The recent reports of abuses connected to some charities working in the international aid sector are deeply troubling and as a regulator we take such matters extremely seriously. There are two key points that we would like to remind charities of in light of the reports. Safeguarding (keeping vulnerable beneficiaries, volunteers and staff safe). Notifiable...

From being unattractive and restrictive in many ways, pensions have now become a great deal more appealing. Back in 2014 the then Chancellor George Osborne gave savers full access to their pension pots abolishing the requirement an annuity. As well as this, there is also the potential to use pensions as a way to mitigate...

Taking control of our personal finances is a resolution that is definitely worth keeping this year. Kenny Logan provides you with 10 top tips on how to make more of your money, all it will cost you is a bit of time and effort. If you resolved to get fit, learn a new skill, quit...

The Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 took effect on the 1st December 2017, this will introduce a new form of private residential tenancy known as the PRT, Alister Biggar takes a look at the significant changes for landlords in particular. The purpose of the new legislation is said to improve security for tenants as...

Last month, the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) published its long overdue report on modernising the VAT system. The report suggests that significantly reducing the VAT threshold could bring in an additional £1.5 billion revenue each year but this might this lead to an unexpected and nasty surprise for smaller businesses as John Craig explains...

Good Succession Planning for family businesses is vital. Succession Planning expert Kevin Crowford looks at why more than 70% of family owned businesses do not survive the transition from founder to second generation and advises that a good succession plan will ease the process and overcome the common obstacles. People are now living longer than...

Head of our Payroll Team, Alan Simpson asks employers if their payroll is properly geared up for auto enrolment, with guidance on what JRW can do to help. As an employer, you will be very aware that if you employ at least one member of staff, then you have legal duties, including enrolling those who...

If you are the Director of a company, you will know that the taxation of dividends and benefits in kind has changed quite significantly in recent times. So, if you are considering taking more income from your company, which option should you choose for maximum tax efficiency? But before we do that, let’s look at...

The European General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) will come into force next May with increased requirements for data security and individuals’ rights regarding it, along with increased penalties for getting it wrong. Kevin Ferguson takes a closer look at the implications along with 12 steps that you need to take now. Despite Brexit, the UK...

With some important news about impending changes to our business and how these will affect clients, Kevin Crowford provides the background and introduces you to our new financial services partners. Our two Financial Advisers in the company, Jim Petrie & Mike Ellis, would now like to start preparing for their eventual retirement which means that...