10) Branding, PR and marketing are vital

Being able to differentiate our brand from other accountants from day one has been really valuable as we’ve developed our business. We have always strived to make sure we retain a distinct and consistent identity so that we’re memorable and stand out in a crowded market. Investing in your brand is hugely important for your business success.

11)  Take advice, advice and more advice

Taking advice from those you trust and respect including your friends and family is essential to get a rounded perspective on your business. You can never assume to have all the answers and you can always learn from someone else.

12) Enjoy it!

Running a business is a thrilling thing to do and if you run one, you’ll probably never want to go back and work for anyone else again. Enjoy it!

Murray Patt

 

 

“Setting up on my own was one of the best business decisions I’ve ever made. Drawing on my own experience as a business owner is really valuable when supporting our entrepreneurial clients. I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone to take the leap!” 

 

 

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Coffee with Murray Patt…

We went to lively Altrincham-based California, the gourmet coffee shop on Oxford Road. The familiar clink of cups and the morning buzz are all around as we settled down with Murray to discuss the Chancellor’s latest Budget…

We went to lively Altrincham-based California, the gourmet coffee shop on Oxford Road. The familiar clink of cups and the morning buzz are all around as we settled down with Murray to discuss the IMPACT OF THE Chancellor’s latest Budget…

Q: Murray, is this one of your ‘go-to places’ then?

Murray: There’s plenty of choice in Altrincham and Hale and this is certainly high on our list as a decent place to have a coffee with clients, contacts or just to come along and think about business.

In my experience, they serve decent freshly roasted coffee and have an excellent brunch menu using locally sourced ingredients.

Q: Murray, let’s talk about the latest Budget. It seems like it’s packed with changes for business owners. What’s your overall take?

Murray: Absolutely. A lot of what we’d heard whispers about actually made it through – especially the increased national insurance contributions expected from businesses. It’s clear the Chancellor is looking to bridge the funding gap that exists, and this Budget seems to expect SMEs to contribute a fair bit more to support future investments. It’s going to be tough for many and the impact is looming large on the economy.

Q: Let’s talk NIC first. What are the main changes there?

Murray: Definitely an area to get on top of if you run a business. Starting in April 2025, Employers’ National Insurance Contributions (NIC) will go up to 15%. Plus, the threshold at which you start paying Employers’ NIC is dropping from £9,100 to £,5000, meaning a lot more of your employees’ earnings will be subject to NIC.

On the plus side, they’ve raised the Employment Allowance to £10,500, which should ease the burden for smaller businesses. But overall, for most SMEs, this NIC change is going to hit hard – higher contributions on a lower threshold means increased outgoings, just when everyone’s trying to keep costs down.

Q: And on top of that, there’s an increase in minimum wages?

Murray: Yes, both the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage are rising. It’s good news for employees, but it adds more financial pressure on employers. Many SMEs, which are already stretched, are going to feel this acutely, especially those in sectors like retail and hospitality. With rising wages and NIC changes, it’s a one-two punch for a lot of small business owners.

Q: What about entrepreneurs thinking of exiting their businesses? Are there any changes there?

Murray: There is indeed a window of opportunity to consider and we are seeing plenty of action here. The Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) rates are going up in April, so entrepreneurs considering an exit should note this. Until the 5th of April 2025, BADR rates remain at 10% although the standard rate of capital gains tax has increased from 20% to 24%. From 5th April 2025 the BADR rate increases to 14%, with a further increase to 18% for the 2026-27 tax year. We are seeing a rise in business sales as people aim to secure the current lower rates.

If you’re planning to exit soon, it might be worth accelerating those plans to lock in the better tax treatment while you can. But of course, careful planning here is essential and this is where our team can help.

Q: And I hear pensions are also being impacted? What’s the story there?

Murray: That’s right – this is a big one. The Chancellor has introduced an Inheritance Tax (IHT) on pension death benefits. So, if pension benefits are passed into an estate, they’ll be subject to IHT, which could significantly impact retirement and estate planning. Pensions were often seen as a tax-efficient way to pass on wealth, but this change means you may need to rethink that strategy.

It’s a complex area, and it’ll be crucial to look at how you’re structuring your pension and estate plans moving forward. We work with a range of financial advisers and can point people in the right direction for specific advice in this regard.

Q: With all these changes, any last thoughts for entrepreneurs and small business owners?

Murray: The key takeaway is that proactive planning will be more important than ever. The NIC and wage changes mean that managing cash flow and costs is going to be a big focus.

If you’re thinking of selling a business or planning for retirement, this Budget brings in some time-sensitive considerations. It’s worth sitting down with us to navigate the changes and make the most of any remaining opportunities – like the current BADR rates – before they disappear.

Navigating the latest Budget will be challenging for many business owners, but with the right planning, businesses can weather the changes and keep moving forward and our team is ready to guide our clients.

We went to lively Altrincham-based California, the gourmet coffee shop on Oxford Road. The familiar clink of cups and the morning buzz are all around as we settled down with Murray to discuss the IMPACT OF THE Chancellor’s latest Budget…

 

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