• Proud to support Hale village

  • Historic rail station in Hale was originally opened in 1862

  • New sponsorship deal sees Alexander Knight & Co become official sponsor

We are proud to confirm today that Alexander Knight & Co has been unveiled as the new official sponsor of Hale rail station!

The historic Hale station, originally opened in 1862, has long served as a vital link in the Greater Manchester rail network. Nestled in the heart of the community, it connects residents to Manchester, Chester and beyond via the Mid Cheshire line.

With its head office located directly above the railway line on Hale Road in Hale, Alexander Knight & Co has a close connection to the station.

Its staff and clients regularly travel via the Mid Cheshire line and founder Murray Patt is a local resident.

As part of the sponsorship, Alexander Knight & Co staff will also play an active role in supporting the custodians of this cherished station, including assisting with community engagement and upkeep to enhance the station’s welcoming environment.

Alex Hornby, commercial and customer director for Northern, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Alexander Knight & Co as the new supporter of Hale station. Their support enables us to focus on improving the customer experience, and the local community will benefit from the company playing an active role in enhancing the station environment going forwards.”

Murray Patt, founder of Hale-based Alexander Knight & Co, said:

“We’re proud to be associated with Hale station which is a central part of our local community used daily by many of our clients and colleagues.

“Supporting local infrastructure is important to us. The prominent nature of the station means that our business will be seen by many residents, visitors to Hale and travellers on the rail line.

“Our team is also looking forward to getting hands-on by supporting the custodians of this historic station. This initiative makes sense for us both practically and symbolically and it’s been a pleasure working with Northern and our marketing agency Sugar PR to bring it to life.”

The sponsorship and branding updates are part of a broader initiative to enhance the visual identity and experience of local stations while deepening ties with local businesses and communities.

 

We are always pleased to support local media platforms and you may have seen our advertising in Altrincham Today and J-Life. We are particularly pleased to feature the benefits of our working environment – not just our grade A office but also showcasing the locality in all its glory!

You can read our latest article in J-LIfe below – which also features a small selection of the brilliant photoshoot we did recently in our home village of Hale.

At Alexander Knight & Co, ethical behaviour has always been at the heart of how we operate. As a firm authorised and regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), we have always held ourselves to the highest professional standards.

From 1 July 2025, the ICAEW is introducing an updated Code of Ethics, reflecting the latest guidance on ethical conduct across the profession. In line with this, Alexander Knight & Co has formally adopted the new code to ensure our compliance and to reaffirm our commitment to professional integrity.

The revised Code of Ethics runs to 226 pages and while the updated code expands on various areas of ethical guidance and brings a few changes in structure and emphasis, it contains no major surprises for our team.

Our culture already reflects the values embedded in the code: integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due care, confidentiality, and professional behaviour.

Importantly, the Code applies to everyone in the practice—not just ICAEW members.

Whether you are dealing with a qualified accountant, a trainee, or part of the wider support team, we are all expected to conduct ourselves in an ethical manner at all times. This is a fundamental part of working in a professional, trusted environment and maintaining the high standards our clients expect from us.

The updated Code places a stronger emphasis on recognising and responding to ethical dilemmas and potential threats to compliance. It also encourages a proactive mindset – encouraging individuals to speak up when something doesn’t feel right and to seek advice when navigating grey areas.

As a firm, we are committed to supporting everyone in understanding and applying the Code of Ethics.

Ethical behaviour isn’t just a regulatory requirement—it’s a core part of what makes Alexander Knight & Co a trusted advisor to our clients and a great place to work.

 

We’re pleased (well…as pleased as we can be given the ever-increasing tax rates being imposed on our clients…) to unveil the new Alexander Knight & Co tax cards for 2025-2026.

The tax cards display all the current tax rates relevant to you and your business.

This time we are making it available as a mobile-friendly digital version – and we have a limited number of printed cards available in our office for those who cherish them like we do!

You can download your new tax card for free here.

At Alexander Knight & Co, we’re always on the lookout for smarter, more efficient ways to support your business. That’s why we’re excited to introduce a new service that will significantly streamline your financial processes — Modulr (www.modulrfinance.com).

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be migrating clients who currently use Dext over to Modulr. Some clients may already have started the transition — if you haven’t yet, rest assured Danielle from our team will be in touch soon to organise your migration.

So what exactly is Modulr, and why are we making this change?

Modulr is a powerful payments platform that goes far beyond simple bookkeeping. It’s designed to support a fully outsourced finance function — bringing together supplier payments, salary processing, and smart automation to give you more control, more visibility, and a lot less admin.

Here’s how it works: rather than making multiple manual payments to suppliers, staff, or other recipients, Modulr uses AI and automation to collate everything into one seamless process. You simply review and approve — and the system takes care of the rest. No more downloading and uploading CSV files, no more logging in and out of banking portals, and no more time wasted on repetitive tasks.

Key benefits of Modulr include:

  • Supplier & salary payment services fully integrated into your accounting process
  • Automated payment workflows that save time and reduce errors
  • Increased control & oversight without the need for manual processing
  • Secure, compliant, and FCA-regulated platform
  • A truly outsourced finance solution tailored to growing businesses

We believe that Modulr represents a big step forward in how accounting and finance should work for modern businesses. We’re here to make the transition as smooth as possible, and we’re confident you’ll see the benefits quickly.

If you have any questions about the move to Modulr or how it will work, please don’t hesitate to contact Danielle Cresswell, who is leading on this migration. She’ll be happy to talk you through the next steps.

 

We’re delighted to announce that this June several senior colleagues from Alexander Knight & Co will be attending the MGI Worldwide European Conference in Budapest.

The event promises a fantastic mix of professional insight, knowledge-sharing, and cultural discovery… all set against the stunning backdrop of Hungary’s capital city.

Held over two days, the conference begins on 12 June with a warm welcome, network updates from the MGI Europe General Assembly, and the latest developments from the MGI Academy and Quality Assessment programme. Delegates will also explore the global initiatives that continue to shape the future of the international network we belong to.

The second day will offer a deep dive into leadership, regulation, and innovation. Highlights will include a keynote session on self-leadership by Lars Sudmann, insights into the evolving European regulatory landscape from Accountancy Europe’s Hilde Blomme, and a forward-thinking discussion on how firms across the network are embracing AI in real-world ways.

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

“We’re proud to be part of such a vibrant international community. Events like this help us bring fresh thinking and global perspectives back to our clients and team here in the UK.”

Watch this space for updates from Budapest!

If your business provides benefits or expenses to employees or directors — such as company cars, private medical insurance, or interest-free loans — it’s essential that these are reported to HMRC using form P11D. With the 6 July deadline fast approaching, here’s a quick checklist to help you stay compliant and avoid penalties.

1. Check Who Needs a P11D

  • Any employee or director earning more than £8,500 annually and receiving benefits in kind needs a P11D.
  • Don’t forget about company directors, even if they’re the only employee.

2. Gather Accurate Benefit Details

Ensure you have up-to-date records for:

  • Company cars or fuel: CO2 emissions, list price and availability dates.
  • Private medical insurance: full cost to the business.
  • Loans to employees: especially those over £10,000 at any point in the tax year.
  • Assets made available for personal use: property.
  • Living accommodation: rent paid, value of the property, and any services provided.

3. Report Mileage and Travel Expenses

  • HMRC allows tax-free mileage rates, but excess mileage or reimbursed travel over the approved rates must be reported.
  • Don’t include business expenses reimbursed with proper receipts unless they exceed HMRC’s approved limits.

4. Review Payrolled Benefits

  • If you’ve opted to payroll benefits, they don’t need to be included on P11Ds, but you must still submit a P11D(b) to report Class 1A National Insurance contributions.

5. Submit the P11D(b)

  • This form summarises the total benefits you’ve provided and calculates the Class 1A NIC due.
  • Even if you’re submitting no P11Ds, you must still file a P11D(b) declaration if HMRC has asked you to.

6. Meet Deadlines

  • 6 July 2025 – Submit P11Ds and P11D(b).
  • 22 July 2025 – Pay Class 1A NIC electronically (19 July if paying by post).

7. Give Copies to Employees

  • You must provide employees with copies of their individual P11D forms by 6 July.

If you’re unsure about what to include or need help with your reporting, speak to our team. We’re here to help you stay compliant and avoid unnecessary penalties!

 

The recent changes to Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) announced in the Budget meant that many entrepreneurs were keen to complete transactions before the April deadline and the start of the new tax year – not least to avoid a leap from 10% to 14% in the tax rate.

At Alexander Knight & Co, we were perfectly placed to ensure these deals sailed through on time. It meant hard work for everyone involved, but we’re delighted to confirm the successful completion of the following trio of deals.

Continuity and growth at S I Sealy & Associates
Alexander Knight & Co were proud to advise the directors of decarbonisation consultancy S I Sealy on a significant milestone for the business. Danny Madden has acquired 100% ownership of the company. This transition ensures continuity for both clients and staff, with the business now well-positioned for continued growth under Danny’s leadership.

New leadership at CEB Services (UK) Limited
We were pleased to advise on the successful exit of Gary and Sheila Hamilton from electrical contracting specialists CEB Services (UK) Limited. The business is now under the ownership of Gareth and Ben Hushion, who have acquired full control. This seamless transition ensures the ongoing success of CEB Services (UK) Limited under fresh leadership, while preserving the values and service clients have come to expect.

Strategic growth at ACS Construction Midlands Limited
At constructions and engineering firm ACS Construction Midlands Limited, director Sean Power has acquired additional shares in the business, increasing his stake and reaffirming his long-term commitment to the company’s success. We were delighted to support Sean and the directors through this transaction, which marks a new chapter of strategic growth for the firm.

We are delighted to welcome Ciaran Morgan to our growing team in Hale. In his new role as a Graduate Trainee he will be based in our Audit & Accounts team supporting our client base of entrepreneurs.

Ciaran is the latest recruit to progress from our highly regarded Graduate Trainee scheme which aims to attract and retain the brightest and best aspiring accountants. As part of the recruitment process, candidates complete a two-week internship which Ciaran passed with flying colours.

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

“We are delighted to welcome Ciaran to our team and we are particularly pleased to be developing our reputation as an employer of choice for graduates who wish to progress their career in accountancy. Ciaran has already settled in and we are impressed with his enthusiastic and proactive approach to his development as a professional.”

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.