News

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...

In conversation with a series of fund managers
By: Lovewell Blake Finanical Planning Limited Date: 29 January 2019

In order to help you to better understand investments during periods of market volatility, Graham Walker, Director of Lovewell Blake Financial Planning Limited recently met with some Fund Managers, to get their perspective.

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: Graham Walker 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: Graham Walker 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...

Pension scam warning
By: Graham Walker Date: 14 August 2018

In the news recently has been the disappointing story of innocent pension scheme members being ripped off by criminals, there is no other way to describe them. The advice from Graham Walker, Compliance Director for Lovewell Blake Financial Planning...

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:

Lovewell Blake at the Royal Norfolk Show
By: Marketing Team Date: 18 June 2018

Lookout for the Lovewell Blake team at the Royal Norfolk Show again this year. Details of our location and timings are as follows: Timings Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 June From 8.00 am to 6.00 pm Location Stand...

10 things to do once you are retired
By: Graham Walker 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...

National scam awareness month
By: Marketing Team Date: 04 June 2018

June is national scam awareness month. We have put together a downloadable guide to help you avoid being taken advantage of by unscrupulous and sophisticated criminals. Learn how to spot, report and talk about scams. If you think...

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: Graham Walker 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: Helen Busfield, 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: Graham Walker 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: Graham Walker 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.

What to expect in your first couple of months as a Lovewell Blake Trainee
By: HR team Date: 02 January 2018

We asked recent trainee, Rebecca (pictured above, back row, centre), to tell us about her first few months at Lovewell Blake, read on for a unique insight. If you would like to join us in 2018, you have a few...

Deadline approaching to get your applications in
By: HR team Date: 20 December 2017

At Lovewell Blake we are on the lookout for our 2018 intake of AAT trainees with positions available across our Thetford, Lowestoft, Norwich, Ely, Halesworth and Great Yarmouth offices.

Scottish Budget 2017
By: Marketing Team Date: 19 December 2017

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay delivered the 2018/19 Scottish Draft Budget on Thursday 14 December 2017 setting out the Scottish Government’s financial and tax plans. The announcement had been timed to take place after Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond delivered...

VAT alert: Planning permission
By: Liz Hill Date: 15 December 2017

How vital is it to have planning permission? What happens if it is obtained retrospectively?

Unique opportunity to gain insight into career in accountancy
By: Marketing Team Date: 15 December 2017

Young people considering a career in accountancy are being offered a unique opportunity to gain an insight into life at one of the region’s top firms, when Lovewell Blake opens its doors for a trainee insight evening early in the...

A glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel
By: Justin Wright Date: 13 December 2017

As 2017 draws to a close, it seems hard to be optimistic about the situation that the food and drink sector finds itself in. The UK’s top 150 food businesses have reported a 0.8 per cent drop in revenue...

Tax at Christmas
By: Colin Chamberlain Date: 12 December 2017

The Festive Season is upon us. Here are a few common Christmas topics and some of their direct tax implications.

Defined Benefit pension transfer and lifetime allowance issues
By: Graham Walker Date: 11 December 2017

As a result of ‘Pensions Freedoms’ legislation there has been an increase in members of funded Defined Benefit schemes wanting to investigate their options. This is not surprising given the high transfer values being offered as a result of...

Thirteen community organisations share in £20,000 windfall
By: Marketing team Date: 06 December 2017

Thirteen community groups across Norfolk, north Suffolk and east Cambridgeshire are to share a combined windfall of more than £20,000, following the latest round of grants from Lovewell Blake’s LB150 Fund.

Autumn Budget 2017 summary
By: Marketing Team Date: 23 November 2017

We are pleased to present a summary of the 2017 Autumn Budget, which the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, set out on Wednesday 22 November. If you have any questions then please do contact us.

The secrets to a successful application at Lovewell Blake
By: Helen Busfield, HR Adviser Date: 20 November 2017

Applications are open for our 2018 intake of AAT and graduate trainees with positions available across the majority of our offices. The deadline for applications is 12 January 2018, so now is the time to start considering your application.

Christmas already? A VAT alert
By: Rob Geary Date: 15 November 2017

Our VAT team have put together a list of things to bear in mind when it comes to VAT recovery on seasonal products and services:

LB tax, business and financial planning update November 2017
By: Marketing Team Date: 13 November 2017

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

Why trade buyers are taking more interest in our local producers
By: Chris Solt Date: 08 November 2017

Chris Solt, food and farming partner at Lovewell Blake, applauds a local initiative to get our food and drink producers in front of trade buyers.

Regional accountancy firm shows continued support for community sports
By: Marketing Team Date: 02 November 2017

A leading regional hockey club has signed up a local firm as sponsor for the twelfth year in a row. Harleston Magpies has renewed its partnership with accountants, business advisers and financial planners, Lovewell Blake, which has been a...

Farmers have compelling business case to adopt sustainable initiatives
By: Marketing Team Date: 30 October 2017

Embracing sustainability comes with a compelling business case, and like every other business, farmers need to be open to good ideas from other sectors – that was the message from the head of sustainability from one of the region’s leading...

Free HR Masterclasses to focus on importance of staff handbook, policies and procedures
By: Marketing Team Date: 30 October 2017

The importance of having a staff handbook, together with policies and procedures, is the focus of two free HR masterclasses taking place in Norwich and Lowestoft in November.

Former cricket star entertains Bury businesses
By: SportsAid Suffolk Date: 27 October 2017

Reigning Sporting Speaker of the Year, and cricket funny man, Geoff Miller OBE was in Bury St Edmunds today to host a special sporting lunch as part of the Our Bury St Edmunds Festival of Sport.

Lovewell Blake Financial Planning Review of the Past Quarter
By: LBFP Date: 27 October 2017

A continual stream of mixed data and UK growth downgrades over the last quarter meant a relatively volatile time for the UK currency, although a dash of clarity was provided by Theresa May’s speech in Florence. Sterling subsequently strengthened, aided...

LB150 bowling night a roaring success
By: Marketing team Date: 26 October 2017

Staff at Lovewell Blake’s Halesworth office have again raised a substantial amount for local good causes after organising another successful charity tenpin bowling evening.

Lovewell Blake welcomes new apprentices and graduate trainees - as applications open for 2018 intake
By: Marketing Team Date: 23 October 2017

Leading regional chartered accountants, business advisers and financial planners Lovewell Blake has welcomed a new intake of 13 apprentices and graduate trainees – and has started the recruitment process for its 2018 intake.

LB tax, business and financial planning update, October 2017
By: Marketing Team Date: 13 October 2017

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

How to spot a scam
By: Graham Walker Date: 11 October 2017

Investment scams are all too common these days and as part of our commitment to existing and new clients we have put together a guide to help you avoid being taken advantage of by unscrupulous and sophisticated criminals. Please...

Let our food and drink producers lead the way to new export markets
By: Justin Wright Date: 11 October 2017

Justin Wright, who heads up Lovewell Blake’s specialist food and drink team, says we must not hold back the food and drink sector as it seeks to find new overseas markets.

New Partner for Lovewell Blake
By: Marketing Team Date: 06 October 2017

Leading regional chartered accountants, business advisers and financial planners Lovewell Blake has announced the appointment of a new partner based at its Thetford office: Jamie Norton.

Free events will help employers get full value from apprenticeship levy
By: Marketing Team Date: 02 October 2017

Two free events in Norfolk to help employers make the most of opportunities presented by apprenticeships take place next month – marking six months since the apprenticeship levy came into effect.

High profile Suffolk accountant and team to join leading regional firm
By: Marketing Team Date: 27 September 2017

A high-profile Ipswich accountant is to merge his business into one of the region’s leading firms. Colin Wash, one of two partners at Miller Wash Associates, along with his staff and clients, will transfer to Lovewell Blake’s well-established Bury...

Why Cloud, what’s in it for me?
By: Shaun Mary Date: 13 September 2017

Shaun Mary, Lovewell Blake’s IT partner, writes about one of the questions he regularly gets asked about cloud accounting.

Young footballers look the part thanks to new shirt sponsor
By: Marketing Team Date: 12 September 2017

A football-mad group of youngsters will look the part when they take to the pitch for the new season – thanks to a new shirt sponsor.

Farm Diversification: building the link from farm to fork
By: Justin Wright Date: 08 September 2017

Justin Wright, a Manager in our specialist food and drink team, applauds two examples of how farm diversification has created a closer link between agriculture and consumers

The modern family friendly policy
By: Helen Busfield, HR Adviser Date: 05 September 2017

Shared parental leave (SPL) was introduced in April 2015 to help alleviate a number of issues new parents face, while improving gender equality and reducing the gender pay gap. SPL was designed to enable mothers, fathers, partners and adopters to...

Turning 60 - some of the benefits at hand
By: Graham Walker Date: 29 August 2017

As someone who recently celebrated their sixth decade on this earth, I was keen to establish what the other side of the Rubicon looked like for the over 60s.

Local community organisations invited to bid for share of cash windfall
By: Marketing Team Date: 25 August 2017

Community organisations across Norfolk, north Suffolk and east Cambridgeshire are being given the chance to bid for a share of a cash windfall, with the launch of the 2017 grant-giving process from Lovewell Blake’s LB150 Fund.

The holidays are coming
By: Helen Busfield, HR Adviser Date: 24 August 2017

With the summer holidays almost over, the rush to book Christmas holiday begins. Annual leave plays a crucial role in your employee’s work-life balance and their overall wellbeing. It is important to have a structure in place when managing holiday...

Another change to subsidies ahead
By: Justin Wright Date: 20 August 2017

It has been a busy few weeks for the farming community. Harvest is in full swing and the general feeling is that yields will be in the ‘average to just above average’ range. There has been plenty of press...

The results are in, now what?
By: Claire Moore, HR Adviser Date: 18 August 2017

Whether you have received the exam results you had hoped for or not, there are a whole host of options for you to consider, including further studies or taking the first step onto the career ladder. This list is by...

LB tax, business and financial planning update August 2017
By: Marketing Team Date: 14 August 2017

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

Lowestoft and Waveney Chamber of Commerce Awards 2017
By: Marketing Team Date: 10 August 2017

2017 marks the ten year anniversary of the Lowestoft and Waveney Chamber of Commerce awards and we are pleased to continue our support again this year.

VAT and Motability cars - alert
By: Liz Hill and Rob Geary Date: 08 August 2017

The national charity known as Motability has overall responsibility for the Motability Scheme. It exists to support disabled people by encouraging them to become more mobile by leasing a car, scooter or powered wheelchair.

Changes to the People of Significant Control (PSC) and Confirmation Statement regime
By: Adam Dann Date: 07 August 2017

Your company should have now got used to the PSC requirements and you will have filed your first Confirmation Statement with Companies House, this replaced the old Annual Return. We talked about the PSC requirements in our alert here.

Lovewell Blake Autumn events schedule 2017
By: Marketing Team Date: 07 August 2017

The Autumn is fast approaching and this year, as in previous years, we are planning a busy and diverse season of seminars.

What is the feedback loop?
By: Shaun Mary Date: 02 August 2017

Why is it vital to your business success?

DIY house builder or house converter VAT refund scheme
By: Liz Hill Date: 27 July 2017

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) operates a VAT refund scheme for 'DIY' house builders or house converters. Those building their own home or converting a commercial property into a residential property could claim back thousands of pounds of VAT charged...

The importance of being vigilant
By: Marketing Team Date: 21 July 2017

We would like to take a moment to remind you of the importance of being vigilant over communications purporting to be from HMRC.

Don't get burnt by the white heat of technology
By: Justin Wright Date: 20 July 2017

Do you remember the TV programme Tomorrow’s World? In the 1970s and 1980s, we saw weekly predictions that our lives would be transformed by technology; much of it seemed to belong in science fiction – the prospect of carrying...

LB tax, business and financial planning update July 2017
By: Marketing Team Date: 14 July 2017

This month we share:

Two new managers appointed by Lovewell Blake
By: Marketing Team Date: 10 July 2017

One of the region’s leading accountants, business advisers and financial planners, Lovewell Blake, has promoted two members of staff to managers.

More than 100 farmers hear secrets of Fen Farm Dairy success on annual farm walk
By: Marketing Team Date: 10 July 2017

Over 100 farmers from all over Norfolk and Suffolk visited a farm which has made a huge success of selling raw milk and making a Brie-style cheese, for the annual NFU/Lovewell Blake Farm Walk.

Employers struggle to tackle workplace mental health issues - although awareness is up
By: Marketing Team Date: 06 July 2017

Firms must tackle problem which costs more than £6 billion a year, says regional accountancy firm. 84% of employers claim to be more aware of employee mental health issues than five years ago – yet fewer than one in...

Overseas consumers clamouring for our food and drink
By: Justin Wright Date: 05 July 2017

Farmers and food producers everywhere are awaiting the results of the Brexit negotiations with bated breath - but in the meantime they are busy growing the UK’s food and drink export market.

Free HR masterclasses will help businesses prepare for redundancy and restructure
By: Marketing team Date: 23 June 2017

With the General Election result producing ongoing political uncertainty, businesses need to prepare for the possible impact of that uncertainty – that is the message which will be put across at two masterclasses being presented by HR specialists from Lovewell...

Lovewell Blake donation keeps students afloat
By: Marketing team Date: 19 June 2017

Staff and students at Ely College were grateful this week to receive a £500 donation towards their raft for Ely Aquafest from regional accountancy firm, Lovewell Blake.

LB tax, business and financial planning update Jun 2017
By: Marketing Team Date: 16 June 2017

This month we report on:

Sheds today, houses tomorrow: Free event for farmers looking to convert buildings for residential use
By: Marketing team Date: 15 June 2017

Panel of experts will outline the opportunities presented by Permitted Development Rights Farmers who are looking to revitalise redundant agricultural buildings and reinvent them as residential dwellings are being offered the opportunity to hear from specialists in town planning,...

Lovewell Blake named in national list of top 100 employers for school and college leavers
By: Marketing team Date: 09 June 2017

A leading East Anglian firm of chartered accountants, business advisers and financial planners has been named as one of the top 100 UK employers for School and College Leavers – the only Norfolk-based company to be included on the prestigious...

Face to face with consumers - Norwich Food and Drink Festival
By: Chris Solt Date: 05 June 2017

Chris Solt, food and drink partner at Lovewell Blake, urges foodies and producers to use the forthcoming Norwich Food and Drink Festival to start ongoing relationships with each other.

EDP Business Awards 2017
By: Marketing Team Date: 26 May 2017

For the second year running we are thrilled to be sponsoring the 'Breaking Boundaries' award at the EDP Business Awards. It is vital that local businesses continue to seek new markets, and innovative ways of doing business in order to...

LB150 Quiz success
By: Marketing Team Date: 26 May 2017

The, now annual, LB150 quiz took place on Thursday 25 May at the Ivy House Country Hotel in Lowestoft. This year fourteen teams took on the eight round challenge.

VAT: Supply and install
By: Liz Hill Date: 25 May 2017

The supply of goods with installation services under a contractual obligation is treated as a single transaction subject to VAT in the country where the goods are installed or assembled. This generally triggers an obligation to register for VAT under...

Some Red Lines for the Brexit negotiators
By: Chris Solt Date: 23 May 2017

Chris Solt, food and drink partner at Lovewell Blake, sets out five priorities on behalf of Norfolk’s food and drink industry for the UK’s Brexit negotiators.

Farming Company accounts are changing
By: Justin Wright Date: 20 May 2017

One of the largest changes to accounting standards in recent years is the introduction of the new reporting requirements under FRS102, FRS102 1a and FRS105 for micro-entities. Many of our farming clients had become well- accustomed to the accounting...

LB tax, business and financial planning update May 2017
By: Marketing Team Date: 12 May 2017

This month we report on:

Lovewell Blake LB150 charity ball raises £3,800
By: Marketing team Date: 08 May 2017

A variety of local charities and community groups are in line for a £3,800 windfall, after a hugely successful inaugural Lovewell Blake Charity Ball at the Ivy House Country Hotel at Oulton Broad – and plans are already underway to...

Accountants celebrate five years in vibrant, thriving Bury St Edmunds
By: Marketing team Date: 08 May 2017

A regional firm of accountants, business advisers and financial planners is celebrating the fifth anniversary of its Bury St Edmunds office – a period which has seen continued growth in both clients and staff.

Lovewell Blake revealed as church stage sponsor at Reepham Festival for second year running
By: Marketing Team Date: 02 May 2017

One of Norfolk’s largest music festivals, celebrating its tenth birthday in 2017, has welcomed back a major sponsor for the second year: accountants, business advisers and financial planners Lovewell Blake.

Lovewell Blake Financial Planning review of the quarter May 2017
By: Lovewell Blake Financial Planning Limited Date: 01 May 2017

Political events continued to drive markets in the first quarter of 2017; optimism surrounding the new US administration’s pro-growth policies looked to be wearing thin after President Trump lost a battle in the form of the repeal and replacement of...

Anglia Farmers April 2017: Making Tax Digital - a bumpy ride ahead?
By: Justin Wright Date: 28 April 2017

It is coming, whether you are ready or not. There is plenty in the press about Making Tax Digital (MTD) although some of the finer detail is yet to be established. In total, 1.6 million companies, 2.4 million self-employed individuals...

Quiz raises over £1000 for Halesworth Festive Lights
By: Marketing Team Date: 26 April 2017

On Friday 21 April, staff from Lovewell Blake's Halesworth office hosted a charity quiz evening to raise much needed funds for the Halesworth festive lights.

LB150 three peaks challenge
By: Marketing Team Date: 25 April 2017

Whilst many of us look forward to the last bank holiday of the summer to enjoy a BBQ, or finish some DIY, this year a team of 13 from Lovewell Blake's Great Yarmouth office will be donning their walking boots...

Bury accountant takes on Tour of Suffolk to raise charity cash
By: Marketing Team Date: 24 April 2017

A Bury St Edmunds accountant is getting on his bike to cycle 150 miles around Suffolk to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK and the Friends of Ipswich Town – as he takes part in the first ever Tour Of...

Congratulations to the Brighton trio
By: Marketing team Date: 21 April 2017

Congratulations to our three Brighton runners on completing their individual challenges.

LB tax, business and financial planning update April 2017
By: Marketing Team Date: 19 April 2017

This month we report on:

Norwich trio take on Brighton marathon challenge
By: Marketing Team Date: 05 April 2017

Three runners from a Norwich-based firm of accountants will be hoping to raise money for charity when they tackle the Brighton marathon at the weekend. The trio, from accountants, business advisers and financial planners Lovewell Blake, are raising money...

Auto-enrolment - The Pensions Regulator announces spot checks
By: Hayley Sharman Date: 04 April 2017

The Pensions Regulator has recently announced that in order to ensure continued compliance from UK employers it will be carrying out auto-enrolment spot checks in the coming months.

Lowestoft Quiz for the LB150 fund
By: Marketing Team Date: 30 March 2017

Staff and partners in our Lowestoft office are once again challenging local teams to join them at a quiz night to raise money for the LB150 fund.

New business start-up clinic in Thetford
By: Marketing Team Date: 22 March 2017

Our recent work/life balance survey shows how rewarding business owners find working for themselves, but when you are first starting up we know it can be daunting.

Alert: Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) Gross Status
By: Paul Milton Date: 21 March 2017

A number of companies struggle with cashflow problems due to CIS tax suffered, this can be avoided by applying for gross status.

Readdress your work/life balance with help from the Cloud
By: James Shipp Date: 20 March 2017

In his final blog of this series, aimed at new business owners and entrepreneurs, James Shipp takes a look at the real benefits of embracing cloud technology and outsourcing at an early stage in your business journey. Whilst Cloud Accounting...

LB tax, business and financial planning update March 2017
By: Marketing Team Date: 17 March 2017

This month we report on recent developments including:

Making Tax Digital - March 2017 Update
By: Adele Cooper Date: 16 March 2017

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has recently published a response at the end of a consultation period following six consultation documents being issued last summer.

Face to face with consumers - the best way to build a food and drink brand
By: Chris Solt Date: 16 March 2017

Chris Solt, food and drink partner at Lovewell Blake, explains the importance of producers getting up close and personal with their customers. Last month my colleague Justin Wright encouraged Norfolk’s ambitious food producers to consider doing business with...

One in seven Norfolk businesses consider post-Brexit move to EU
By: Marketing Team Date: 15 March 2017

Major new survey reveals polarised views on way ahead in Brexit negotiations. One in seven Norfolk businesses is considering setting up an EU base for their business if they think the Brexit deal will disadvantage them – or already...

Taking pride in our county's produce
By: Justin Wright Date: 14 March 2017

Last month saw the launch of ‘Proudly Norfolk’, an initiative from Norfolk Food & Drink to create a brand for food producers, retailers and restaurants which will reassure consumers that the food and drink on offer is proudly produced in...

Spring Budget Summary 2017
By: Marketing Team Date: 09 March 2017

We are pleased to present a summary of the 2017 Spring Budget.

Latest farmers' evening to focus on cyber crime and rural policing
By: Marketing Team Date: 08 March 2017

A prominent cyber crime expert and Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner will be helping farmers to tackle crime at the latest Lovewell Blake Farmers’ Evening which takes place in Halesworth on Wednesday 15 March.

VAT flat rate scheme changes
By: Rob Geary Date: 06 March 2017

Back in November, we shared early details of the changes being proposed to the VAT flat rate scheme. Further details of the changes have since been published by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

A contractual engagement
By: Marketing Team Date: 03 March 2017

With employment law increasingly weighted in favour of employees, ensuring that you have a proper contract of employment in place is vital to protect your interests as an employer.

Diss Business Forum - Budget Breakfast
By: Marketing Team Date: 03 March 2017

Partner, Brian Bale, who has recently been appointed as Chairman of the Diss Business Forum, will be delivering an analysis of the 2017 Spring Budget.

The bedrock of communities and the backbone of the East Anglian economy
By: Paul Andrews, Family Business United Date: 01 March 2017

East Anglian family businesses come in all sizes, from all sectors and from all over the region. Many of these firms have been in existence for hundreds of years, passing from generation to generation, with their longevity the result...

Free budget breakfast seminar to include expert analysis of Philip Hammond's first budget
By: Marketing Team Date: 01 March 2017

The implications of Chancellor Philip Hammond’s first Budget will be analysed by a team of financial experts at a free breakfast seminar on Friday 10 March.

New chairman wants to carry on excellent work of Diss Business Forum
By: (Brian Bale) Date: 23 February 2017

The newly-appointed chairman of the Diss Business Forum hopes to continue the “excellent” work of the group after taking on the role this month. Brian Bale, of Dickleburgh, was unanimously elected at the forum’s AGM at the Park...

Starting in business: Financing your business
By: James Shipp Date: 21 February 2017

In my fourth blog aimed at start-up businesses we take a moment to consider access to finance and borrowing. So far in this series we have looked at business structure, bookkeeping and employing staff. In this piece we focus on...

LB tax, business and financial planning update February 2017
By: Marketing Team Date: 21 February 2017

This month we report on recent developments including:

Oulton Broad charity ball will raise money for variety of local charities and community groups.
By: Marketing Team Date: 20 February 2017

Tickets on sale for glitzy spring event A variety of local charities and community groups will benefit from one of the first balls of the year, taking place at the Ivy House Country Hotel at Oulton Broad on Saturday 29 April.

Important alert: ISAs are changing!
By: Lovewell Blake Financial Planning Date: 16 February 2017

The deadline for you to contribute towards your ISA allowance for the 2016/17 tax year is fast approaching, you have until 5 April 2017 to use this year’s allowance, or it will be lost. ISAs are a great way...

Survey shows the region's business owners enjoy autonomy of running their own business - but at the cost of time
By: Marketing Team Date: 15 February 2017

Entrepreneurs in Norfolk love the flexibility and control that running their own business gives them – but that comes at the cost of free time to spend with the family, holidays away from their business, and time for themselves. ...

Sheds today, houses tomorrow: free event for farmers looking to convert buildings for residential use
By: Marketing Team Date: 14 February 2017

Panel of experts will outline the opportunities presented by Permitted Development Rights. Farmers who are looking to revitalise redundant agricultural buildings and reinvent them as residential dwellings are being offered the opportunity to hear from specialists in town planning,...

Be prudent and think about your tax affairs - it could save you a lot of money
By: Kevin Bunting Date: 07 February 2017

At this time of year it is sensible to think about your financial situation, as crucial tax allowances can be wasted if not used before the end of the tax year. In addition, there are things you should think about...

One of the region's leading accountancy firms celebrates first year of business in Ely
By: Marketing Team Date: 06 February 2017

Staff at an Ely based firm of chartered accountants, business advisers and financial planners have celebrated their first anniversary of becoming part of one of the region’s leading firms, Lovewell Blake – with the news that business is booming for...

My advice? Test your adviser!
By: James Shipp Date: 03 February 2017

This week marked the end of the busiest month of the year for accountants. For many business owners the process of filing their tax returns, and paying any tax due, creeps up every year and is never short of a...

Brexit Survey
By: Paul Briddon Date: 02 February 2017

On Wednesday 1 February, MPs voted overwhelmingly to back the European Union bill, and whilst it will face more debate in the coming weeks, it is looking likely that Article 50 will be triggered at the end of March.

Financial Planning review of the past quarter
By: Lovewell Blake Financial Planning Limited Date: 01 February 2017

Following strong US macroeconomic data, the final quarter of 2016 confirmed what investors had already priced in: an inevitable rate hike by the Fed in December and divergent global monetary policies. Perhaps the biggest surprise was the positive market reaction...

Free business start-up clinic to be held in Ely
By: Marketing Team Date: 30 January 2017

Expert team on hand to offer advice and guidance. Potential entrepreneurs and those who have recently started their own business are being invited to a free business start-up clinic in Ely – where they can get advice from some of...

Time for Norfolk producers to demonstrate their value to the surging supermarkets.
By: Justin Wright Date: 30 January 2017

Justin Wright, a member of our specialist food and drink team, says that strong sales figures from the major supermarkets reveal some opportunities for our local producers.

Free seminar to help Thetford businesses tackle online fraud
By: Marketing Team Date: 30 January 2017

Tackling digital fraud will be the focus of a free seminar to be hosted in Thetford by Lovewell Blake on Tuesday 7 February.

Two new appointments and two promotions at Lovewell Blake
By: Marketing Team Date: 23 January 2017

Chartered accountants, business advisers and financial planners Lovewell Blake has announced two new appointments and two promotions at its Norwich office.

The Common Reporting Standard - what charity trustees need to know
By: Charities team Date: 20 January 2017

The Common Reporting Standard (CRS) has been established to promote transparency and prevent fraud and tax evasion. In certain circumstances, charities will fall into the scope of the CRS as explained below. If the majority of your charity’s income...

January and February start-up clinics in Lovewell Blake's Ely office
By: Marketing Team Date: 19 January 2017

Small and medium-sized businesses are an important part of the economy here in East Anglia and with more people every year deciding to set up their own business, it is important to start out on the right foot by getting...

Aspire magazine: If you want your business to be successful then build a winning team
By: Shaun Lowthorpe Date: 16 January 2017

Partner Murray Graham recently spoke with Shaun Lowthorpe for the Aspire magazine - "the magazine for entrepreneurs and innovators" - bought to you by the team behind Future50.

LB tax, business and financial planning update - January 2017
By: Marketing Team Date: 13 January 2017

This month we report on recent developments including:

Why charities must think like businesses
By: James Shipp Date: 11 January 2017

When George Osborne announced the introduction of the National Living Wage (NLW), it was part of a package which was designed – in part at least – to guarantee higher wages for those who need it whilst reducing the tax...

Starting in business: Employing people - get organised early
By: James Shipp Date: 09 January 2017

In my latest blog I take a look at employing people, the obligations you will face as an employer and some of the handy ways of managing the compliance burden.

Starting in business - To outsource or not to outsource, that is the question
By: James Shipp Date: 05 January 2017

As a new business owner there are some general administrative duties you will need to get to grips with. There has always been a stark choice in the past between the hassle of doing your own book-work on one hand,...

Staff hand over produce to help Great Yarmouth Open Christmas
By: Marketing Team Date: 23 December 2016

Staff at Lovewell Blake’s Yarmouth office have been busy collecting donations of food and cash to support Great Yarmouth Open Christmas, which will provide Christmas lunch, company and entertainment to around 200 people in The Marina Centre complex on Christmas Day.

Last chance for school leavers and graduates to apply for renowned accountancy training programme
By: Marketing Team Date: 22 December 2016

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 2017 intake into the renowned training programme of one of the region’s leading firms.

Lovewell Blake Financial Planning becomes first firm in the UK to achieve new certification
By: Marketing Team Date: 16 December 2016

The financial planning arm of Lovewell Blake has become the first in the country to achieve full certification in a new scheme aimed at improving the analysis used to make investment recommendations.

Celebrating success: Supporting our local community
By: Marketing Team Date: 13 December 2016

Regional accountants, business advisers and financial planners Lovewell Blake are celebrating a landmark year of supporting groups doing important work in their community – having given out over £21,000 of grants to charities and community groups, as well as passing...

LB tax, business and financial planning update - December 2016
By: Marketing Team Date: 08 December 2016

This month we report on recent developments including:

Aldi steps in to boost local firm's efforts to support Great Yarmouth Open Christmas
By: Marketing Team Date: 08 December 2016

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

Starting in business - Is incorporation always the best option?
By: James Shipp Date: 07 December 2016

Starting up in business can be daunting. You want to get everything right from the outset but sometimes the choices are not straightforward. Almost all start-ups favour trading as a limited company but is this the right move? In my...

2016 Autumn Statement summary
By: Brian Bale Date: 02 December 2016

On Wednesday 23 November the Chancellor, Phillip Hammond, presented his first, and last, Autumn Statement along with the spending review. There were not any significant surprises but he affirmed the objectives to raise the personal allowance to £12,500 and...

Love it or hate it, why 'Marmite-gate' is good news for our food producers
By: Justin Wright Date: 02 December 2016

Marmite is famously a ‘love it or hate it’ food – but the controversy stoked up by the press recently when Unilever and Tesco came to blows over raising the price of the yeasty spread may have an outcome which...

Small businesses face potential huge VAT bill increases
By: Rob Geary Date: 30 November 2016

New VAT rules slip in ‘under the radar’

Starting in Business - You don't know what you don't know!
By: James Shipp Date: 28 November 2016

Starting your own business can be daunting and for many first time entrepreneurs the world of business ownership comes with many surprises. It can be easy to feel that you don’t know what to do first when setting up but...

Autumn Statement 2016
By: Marketing Team Date: 24 November 2016

On Wednesday 23 November 2016 Phillip Hammond presented his first Autumn Statement. So what exactly did the Chancellor say and, more importantly, what did it actually mean?

Tax-free childcare
By: Medical Team Date: 23 November 2016

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced further details of the new tax-free childcare scheme, which is to be introduced in 2017.

Fourteen community organisations share in £21,000 windfall
By: Marketing Team Date: 21 November 2016

Fourteen community groups across Norfolk, north Suffolk and east Cambridgeshire are celebrating after learning that they are to share in a combined £21,000 windfall, following the latest round of grants from Lovewell Blake’s LB150 Fund.

LB tax, business and financial planning update November 2016
By: Marketing Team Date: 21 November 2016

This month we report on recent developments including:

Maximising your State Pension benefits
By: Graham Walker Date: 16 November 2016

With effect from April 2016, the new State Pension benefit was set at a flat rate of £155.65 per week (£8,093.80 per annum), however not everyone will receive this amount, especially if they were ‘contracted out’ at some point in...

Protect your most important asset: Your business owners
By: Adrian Nicholls Date: 10 November 2016

The risks are real.

Changes in labelling law - that's all clear then?
By: Justin Wright Date: 03 November 2016

In his latest article for Feast Norfolk magazine, Justin Wright of our food and drink team, says that even enthusiastic Leavers may be pleased to welcome new EU labelling laws.

Leading weatherman to speak at free managing risk event for farmers
By: Marketing Team Date: 03 November 2016

Planning for stormy times ahead is the best way to manage risk in farming – and one of the UK’s leading weathermen will be the guest speaker at a free seminar later this month aimed at helping agricultural businesses do...

About Thetford article: Beware bogus HMRC emails
By: Colin Chamberlain Date: 28 October 2016

I am afraid that over the course of the last few years there has been an ever increasing number of fraudsters using emails that purport to be from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). These emails often try to fool...

Press Release: Converting Agricultural Buildings Into Residential Dwellings
By: Marketing Team Date: 25 October 2016

Sheds today, houses tomorrow New Permitted Development Rights (PDR) have opened up opportunities for farmers to revitalise redundant agricultural buildings and reinvent them as residential dwellings – helping to increase the rural housing supply without harming the intrinsic beauty of...

Press Release: £5,500 raised by local businesses at charity tenpin bowling event
By: Marketing Team Date: 24 October 2016

More than £5,500 has been raised for local good causes as a result of a charity tenpin bowling evening organised by staff at Lovewell Blake’s Halesworth office.

LB tax, business and financial planning update October 2016
By: Marketing Team Date: 21 October 2016

This month we report on recent developments including:

Making tax digital
By: Adele Cooper Date: 21 October 2016

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) originally announced plans to implement the digitalisation of UK tax in 2014. As we explained back in April, the target date for all changes to be implemented by is April 2020, with a phased approach...

Great Yarmouth Mercury: An opportunity for Yarmouth to address infrastructure issues
By: James Shipp Date: 14 October 2016

The change of direction in fiscal policy signalled by Philip Hammond in his Conservative Party conference speech will be welcomed by many local businesspeople who feel that George Osborne’s single-minded focus on reducing the deficit needed rethinking.

Lowestoft Journal: Why business must take responsibility for young people's skills
By: James Shipp Date: 14 October 2016

We constantly read the results of surveys where employers say that young people come into the workplace without the skills that business needs them to have.

Press Release: Lovewell Blake welcomes new apprentices and graduate trainees - as applications open for 2017 intake
By: Marketing Team Date: 11 October 2016

Leading regional chartered accountants, business advisers and financial planners Lovewell Blake has welcomed a new intake of 17 apprentices and graduate trainees – and has started the recruitment process for its 2017 intake.

Lovewell Blake Financial Planning review of the past quarter
By: LBFP Date: 10 October 2016

Review of the past quarter: The third quarter of the year saw a great deal of political turbulence which equity markets brushed off in the end. The appointment of Theresa May as the new prime minister and the accompanying changes...

VAT alert: Charity loses VAT case
By: Rob Geary Date: 10 October 2016

A charity has recently lost a VAT case at the Court of appeal, after incurring VAT on the construction of a commercial building, despite not being VAT registered.

Age UK Norwich article: A good retirement
By: Age UK Norwich Date: 10 October 2016

Age UK Norwich will be exhibiting at our upcoming retirement event. We asked one of their volunteers to provide an article about their own retirement experience...

Press Release: Free event will help people make the transition to retirement
By: Marketing Team Date: 07 October 2016

Those approaching retirement are being invited to a special event designed to help them prepare for the transition from active employment to retirement – with presentations and exhibitions covering a range of topics from the financial choices through to making...

Press Release: Farm to fork - a reality at last?
By: Justin Wright Date: 06 October 2016

Walking around the North Norfolk Food Festival last month, I was struck by how many farmers had stands. Perhaps this shouldn’t be surprising, because much of what we eat comes, in one way or another, from the land.

Two new partners appointed at Lovewell Blake
By: Marketing Team Date: 03 October 2016

Leading regional chartered accountants, business advisers and financial planners, Lovewell Blake, has announced the appointment of two new partners: Ryan Lincoln and Richard Keeler.

Press Release: Quiz fans sought for Halesworth quiz night raising funds for town's festive lights
By: Marketing Team Date: 29 September 2016

Quiz fans in Halesworth are being invited to take part in a Quiz Night to help raise funds for the town's festive lights.

LB tax, business and financial planning update
By: Marketing Team Date: 19 September 2016

This month we report on recent developments including HMRC consultations on 'Making Tax Digital' and new sanctions for tax avoidance, as well as guidance on the implications of new UK GAAP. We also report on HMRC’s advice on spotting...

Registering with tax authorities
By: Brian Bale Date: 14 September 2016

As a new business owner there are many regulatory requirements to comply with, not least the need to register with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for relevant taxes and schemes. Problems and penalties could arise if registration is not...

Preparing for a good retirement
By: Graham Walker Date: 09 September 2016

With the recent pensions freedom changes from the Government it is becoming more important than ever that, if you are approaching retirement, you seek financial advice. There are however, some people who are concerned that they may struggle to access...

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...

Press Release: Embrace technology - But don't forget the human touch
By: James Shipp Date: 02 September 2016

In a world of constant innovation our lives are driven by technology like never before. Whether it’s communicating with friends, catching up on the latest series of Bake Off - or even running our business. Those little black...

LB tax, business and financial planning update
By: Marketing Team Date: 19 August 2016

This month we report on forthcoming restrictions in interest relief on residential property, statistics from The Pensions Regulator and the latest Charity annual return.

2016 Spirit of Enterprise Awards
By: Marketing Team Date: 15 August 2016

For the second year running, Lovewell Blake is proud to demonstrate its commitment to the businesses of Great Yarmouth as main sponsor of the Spirit of Enterprise awards.

Lowestoft and Waveney Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2016
By: Marketing Team Date: 15 August 2016

Lovewell Blake is thrilled to be sponsoring the ‘Most promising new business’ category at the Lowestoft and Waveney Chamber of Commerce Business Awards this year.

Selecting a legal entity for your business
By: Brian Bale Date: 09 August 2016

One of the first major decisions you will have to make as you start your new business is the form of legal entity it will take. This may be dictated by the way you have organised your operations and whether...

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The challenge of managing absence
By: Vicky Webber Date: 05 August 2016

Businesses rightly spend much time pondering how to increase the productivity of their staff, considering factors such as working patterns, technology and up skilling. However, too many ignore the thing that can reduce productivity to zero: absence. Managing...

About Thetford article: Brexit - the tax implications
By: Colin Chamberlain Date: 02 August 2016

On 23 June the UK decided to leave the EU. At this stage, it is impossible to predict the full consequences of that decision as it will depend on the outcome of negotiations surrounding the UK’s exit. These...

Anglia Farmers article: Brexit - what now for the farming sector?
By: Justin Wright Date: 01 August 2016

With all the hullabaloo and sound-bites of the referendum firmly behind us, it is fair to say that, at this time, sands are shifting in Parliament, divisions are becoming more evident within the UK, not to mention the uncertainty surrounding...

Press Release: Local community organisations invited to bid for share of cash windfall
By: Marketing Team Date: 29 July 2016

Community organisations across Norfolk, north Suffolk and east Cambridgeshire are being given the chance of a cash windfall, with the launch of the annual grant-giving process from Lovewell Blake’s LB150 Fund, one of the region’s leading firms of accountants, business...

Press Release: New accountancy service combines cutting-edge technology with traditional face-to-face advice
By: Marketing Team Date: 21 July 2016

One of the region’s leading chartered accountants, business advisers and financial planners, Lovewell Blake, has launched a new cloud-based accountancy service which combines cutting-edge online technology with traditional, face-to-face advice.

Press Release: Lovewell Blake revealed as church stage sponsor at Reepham Festival
By: Marketing Team Date: 20 July 2016

One of Norfolk’s biggest music festivals has a new sponsor: accountants, business advisers and financial planners, Lovewell Blake. The firm has been announced as the sponsor of the Church Stage at this year’s Reepham Festival, which takes place in...

Press Release: Norwich's first enterprise adviser partnership formed between Thorpe St Andrew school and local firm
By: Marketing Team Date: 19 July 2016

A Norwich firm of accountants, business advisers and financial planners and a Norwich school have got together to form the city’s first ‘Enterprise Adviser’ link – designed to support schools to build sustainable careers and enterprise structures and build...

Press Release: Two new managers appointed by Lovewell Blake
By: Marketing Team Date: 18 July 2016

One of the region’s leading accountants, business advisers and financial planners, Lovewell Blake, has promoted two members of staff to managers.

Lovewell Blake Financial Planning review of the past quarter
By: LBFP Date: 18 July 2016

Review of the past quarter The second quarter of 2016 saw a short-lived recovery in commodity markets, with oil prices briefly touching the US$50-a-barrel mark. Weak growth and economic uncertainty, however, slayed market sentiment.

LB tax, business and financial planning update July 2016
By: Marketing Team Date: 15 July 2016

With so much going on in the world of finance and business at the moment this month's newsletter is packed with interesting articles. We are also proud to introduce MyLB, a fully integrated accounting service built around you.

Introducing MyLB from Lovewell Blake
By: James Shipp Date: 14 July 2016

Over the past few months there have been many new innovations within the cloud accountancy field. At Lovewell Blake we have been working to develop our bespoke range of solutions, for businesses who are open to innovative functionality, without wanting...

Property fund restrictions following an increase in redemptions
By: Graham Walker Date: 13 July 2016

Three large property fund managers within the UK have announced suspended trading on their property funds due to, ‘exceptional market circumstances’.

Time to shout about ‘Brand Norfolk’
By: Justin Wright, Manager Date: 04 July 2016

The Royal Norfolk Show should inspire us all to promote the county’s food and drink producers.

Press Release: Different Because You Are - MyLB
By: Marketing Team Date: 29 June 2016

Different because you are: that is the way one of the region’s leading accountants, business advisers and financial planners, Lovewell Blake, describes its approach, an ethos which has struck a chord with business owners and private clients across Norfolk, Suffolk,...

EDP Business Awards 2016
By: Marketing Team Date: 29 June 2016

31 July is the closing date for all entries into the 2016 EDP Business Awards. This year will be the 26th year of these prestigious awards and Lovewell Blake is thrilled to be sponsoring the brand new ‘Breaking Boundaries’ award.

Medical Alert: Trivial gifts tax exemption
By: Medical Team Date: 28 June 2016

As an employer, you may wish to provide your employees with benefits beyond their salary. Usually these benefits need to be reported to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), and tax and National Insurance may be payable by you and/or your employee.

Suffolk Coastal NFU and Lovewell Blake host farm walk on Benacre Estate
By: Marketing Team Date: 28 June 2016

Over 70 members of the farming community visited The Benacre Estate in Suffolk for a farm walk and barbecue organised by Suffolk Coastal NFU and Lovewell Blake.

Brexit: Time to take stock
By: Colin Fish, Managing Partner Date: 24 June 2016

Like all of us, you will be digesting the news that Britain has voted to leave the European Union in yesterday’s referendum. Inevitably, thoughts will now turn to the consequences of the vote.

Brexit: The impact on investors
By: Graham Walker, Director Date: 24 June 2016

Given the events overnight, the guidance from Lovewell Blake Financial Planning is as follows: We feel at this juncture investors should keep calm and not panic as there is not yet enough information available, as to how matters will...

Keeping wealth in the family
By: Steven Scarlett Date: 23 June 2016

The most difficult challenge that family businesses face is transferring their wealth successfully from one generation to the next. It’s a problem faced by family businesses worldwide: only one family business in ten avoids ‘rags to rags in three generations’....

Press Release: Staff fundraising effort smashes the £200,000 mark
By: Marketing Team Date: 16 June 2016

A fundraising initiative set up to celebrate the 150th anniversary of a local firm has reached a major milestone – with a staggering £200,000 donated to community organisations and charities in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Anglia Farmers article: VAT and the Option to Tax
By: Liz Hill Date: 08 June 2016

VAT is one of the most complex taxes we have and the Option to Tax rules are no exception.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Seizing the opportunity
By: James Shipp Date: 03 June 2016

Some great news for Great Yarmouth in the past few weeks from the offshore renewable sector: first Scottish Power confirmed that the town will be the construction base for the new East Anglia One wind farm; then it was announced...

Lowestoft Journal: The Elephant in the room
By: David Haughton Date: 03 June 2016

Those of us of a certain age will remember the golden age of public information films, with viewers urged to ‘Think Bike’, or ‘Keep Britain Tidy’. The genre has not entirely disappeared; the latest incarnation features a large computer-generated, multicolour...

EU Referendum
By: Graham Walker Date: 03 June 2016

You may be concerned about the possible impact upon your investments resulting from the forthcoming June 23rd referendum. What action should you consider taking? Contact Lovewell Blake Financial Planning to discuss your options.

LB tax, business and financial planning update June 2016
By: Marketing Team Date: 01 June 2016

This month we report on various issues, including a tribunal ruling that parking fines are not deductible, the latest HMRC guidance for employers, changes to the VAT Fuel Scale charges, an update on the uptake of Pensions Freedom and the...

Press Release: Bury accountant goes dutch in gruelling cycle challenge
By: Marketing Team Date: 31 May 2016

A Bury St Edmunds accountant is preparing to go Dutch as he sets off on a 254 mile charity cycle ride to Amsterdam, raising money for Prostate Cancer UK and the Friends of Ipswich Town Football Club.

VAT Alert: VAT treatment of conversions of non-residential buildings into dwellings under permitted development rights
By: Rob Geary Date: 23 May 2016

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has recently issued a Business Brief to clarify the VAT position on the treatment of conversions of certain non-residential buildings into dwellings, following the introduction of additional permitted development rights (PDRs).

Future50 applications now open
By: Marketing Team Date: 17 May 2016

Applications are now being accepted for businesses to join the 2016 membership of Future50.

Press Release: Free seminar to help businesses tackle online fraud
By: Marketing Team Date: 09 May 2016

Tackling digital fraud will be the focus of a free seminar to be hosted jointly by Lovewell Blake and Barclays on Thursday 19th May.

Businesses invited to enter quiz teams in Lowestoft charity quiz night
By: Helen Haskett Date: 03 May 2016

Businesses in the Lowestoft area are being encouraged to put their thinking caps on and join in a charity quiz night being hosted by Lovewell Blake’s Lowestoft office team.

Making tax digital - are you ready for the digital revolution?
By: Shaun Mary Date: 29 April 2016

The recent announcement from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), that tax is going digital, is an important one for both businesses and individuals. The implications could be far-reaching, particularly for your business. This announcement provides a good opportunity to...

Press Release: Lovewell Blake awarded investment in young people status
By: Marketing Team Date: 25 April 2016

Chartered accountants, business advisers and financial planners Lovewell Blake have become only the third organisation in Norfolk – and the first private sector business – to be awarded the Investment in Young People (IIYP) accreditation.

Alert: Residential property landlords - tax update
By: Tax team Date: 22 April 2016

Loan interest and finance cost restrictions The Chancellor announced in the 2015 summer budget, that after 6 April 2017, there would be changes to tax relief on interest paid on loans and mortgages, used to buy or improve properties let...

Alert: Research and development tax incentives
By: Alexandra Fegan Read Date: 18 April 2016

Problem solving is part of everyday business and the costs in finding a solution may attract research and development (R&D) tax relief. So, taking the simple step to review whether the costs incurred by your business for research and development...

Press Release: Aylsham Show Norfolk Hero Food and Drink Awards
By: Marketing Team Date: 14 April 2016

Entries are open for this year’s Norfolk Hero Food and Drink Awards, organised by the team behind the Aylsham Show.

Press Release : New family cycle ride launches and puts the wheels in motion for Norfolk cancer charity Big C.
By: Big C Charity Date: 14 April 2016

A new family focussed mass participation cycle ride that enables cyclists to cover the entire county in five years was launched today.

Press Release: Yarmouth offshore fabricators acquired in deal which secures jobs in the town
By: Marketing Team Date: 11 April 2016

Up to 20 jobs in Great Yarmouth have been secured with the acquisition of engineering, fabricating and welding business CAP Fabrications by Hydramec Offshore Hydraulic Systems Ltd.

Travel time is working time – are you sure you are paying your workers the National Minimum Wage?
By: Vicky Webber Date: 08 April 2016

Following last year’s European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling that travelling time counts as working time, a care worker has recently received a £1,250 pay-out from her employer.

Press Release: Latest farmers' evening to hear from three leading agricultural property experts
By: Marketing Team Date: 07 April 2016

Three of the region’s most prominent agricultural property experts will share their expertise at a Farmers’ Evening in Halesworth later this month. The trio, from leading East Anglian property consultants Brown & Co, will tackle three very topical issues...

LB150 Golf Day 2016
By: Marketing Team Date: 06 April 2016

On Thursday 9 June 2016, Lovewell Blake partners and staff will be hosting our biennial LB150 Charity Golf Day at Glen Lodge, Bawburgh Golf Club, near Norwich.

Lovewell Blake Financial Planning Limited review of Quarter two.
By: LBFP Date: 05 April 2016

Review of the first quarter: The first quarter of 2016 started with a bang as Chinese equity markets brought on renewed instability to global markets. More weakness in the oil price also added to growing investor fears, who instead sought...

Lowestoft Quiz for LB150 charity fund.
By: Marketing Team Date: 05 April 2016

On Thursday 12 May 2016, staff in our Lowestoft office will be hosting a charity quiz night, with all funds raised going to our LB150 fund.

No room for the casual approach
By: Justin Wright Date: 01 April 2016

The introduction of the National Living Wage on 1 April is sure to have a big impact on the food and drink industry, but that is not the only change which employers are having to factor into their plans. ...

Anglia Farmers article: The new tax year
By: Justin Wright Date: 31 March 2016

As the new tax year approaches, thoughts turn (if you are an accountant!) to how the changes to the dividend regime for the 2016/17 year will affect owners of small companies. Historically thinking, under the current system, would broadly...

Press Release: Couple to tackle maiden marathons together in London
By: Marketing Team Date: 30 March 2016

A Norfolk couple will be running together as they both tackle the Virgin London Marathon next month – for both of them their first ever attempt at running the 26 mile distance.

VAT Alert: Update on the VAT rates for energy saving materials
By: VAT team Date: 29 March 2016

Back in December we gave details of the consultation taking place on the rate of VAT for the supply and installation of energy saving materials. The consultation came to an end in February and the Government planned to raise VAT...

Alert: Register of persons with significant control
By: Steven Scarlett Date: 23 March 2016

New rules applicable from 6 April 2016 require all non-listed UK companies and LLPs to create a ‘PSC Register’ of the people who have significant influence or control over them. These registers will be open to public inspection and details...

Budget 2016: A summary
By: Marketing Team Date: 17 March 2016

George Osborne presented the first Budget of this Parliament on Wednesday 16 March 2016.

Alert: End of tax year checklist
By: Marketing Team Date: 16 March 2016

Previously we provided you with this alert looking at all the things you should think about before the end of the 2015/2016 tax year.

Press Release: Simultaneous free seminars to explain Budget implications
By: Marketing Team Date: 15 March 2016

As the Chancellor prepares to deliver his annual Budget statement on Wednesday 16th March, two free breakfast seminars are being held in Norwich and Great Yarmouth to help people understand the implication of what he announces.

Higher rate tax relief u-turn
By: Graham Walker Date: 08 March 2016

It was announced over the weekend that the chancellor has elected not to make any changes to pension tax relief; higher rate taxpayers can breathe a sigh of relief as they were likely to have borne the brunt of the measures.

Press Release: Additional HR masterclass on disciplinary matters offered to meet huge demand
By: Marketing Team Date: 04 March 2016

A masterclass on how to handle disciplinary matters with employees has proven so popular that organisers have now added a second date, to enable those who didn’t secure a place to attend.

Press Release: Hair today, gone tomorrow - Anna makes the kindest cut of all
By: Marketing Team Date: 02 March 2016

Hair today, gone tomorrow - Anna makes the kindest cut of all to help children receiving cancer treatment. A Lowestoft accounts assistant has parted with her waist-length hair so that she can donate it to a charity which creates...

Alert: 2015/2016 Year end tax planning
By: Tax team Date: 18 February 2016

With the end of the tax year approaching, now is as a good time to ensure your business and personal finances are as tax efficient as possible. With new rates and various legislative changes due in the 2016/17 tax year,...

Are you ready for the National Living Wage?
By: Vicky Webber Date: 09 February 2016

It is estimated that six million workers are going to benefit from a pay rise on 1 April 2016, when the National Living Wage (NLW) is introduced for those aged 25 and over. The current rate of pay for this...

OrbisEnergy business skills series 2016
By: Marketing Team Date: 09 February 2016

We are proud to be partnering with OrbisEnergy to provide a series of business skills events aimed at the energy sector. Taking place at the OrbisEnergy Centre in Lowestoft, each event will cover a different topic and have a specialist...

Press Release: Farming's safety culture has to change, health and safety expert to tell farmers' meeting
By: Marketing Date: 04 February 2016

The culture of safety in farming has to change, for financial, legal and moral reasons – that is the hard-hitting message which will be conveyed by one of the industry’s leading health and safety experts at a farmers’ meeting in...

Press Release: Lovewell Blake announces two new managers
By: Marketing Team Date: 03 February 2016

Two new managers have been announced at Lovewell Blake, following internal promotions.

Alert: Higher rate pension tax relief
By: Andrew Morley Date: 29 January 2016

Major pension providers and the media are reporting possible further changes to pensions in the forthcoming Budget on 16 March 2016.

Future50: Why a focus on brand adds real value to your business
By: Murray Graham Date: 27 January 2016

To give you an idea of just how much real financial value a brand can bring, you only need to look at the actual values of some of the world’s biggest brands – these are actual numbers, equal in status...

Auto-enrolment: Are you ready?
By: Lovewell Blake Financial Planning Date: 26 January 2016

According to the National Audit Office, 5.4 million eligible workers were enrolled in pension schemes by their employers between October 2013 and August 2015. This is a staggering number, but only really accounts for the employees of larger UK companies....

Press Release: Lovewell Blake expands network with acquisition of Cambridgeshire accountancy firm
By: Marketing Team Date: 20 January 2016

East Anglian-based accountancy firm Lovewell Blake has signalled further expansion with the acquisition of a longstanding firm in Ely, Youngman & Co. The move, the firm’s first into Cambridgeshire, will add a tenth office to its network.

The death of abbreviated accounts?
By: Philip Bartram Date: 07 January 2016

Along with the vast majority of owner-managed companies, the chances are that you currently file abbreviated accounts with Companies House. It has been our normal practice for decades as it limits the amount of information that is placed on public record.

Anglia Farmers article: We mustn't waste this opportunity
By: Justin Wright Date: 31 December 2015

When Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall gets on the campaign trail, the whole food supply chain – from farmer to supermarket – tends to get nervous. The man’s credible profile, coupled with his unerring knack of getting right to the nub of...

VAT Alert: Energy saving materials consultation
By: Liz Hill Date: 18 December 2015

At present, the supply and installation of energy saving materials in a residential property is only subject to the reduced rate of VAT at 5%. Energy saving materials includes the following: Solar panelsWind or water turbinesGround or air...

Credit where it is due.
By: Justin Wright Date: 14 December 2015

Of the many things being examined by Groceries Code Adjudicator Christine Tacon, the issue of payment terms to food and drink producers from supermarkets is one which many in the industry will be keeping a close eye on.

VAT Alert: Christmas VAT issues
By: Liz Hill Date: 11 December 2015

On the first day of Christmas, Lovewell Blake gave to me, a primer on Christmas VAT recovery.

Top five tips to help you prepare to start your career.
By: Vicky Webber Date: 09 December 2015

Now that you have reached the final year of your studies, whether you are at school, college or university, you are probably thinking about your celebratory summer holiday and all the free time you will have once exams and assignments...

VAT Alert: Transfer of a business as a going concern
By: Liz Hill Date: 07 December 2015

A transfer of a going concern (TOGC) is a VAT free transaction providing certain criteria are met. The main criterion being that the seller and buyer are both VAT registered at the time of completion.

VAT Alert: Crowd funding
By: Liz Hill Date: 04 December 2015

The European Commission’s VAT Committee has agreed some VAT guidelines in regard to crowd funding. Payments made by donors in reward for future goods or services can be seen as payments in advance and subject to VAT. However, if the...

Closure of the Business Growth Service
By: James Banham Date: 03 December 2015

Following the Autumn Statement on 25 November, the government has decided to wind down the national delivery of the Business Growth Service; in fact what they actually mean is stop with immediate effect.

VAT Alert: VAT for non-profit making sporting bodies
By: Rob Geary Date: 02 December 2015

HMRC have issued a new briefing for non-profit making sporting bodies. The information sheet is predominantly aimed at golf clubs, but other non-profit making sporting bodies may be affected.

Autumn Statement 2015: A summary
By: Marketing Team Date: 26 November 2015

Chancellor George Osborne delivered his Autumn Statement on Wednesday 25 November.

Awards success - Lowestoft and Waveney Chamber of Commerce Business Awards
By: Andrew Turner Date: 25 November 2015

The 2015 Lowestoft and Waveney Chamber of Commerce Business Awards took place at Ivy House Country Hotel in Lowestoft on Friday 20 November.

Future50 Launch event 18 November 2015
By: Marketing Team Date: 20 November 2015

We are proud to be supporting Future50 again this year, and the class of 2015 was announced on Wednesday 18 November at an event held at the Redwell Brewery in Norwich.

Press Release: Top award for Lovewell Blake’s James following outstanding exams success
By: Marketing Team Date: 18 November 2015

Lovewell Blake employee James Cooper has picked up a prestigious national award after scoring the highest marks in the country in his professional exams.

Press Release: NFU economist to speak at Lovewell Blake farmers evening
By: Marketing Team Date: 17 November 2015

The state of the farming economy will be the topic for discussion at the next farmers evening, held by Suffolk Coastal NFU and Lovewell Blake, in Halesworth next month.

Changes to Gift Aid declaration for charities and community sports groups
By: Stef Smith Date: 16 November 2015

HMRC have recently updated their model Gift Aid Declaration for charities and community amateur sports clubs (CASC’s) in order to reflect the current legislation. It should also make it clearer for donors to understand the way in which gift aid works.

Alert: Holiday parks - Helping you preserve the family asset for the next generation
By: Andy Miller Date: 12 November 2015

Front of mind for many family-run holiday parks is how to ensure a smooth succession to the next generation, whilst preserving the value of your business – and inevitably inheritance tax (IHT) planning will be a big part of this...

Bury Free Press article: Fears over changes to Business Rates
By: Brian Floringer Date: 06 November 2015

The Enterprise Bill is currently going through Parliament. Part of the Bill reforms the business rates appeals system. The government’s changes have been criticised by rates experts and business groups, amid concerns that the changes will act as a ‘barrier...

Flavours of Norfolk article: The food business - Here's to a challenging but happy New Year!
By: Justin Wright Date: 06 November 2015

Justin Wright, gazes into his crystal ball to assess the opportunities and the challenges facing the food and drink industry in 2016.

From waste to taste
By: Justin Wright Date: 06 November 2015

Apologies in advance for any pork based puns. As the Pig Idea continues to gains support (an initiative to raise the ban on feeding food waste to pigs), it’s got me thinking a little bit more about how much waste...

Press Release: Lovewell Blake staff strike it lucky with charity bowling night
By: Marketing Team Date: 06 November 2015

Staff at Lovewell Blake’s Halesworth office have again raised a substantial amount for local good causes after organising another successful charity tenpin bowling evening.

Trainee intake at Lovewell Blake
By: Vicky Webber Date: 02 November 2015

It’s that time of year again – we’re recruiting for trainee accountants. Our AAT and graduate positions will start in the summer of 2016 and the application process is open now and closes on 15 January. Make...

Norfolk Magazine: Evaluating market sell-offs
By: Graham Walker Date: 29 October 2015

Markets may have regained a degree of balance since what has been dubbed ‘Black Monday’ but sell-offs of the magnitude seen since mid-August undoubtedly unnerve investors. No matter how often investors are reminded that investing is a long-term...

Press Release: Succession planning for farmers
By: Chris Solt Date: 28 October 2015

Writing for the Farmers Weekly recently, Lord Donald Curry the cross-bench peer who himself farms near Hexham in Northumberland, expressed the opinion that a failure to successfully pass on the family farm to the younger generation is one of the...

State pension top-up
By: Graham Walker Date: 27 October 2015

The Government is offering an opportunity for those reaching their state pension age before 6 April 2016 to top-up their state pension income, even if they are deferring taking income benefits. This opportunity is only available from 12 October...

The food and drink sector set to pay for the Chancellor’s generosity to workers
By: Justin Wright Date: 22 October 2015

George Osborne’s Budget announcement of a new ‘National Living Wage’ (NLW) to replace the National Minimum Wage (NMW)– and the news that it will rise steadily towards £9 an hour by 2020 – will be good news for low-paid...

Press Release: Drone technology the focus of Lovewell Blake farmers evening
By: Marketing Team Date: 20 October 2015

Drone technology and the ways it can be used to benefit the agricultural sector will be discussed at the next Farmers Evening, held by Suffolk Coastal NFU and Lovewell Blake later this month.

Budget update for medical professionals
By: Graham Walker Date: 16 October 2015

Lifetime allowance reducing to £1 million As stated in our last alert, the lifetime allowance is reducing to £1million as at 6 April 2016. If you are a member of the 1995 section of the NHS pension scheme this equates...

Tax inversion – what could it mean for the SMEs in the UK?
By: Simon Watson Date: 16 October 2015

The US is experiencing a growing tax-driven exodus as Corporate America continues to merge with or buy foreign companies so as to shift their domicile abroad. Despite President Obama historically stating that he plans to get tough on...

Auto-enrolment exam success!
By: Graham Walker Date: 07 October 2015

We are please to pass on our congratulations to Hayley Sharman from Lovewell Blake Financial Planning Limited who has successfully obtained her Certificate in Pensions Auto-enrolment through the Pensions Management Institution.

Land and buildings: VAT implications when selling your farm business
By: Liz Hill Date: 02 October 2015

In October's Anglia Farmer's article, Liz Hill writes about the VAT implications of selling your farm business.

September E-Tax News
By: Marketing Team Date: 28 September 2015

In this month’s E-Tax news we report on HM Revenue and Customs time to pay arrangements, the launch of Tax-Free Childcare, the latest National Minimum Wage campaign and changes to the rules for farmers averaging of profits. We also report...

Next generation – the importance of external experience
By: Steven Scarlett Date: 23 September 2015

One of the challenges facing family businesses on succession, is ensuring that the next generation have the appropriate skills and experience to take the business forward successfully.

Future50...Where ambitious minds meet
By: Murray Graham Date: 22 September 2015

Lovewell Blake is pleased to once again be supporting Future50.

Compulsory charge for single-use carrier bags
By: Liz Hill Date: 18 September 2015

The Government is to introduce a compulsory charge for single-use carrier bags from 5 October 2015.

Press Release: Lovewell Blake welcomes its 2015 intake of new recruits
By: Marketing Team Date: 15 September 2015

Lovewell Blake, one of the region’s leading financial planning and accountancy firms, has taken on 18 new accountancy, tax and business administration trainees.

Press Release: More new talent bolsters Lovewell Blake team
By: Marketing Team Date: 11 September 2015

Regional accountants, business advisers and financial planners, Lovewell Blake, have continued their local expansion by welcoming four new staff to their Great Yarmouth office.

Press Release: Russell retiring after years of loyal service
By: Marketing Team Date: 11 September 2015

Senior partner Russell Leggett retires at the end of the month after a Lovewell Blake career spanning five decades. Russell, the firm’s Great Yarmouth partner responsible for the energy and agricultural sectors, joined the firm in 1972, becoming a partner...

Press Release: Backing local business across the town
By: Marketing Team Date: 11 September 2015

Lovewell Blake has underlined its commitment to local businesses by sponsoring the Business of the Year category at this year’s Spirit of Enterprise Awards.

Auto-enrolment: Businesses at risk of financial penalties
By: Lovewell Blake Financial Planning Limited Date: 10 September 2015

Are you one of the thousands of small and medium-sized businesses about to reach your auto-enrolment staging dates? Recent research by The Pensions Regulator has found that around two thirds of businesses have yet to start their preparations, and many...

Flavours of Norfolk article: Knowledge is power
By: Justin Wright Date: 04 September 2015

Food producers are often driven by a passion for their product, and they understand that achieving the very best quality means knowing all there is to know about their ingredients, suppliers, production process and recipes.

Not sure you can pay your tax on time?
By: Philip Bartram Date: 03 September 2015

If you are concerned that you might not be able to pay your tax on time our general advice is that you communicate with HMRC before the due date. HMRC have discretionary powers to allow companies and individuals time...

Press Release: Leadership change signals new era at Lovewell Blake
By: Marketing Team Date: 02 September 2015

Regional accountants, business advisers and financial planners Lovewell Blake are proud to announce the appointment of a new senior partner and managing partner to lead their new-look senior management team.

China and its falling stock market
By: Chris Carter, Lovewell Blake Financial Planning Limited Date: 26 August 2015

Before looking at the reasons and immediate effects of the fall in value of the China stock market it is worth stating that when share prices are low there is a great buying opportunity. The idea of selling shares when...

VAT Alert: Update to energy saving material VAT rate
By: Liz Hill Date: 17 August 2015

Back in June we wrote about the outcome of the European Commission (EC) investigation into the UK’s treatment of VAT for companies installing energy saving materials.

More pension changes afoot
Date: 13 August 2015

The Chancellor has begun further consultation looking at the way you save for your retirement. The way that pensions are looked at has changed drastically over the last few years, which means that this consultation hasn’t been welcomed by everyone.

Client Alert: No more 'tax free' dividends
Date: 12 August 2015

As a shareholder of an owner managed company, it is likely you benefit from tax and NI efficient remuneration by drawing a low salary and then dividend to utilise the basic rate band of tax.

Summer Budget Summary 2015
Date: 13 July 2015

On Wednesday 8 July 2015 the Chancellor delivered his first Budget of this Parliament.

VAT Alert: Energy Saving Materials to Change from 5% to 20% VAT Rate
Date: 19 June 2015

The last Labour government introduced a 5% VAT rate on the supply and installation of energy saving materials for residential property. The European Commission (EC) disagreed with the decision to charge the reduced rate of VAT and instigated proceedings against...

Revised Charity Reporting and Accounting Guidance (CC15)
Date: 10 June 2015

The Charity Commission has updated its ‘Guidance on Charity Reporting and Accounting’ (CC15) documentation to reflect the recent increases in external scrutiny thresholds.

Changes to VAT for search and rescue charities
By: Liz Hill Date: 30 May 2015

If a charity operates as a search and rescue organisation, the following changes which come into effect on 1 April 2015, may affect it and the way it handles/incurs VAT. The 2015 Finance Act will give these organisations “Section...

Company car - Is it really a benefit worth having?
Date: 15 May 2015

If your employer provides a company car as part of your benefits package you will pay tax on the deemed monetary value of that benefit. The cash equivalent is essentially treated as additional salary. The cash value is...

Could your family pay the price if you die intestate?
Date: 07 May 2015

If you die intestate (without a will) there are certain rules about how your estate should be treated. On 1 October 2014 these rules were changed and if you don’t have a will in place this could jeopardise the inheritance...