June 2024 Monthly Briefing
Duncan & Toplis
Independent accounting and business advisers in the UK, providing a full range of services across our region.
1. Damon Tunnicliffe named in Accountancy Age 35 under 35
We’re delighted to announce that Damon Tunnicliffe has been recognised in the Accountancy Age 35 under 35 list - showcasing the rising talent of the accountancy profession. Damon is a rising star at Duncan & Toplis . Earlier this year, he was promoted to Head of Payroll and now oversees one of the group’s largest service lines at a critical time - as we embark on our biggest period of growth in our almost 100-year history
2. Lasting powers of attorney: What are they and why are they important?
There has been an increased level of attention on lasting powers of attorney in recent months, largely due to more mainstream coverage such as on ‘The Martin Lewis Money Show’. So why are they so important?
3. Kreston report reveals the realities of going global for SMEs
As members of Kreston Global , we’re able to gain valuable insights into businesses from a wide range of sectors all around the world, allowing us to understand their challenges and provide important guidance on how to adapt and grow.
The 2024 Kreston ‘Interpreneur’ (International Entrepreneur) Report sheds light on the realities of going global as a business, investigating what it means to find success as an interpreneur, where the biggest barriers lie when expanding abroad, and what strategies SMEs are using to navigate the pressures of international entrepreneurship.
4. Director chosen as vice-chair of accountancy ethics committee
We're delighted to announce that Stuart Brown has been appointed vice-chair of the ICAEW Ethics and Advisory Committee. Stuart, who has been a member of the ICAEW’s Ethics Advisory Committee since 2021 and the organisation’s Members and Commercial Board since 2023, is also our Head of Technical and Compliance.
5. Businesses have ‘a decade to drive growth’ with Freeport and investment zones
Designated by the government, a Freeport is an area designed to drive regeneration and increase trade and social mobility by offering exclusive tax reliefs. Aiming to create 28,000 jobs and having already secured £175 million of private investment, the now fully operational East Midlands Freeport offers a valuable opportunity for businesses in our region. But how does it work? And how can businesses benefit? Find out more from our Head of Tax, Graeme Hills .
6. Carbon reporting reforms could impact thousands of UK businesses
In March 2024, the UK government proposed adjustments to company size limits which could impact 131,000 businesses nationwide. If the proposed adjustments are implemented, 5,000 'large' businesses would no longer be required to report their carbon emissions to the government. Read why our Head of Techincal and Compliance, Stuart Brown , would urge all businesses to continue carbon reporting if the regulatory changes occur.
7. Support for flooded farms expanded
Since flooding wreaked havoc across UK farms last winter, the UK government introduced the Farming Recovery Fund to support a select group of affected farms. The scheme has now been expanded to include a wider geographical area as well as farms that were damaged due to extreme rainfall.
8. VAT on private school fees
With the confirmation of a change of government, our Head of VAT, Christine Newitt - VAT and Healthcare Specialist , discusses the potential implications on private school fees.
9. SME business owners: Everything you need to know about audits
When starting out as an SME, the thought of conducting an audit and reviewing accounts for the whole company can be daunting. It’s a busy time as you focus on getting your company up and running, hiring employees, and setting a business strategy - but your finances, operations, and processes will still need examining. Our Head of Head of Audit and Assurance, Alistair Main BFP FCA , explains why SMEs need audits and how accountants conduct them.
10. The perks and pitfalls of starting a partnership
Why are partnerships falling out of favour and are entrepreneurs overlooking what could be a great opportunity? Since 2010, the UK has seen a 20% decline in business partnerships, despite a rise of nearly a quarter in the number of SMUs. Legal services director, Danielle Chetwynd , explores the benefits and drawbacks of starting a partnership in our recent blog.
11. World Environment Day: How we’re making a real difference
As countries around the globe celebrated and marked World Environment Day, we reflected on the role we play in supporting the natural environment. Having become one of the largest accountancy groups in the Midlands, we’re making a conscious effort to do everything we can to have a greater positive impact on the world around us - but just how are we doing this?
Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards | Friday 12 July | 18:00-23:30 | The County Assembly Rooms
This event brings decision-makers and business leaders from across the area together to celebrate business excellence. We are pleased to be sponsoring this year's 'Exporter/International Business of the Year' category.
The Duncan & Toplis Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge | Saturday 7 September | 05:00-18:00 | Yorkshire Dales National Park
Our team, contacts, family, and friends are coming together on Saturday 7 September to raise vital funds for the Duncan & Toplis Foundation. On this exciting and challenging circular trek, we will cover 24.5 miles (39.2km) and accomplish an ascent of over 1,500 metres with the goal of completing all three peaks in under 12 hours.
Lincolnshire Practice Manager’s Conference 2024 | Thursday 12 September 2024 | 08:30-16:30 | Belton Woods Hotel
Our healthcare team is attending the Lincolnshire Practice Manager’s Conference on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 September 2024.
Recommended by LinkedIn
Financial Planner
We have an exciting opportunity for a Financial Planner to join our team and support the growth of the Duncan & Toplis Group.
As an experienced Financial Planner, you will be working with new and existing clients providing financial planning services including wealth management, investments, pensions, personal protection, inheritance tax mitigation and retirement planning.
Financial Services Administrator
We are looking for a Financial Services Administrator to join our experienced team of financial planners based in Grantham, Lincolnshire.
As a Financial Services Administrator, you will be focused on client service, with a keen eye for detail and a strong work ethic, and have an ability to work well within compliance and industry regulations.
Audit Lead
We have an exciting opportunity for a full-time Audit Lead to join our team. The Audit Lead is responsible for assisting with the planning, fieldwork, and completion of audit assignments, including the supervision and on-the-job training of team members.
The ideal candidate will be AAT, ACA or ACCA qualified or qualified by experience (e.g. three years audit experience) with a good working knowledge of accounting and auditing standards, the accounting provisions of the Companies Act and relevant tax matters.
Applications for our trainee roles are now open! 🎉
Are you or someone you know looking to kickstart a career in professional services?
Consider applying to one of our trainee roles here at Duncan & Toplis . Our programmes ensure that our school leavers and university graduates benefit from top-tier training, excellent support, and varied and enjoyable professional experiences ⭐
The deadline to apply for our trainee roles is 31 December 2024 with a September 2025 start date*.
*This excludes our VAT Trainee role, with start dates available now.
AAT Trainee
As an AAT Trainee, you will be responsible for supporting the wider team to deliver accountancy and audit services whilst undertaking studies to achieve an industry recognised qualification. This is the perfect opportunity for anyone looking to make their first step into accountancy with a competitive structured salary and exam bonus scheme, a fully supported training package for achieving an AAT qualification, and ongoing personal development and career progression.
ACA Trainee
As a graduate trainee accountant, you will be enrolled on a three-year training contract for a fully funded level seven apprenticeship. You will be supported by your team to carry out the initial preparation of client accounts and assist with audits where necessary.
ATT Trainee
Joining us as an ATT Trainee, you will gain exposure to all aspects of tax together with basic experience of other areas within the business.
CFAB Trainee
As a CFAB Trainee, you will be responsible for supporting the wider team to deliver accountancy and audit services whilst undertaking studies to achieve an industry-recognised qualification. This is the perfect opportunity for anyone looking to make their first step into their Chartered Account Journey with a competitive structured salary and exam bonus scheme, a fully supported training package for achieving a CFAB qualification, and ongoing personal development and career progression.
CIMA Trainee Management Accountant
Joining us as a CIMA Trainee Management accountant, the minimum qualification we require is a degree at 2:2 or equivalent. You need to be an ambitious, outgoing individual looking to start their career in accountancy, with a determined mindset to succeed, and the ability to manage a busy workload while working to strict deadlines.
CTA Trainee
As a CTA Trainee, you will be responsible for supporting the tax team to deliver tax services whilst undertaking studies to achieve an industry-recognised qualification. This is the perfect opportunity for anyone looking to continue their tax journey in becoming Chartered, with a competitive structured salary and exam bonus scheme, a fully supported training package for achieving a CTA qualification, and ongoing personal development and career progression.
Payroll Trainee
Joining us as a Payroll Trainee, you will take proactive participation in formal and on-the-job training whilst working towards an appropriate payroll qualification.
VAT Trainee
We are looking for talented individuals to join our team as VAT Trainees. As a VAT Trainee, you will be responsible for supporting the wider team to deliver VAT and Tax services whilst undertaking studies to achieve an industry-recognised qualification. This is the perfect opportunity for anyone looking to make their first step into their Chartered Tax Journey with a competitive structured salary and exam bonus scheme, a fully supported training package for achieving a VAT Diploma, and ongoing personal development and career progression.
Interested in our other vacancies?