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Your P11D checklist: July deadline looms!

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!

 

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Deals, deals, deals…completed ahead of tax deadline

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.

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Growth at Alexander Knight & Co!

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.”

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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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