Show overview
James is joined by Lovewell Blake Managing Partner and International Tax expert Kevin Bunting to talk about the UK as a destination for operations. What regulatory and taxation factors need to be considered when starting up or operating in the UK. Kevin runs through his top tips for global companies utilising the UK as a business environment.
Episode summary
In this episode of Summing Up, James is joined by Kevin Bunting, Managing Partner at Lovewell Blake and an international tax specialist, to discuss the UK tax environment for international businesses. The conversation explores why the UK remains an attractive destination for overseas companies and highlights the key tax, regulatory and strategic considerations involved in establishing and operating a business in the UK.
Kevin shares practical insights on corporation tax, double tax treaties, determining a UK taxable presence, and structuring operations effectively. The episode also covers the UK's role as a holding company jurisdiction, available tax reliefs such as R&D tax credits and Patent Box, residency considerations, and the obligations that come with employing staff in the UK. The discussion concludes with advice for both international businesses entering the UK and UK companies looking to expand overseas.
Key takeaways
The UK remains an attractive location for international businesses and investment.
Understanding taxable presence rules is essential when operating across borders.
Double tax treaties can help businesses avoid being taxed twice on the same income.
The UK offers valuable tax reliefs, including R&D tax credits and Patent Box benefits.
Overseas business owners should consider UK residency and employment obligations carefully.
Early tax and strategic planning can support successful international expansion.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
00:41 – The UK as an environment for foreign businesses
02:41 – Dual tax treaties and stability
02:59 – Establishing a UK presence: subsidiary versus foreign branch
04:43 – Early planning and entity structures
06:19 – Using a UK company as a group holding company
07:59 – Dividends, management charges, and royalties
08:27 – Beyond the headline corporation tax rate
09:38 – Patent Box relief and R&D incentives
11:51 – Non-resident owners and UK tax residency
13:45 – Recent residency rule changes and foreign income
15:43 – Employing staff in the UK and payroll obligations
18:16 – Advice for UK businesses expanding overseas
20:12 – Global reach through international networks
20:53 – Summary and wrap up
Guest bio
Kevin Bunting is Managing Partner at Lovewell Blake and a Chartered Tax Adviser specialising in international tax, business structuring and capital taxes.