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Articles by Hannah West
VAT Property Update – October 2026 .
Social housing Delivering new social housing presents difficult challenges with VAT being one of these. As a means of addressing the VAT concern, last year’s Budget announced the introduction of a new zero rate for land intended for the construction of social housing across the UK.
Charities & Not-for-Profit newsletter - October 2026 .
Welcome to the October 2026 edition of the PEM Charities & Not-for-Profit newsletter. This issue brings together practical insights for trustees and finance professionals on some of the key topics affecting the sector today, including governance, financial planning, cyber security, AI, public trust and maximising charitable income. We hope that you find the content insightful, if there are any topics you would like covered in future editions please let us know.
Gift Aid Awareness Day 2026: Maximising the value of charitable giving .
Gift Aid remains a valuable tax relief for charities, enhancing the value of eligible donations. On 1 October 2026, charities across the UK will mark Gift Aid Awareness Day, led by the Charity Finance Group’s annual #TickTheBox campaign. The initiative aims to raise awareness of Gift Aid, encourage more donors to complete Gift Aid declarations, and highlight the significant difference this valuable tax relief makes to charities and their beneficiaries.
FRS 102 Masterclass: Navigating Compliance and Key Technical Changes .
Watch our recent training session, FRS 102 Masterclass: Navigating Compliance and Key Technical Changes, designed to help finance leaders navigate key areas of FRS 102 with confidence, alongside the latest developments in Companies House reform. This session provides a clear, practical overview of complex and evolving requirements, highlighting what they mean for your organisation’s financial reporting.
VAT property update .
The VAT landscape for property transactions continues to evolve, with recent HMRC guidance and tribunal decisions highlighting the importance of getting the VAT treatment right from the outset. For property developers, investors and owners, seemingly minor VAT errors can lead to substantial tax costs, denied reliefs and lengthy disputes with HMRC. VAT deregistration and opted properties – HMRC’s new process for reporting properties subject to an option to tax when cancelling a VAT registration.
SEIS and EIS: Common pitfalls and best practices .
The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) are essential for businesses looking for early-stage funding. Most investors expect them to have been considered, and without them, many businesses struggle to get under way. Put simply, they make it easier to raise money by offering generous tax reliefs.
Inheritance tax and pensions: what Executors need to know from April 2027 .
From April 2027, pensions, often one of the most valuable assets someone owns, may be brought into the inheritance tax net for the first time. For many families, this could mean a larger tax bill and, importantly, more responsibility falling on Executors at what is already a difficult time. Understanding what is changing, and what that means in practice, can help avoid delays, stress and unexpected costs later on.
Carbon Matters - Where carbon transparency meets accountability .
Carbon Matters brings together expert legal, financial and sustainability perspectives to help organisations move beyond intention and into credible climate action. Hosted by Cambridge Network, this insightful event will explore the growing scrutiny around environmental claims, the risks of greenwashing, and how robust carbon accounting can underpin meaningful sustainability strategies.
Your Journey to Business Exit: Preparing for Sale Webinar .
Watch our recent webinar, preparing your business for sale, as part of our Journey to Business Exitseries. Whether you are actively considering an exit or simply starting to think about your long‑term succession plans, this session will give you a clearer understanding of the current M&A landscape, what buyers are looking for, and the practical actions you can take now to maximise value.
From Innovation to Impact Seminar .
Join PEM, Stratagem IPM Ltd and Laser 2000 for an exclusive breakfast seminar designed for innovative founders and ambitious post docs. Cambridge is one of the world’s leading scientific ecosystems, with extraordinary innovations emerging frequently from research labs, spin-outs and engineering teams. But there is often a gap between a breakthrough idea and a business that investors are ready to back.
Why value your business?
Most assume that a valuation would only take place at a point of selling a business, and that this value is synonymous with the price paid on said sale. However, price and value can be two very different numbers, and there are several reasons why, as a business owner, getting a business valuation is useful to aid either your own, or your business’s future. A business valuation can be considered a ‘sober assessment’ of the current value of the business.
Why business owners should have a five-year plan for exit
Most business owners spend years planning how to grow their company, but very few spend enough time planning how they will eventually leave it. A five-year exit plan is not about giving up or slowing down. It is about building a stronger, more valuable, and more resilient business while keeping your future options open. Here is why every owner should be thinking at least five years ahead. A business that is ready for exit is usually a better run business.
Mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind from April 2027
Payrolling benefits in kind – what employers need to know? From April 2027, payrolling of benefits in kind (BIKs) will be mandatory for employers. The original deadline of April 2026 was pushed back by H M Revenue & Customs (HMRC) last year. HMRC hopes payrolling will reduce the administrative burden on employers and simplify the process of reporting and paying tax on all BIKs. This summary confirms what is changing and how employers can prepare based on current HMRC guidance.
5 reasons owners need an exit plan
When an entrepreneur starts a business, they will typically devote a significant amount of time and energy into building the business before they even consider how they will exit. However, as a business owner, planning your exit is important. It can help form a clear vision for your business and encourages strategic decisions up to exit to maximise value.
Family Investment Companies: A Useful Tool for Wealth Preservation and Succession
Family Investment Companies (FICs) have become increasingly popular as families look to pass on wealth in a tax-efficient and controlled manner. An FIC offers a combination of tax advantages, governance options, and succession planning opportunities that make it an attractive solution for long-term wealth management. An FIC is simply a private company established to hold investments for the benefit of family members.
New Year, New Challenge: Run for Justice This April
As the New Year begins, many of us are thinking about fresh starts, setting new goals and doing something positive for both our health and our community. If you’re looking for a challenge that truly makes a difference, this April you can run for Disability Law Service in one of London’s most iconic races. We are delighted to offer charity places in the London Landmarks Half Marathon, taking place on Sunday 12 April 2026.
Disability Law Service proud to take part in Advice Saves campaign for Advice Week 2025
This year’s campaign focuses on celebrating the advice workforce and highlighting the vital role advisers play in supporting people facing urgent and often life-changing problems. We were proud that DLS staff featured in the campaign’s thought-provoking film, sharing their experiences of working in the advice sector and the importance of investing in a skilled, supported and sustainable workforce.
Disability Law Service shortlisted for inaugural Advising Londoner Awards
Disability Law Service (DLS) was delighted to be shortlisted as a finalist in the inaugural Advising Londoner Awards, receiving nominations in both the Best Staff Team and Best Individual categories. The awards ceremony took place on Tuesday 18 November at Clifford Chance, and was delivered by University House in partnership with the Advice Services Alliance. The event brought together advice organisations from across London to celebrate excellence, dedication and impact in the advice sector.
SDLT breakfast seminar
Join us at our upcoming Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) breakfast seminar, focussing on recent changes and topical issues. Please join our specialists, Judith Pederzolli and Sarah Davis for a chance to network, and chat about the SDLT issues that have been keeping our specialists busy. Who is this event for? This seminar is open to referrers who are interested in understanding the SDLT implications of their clients’ transactions.
VAT on energy saving materials workshop
Wednesday 25 February 2026 | 1:45pm – 3pm Join us at our upcoming free VAT workshop on ‘energy saving materials‘, open to bursars, college accountants and finance managers. Our VAT specialist, Robert Plumbly, will highlight how VAT savings can be made on building projects involving the installation of energy saving materials.
Key considerations for property investor ownership following the 2025 Autumn Budget
The Chancellor’s Autumn 2025 Budget has introduced significant changes that will reshape the landscape for property investors over the coming years. With higher taxes on property income and new levies on high-value homes, investors need to act now to protect profitability and ensure their structures remain fit for purpose. If you’re a property investor, this is the time to revisit your numbers, explore alternative ownership structures, and re-evaluate your long-term strategy.
Jog for Justice: Take on a London Marathon for DLS
TCS London Marathon – Sunday 27th April 2026 Run the iconic London Marathon next April and raise vital funds for Disability Law Service, supporting Disabled people and their families with access to legal advice, representation and support. Undeniably the best marathon in the world – the whole route is lined and you’ll have an unforgettable experience as you take on this challenge.
Trustees' reporting | SORP 2026 charity update webinar recording
This webinar recording on Trustees’ reporting following publication of the SORP 2026, explores the upcoming changes and next steps for charity reporting for year ends commencing on or after the 1 January 2026.
Carbon counts: unlocking value through reporting webinar recording
This webinar recording is for all those interested in understanding how sustainability reporting can unlock real business value. As Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities continue to shape the business landscape, carbon accounting is becoming essential, not just for compliance, but for growth.
Updates to the Charity Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP)
It has been a busy week within the charity & non-profit sector, with four key updates: Charity SORP, HE/FE SORP, Charity Governance Code and scrutiny threshold changes. Here’s what you need to know: The Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) 2026 was officially released on 31 October, confirming the introduction of significant updates that will impact how charities prepare their financial statements. These changes are designed to improve transparency and ensure consistency across the sector.
Carbon counts: unlocking value through reporting
19 November 2025 | 1pm – 2pm Join us at our upcoming webinar, ‘Carbon counts: unlocking value through reporting’, open to all those interested in understanding how sustainability reporting can unlock real business value. As Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities continue to shape the business landscape, carbon accounting is becoming essential, not just for compliance, but for growth. Why attend?
Magnolia Walls and Military Wives: theatre-as-method in critical military studies
ABSTRACT This article considers what theatre-as-method can bring to research in Critical Military Studies (CMS). Drawing on examples from our participatory online theatre-based project with UK military spouses, we explore how the practice and process of theatre-making can help to harness the critical capacity of military and militarized subjects, and centre the fluidity and liveliness of military power.
Autumn Budget 2025 predictions: Employers NIC rates to apply to LLPs
As Rachel Reeves prepares to unveil the Autumn Budget on 26 November 2025, the latest press reports suggest the Government will look to introduce a new charge on individuals who use limited liability partnerships (“LLPs”). The proposed change recommended by the Centre for the Analysis of Taxation (“CenTax”) is to extend employer rates (15%) of National Insurance Contributions (“NICs”) to LLP members.
What to expect from the Autumn Budget 2025: Key personal tax changes
As the Chancellor prepares to deliver the Autumn Budget on 26 November 2025, speculation is mounting about how she will address the UK’s growing fiscal deficit. With headline tax rates, such as income tax, VAT, and National Insurance, expected to remain unchanged due to manifesto commitments, there are rumours that there will be further reforms to the capital gains tax (“CGT”) and inheritance tax (“IHT”) legislation.
Invisible bodies of war: British servicewomen on covert operations in Northern Ireland
ABSTRACT Women were employed to operate covertly with British security forces and paramilitary organisations during the Troubles in Northern Ireland (1968–1998). However, the experiences and legacies of British servicewomen on conventional and covert operations during the Troubles are notably under-researched, even in comparison to recent scholarship on women in paramilitary organisations.
Middle-Grade Review: Ivy and Forest Rewrite The World By Hannah West
About This Book: Fairy tale heroes and fantasy villains chase one another across the multiverse in this clever middle grade debut that sparkles with bookish magic and quick-witted humor. Ivy is an isolated, daydreaming girl in the “real” world. Forest is a scrawny, unlikely hero in Ivy’s “pretend” story. Never the two shall meet . . . until Forest unexpectedly walks through a portal and finds himself in Ivy’s queendom.
Autumn Budget 2025: what is at stake for residential property owners?
As speculation intensifies ahead of the Autumn Budget, property owners should be aware of several potential tax reforms that could significantly impact their financial planning. With a projected deficit of around £45 billion, the Treasury is under pressure to raise revenue, yet the government’s manifesto rules out increases to income tax, VAT, or employee national insurance contributions. So where might the axe fall? Property taxation is emerging as a likely target.
Bitcoin Mining in 2025: Why It Still Matters
Bitcoin mining is a crucial pillar that not only secures the network but also ensures the very decentralization that makes Bitcoin unique. Bitcoin mining remains the backbone that keeps the network secure and valuable. It is the engine that creates scarcity, which causes the continuous appreciation of Bitcoin.” — Sean Campbell BOSTON, MA, UNITED STATES, September 18, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- At the heart of Bitcoin’s revolutionary power lies an often-overlooked process: mining.
Invitation to join the Community Care Forum
Disability Law Service and London Legal Support Trust are pleased to invite you to our next Community Care Forum meeting, which will take place online on Wednesday 10 September at 2-3.15pm. We are happy to confirm that Professor Luke Clements will be joining us as a speaker. If you’d like to attend the meeting, please register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Al5MaSYeS4uNpxlSBcrhcA The Community Care Forum Teams Group was set up by Disability Law Service.
PEM welcomes new intake of trainee professionals in 2025
We are delighted to welcome our latest cohort of trainee professionals to PEM. This year’s intake brings together talented A-level students and graduates who will be joining our audit, tax, and virtual finance teams across our two Cambridge offices. Over the coming three to four years, our trainees will combine practical client work with professional study as they work towards gaining their qualifications as Chartered Accountants (ACA, AAT ACCA) or specialist Tax Advisers (ATT).
National Volunteers' Week 2025
During Volunteers’ Week, we wanted to share a video about how our team have been supporting their local community. At PEM we are fortunate enough to be given two days of volunteer leave per year, to do just that. Recent volunteering opportunities have included working with Cambridge Sustainable Food, Cultivating Change, Jimmy’s and Cambridge Acorn Project.
Financial challenges and recovery
Join our upcoming lunch event on financial challenges and recovery with our specialist charities team and Phil Reynolds. Phil is the Administrator for Relate, the National umbrella organisation for the federation of counselling charities that operated under the Relate name. Phil led a successful sale of its operations just before Christmas saving c.200 jobs and countless marriages given January is the peak season for family counselling services.
Stepping up for justice: DLS staff join the London Legal Walk 2025
We are proud to be taking part in the 2025 London Legal Walk again on the 17th of June, an event that raises funds for hundreds of legal advice charities just like us. For over 20 years the London Legal Walk has been bringing together the legal community to support free legal advice charities on the frontline. Help us navigate a path towards a more just society.
Meet DLS's 2025 London Marathon runners
We’re proud to announce that this year, 12 incredible individuals are taking on the challenge of the TSC 2025 London Marathon to raise vital funds for Disability Law Service (DLS). Their dedication and generosity means the world to us, and we’re cheering them every step of the way! Scroll down to meet some of our amazing runners and discover what inspired them to support DLS. If you’d like to show your support, please consider donating via our JustGiving page here.
Hidden violence and silenced voices: Why have lessons about women in counterinsurgency not endured?
ABSTRACT This article offers a feminist critique to unearth the forgotten but extensive involvement of women in counterinsurgency campaigns. Using the colonial case-studies of Malaya and Kenya, this article argues that women have been excluded from the histories of these campaigns, and lessons left unlearned, because it has been inconvenient to the British Army and military history scholars to include them.
Failure to prevent fraud offence.
We first reported the failure to prevent fraud office in our December 2023 newsletter, when following royal asset in October 2023 of the new Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA). The aim of the offence is to hold organisations to account if they profit from fraud committed by their employees; it does not need to be demonstrated that directors or management knew about the fraud. The only defence is to have reasonable fraud prevention procedures in place.
ATED - HMRC’s latest One to Many campaign
HMRC have recently commenced a One to Many (“OTM”) letter campaign directed at offshore corporates who owned UK residential property valued at over £500,000 and reported consecutive losses from their UK rental property business for the tax years from 2017/18 to 2019/20.
PEM launch Carbon Accounting Service
PEM, Cambridge’s largest independent firm of accountants, tax and business advisers, have launched their Carbon Accounting Service. Led by Virtual Finance Office (VFO) Partner, Andrew Turpin, the service will support businesses to track and report their emissions, to get ready for future reporting requirements and meet net zero objectives.
The PEM Charitable Trust donate £1000 to Rowan towards roof repairs.
The PEM Charitable Trust have donated £1000 to Rowan, a local charity that provide a safe, creative and enriching environment where the arts are used as a tool to bring people together and tackle social exclusion for adults with learning disabilities. Rowan is a charity based in Chesterton, Cambridge, which provides a day centre for adults with learning disabilities to socialise, develop skills and enjoy a range of workshops and classrooms, from woodwork to textiles and music.
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