News & Insights
Unlocking R&D Tax Relief in Electronics & Embedded Systems
Unlocking R&D Tax Relief in Electronics & Embedded Systems Electronics and embedded systems companies are often doing far more than routine product development. In many […]
4/23/2026
Read Article
Unlocking R&D Tax Relief in AI-Ready Data Centre Engineering
Unlocking R&D Tax Relief in AI-Ready Data Centre Engineering AI-ready data centre engineering is becoming one of the most technically demanding areas in digital infrastructure. […]
4/23/2026
Read Article
Shortlisted for Tolley’s Tax Awards 2026
Shortlisted for Tolley’s Tax Awards 2026 Ad Valorem Group is delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted as finalists in the Tolley’s Tax Awards […]
4/20/2026
Read Article
Partnering with Northamptonshire County Cricket Club for the 2026 Season
Partnering with Northamptonshire County Cricket Club for the 2026 Season We’re proud to be partnering with Northamptonshire County Cricket Club as an Official Club Partner […]
4/20/2026
Read Article
Aren’t Wills just for older people?
Do you need a Will if you’re young? Discover why Estate Planning & Wills matter at any age and how to protect your family and assets with Ad Valorem.
4/16/2026
Read Article
Unlocking R&D Tax Relief in Smart Connected Products & Industrial IoT
Explore how Smart Connected Products & Industrial IoT projects can qualify for R&D tax relief, including key challenges in security, connectivity, scalability and compliance.
4/15/2026
Read Article
Key Changes from April 2026
Explore the key tax changes from April 2026, including SSP updates, National Living Wage increases, NI thresholds, MTD rollout, IHT changes and dividend tax increases.
4/15/2026
Read Article
S2. E7. How Do You Know If You’re Doing R&D?
For many business owners, R&D tax relief sits in that grey area of “we’ve heard of it… but does it actually apply to us
4/9/2026
Read Article
Fintech, Market Trends, and Innovation Opportunities
Fintech continues to evolve at pace, creating both opportunity and complexity for ambitious businesses.
3/31/2026
Read Article
Pre-Year End Tax Planning for Limited Companies
A pre-year end review for limited companies allows business owners to assess their current position and make adjustments that may improve tax efficiency, cash flow and overall financial planning.
3/16/2026
Read Article
HMRC R&D Communication Forum Update
Key updates from the HMRC R&D Communication Forum. Changes to compliance strategy, increased AI use in enquiries and government commitment to stability in R&D tax relief.
3/12/2026
Read Article
Changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Rules from April 2026
Statutory Sick Pay is changing in April 2026. Discover what the updates mean for employers and how to prepare your payroll and policies.
2/19/2026
Read Article
R&D HMRC Enquiry Defence with Lumina
Specialist R&D HMRC enquiry defence for innovative businesses. Discover how Lumina resolves HMRC enquiries, and protects R&D tax relief.
1/14/2026
Read Article
S2. E6. From a Dining Room to a 10,000 sq ft Office: The Story Behind National Locums
From humble beginnings at a dining room table to leading award winning medical recruitment agencies, Glenn Cook shares how he, his brother, and sister-in-law built […]
12/16/2025
Read Article
Autumn Budget Summary 2025
With the release of the UK Autumn Budget 2025, we’ve prepared a concise summary of the key highlights and their potential impact on both your business and personal finances.
11/27/2025
Read Article
S2. E5. Beyond Faster Horses: CloudCapcha’s Journey to Real Innovation
In this episode of Behind the Business, we sit down with Brian Coventry, Founder of CloudCapcha, to explore what it really means to innovate with […]
11/10/2025
Read Article
Budget Breakfast 2025
Join Ad Valorem’s Budget Breakfast in Milton Keynes on 3 Dec 2025. Hear insights on how the Autumn Budget 2025 impacts SMEs.
11/6/2025
Read Article
S2. E2. Common Payroll Errors
Payroll plays a crucial role in every business — but with evolving rules, systems and deadlines, it’s not always straightforward. In this episode, Sophie is […]
10/29/2025
Read ArticleS2. E4. R&D Tax Credit Enquiries – HMRC Process Explained
Getting a letter from HMRC about your R&D tax credit claim can be nerve-wracking — but it doesn’t always mean there’s a problem. In this […]
10/29/2025
Read Article
S2. E3. Will Power – Why Estate Planning isn't just for the Wealthy
Most of us put off thinking about wills and estate planning — but it’s one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. In […]
10/29/2025
Read Article
S2. E1. How to Prepare for Your First Audit
In this episode of the Lumina Podcast, we break down what an audit really involves, who needs one, and how to make the process as smooth as possible.
10/2/2025
Read Article
HMRC’s Let Property Campaign (LPC) – What is it and why does it matter?
HMRC’s let Property Campaign (LPC) has recently been in the spotlight with a number of individuals receiving correspondence from HMRC
9/26/2025
Read Article
S1. E7. What Triggers an Enquiry? Common Mistakes in R&D Claims
Worried about getting an enquiry from HMRC? You’re not alone. In this episode, Nikki and Nigel are joined by Suzanne Clements
9/4/2025
Read Article
S1. E2. Side Hustles – When Does Extra Income Become Taxable?
In this episode we tackle the common questions - when does a side hustle become taxable? Watch to discover more
9/4/2025
Read Article
S1. E6. R&D vs HMRC – What the 2024 Tribunal Decisions Mean for You
2024 has seen a major shake-up in the R&D Tax Relief space, and in this episode, we break down what it means for your business. […]
9/4/2025
Read Article
S1. E8. Making the Move – Manual to Digital
Still using spreadsheets, paper invoices, or that trusty shoebox of receipts? You’re not alone - but it might be costing you more than you realise.
9/4/2025
Read Article
S1. E5. The Hidden Costs of Being the Boss
Hosts Nikki and Nigel sit down with Kate Greenhough, to unpack the tax challenges that come with managing multiple income streams.
9/4/2025
Read Article
S1. E4. Managing Your Team’s Performance: Metrics That Matter
Hosts Nikki and Nigel sit down with Neil Woolmer, Group Operations Director, to explore how to manage team performance
9/4/2025
Read Article
S1. E3. Managing tax across multiple income sources
Hosts Nikki and Nigel sit down with Kate Greenhough, to unpack the tax challenges that come with managing multiple income streams.
9/4/2025
Read Article
S1. E1. Real-time, real impact: navigating Making Tax Digital
We’re diving into: Why real-time financial data is a game changer, What Making Tax Digital (MTD) really means for your business
9/4/2025
Read Article
Companies House ID Verification: What You Need to Know
From 18 November 2025, Companies House will require all company directors and PSCs to verify their identity. Learn more.
9/2/2025
Read Article
Company sales – A whistlestop tour of the terminology
"Planning to sell your business? Discover key company sale terminology including EBITDA, due diligence, share vs asset sales and earn-outs.
9/2/2025
Read Article
How to Prepare for HMRC’s New R&D Tax Relief Requirements in 2025
Confused by the new reliefs for R&D? Our guide explains the merged scheme R&D expenditure credit (new RDEC) and enhanced R&D intensive support (ERIS)
8/7/2025
Read Article
What UK Companies Need to Know About Overseas R&D Restrictions
For accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2024, R&D activity will have to be physically located in the UK for the costs to be included in R&D tax relief claims. Discover what UK SMEs need to know to keep claims compliant and eligible under HMRC’s rules.
8/7/2025
Read Article
Understanding the Reformed Reliefs for R&D
Confused by the new reliefs for R&D? Our guide explains the merged scheme R&D expenditure credit (new RDEC) and enhanced R&D intensive support (ERIS)
8/7/2025
Read Article
Backing Innovation: Highlights from the UK Government's Spending Review – for R&D
The UK Government’s Spending Review outlines a £22.6bn annual commitment to R&D by 2029–30, with major investment in AI...
6/16/2025
Read Article
P11Ds – Key Things to Know for the 2024/25 Tax Year
Learn everything SMEs need to know about P11D forms for the 2024/25 tax year – from filing deadlines and taxable benefits to how Ad Valorem
6/12/2025
Read Article
News & Insights hub
Discover the key updates from the Spring Statement 2025 relevant to small businesses and individuals. From HMRC enforcement to MTD changes and more.
4/9/2025
Read Article
Year-End Accounts: What Every SME Needs to Know (and why it matters more than you think)
Don't let year-end accounts be a tick-box exercise. Discover how SMEs can use year-end reports as a powerful tool for planning, tax savings,
4/3/2025
Read Article
Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED)
Learn about ATED (Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings), who needs to file, deadlines, reliefs, and penalties.
3/17/2025
Read Article
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax:What You Need to Know
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax starts in April 2026, self-employed individuals and landlords must comply. Learn who’s affected
3/17/2025
Read Article
R&D Tax Credit: Latest Developments and Impact
Latest HMRC updates on R&D tax credits: key tribunal decisions, SME claim impacts & expert insights from Ad Valorem.
3/10/2025
Read Article
What is a Director’s Loan?
What is a director's loan? There are two ways of looking at a director’s loan; either lending to your company or borrowing from your company.
3/4/2025
Read Article
Labour Budget - Employer’s National Insurance Changes
The largest change to taxes in the Autumn budget was their changes to Employer’s National Insurance (NI)which take effect from 1st April 2025. Increasing the […]
12/4/2024
Read Article
Exploring Changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) in the UK: An Analysis of Current and Proposed Rules
The recent UK budget announcement on 30 October 2024 introduced several significant changes to the Capital Gains Tax (CGT). This article discusses the existing CGT […]
12/4/2024
Read Article
Changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR): Impact and Examples
The UK government announced significant changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) reliefs, namely Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR), during the Autumn Budget […]
12/4/2024
Read Article
Double Cab Pick-up trucks
Those of you with double cab pick-ups may remember the previous government’s flip flopping back in February where they initially changed the treatment of Double […]
12/4/2024
Read Article
Autumn Budget Summary 2024
Autumn Budget Summary 2024 With the release of the UK Autumn Budget 2024, we’ve prepared a concise summary of the key highlights and their potential […]
10/31/2024
Read Article
Budget Rumour 1: Capital Gains Tax
This document has been prepared based on rumours and speculation around the new Labour Government’s budget which is taking place on 30th October 2024. This document […]
10/9/2024
Read Article
Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) Relief Extended
Overview The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) was due to end in April 2025 however HMRC have recently confirmed that both of these schemes will be […]
10/8/2024
Read Article
Mandatory Deadline Approaching: PAYROLLING for Benefits in Kind (BIK)
Learn about the mandatory HMRC deadline for payrolling for Benefits in Kind (BIK). Register early and update your payroll system to stay compliant by April 2026.
9/26/2024
Read Article
From Complexity to Clarity? Unpacking the New IHT100 Forms
HMRC’s New IHT100 Forms: Simplifying the Process or Adding to the Confusion? If you’ve ever had to report a chargeable lifetime transfer or a trust […]
9/9/2024
Read Article
If National Insurance is Payable on Salary, why Can’t I Pay My Employees in Gold or Jewels?
On the turn of the new millennium NMB Holdings Ltd made the decision to pay its directors bonuses in platinum sponge. Platinum sponge is a […]
9/9/2024
Read Article
Financial Due Diligence on the Purchase or Sale of a Business
What is Company Due Diligence? Due diligence is a comprehensive appraisal of a business that is taken by a prospective buyer before deciding to buy […]
8/28/2024
Read Article
Preparing to sell your dental practice
Join Makayla Combes ACCA CTA and Mark Taylor FCA for a webinar focused on preparing to sell your dental practice.
8/28/2024
Read Article
Jaffa Cakes – Biscuit or Cake? And Other Quirky Food-Related VAT Cases
Many VAT rules have been determined by court cases and, as a result, important questions such as “is a Jaffa Cake a biscuit or cake?”
8/19/2024
Read Article
Furnished Holidays Lettings Relief (FHLR): The Party's Over
Furnished Holiday Lettings, also known as FHLs, are properties you can rent as a holiday home.
8/19/2024
Read Article
An Overview of Policy Changes Under the New Labour Government
With the recent change in Government, many clients are understandably curious about what to expect from the new Labour administration, particularly after 14 years of […]
7/17/2024
Read Article
Non-resident Landlord Scheme
What is a non-resident landlord? Although the UK does not usually tax non-UK resident individuals, it does tax income derived from activities in the UK […]
6/25/2024
Read Article
Group Restructuring: The Why, The When, and The How
The Why? There are several advantages to implementing a group structure, such as the ability to relieve losses across group members, transfer assets like plant […]
6/18/2024
Read Article
Capital Gains Tax on UK Land and Property FAQs
I have just sold my rental property, do I need to tell HMRC? Where an individual sells or gifts UK residential property this is a […]
5/30/2024
Read Article
Spring Budget Summary 2024
Spring Budget Summary 2024 Overview Key points for the Spring Budget 2024: Personal tax Business tax Other measures Please complete the form below to download […]
3/12/2024
Read Article
Pre-Year-End Guide
Pre-Year-End Guide. As a small business owner, the end of the year is a crucial time to prepare for the upcoming year
12/4/2023
Read Article
What is Patent Box?
For UK limited companies, the Patent Box scheme is a valuable incentive that encourages the development and exploitation of patented...
12/4/2023
Read Article
What is a trivial benefit?
In the context of UK limited companies, a trivial benefit refers to a small, incidental perk or gift provided by an employer to an employee
12/1/2023
Read Article
Autumn Statement Summary 2023
To help digest the Autumn Statement 2023, we’ve highlighted some key areas below. To read our full summary...
11/24/2023
Read Article
What do auditors do?
What do auditors do? Demystifying the audit process for SMEs, shedding light on what auditors do and the valuable contributions they provide
11/13/2023
Read Article
Pros and Cons of Company Cars
In this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of company cars for both employees and employers in the UK with a particular focus on the tax
11/8/2023
Read Article
How much should I save for my tax bill?
If you're a director of a limited company who pays yourself through a combination of salary and dividends, it's crucial to understand your tax
11/8/2023
Read Article
What tax reliefs are available for my business?
There are several tax reliefs and incentives designed to help small businesses thrive. In this article, we will explore common tax reliefs
10/27/2023
Read Article
How much should I be paying for my accounts?
How much should I be paying for my accounts? In this video Alex Black talks through the various elements that can affect how much you pay
10/26/2023
Read Article
What is the most tax-efficient way to pay myself?
What is the most tax-efficient way to pay myself, through a limited company: Salary vs. Salary & Dividends.
10/18/2023
Read Article
5 Top Tips for Using Reports in Xero
As specialists in Xero accounting, we've put together our top five tips for harnessing the full power of Xero reports to drive your business
10/16/2023
Read Article
Webinar – Employee Ownership Options for SMEs
Employee Ownership Options are becoming more and more popular for SMEs for two main reasons. Firstly, as a potential tax efficient exit strategy
10/13/2023
Read Article
Top Tips for Keeping on Top of Xero
Whether a seasoned Xero user, or new, this video outlines top tips for staying on top of your book-keeping in Xero.
10/13/2023
Read Article
SOLE TRADER AND PARTNERSHIP TAX CHANGES
HMRC have introduced new rules related to the way sole-trader and partnership profits are taxed, coming into force from the 2024/25 tax year.
10/10/2023
Read Article
What is Cash Flow?
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any small business. In this article, we'll cover the basics of cash flow, its importance and...
10/3/2023
Read Article
What Expenses Can I Claim Through My Limited Company?
Running a limited company in the UK comes with certain tax advantages, including the ability to claim various expenses.
9/29/2023
Read Article
Do I need a Business LPA?
While entrepreneurs meticulously prepare for various aspects of their ventures, one crucial element is often overlooked – the Business LPA.
9/28/2023
Read Article
How to read a Balance Sheet
Understanding a balance sheet is crucial for anyone interested in assessing a company's financial health. In this video we explain how to...
9/25/2023
Read Article
R&D Tax Relief – Updates 2023
R&D Tax Relief – Updates 2023 R&D schemes before the changes in 2023 HMRC encourages innovation via two different R&D schemes, one for SMEs; SME […]
9/12/2023
Read Article
Can I Change My Year-End?
Can I Change My Year-End? A guide for UK limited companies. If you're running a limited company, you might be wondering whether it's possible to […]
9/11/2023
Read Article
Why is cash tight even though I've made a profit?
Why is cash tight even though I've made a profit? Cash can be tight even when a business is making a profit due to several […]
9/11/2023
Read Article
A Guide to becoming Self-Employed
A Guide to becoming Self-Employed (a Sole Trader) If you’re thinking about going self-employed, it’s both an exciting and also slightly daunting time. We’ve prepared […]
8/31/2023
Read Article
Xero invite users to apply for “Beautiful Business Fund”
Xero invite users to apply for “Beautiful Business Fund” Xero have launched a fund for small businesses, designed to celebrate success and encourage growth, called […]
8/30/2023
Read Article
A Guide to becoming Self-Employed
A Guide to becoming Self-Employed For further details – check out our written guide on becoming self-employed. If you are thinking of going self-employed and […]
8/23/2023
Read Article
Limited Company vs. Sole Trade vs. Partnership
Limited Company vs. Sole Trade vs. Partnership Choosing the Right Structure for Your Business When starting a business, one of the most critical decisions entrepreneurs […]
8/23/2023
Read Article
Can I reduce my Inheritance Tax?
Can I reduce my Inheritance Tax? What is Inheritance Tax? Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a tax imposed based on the value your estate when you […]
8/22/2023
Read Article
Extension to top up Class 3 NIC
Extension to top up Class 3 NIC Every year, newly retired people realise that they will be paid much less than they are expecting via […]
8/17/2023
Read Article
HMRC potentially merge R&D schemes
HMRC potentially merge R&D schemes At the Autumn Statement in 2022 the Chancellor announced that, as part of the ongoing review of the R&D reliefs, the government […]
8/15/2023
Read Article
Don’t put off writing your Will
Don’t put off writing your Will Planning for the future is essential, and one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is creating a will. A […]
7/27/2023
Read Article
Deadline for renewing TAX CREDITS
Deadline for renewing TAX CREDITS If you claim either Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, you should have received a renewal pack from HMRC […]
7/25/2023
Read Article
A guide to Self-Assessment tax returns
Self-Assessment Tax Returns – What are they and do I need to file one? What is a tax return? A self-assessment tax return is an […]
7/19/2023
Read Article
What is a Payment on Account?
What is a Payment on Account? A “payment on account” is a prepayment of tax that individuals (in certain circumstances) are required to make to […]
7/10/2023
Read Article
How do I change accountants?
Are you considering changing accountants? Perhaps your service requirements have changed, or you’ve been disappointed with a service, or your current accountant is retiring. When […]
7/3/2023
Read Article
What are the responsibilities of a Director?
What are the responsibilities of a Director? Directors play a crucial role in the successful operation and management of a company. They hold significant responsibilities, […]
6/13/2023
Read Article
How to write a business plan
How to write a business plan A well-crafted business plan is the cornerstone to any successful venture. It serves as a roadmap, outlining your goals, […]
6/13/2023
Read Article
What is a balance sheet?
Understanding Balance Sheets: for Small Businesses What is a balance sheet? A balance sheet is a crucial financial statement that provides a snapshot of a […]
6/13/2023
Read Article
When does my business need an Audit?
When does my business need an Audit? Companies are subject to various legal and regulatory requirements, one of which includes auditing their financial statements. While […]
6/13/2023
Read Article
When do I need to register for VAT?
A brief intro to VAT for small businesses Before we get into the detail of the requirements and obligations to register for VAT, let’s firstly […]
6/13/2023
Read Article
What is EBITDA?
An introduction to EBITDA for small businesses What is EBITDA? The acronym EBITDA stands for “Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation,” and is a […]
6/13/2023
Read Article