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Murray Patt named ‘leading UK accountancy influencer’ by ICAEW

We are pleased to announce that Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co has been named as one of the UK’s leading accountancy influencers by the ICAEW as part of its annual #ICAEWRoar campaign.

The top UK online influencers were chosen using a formula tailored to emphasise quality over quantity. Using its values of integrity, objectivity and respect for others as a starting point the algorithm is unique to ICAEW.

Methodology

The ICAEW focused on UK-based individuals tweeting and discussing accountancy related topics such as accountancy, tax, budget, assurance, insolvency, audit and finance.

The ICAEW’s values of integrity, objectivity and respect for others were applied to the tone of voice of the tweets and retweets, determining the data it included in its metrics.

Working with Falcon it used a social media listening tool to pull data relevant to specific keywords, looking at a metrics comprising of:

  • Audience re-tweets;
  • Author tweets;
  • Positive and neutral sentiment
  • Visibility and audience relevance.

Algorithm

The #ICAEWROAR algorithm values quality over quantity. Placing more emphasis on topical engagement of the authors’ tweets than the amount they’ve tweeted, the algorithm considers everything from visibility, relevance and tone of voice, to reaction and audience engagement Read more on the ICAEW’s website here.

Congratulations to everyone who made the list!

You can follow Murray Patt on twitter here: https://twitter.com/MurrayPatt

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Spring Statement 2022 – a summary for business owners

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, delivered his Spring Statement yesterday which was keenly anticipated by business owners who find themselves challenged by the ‘cost of living crisis’. The context of delivering such a statement with the situation in Ukraine looming large in global consciousness meant it was not the time to introduce more tax rises (other than those previously announced) and worry the UK population even further.

We’ve put together a guide for you which you can download below covering all the key points from yesterday’s statement.

We also draw your attention to the following five issues to keep under review for you and your business:

  • The alignment of personal allowances and NIC thresholds is helpful and is part of HMRC’s plan to simplify tax – and all employees can benefit.
  • An increase in the employment allowance to £5k (from £4k) is also appreciated by our clients.
  • A 5p reduction in fuel duty, for those who haven’t already switched to electric vehicles, is good.
  • Whilst there was some concern (in advance of his speech) about potential changes to other taxes such as R&D rules, again the timing of this was not appropriate, and therefore it is unchanged.
  • The Chancellor indicated that there would be a future income tax reduction to 19% (from 20%) – but I wouldn’t see this as a certainty – more to do with winning votes in the future.

DOWNLOAD OUR SUMMARY HERE OR CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW.

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Graduate Internships at Alexander Knight & Co

Accountancy Internships

If you are a recent graduate looking for a career in accountancy (or you are going to graduate in 2022) you can apply now to join our Graduate Internship.

As well as providing you with the opportunity to add valuable work experience at our leading accountancy practice to your CV, you’ll also gain practical and personal skills in a professional accountancy-based setting and potentially, even get the opportunity to become one of our permanent graduate professionals.

We welcome applications from graduates who meet the minimum criteria (set out below) from the full range of academic disciplines. This scheme is not just designed for people who have accountancy/business/finance qualifications.

We firmly believe that the accountancy firms of the future will have a blended approach to the skills they offer to their clients. We are a diverse employer and welcome applications from graduates from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Our four week paid graduate internship gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the AK&Co culture and offers you the perfect springboard for success as an accountant in 2022.

If you are passionate about pursuing a career in accountancy and you are fascinated by the prospect of working with – and on behalf of – our growing client base of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders – apply now.

Minimum requirements

  • A 2:1 degree at a UK university
  • 3 A-levels (A*-B)
  • 9-7 in Maths & English at GCSE level or equivalent

The 3-step application process:

  1. Review of your CV and a brief covering letter

      Please send this to Alison Spier (alison@alexanderknightaccountants.co.uk)

      (Only successful candidates will receive a reply)

 

  1. An invitation to a meeting to discuss your career aspirations 

 

  1. Acceptance onto our Graduate Internship.

           A date will be arranged for you to join us for two weeks.

 

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Tax Manager Wanted. Develop your career at Alexander Knight & Co.

We’re growing our practice in Hale, Cheshire. If you’re an experienced tax professional and you’d like to join our team, send a confidential email to Alison Spier to arrange an informal chat about the role.

We have an exceptional list of loyal clients with multi-million turnover businesses. The majority of these companies have been working us for many years and we are highly focused on building long term, meaningful relationships.

We are now looking to grow our practice.We have vacancies for a Tax Manager/Senior Tax Manager. 

Suitable candidates will be experienced working in a fast-paced accountancy practice, dealing with clients both face to face and over the phone, advising them on a variety of tax issues, including corporation tax, including R&D, & CGT. A mixed tax background would also be of interest. You must be able to demonstrate exceptional client relationship skills, and have an approachable, professional manner.

As part of MGI Worldwide, the global accounting network, you will also join the Tax Forum, enabling you to network with peers from other practices across the UK and worldwide. International tax conferences are also organised by MGI Worldwide and you will join delegations to these when they occur. 

We will consider full time or part time, (including term time contracts), and would consider a hybrid working model for the right candidate.

If you feel that your experience is a good fit and you are looking for a modern accountancy practice based in Grade A offices in the heart of Hale to develop your career and would like to know more please email Alison Spier with your updated CV and details of your current package.

Disclaimer 

Alexander Knight & Co is an equal opportunities employer and no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person’s gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation.

All candidates will only be assessed in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the role expected. Only successful applicants will be invited to the next stage consisting of an interview and assessment.

PS – no agencies, thank you.

 

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Alexander Knight & Co sponsors podcast

We are proud to confirm that we are now the official sponsors of the widely-acclaimed podcast ‘Before the Bar Opens’ hosted by the award-winning voiceover artist and composer Emma Clarke.

Before the Bar Opens is a podcast about what happens before the music starts.

What has to happen before people can hear, play and enjoy music? How do the people involved with its creation feel about music? Why is it central to their lives? How has music influenced them and shaped their experiences?

The answer to those questions is…surprising.

Emma Clarke, the creator of Before the Bar Opens is a long-standing client of our practice. As host, she interviews a broad range of people who make, use and love music. The podcast is produced by Rik Watson.

As keen supporters of the performing arts and ardent music lovers we are pleased to support this podcast.

Some members of our team even feature in a series of small cameos between the episodes, where they are only too happy to discuss their own passion for music & what it means to them. (See whose voices you can recognise!)

The podcast can be streamed on all the major platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Check it out here

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

“We are delighted to support this podcast. We have known Emma Clarke for a long time and we know the quality of her work as a recording artist, voiceover artist and presenter is first class. We are proud to be associated with the production of this podcast.”  

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Alexander Knight & Co forms strategic alliance with specialist tax advisory firm

We are pleased to have extended our specialist tax advisory service by forming a strategic alliance with a fellow MGI Worldwide member firm.

Freestone Jacobs is a leading specialist tax advisory firm founded by Paul Taylor together with Allison Walker. Paul in particular has over 35 years of experience as a Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Tax Advisor and will enhance the strategic planning for clients in a range of scenarios including mergers, acquisitions and restructuring.

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

“There is a natural fit between our two practices as a result of us both being member firms of MGI Worldwide, the global network of accountants. It means that as our client base grows, both in terms of size and sophistication, we can be confident that we are continuing to provide the appropriate level of tax specialism that our clients both need and expect from us.

“We’re being innovative and ambitious with our growth and development in 2022 and we’re dedicated to working with and hiring the best people in the accountancy marketplace. We’re enjoying working with Paul and Allison and we’re looking forward to building on this relationship to bring the benefits of their experience to our range of entrepreneurial clients.”

Paul Taylor, founder of Freestone Jacobs, said:

“Allison and I are delighted to be working with Murray and his colleagues and look forward to providing a bespoke solution to the particular requirements of the Alexander Knight & Co clients, as they undertake significant business transactions or transformation. We’ve already formed a good working relationship and it helps that we have the same vision for providing the accountancy expertise required by the modern business owner.”

If you – or your client – requires specialist tax advice involving a merger, acquisition or restructure or other significant business transaction – contact us now on (0161) 980 8788 or email murray@alexanderknightacountants.co.uk

Murray Patt of Alexander Knight & Co

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Welcome to our latest audit clients

We are pleased to confirm we have been appointed by three leading businesses as their audit accountants. You can find out more about Selwyns Travel, Lumenpulse UK and Think Hire by clicking on the links below.

Our audit enables us to spot potential risks, find ways of boosting performance, and suggest ideas for growth.

We don’t just regard an audit as a single annual visit. For us, the face-to-face contact and information we collect is an integral part of an ongoing flow of knowledge. We use this to keep our clients well-informed and confident in their business decisions based on solid financial foundation.

When we have completed our work, we provide a comprehensive, accessible summary of the audit findings and arrange a meeting to discuss in detail these and any other issues. For more information about our audit service click here.

 

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Getting fit for 2022? Don’t forget your business…

For most people the start of a new calendar year is usually focused around aiming for personal goals. Family, fitness and financial resolutions are the most popular aspects people like to switch their attention to at this time of year.

For the entrepreneur, these plans are commonly backed up with a raft of positive new intentions for their business.

Despite the threat of Covid-related restrictions being omnipresent and the economy still not quite moving along at full power, it makes sense to be optimistic and proactive with your business during 2022. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the top five things entrepreneurs should be focusing on whilst they’re running on the treadmill, the road or cycling on their Peloton…

SALES

Winning new business isn’t easy. But it simply has to be done in whatever market you operate in. Without new business coming in, you’re never going to grow. In our experience, we are increasingly finding that businesses are more interested in recruiting sales people who have engaging personalities and emotional intelligence rather than ‘old school pushy’ sales people. Sales staff are on the frontline of your business and it’s essential to select them wisely. If you do the sales yourself – then make sure you don’t focus all your effort on new business and neglect your existing clients or customers.

 

MARKETING

Standing out from the crowd will be more essential in 2022 than ever before. More new businesses are being launched every single day as people spot new opportunities to exploit the weaknesses of others who have been found wanting during the pandemic. Make 2022 the year that your business becomes highly visible – and therefore widely known in your marketplace. Make sure you position your business appropriately and get known for one thing in particular. Our very own ‘accountants for entrepreneurs’ mantra is a good example of this!

PEOPLE

Media headlines are all about the number of job vacancies being at the highest level in modern history. It can be tempting to think that it’s easy to find the right people to help you grow your business.

The reality, as every entrepreneur knows, is that it’s often incredibly challenging to find brilliant people who will help you take your business forward. This is especially true if you are a SME and there’s a major emphasis on personality and client/customer-facing service. Don’t lower your standards by recruiting in haste at the start of the year. Hold out for the right people and you will see the rewards over the long term.

INNOVATION

Don’t stand still. Continual improvement of systems, processes and behaviours within your business is hugely important if you’re going to succeed in 2022. Realistically that looks like an investment in new technology, new products or new services. If you don’t innovate – you can be sure that your competitors will…and they’ll reap the rewards of evolution faster than you.

(RE) FINANCING

Cash is king…but the last 18 months has tested the patience of even the most prudent Finance Director! The combination of repaying Government-supported loans, overdraft facilities, commercial loans and reduced sales will hit hard in 2022.

Sitting down with your accountant or relationship manager at your bank should be high on the agenda in Q1 of 2022, especially if you’ve got expansion plans. You’ll need to make sure you have the financial capacity to support your business plan during the year.

It makes sense to review your accountants each year. Speak to Murray Patt on (0161) 980 8788 or email murray@alexanderknightaccountants.co.uk for a confidential chat about moving your business to Alexander Knight & Co.

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Triple hire for Alexander Knight & Co following new client wins

Alexander Knight & Co accountants appoint three new recruits to join its growing team

We are delighted to have expanded our team with the appointment of three new colleagues in preparation for further growth in 2022.

Danielle Cresswell, Alastair Tough and Paul Dunn have joined the Alexander Knight & Co team as we also add three new businesses to our entrepreneurial client base.

Selwyns Travel Limited, Lumenpulse UK Limited and Think Hire Limited, have all selected our practice as auditors.

Bringing a wealth of experience from her time working at accountancy practices across the North West region, Danielle Cresswell will provide hands-on support to clients in the role of Manager.

Alastair Tough recently graduated from the University of Warwick and has chosen to take the first steps of his accountancy career with Alexander Knight & Co joining as an Assistant Accountant after relocating from Nottingham.

Paul Dunn joins as Senior Accountant where he will be advising clients on statutory reporting, management accounts and audit.

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

“We are delighted to welcome our latest three recruits to the team and as we enter the exciting next stage of growth as a business. 2022 is going to be an important year for entrepreneurs as they recover their business from the effects of the pandemic and they look to surround themselves with new and proactive professional advisors to support them on their journey.

“We are delighted to welcome Selwyns Travel, Lumepulse UK and Think Hire as new clients of our practice and we are looking forward to supporting them as they implement their business plans and growth strategies over the coming months and years.”

Paul, Danielle and Alastair have joined our team.

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Autumn 2021 Budget – The Guide for Entrepreneurs

Download our complete guide to yesterday’s Autumn Budget 2021:

Alexander Knight & Co (W-1195582)A5_BR_A21

 

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