News

Halesworth accountants help struggling families receive some christmas cheer
By: Marketing Team Date: 10 December 2019

Struggling families in the Halesworth area will be enjoying a little extra Christmas cheer this festive season – thanks to the generosity of kind-hearted staff at a local firm of chartered accountants.

Making sure gifts to employees are tax-free
By: Sadie Nicholls, Tax Team Date: 05 December 2019

As we approach Christmas, some employers may wish to consider giving a small gift to their employees. As long as the employer meets the relevant conditions, no tax charge will arise for the gift recipient.

Gifting for children
By: Sarah Edmunds, Paraplanner Date: 04 December 2019

It’s that time of year again when our thoughts come to gifting to our nearest and dearest. When it comes to the children in our lives this often means a new toy, or a new outfit. But what...

Local kids football team gets boost as accountants step in as sponsor
By: Marketing department Date: 03 December 2019

A local kids’ football team is looking the part on the pitch this season after chartered accountants Lovewell Blake stepped in to become their kit sponsor.

IR35 appeals – a tale of two TV presenters
By: Mary Schofield Date: 28 November 2019

Former BBC presenter Christa Ackroyd has lost her appeal against a ruling that she was an employee, not a freelance contractor. Whereas Helen Fospero, a presenter on ITV has won her appeal. Both provided their services via personal service companies.

Life Insurance
By: Ricky Banham, Lovewell Blake Financial Planning Date: 27 November 2019

With the season of goodwill nearing, now could be the perfect opportunity to consider (or reconsider) the level of life insurance you have in place for you and your loved ones. It might not be something that you wish to...

LB tax, business and financial planning update November 2019
By: Marketing Team Date: 26 November 2019

In our latest newsletter we bring you:

Speakers bid to bring the hammer down on 2019 Farmers' Evenings programme
By: Marketing Team Date: 26 November 2019

The world of Bargain Hunt and Flog It! will be under the spotlight at the latest Lovewell Blake/Suffolk Coastal NFU Farmers’ Evening in Halesworth on Wednesday 4 December, when two experts from auctioneers Durrants will be the speakers.

Free masterclass to tackle problem of late payment of invoices
By: Marketing department Date: 25 November 2019

With the average small business being owed £23,360 in overdue payments from clients on any given day, late payments are one of the biggest challenges facing SMEs.

Lowestoft & Waveney Chamber Business Awards
By: Marketing team Date: 22 November 2019

Chartered accountants Lovewell Blake have been crowned Employer of the Year 2019 in the Lowestoft & Waveney Chamber Business Awards – recognising their ‘stimulating and supportive work environment with opportunities for all staff to develop and progress’.

Rising Norfolk football team scores again with second year sponsorship deal
By: Marketing Team Date: 18 November 2019

Bradwell-based Anglian Combination side AC Mill Lane, which was promoted for the second year in a row at the end of last season, has also scored a repeat sponsorship deal, after chartered accountants and financial planners Lovewell Blake signed up...

FT rates East Anglian firm in Top 100 financial planners in the UK
By: Marketing Team Date: 08 November 2019

An East Anglian firm of financial planners has been named as one of the UK’s Top financial advisers by the Financial Times for the second year running.

What is Relevant Life Insurance?
By: Richard Ince, Paraplanner Date: 04 November 2019

In an ever more competitive employment market, employers are looking closer at the overall benefits they offer, beyond just salary. This can be made up of several things including; healthcare cover, income protection and life insurance. These additional benefits can...

Dental matters: Superannuation contributions
By: Richard Keeler Date: 25 October 2019

It is important that you check the superannuable pay that is reported on your end of year certificate agrees with your actual NHS earnings from the practices you work at.

Annual tenpin bowling challenge raises over £4,000 for local charity fund
By: Marketing Team Date: 23 October 2019

Over 70 participants from a dozen local businesses helped a local firm raise nearly £4,000 for good causes by taking part in a charity tenpin bowling event.

We need to talk about Due Diligence
By: Ben Anstee, Corporate Finance Executive Date: 22 October 2019

You’ve done everything right, you found a buyer, you’ve answered all their questions, you even got the offer letter through, it’s all plain sailing from here right? Well not exactly…

Latest HR masterclass to focus on how to conduct disciplinary and grievance investigations
By: Marketing Team Date: 21 October 2019

How to conduct disciplinary and grievance investigations is the subject of the latest in a series of free HR masterclasses taking place next month – something which is crucial employers get right if they are to avoid possible claims for...

Pensions versus ISA
By: Richard Ince, Paraplanner Date: 17 October 2019

A common question amongst investors is 'should I invest in a pension or an ISA?' Here we run through the main features of each product.

How can your business prepare for Brexit?
By: Rob Geary Date: 15 October 2019

We’ve talked before about the importance of preparing for Brexit, and not just burying your head in the sand. In order to help businesses to do this, our VAT experts have pulled together the advice that has been published by...

Lovewell Blake and Birketts advise on £6.5 million deal which will enable Lowestoft-based offshore firm to continue global growth
By: Marketing Team Date: 14 October 2019

One of the region’s leading offshore services companies has been sold to a major global firm in a multi-million pound deal which will enable the company to continue its growth in the worldwide offshore energy market.

World mental health day 2019
By: Claire Moore Date: 10 October 2019

Over the last few years’ employers have placed increasing value on nurturing the wellbeing of their employees. Whilst providing healthy snacks and step challenges are brilliant, it is just as important to remember that employee wellbeing goes a lot further...

Former 'farm adviser of the year' to speak at latest farmers evening
By: Marketing Team Date: 09 October 2019

A former Farmers Weekly ‘Farm Adviser of the Year’ will be the speaker at the latest Lovewell Blake/Suffolk Coastal NFU Farmers’ Evening in Halesworth on Wednesday 30 October – the day before the UK is currently due to leave the...

Good Money Week
By: Sarah Edmunds Date: 08 October 2019

We are living in a world where it is not unusual for individuals to actively look for ways to reduce their impact on the environment; for example, only last month we saw children leading protests against climate change all over...

Horsford Under 11s get new kit thanks to sponsor
By: Marketing Team Date: 07 October 2019

A football-mad group of youngsters will look the part when they take to the pitch for the new season – after their shirt sponsor signed up to support the team for the third year running.

Improve your office day – what can you do for your employees?
By: Vicky Webber Date: 04 October 2019

4 October is ‘improve your office’ day. A day dedicated to the small changes that individuals can make to their office space to improve it. Whilst the onus of Improve Your Office Day is on employees to make these improvements,...

Medical alert: Practices could face large bills after a tribunal ruled that self-employment locum GPs may be entitled to holiday and sick pay
By: Keith Shorten Date: 03 October 2019

The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has upheld that a locum GP, who was working for an out of hours (OOH) provider should have been treated as a ‘worker’. This is despite the organisation they worked for arguing that they should...

Tax relief on ultra-low emission and electric vehicles
By: Mary Schofield Date: 02 October 2019

If you are considering the purchase of a new car for your business then you may want to think about the benefits of an electric or ultra-low emissions vehicle (ULEVs).

Football-mad Aylsham youngsters have a new name on their shirts
By: Marketing Team Date: 30 September 2019

A team of football-mad youngsters in Aylsham will be taking to the pitch with a new name on their shirts this season – after signing up a new sponsor.

The importance of investigations in disciplinary and grievance procedures
By: Vicky Webber Date: 25 September 2019

As an employer you have a responsibility to your employees to ensure that you follow a fair and robust process, especially when it comes to disciplinary and grievances. When it comes to dismissal, there are three key factors which will...

Dental matters: Incorporation
By: Richard Keeler Date: 23 September 2019

As I am sure you will have seen in the Press, HMRC have proposed changes to legislation with effect from April 2020.

Lovewell Blake welcomes new trainees - as applications open for 2020 intake
By: Marketing Team Date: 20 September 2019

Chartered accountants and financial planners Lovewell Blake has welcomed a new intake of 23 trainees – as it opens the recruitment process for its 2020 intake.

LB tax, business and financial planning update September 2019
By: Marketing Team Date: 19 September 2019

In the latest version of the LB tax, business and financial planning update we bring you:

Don't bury your head in the sand when it comes to preparing for Brexit
By: Kevin Bunting Date: 18 September 2019

Even if no-one really knows what the final outcome will be, businesses cannot afford to bury their heads in the sand when it comes to Brexit, says Partner Kevin Bunting in his latest article for Business East.

Charities and voluntary groups urged to apply for share of cash windfall
By: Marketing Team Date: 17 September 2019

Local community organisations invited to bid for grants of up to £2,000.

What to expect in your first couple of months as a Lovewell Blake Trainee
By: HR team Date: 13 September 2019

With our new 2020 trainee intake applications due to open soon, we asked recent trainee, Rebecca, to tell us about her first few months at Lovewell Blake, read on for a unique insight.

How will the new off-payroll working affect you?
By: Mary Schofield Date: 11 September 2019

UK businesses and contractors should be aware of new rules taking effect from April 2020, regarding off-payroll working in the private sector, and how this will affect their business.

VAT Alert: VAT on lost space of bathroom and washroom conversions for disabled people
By: Liz Hill Date: 10 September 2019

There are some VAT reliefs for disabled people. These typically relate to goods, however certain building works also qualify for VAT relief. The relief rarely extends to anything other than widening doorways, creating or extending ramps for example.

Building sustainability into food production
By: Chris Solt Date: 10 September 2019

When the United Nations adopted its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, one of the biggest changes from what had come before was that for the first time, businesses became key stakeholders. This means that different sectors of the...

VAT alert: Domestic reverse charge on building and construction services
By: Rob Geary and Liz Hill Date: 10 September 2019

Updated September 2019. Please note, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have announced this week that the domestic reverse charge on construction services will be delayed until 1 October 2020.

National Payroll Week
By: Mary Schofield Date: 04 September 2019

‘National Payroll Week’ runs from 2 - 6 of September and is a celebration of those individuals who help to get the nation paid on time.

New capital gains tax rules could catch out those selling buy-to-lets, second homes and furnished holiday lets
By: Shaun Davison Date: 27 August 2019

A leading Norfolk tax expert is warning of new rules coming in next April, which could catch out buy-to-let landlords, second-home owners and people with furnished holiday lets.

Trading in goods after Brexit
By: Liz Hill Date: 23 August 2019

In order to continue trading goods with EU member states in the event of a no-deal Brexit, VAT-registered organisations need to have signed up for an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number. However, less than half the companies that...

The option to tax on commercial property - where it can go wrong
By: Liz Hill Date: 21 August 2019

An ‘option to tax’ is a formal declaration made by a VAT registered entity which has an interest in a commercial property or land. The interest can be freehold or leasehold. The advantage in declaring an option to...

LB tax, business and financial planning update
By: Marketing Team Date: 16 August 2019

In this month's LB tax, business and financial planning update we bring you:

Got your results? What next?
By: Claire Moore, HR Consultant Date: 15 August 2019

For teenagers up and down the country, A Level results day is a turning point. Many students reach this day with a clear plan, and know which path they want to take next. For others though, the results leave them...

UK taxpayers to be given 30 day window to pay Capital Gains Tax on property disposals
By: Shaun Davison Date: 15 August 2019

UK taxpayers should be aware of new rules taking effect from April 2020, under which the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on the disposal of residential property needs to be reported and paid to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) within a...

The NHS Pension Conundrum
By: Alex Harrington, Tax Senior Date: 14 August 2019

Firstly, in order to provide a bit of an overview, it would be prudent to discuss what the ‘Annual Allowance tax charge’ is. The Annual Allowance charge is a tax at your marginal rate, on the excess of your pension...

Holding onto key talent is crucial to any business's success
By: Mary Schofield Date: 09 August 2019

In her latest article for East Anglia in Business magazine, Partner Mary Schofield writes about the importance of holding onto key talent for any business.

Making Tax Digital - Act Now!
By: Jamie Norton Date: 26 July 2019

The Making Tax Digital deadline for the June VAT return is fast approaching – if you are not already signed up and registered you need to act fast.

International cyclist to headline Festival of Sport curtain raiser
By: SportsAid Suffolk Date: 24 July 2019

Olympic cyclist Jess Varnish will headline the opening event of this year’s Bury St Edmunds Festival of Sport.

Academies alert: Internal scrutiny reports
By: Stef Smith Date: 23 July 2019

Have you received a letter from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) recently? You can find a copy of the letter here for reference.

Lovewell Blake to support Reepham Festival for fourth year running
By: Marketing Team Date: 15 July 2019

One of Norfolk’s biggest music festivals has welcomed back a major sponsor for the fourth year in a row, as chartered accountants and financial planners Lovewell Blake are once again revealed as the Church Stage sponsor at the Reepham Festival,...

LB tax, business and financial planning
By: Marketing Team Date: 10 July 2019

In this month's LB tax, business and financial planning update we bring you:

The VAT liability of day care services
By: Liz Hill and Rob Geary Date: 09 July 2019

For some time now, VAT has not been applied to welfare services when supplied by either a charity, a public body or a state-regulated private welfare institution or agency. Such services are seen as exempt, which means no VAT is...

Lovewell Blake announces two new managers at its Norwich office
By: Marketing Team Date: 04 July 2019

Leading chartered accountants and financial planners Lovewell Blake has announced the appointment of two new managers at its Norwich office.

Latest HR Masterclass to help employers avoid minimum wage pitfalls
By: Marketing Team Date: 28 June 2019

Avoiding falling foul of minimum wage legislation is the subject of the latest in a series of free HR masterclasses taking place next month – 21 years after the first National Minimum Wage was set in the UK.

Lowestoft businesses get quizzical to raise more than £3,000 for local good causes
By: Marketing Team Date: 18 June 2019

Local good causes are set to receive a £3,000 boost after 22 Lowestoft businesses came together to take part in a charity quiz night, with a team from Norton Peskett Solicitors crowned winners.

LB tax, business and financial planning update
By: Marketing Team Date: 14 June 2019

In this month's LB tax, business and financial planning update we bring you: Advisory fuel rates for company cars for June 2019 Consultation on ancillary capital gains reliefs Consultation on Companies House reforms Forms P11D - reporting employee benefits...

National Volunteers' Week - Why should it matter for employers?
By: Vicky Webber, HR Consultant Date: 04 June 2019

This week is National Volunteers’ week – a chance for organisations and charities to celebrate and say thank you to the millions of volunteers across the UK who support them, but why should it matter to you as an employer?

Young Norfolk cricketers take to the crease with renewed sponsorship deal
By: Marketing Team Date: 03 June 2019

Norfolk’s Under 17s girls county cricket team are starting a busy season of matches – after a local firm of accountants renewed their sponsorship of the team for the third year running.

Taxes made easy
By: Marketing team Date: 31 May 2019

We're pleased to share our latest guide with you that includes a few suggestions for ways in which you can save money on your personal tax bill. It also gives details of some recent changes which may be of interest...

Renowned deal-maker joins accountancy firm's specialist Corporate Finance team
By: Marketing Team Date: 29 May 2019

Lovewell Blake has boosted its specialist Corporate Finance team with the appointment of experienced deal-maker Ben Anstee as a corporate finance executive, based in the firm’s Bury St Edmunds office.

Specialist Paraplanner appointment signals stronger ethical investment proposition
By: Marketing Team Date: 22 May 2019

Client aspirations and growing demand for a more ethical dimension in investment has led leading financial services firm Lovewell Blake Financial Planning to appoint a specialist ethical investment paraplanner to enhance the ‘different dimensions’ in the firm’s financial planning offer.

Learning at work week
By: Claire Moore, HR Consultant Date: 16 May 2019

The week of 13-19 May is Learning at work week. A week designed to raise awareness of the importance of continual learning in the workplace. As a firm of accountants we understand the benefits of lifelong learning better than many.

LB tax, business and financial planning update
By: Marketing Team Date: 15 May 2019

In this month's LB tax, business and financial planning update we bring you: Consultation on extension of IR35 rules 'Flexible extension' to Article 50 Government confirms implementation of pensions dashboards Latest guidance for employers Scottish air departure tax plans...

Norfolk accountant appointed chair of accountancy body's global agriculture and food industry leadership group
By: Marketing Team Date: 10 May 2019

A Norfolk agricultural specialist Chartered Accountant has been appointed as chair of the Global Agriculture, Food and Beverages Industry Leadership Group of an international network.

Lovewell Blake at the Royal Norfolk Show
By: Marketing Team Date: 01 May 2019

Lookout for Lovewell Blake at the Royal Norfolk Show once again this year. Details of our timings and location are as follows:

Making a smooth exit
By: Matt Crawley, Partner Date: 30 April 2019

In a recent issue of East Anglia in Business, Matt Crawley, Corporate Finance Partner, took a look at exit strategies for business owners.

National Gardening Week
By: Marketing Team Date: 29 April 2019

This week is National Gardening Week, a celebration of all things home grown, and for many people approaching retirement it is the thing that they are looking forward to doing when they retire.

Bury accountant gets on his bike to tackle Dutch challenge for prostate cancer charity
By: Marketing Team Date: 26 April 2019

A Bury St Edmunds accountant is set to Go Dutch on two wheels as he takes to his bike to ride the 230 miles from Ipswich to Amsterdam and back in one weekend to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.

Longstanding independent accountancy firm merges into regional leader
By: Marketing Team Date: 25 April 2019

A longstanding firm of accountants with offices in Bury St Edmunds and Attleborough is to merge its business into one of the region’s leading firms. Howard & Company, which has operated since the late 1980s, is to join Lovewell...

Lowestoft accountants' charity ball raises £4,780 for local good causes
By: Marketing Team Date: 15 April 2019

A range of local charities and good causes are in line for a cash windfall after staff at a Lowestoft accountants organised a glittering charity ball for the third year in a row.

LB tax, business and financial planning update
By: Marketing Team Date: 15 April 2019

In this month's LB tax, business and financial planning update we bring you: Additional Brexit advisory documents for small businesses Call for tax on social media businesses Changes to income tax for 2019/20 Delay to rise in probate fees...

NFU Deputy President to address latest farmers' evening
By: Marketing Team Date: 15 April 2019

Local farmers will have the chance to hear from the deputy president of the NFU when he makes an appearance as guest speaker at the latest Lovewell Blake/Suffolk Coastal NFU Farmers’ Evening in Halesworth on Wednesday 24 April.

Lowestoft accountant to tackle London marathon - just six months after taking up running
By: Marketing Team Date: 08 April 2019

A Lowestoft accountant who only took up running in October is set to take on one of the sport’s toughest challenges later this month, when she lines up alongside 40,000 others to tackle the London Marathon.

Quartet of Yarmouth accountants to take on 'Only The Brave' challenge to support air ambulance
By: Marketing Team Date: 01 April 2019

Four Great Yarmouth accountants are set to put themselves amongst ‘the Brave’ when they take on a tough 10km obstacle course next month in aid of the East Anglia Air Ambulance.

Lovewell Blake named top UK accountancy firm for services to charities
By: Marketing Team Date: 25 March 2019

Lovewell Blake has been named as the top UK firm of chartered accountants for service to charities in a national survey which included all of the major national players.

LB tax, business and financial planning update
By: Marketing Team Date: 19 March 2019

In this month's LB tax, business and financial planning update we bring you: Advisory fuel rates for company cars - March 2019 HMRC advice - prepare for no deal Households with landlines should be vigilant Latest update for employers...

Latest free HR masterclass tackles how to have those difficult conversations
By: Marketing Team Date: 18 March 2019

Tackling difficult conversations with staff is one of the most commonly cited problems of managing people – and now a free masterclass is being offered to help managers confront those tricky dialogues.

Spring Statement 2019
By: Marketing Team Date: 14 March 2019

Chancellor, Philip Hammond presented his Spring Statement on Wednesday 13 March 2019.

Mary Schofield: Tech enabler
By: Eleanor Pringle, Archant Business Writer Date: 08 March 2019

Partner, Mary Schofield recently spoke with Eleanor Pringle from Archant about her experience in working with tech businesses.

Year-end tax planning 2018/19
By: Marketing Team Date: 07 March 2019

As we approach the end of another tax year, now is a good time to make sure that your finances and tax position are structured as efficiently as possible. There may be steps which can be taken to minimise...

National Apprenticeship Week 2019
By: Marketing Team Date: 04 March 2019

This week (Monday 4 - Friday 8 March 2019) we will be joining in with other apprenticeship providers to celebrate our hardworking apprentices and the impact they have on life at Lovewell Blake. We recently spoke to Andrew and...

Warning that technology cannot replace human support, as big four accountancy firm abandons UK small business accounting service
By: Marketing Team Date: 01 March 2019

Technology can only work alongside face-to-face advice, warns local expert Cloud-based accounting systems being marketed as part of the Making Tax Digital programme are not a complete solution to business prosperity, and only work if they are combined with...

LB tax, business and financial planning update
By: Marketing Team Date: 21 February 2019

In this month's LB tax, business and financial planning update we bring you: HMRC's voice ID database Protect your pension pots 'Unbelievable excuses' for late filing of tax returns When is my best date for Making Tax Digital enrolment?...

Making Tax Digital is just weeks away - are you ready?
By: James Shipp Date: 15 February 2019

There are now just weeks until one of the biggest changes in the way businesses interact with the tax man comes into effect – and for many, the change will be a big one.

FT rates East Anglian firm in top 20 financial planners in the UK
By: Marketing Team Date: 11 February 2019

An East Anglian firm of financial planners has been named as one of the UK’s Top 20 financial advisers by the Financial Times.

Auto-enrolment: Tax relief for higher earners
By: Matthew Harrington Date: 08 February 2019

As auto-enrolment has now been in place since 2012, many members of workplace pension schemes have been enrolled for a while, and allow the scheme to tick over without much additional input.

Managing sickness absence positively
By: Claire Moore Date: 04 February 2019

Over recent years it has been noticed that the first Monday in February sees higher numbers of workers calling in sick than any other day of the year, thus earning it the title “national sickie day”. Statistics estimate a staggering...

Lovewell Blake announces four new managers
By: Marketing Team Date: 28 January 2019

Leading chartered accountants and financial planners Lovewell Blake has announced the appointments of four new managers in its Norwich, Great Yarmouth and Halesworth offices.

Latest farmers' evening to focus on latest developments in agricultural machinery
By: Marketing Team Date: 28 January 2019

Technological advances in farm machinery will be the focus of the latest Lovewell Blake/Suffolk Coastal NFU farmers’ evening, when three of the region’s leading agricultural machinery experts will be outlining the latest developments in the field.

Extra Making Tax Digital masterclasses announced to meet soaring demand from local businesses
By: Marketing Team Date: 25 January 2019

Businesses are being urged to prepare for the biggest shake-up in the way they submit VAT returns for years, with many still not prepared for the April switch-over.

Lovewell Blake to support student and graduate entrepreneurs
By: Marketing Team Date: 22 January 2019

A charitable donation and substantial mentoring commitment will aid UEA student entrepreneurs.

Ely accountancy firm to distribute jute bags to clients in support of city's plastic bag-free bid
By: Marketing Team Date: 21 January 2019

The Ely office of chartered accountants and financial planners Lovewell Blake has become the latest local business to sign up to the city’s bid to become plastic bag-free.

The Making Tax Digital opportunity
By: Nathan Bowden Date: 18 January 2019

With Making Tax Digital (MTD) just around the corner, it seems that one approach for some businesses is to just do what it takes to comply, in order to tick the box.

Preparing for a no-deal Brexit - VAT registered businesses
By: Liz Hill Date: 17 January 2019

With 29 March, and the UK’s exit from Europe imminent, now is the time to start making preparations for a possible no-deal Brexit.

LB tax, business and financial planning update
By: Marketing Team Date: 16 January 2019

In this month's LB tax, business and financial planning update we bring you: HMRC publish details of deliberate tax defaulters HMRC reminder to employees to claim their tax deductible expenses Pension contribution increases ahead Self assessment deadline approaching ...

Pension input tax charge
By: Lovewell Blake Financial Planning Date: 14 January 2019

What is the Pension Input Tax charge? Each individual is entitled to contribute up to £40,000 per tax year to their retirement, subject to certain conditions. This limit will be reduced for high earners. Those individuals whose income is over...

Lifetime allowance tax charge - NHS Pension scheme members
By: Lovewell Blake Financial Planning Date: 08 January 2019

What is the Lifetime Allowance (LTA)? As part of the Government’s Pension Simplification legislation, a pension fund threshold was introduced from April 2006. Over time, this threshold rose to £1.8 million but was subsequently reduced to £1 million. The LTA...

Last chance for school leavers to apply for renowned accountancy training programme
By: Marketing Team Date: 21 December 2018

Deadline day is 10th January School leavers seeking a career in accountancy have until 10th January to apply to be part of the 2019 intake into the renowned training programme of one of the region’s leading firms.

LB tax, business and financial planning update
By: Marketing Team Date: 20 December 2018

In this month's LB tax, business and financial planning update we bring you: 180,500 new homeowners benefit from stamp duty tax relief Advisory fuel rates for company cars Inheritance tax review by Office of Tax Simplification Leaving the EU...

Scottish Budget 2018
By: Marketing Team Date: 18 December 2018

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay delivered the 2019/20 Scottish Draft Budget on Wednesday 12 December 2018 setting out the Scottish Government’s, referred to as the Government throughout this article, financial and tax plans. The announcement had been timed to take place...

Christmas gifting
By: Matthew Harrington Date: 17 December 2018

Whilst I have completed most of my Christmas shopping by now (without wishing to brag), it wasn’t all that straightforward. Trying to find out what people want without being too obvious, making sure you haven’t bought the same thing as...

Aldi steps in to boost local firm's efforts to support Great Yarmouth Open Christmas
By: Marketing Team Date: 17 December 2018

A Great Yarmouth firm’s efforts to brighten the festive period for people who are alone on Christmas Day have received a boost from a local supermarket.

Nineteen community organisations share in bumper £30,000 windfall
By: Marketing Team Date: 07 December 2018

Chartered Accountants’ Charity Fund breaks though the £250,000 mark Nineteen community groups across Norfolk and north Suffolk are to share a combined windfall of more than £30,000, following the latest round of grants from Lovewell Blake’s LB150 Fund –...

Halesworth Quiz Night raises £1,250 for town's festive lights fund
By: Marketing Team Date: 03 December 2018

Halesworth’s festive lights have received a £1,251.70 boost following a big-scale Quiz Night.

Expansion at Lovewell Blake Corporate Finance team
By: Marketing Team Date: 02 December 2018

Leading chartered accountants and financial planners Lovewell Blake has appointed Hannah Douglas to its specialist Corporate Finance team.

LB tax, business and financial planning update
By: Marketing Team Date: 29 November 2018

In this month's LB tax, business and financial planning update we bring you: Capital allowances changes Entrepreneur's Relief changes HMRC countdown: file your tax return Making Tax Digital for VAT public pilot opens and deferral for some businesses New...

Engagement and wellbeing central to staff retention, masterclass to hear
By: Marketing Team Date: 12 November 2018

Free events in Norwich and Lowestoft to feature leading HR experts With the UK facing a skills shortage and recruitment becoming increasingly difficult across many sectors, engaging and retaining staff is a growing priority for employers, and concentrating on...

The state of your state pension
By: Matthew Harrington Date: 12 November 2018

From Tuesday 6 November, both men and women will be able to claim their State Pension from their 65th birthday.

Budget could lead to tax savings for agricultural businesses
By: Marketing team Date: 03 November 2018

Changes to Investment Allowances announced in the recent Budget could lead to big tax savings for agricultural businesses – but timing is critical, according to a leading accountant specialising in the sector.

Autumn Budget 2018
By: Marketing Team Date: 30 October 2018

We are pleased to present a summary of the 2018 Autumn Budget, which the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, set out on Monday 29 October. If you have any questions then please do contact us.

Leading academics to present at agricultural event
By: Marketing team Date: 29 October 2018

Focus on interaction between science, technology, policy, practice and the market. The interactions between science, technology, policy, practice and the market will be the focus of an important event being hosted jointly by Lovewell Blake and UEA, which will...

When wedding bells should ring alarm bells
By: Ryan Lincoln, agriculture partner Date: 25 October 2018

Family farm businesses need to take a rather unromantic stance to marriage when it comes to safeguarding their future, says Ryan Lincoln of Lovewell Blake’s Agriculture Team. A family wedding is always a cause for celebration, and everyone wants...

Annual tenpin bowling challenge raises around £4,500 for local charity fund
By: Marketing team Date: 23 October 2018

Over 70 participants from a dozen local businesses helped a local firm raise nearly £4,500 for good causes by taking part in a charity tenpin bowling event.

Olympic Champion gets Festival of Sport off to a flyer
By: SportsAid Suffolk Date: 23 October 2018

Double Olympic Gold Medalist and current Olympic Champion Lizzy Yarnold was in Bury St Edmunds on Friday (19 October) to get the ‘Our Bury St Edmunds’ Festival of Sport off to a flying start.

Farm businesses risk being left behind if they don't embrace online marketplaces, says industry expert
By: Marketing Team Date: 20 October 2018

Farmers are missing out on the benefits of online marketplaces because agricultural markets haven’t kept pace with digital development – that was the message given to around 60 Norfolk and Suffolk farmers at a joint Lovewell Blake and Suffolk Coastal...

LB tax, business and financial planning update
By: Marketing Team Date: 18 October 2018

In this month's LB tax, business and financial planning update we bring you: Genuine HMRC contact and recognising phishing emails and texts HMRC has published an updated list of deliberate tax defaulters HMRC identify record £15.6 million minimum wage...

Businesses urged to consider mediation to resolve disputes
By: Marketing Team Date: 18 October 2018

Approach can work for both commercial and workplace issues, says mediation expert Businesses should be making use of mediation to resolve disputes, whether with external bodies or amongst their own staff – that was the message from one of...

Rising Norfolk football team receives financial boost with announcement of new kit sponsor
By: Marketing Team Date: 08 October 2018

Bradwell-based Anglian Combination side AC Mill Lane has a new name on its shirts for the new football season, after chartered accountants, business advisers and financial planners Lovewell Blake stepped in to become the first team’s kit sponsor.

Two new Partners appointed at Lovewell Blake
By: Marketing Date: 01 October 2018

Leading chartered accountants, business advisers and financial planners Lovewell Blake has announced the appointment of two new partners: Mary Schofield and Leigh Thurston.

Accountants to step out to support local community groups
By: Marketing team Date: 25 September 2018

Staff from a regional firm of chartered accountants, along with family, friends and dogs, will be stepping out for charity later this month, on a ten mile coastal sponsored walk.

Local community fund celebrates tenth anniversary and breaks through £250,000 mark
By: Marketing Team Date: 20 September 2018

Local community organisations invited to bid for share of cash windfall. A community fund set up by a regional firm of chartered accountants has opened its tenth annual grants round – and announced that this year’s fundraising has taken...

Lowestoft business people enjoy a taste of success
By: Marketing Team Date: 18 September 2018

Lowestoft business people got a taste of a local business success – literally – at a networking event organised by chartered accountants Lovewell Blake. Staff from the firm’s Lowestoft office invited clients and professional contacts to come and hear...

Local chartered accountants launch new dedicated energy sector advisory team
By: Marketing Team Date: 17 September 2018

A leading regional firm of chartered accountants has brought together a new specialist team to support East Anglia’s energy sector – bringing years of experience of the sector and providing bespoke services designed to help local businesses grow.

LB tax, business and financial planning update
By: Marketing Team Date: 17 September 2018

In this month's LB tax, business and financial planning update we bring you: Advisory fuel rates for company cars HMRC latest guidance for employers 'No deal' Brexit guidance Software suppliers - Making Tax Digital for VAT Stamp duty cut:...

Double Olympic Champion on route to Bury St Edmunds
By: SportsAid Suffolk Date: 17 September 2018

Current Double Olympic Skeleton Champion Lizzy Yarnold MBE is to be guest of honour at the 2018 Bury St Edmunds Sporting Lunch. The lunch, which will raise funding for SportsAid, will take place on Friday 19 October at The...

Lovewell Blake welcomes new apprentices and graduate trainees - as applications open for 2019 intake
By: Marketing Team Date: 14 September 2018

Leading regional accountants, business advisers and financial planners Lovewell Blake has welcomed a new intake of 18 apprentices and graduate trainees – and has started the recruitment process for its 2019 intake.

VAT alert: Commercial property and tax structuring
By: Liz Hill, VAT Consultant Date: 11 September 2018

Couples are often advised to take joint ownership of commercial properties to maximise the direct tax position. If one of them already owns the property, is VAT registered and has declared an ‘option to tax’, the VAT position of...

Regional accountancy firm appointed Platinum Partner by top UK cloud-based accounting platform
By: Marketing Team Date: 10 September 2018

A leading regional firm of chartered accountants has seen its leading position in cloud-based accounting confirmed with its appointment as a Platinum Partner by one of the UK’s leading cloud accounting platforms.

Four more free 'Building Brilliance in Business' masterclasses announced
By: Marketing Team Date: 04 September 2018

The latest events have been announced in a year-long series of free masterclasses aimed at helping business owners and managers achieve ‘business brilliance’. The growing importance of video, commercial mediation, workplace wellbeing and dealing with the media are the...

VAT: what smaller businesses need to know
By: Liz Hill and Rob Geary, VAT Consultants Date: 20 August 2018

VAT can seem daunting to some smaller businesses, not least because of a strict penalty regime. But a good grasp of the basics can help reduce errors and minimise the risk of penalties. In order to help establish this...

LB tax, business and financial planning update
By: Marketing Team Date: 16 August 2018

In this month's LB tax, business and financial planning update we bring you: Bank of England raise interest rate Making Tax Digital for VAT Next round of draft tax legislation published One million couples still eligible for £900 tax...

Lovewell Blake revealed as church stage sponsor at Reepham festival for the third year running
By: Marketing Team Date: 23 July 2018

One of Norfolk’s largest music festivals has welcomed back a major sponsor for the third year in a row: accountants, business advisers and financial planners Lovewell Blake.

LB tax, business and financial planning update
By: Marketing Team Date: 16 July 2018

In this month's LB tax, business and financial planning update we bring you:

New Corporate Finance manager for Lovewell Blake
By: Marketing Team Date: 09 July 2018

Accountants, business advisers and financial planners Lovewell Blake have appointed Matt Sturman a manager in the firm’s Corporate Finance department, which is responsible for handling mergers and acquisitions, company disposals, business valuations, financial modelling and due diligence.

Lovewell Blake advise on management buy out of Alicat Workboats
By: Birketts LLP Date: 09 July 2018

Along with Birketts LLP (led by Ed Savory), Lovewell Blake's Corporate Finance team has advised Steve Thacker and Simon Coote on the completion of a management buyout of Richards Dry Dock and Engineering Ltd and its subsidiaries, including Alicat Workboats,...

Suffolk coastal NFU and Lovewell Blake host annual farm walk at Wantisden Hall Farms
By: Marketing Team Date: 04 July 2018

Around 60 members of the farming community heard from Farmers Weekly Farm Manager of the Year Tim Pratt when they visited Wantisden Hall Farms near Woodbridge for the annual Farm Walk organised by Lovewell Blake and Suffolk Coastal NFU.

Norfolk village community cricket club receives financial boost with announcement of new sponsor
By: Marketing Team Date: 02 July 2018

A Norfolk cricket club, which has created a brand new cricket ground entirely through the labour of volunteers, has received a cash boost after it was announced that accountants, business advisers and financial planners Lovewell Blake have stepped in to...

Show success demonstrates need to fly the flag for farming, says leading agricultural business adviser
By: Marketing Team Date: 29 June 2018

The popularity of agricultural shows such as the Royal Norfolk Show demonstrates the continued importance of farming interacting with consumers, according to a leading agricultural business adviser.

VAT alert for motor dealers
By: Rob Geary Date: 25 June 2018

For those of you in the motor trade it is common practice to involve a finance company when a customer wishes to purchase a new car. In most cases, the finance company requires a minimum deposit value and it is...

LB tax, business and financial planning update
By: Marketing Team Date: 21 June 2018

In this month's LB tax, business and financial planning update we bring you:

10 things to do once you are retired
By: Lovewell Blake Financial Planning Limited Date: 18 June 2018

Yesterday, you were busy working and today you are retired, what’s next? Here is a list of the 10 most popular things that retirees did. 1. Travel, one activity that a lot of retirees engaged in was travel, especially as...

Lovewell Blake named in national list of 100 employers for school and college leavers
By: Marketing Team Date: 15 June 2018

Only Norfolk employer featured; ranked in top ten nationally in its sector A Norfolk firm with an industry-leading reputation for its apprenticeship and graduate schemes has been named one of the top 100 UK employers for school and college...

Taxes made easy
By: Marketing Team Date: 14 June 2018

We're pleased to share a guide which gives a few suggestions for ways in which you can save money on your personal tax bill; it also points out some recent changes which may be of interest to you and your...

Turkey Ball provides £13,000 boost to Norfolk bereavement charity
By: Marketing Team Date: 08 June 2018

Norfolk’s children’s and young people’s bereavement support charity Nelson’s Journey has received a £13,000 boost following a hugely successful ‘Turkey Ball’ organised by Great Yarmouth Round Table earlier in the year.

PR guru to explain why 'spin' doesn't work
By: Marketing Team Date: 07 June 2018

Leading city PR man to present latest in series of free business masterclasses The importance of a business’s reputation – and how to build and manage it – will be the focus for the latest in a year-long series...

When does a notice of termination take effect?
By: Helen Busfield, HR Team Date: 06 June 2018

Once a decision to serve notice has been made, it is important for both an employer and employee to understand when that notice will end. A recent case in the High Court looked at some of the issues...

LB tax, business and financial planning update
By: Marketing Team Date: 31 May 2018

In this month's LB tax, business and financial planning update we bring you:

A guide to disciplinary procedures
By: Helen Busfield, HR Team Date: 29 May 2018

As an employer, one of the most daunting issues you can face is instigating disciplinary procedures. However, if you follow a clear, documented process, it can help alleviate concerns. It is important your contracts of employment and disciplinary procedures are...

Young cricketers take to the crease with renewed sponsorship deal
By: Marketing team Date: 25 May 2018

Norfolk’s Under 17s girls county cricket team are staring a busy season of matches – after a local firm of accountants renewed their sponsorship of the team for the second year.

Leading Lowestoft firm opens its doors to local business studies students
By: Marketing Team Date: 14 May 2018

Ten Business Studies students from Lowestoft Sixth Form College had the chance to find out first hand about one of the region’s leading businesses when they were welcomed at the Lowestoft office of leading accountants, business advisers and financial planners...

Lowestoft quiz for the LB150 fund
By: Marketing Team Date: 01 May 2018

We are delighted to invite you to join us at a fun quiz, where all the money raised will go to the LB150 charitable fund. In 2008, as part of our 150th anniversary celebrations, we launched our LB150 fund....

Energy sector small businesses urged to check if they are eligible for refund of VAT overpayments
By: Marketing Team Date: 30 April 2018

‘Unclear’ HMRC guidance could have led to firms applying wrong rate Small businesses in the energy sector are being urged to claim potential VAT overpayments back before it is too late – after it emerged that they could have...

Lowestoft accountants' charity ball raises over £3,000 for local good causes
By: Marketing Team Date: 30 April 2018

A range of local charities and good causes are in line for a windfall of more than £3,000 after staff at a Lowestoft accountants organised a glittering charity ball for the second year in a row.

Employment law updates: A brief overview April 2018
By: Helen Busfield, HR team Date: 16 April 2018

As an employer it is vital that you keep up to date with changes in employment law. Typically, major statutory employment law updates are released bi-annually, in April and October. However, keeping abreast of case law development is important...

Valuable opportunities to develop your business skills
By: Marketing Team Date: 13 April 2018

Are you keen to find out more about our ‘building brilliance in business’ masterclasses? We captured the first one on film. Watch Nigel Cushion, founder of social impact business Nelsonspirit, and Shaun Mary, Partner at Lovewell Blake, as they look...

LB tax, business and financial planning update
By: Marketing Team Date: 12 April 2018

In this month's LB tax, business and financial planning update we bring you:

Retirement - An emotional journey?
By: Lovewell Blake Financial Planning Date: 09 April 2018

Retirement has a habit of creeping up on you whilst you are busy getting on with your life, to the extent that we barely give it consideration until it is almost upon us. The impact of retiring can be significant,...

Latest HR masterclass to bring employers up to speed with employment matters
By: Marketing Team Date: 09 April 2018

Two free HR masterclasses taking place in Norwich and Lowestoft this month are aiming to bring employers up to date with the latest legislative and regulatory changes, following a raft of changes introduced at the start of the new financial year.

GDPR - An update, and some information on consent
By: Shaun Mary Date: 06 April 2018

By now you should all be aware of the new data protection rules coming into force in May. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will replace the Data Protection Act from 25 May 2018. Failure to comply with the regulation...

High-profile Suffolk accountancy firm merges into leading regional firm
By: Marketing Team Date: 03 April 2018

A high-profile Needham Market accountancy practice is to merge into one of the region’s leading firms. Izod Bassett, headed by partners Adrian Izod and Chris Bassett, will transfer to Lovewell Blake’s well-established Bury St Edmunds office, based at the...

Getting the most out of flexible working
By: HR Team Date: 29 March 2018

In nearly all sectors and in different business environments, flexible working arrangements are becoming increasingly popular. It is not just for the so called millennial generation, but it is a benefit that many from all age groups are looking for....

Spring Statement 2018 summary
By: Marketing Team Date: 14 March 2018

We are pleased to present a summary of the 2018 Spring Statement, which the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, delivered on Tuesday 13 March, as well as the tax rates card for 2018/19. If you have any questions...

LB tax, business and financial planning update
By: Marketing Team Date: 13 March 2018

In this month's LB tax, business and financial planning update we bring you:

The seven leadership challenges we all face in modern business
By: Mark Shields, Archant Date: 12 March 2018

A leadership gap is opening up between the people at the helm of a business and those they are leading – with the role becoming ever harder. That was the argument put forward by renowned leadership speaker and experienced...

'The thinking environment' is theme for second business masterclass
By: Marketing Team Date: 12 March 2018

The second of a year-long series of masterclasses aimed at helping owners and managers of businesses achieve ‘business brilliance’ will see top business coach Matthew Arrowsmith-Brown explain how to create the time to think creatively.

Workplace pension changes - are you ready?
By: Paul Milton Date: 09 March 2018

As an employer you have a responsibility to your staff to provide a workplace pension, even if your staff is just one person. You should already have this in place, and the chances are you do, most businesses have already...

End of year tax planning guide 2017/18
By: Lovewell Blake Tax Team Date: 08 March 2018

Timing is often the key ingredient in tax planning. The period leading up to the end of the tax year on 5 April is a prime time to take stock of your finances and tax position to minimise liability. As...

Latest farmers' evening to provide broad overview of current farming issues
By: Marketing Team Date: 06 March 2018

Three prominent farming experts will be providing an overview of financial, tax and property issues facing farmers at the latest Lovewell Blake Farmers’ Evening which takes place on Wednesday 21st March in Halesworth.

Lowestoft accountant carries off prestigious national award
By: Marketing Team Date: 22 February 2018

A Lowestoft accountant has won a prestigious national award recognising excellence in training and career development in the profession. Melanie Wright, who is training manager at Lovewell Blake, won the ‘Training Manager/Workplace Mentor Of The Year’ award at the...

Unmarried couples' pensions
By: Lovewell Blake Financial Planning Date: 21 February 2018

Civil partners, like married couples, can inherit each other’s pension rights, but unmarried couples cannot. This perceived discrimination against opposite-sex cohabiting couples is being addressed in a Bill currently before Parliament which seeks to allow such couples to register as...

Lovewell Blake's GDPR journey
By: Shaun Mary Date: 15 February 2018

GDPR is approaching, and fast. By 25 May 2018 all businesses will need to ensure they are complying with the legislation. We believe that the changes that are expected to take place will be positive, promoting the need to treat...

The work/life balance
By: Lovewell Blake Financial Planning Date: 15 February 2018

An American reporter, visiting the Soviet Union after the Russian Revolution in 1919, wrote “I have seen the future and it works”. The Calvinist Chancellor and Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, adapted the quotation to his own view of life, saying...

LB tax, business and financial planning update
By: Marketing team Date: 14 February 2018

In this month's LB tax, business and financial planning update we bring you:

Lowestoft accountant shortlisted for prestigious national award
By: Marketing Team Date: 08 February 2018

A Lowestoft accountant has been shortlisted for a national award by a leading professional publication.

East Anglian businesses express pessimism about progress of Brexit negotiations
By: Marketing Team Date: 07 February 2018

Five times as many believe negotiations are going badly, compared to those who think they are going well. Just one in nine businesses in East Anglia believes the Brexit negotiations are going well for the UK – against a national...

Preparing for an interview with Lovewell Blake
By: Helen Busfield, HR Team Date: 06 February 2018

Firstly, thank you to everyone for taking the time to apply for the trainee positions we have here at Lovewell Blake, and congratulations to those who have secured a place at our upcoming assessment centre. Alongside a series of...

New year-long masterclass series aims to help businesses achieve brilliance
By: Marketing team Date: 29 January 2018

A new, year-long series of free masterclasses aimed at helping owners and managers of businesses achieve ‘business brilliance’ has been launched in Norfolk.

LB tax, business and financial planning update
By: Marketing Team Date: 24 January 2018

In this month's LB tax, business and financial planning update we bring you:

Proposed tax rates and allowances for 2018/19
By: Marketing Team Date: 18 January 2018

Are you planning ahead for 2018/19? If so these proposed rates may provide a useful point of reference. Maybe you are considering remuneration planning options or perhaps looking to purchase a new car? If so then the information on the...

Last chance to apply for renowned accountancy training programme
By: Marketing Team Date: 05 January 2018

Deadline day is 12 January. School leavers and graduates seeking a career in accountancy have until 12 January to apply to be part of the 2018 intake into the renowned training programme of one of the region’s leading firms.

Care Homes: Looking beyond the VAT rules
By: Rob Geary Date: 07 September 2016

Many VAT registered businesses have at some point queried whether they can reclaim the VAT on an expense. Sometimes it is a personal or non-business expense and the answer is usually ‘no’. Where those expense costs are directly linked to...