Accounting firm Sapphire has joined forces with Alliance Investments to expand services and provide expert property investment advice to clients. The partnership capitalises on Alliance’s strong presence and knowledge of the Manchester property market. Sapphire’s clients gain access to Alliance’s diverse property portfolio, enhancing their investment options. Loui Aylward of Sapphire highlights Alliance’s expertise, while Arik Agamian of Alliance emphasises support for businesses and investors in the region. The collaboration strengthens Sapphire’s property sector offerings amid its transition to employee ownership and ongoing expansion across the north-west.
Mark Taylor has secured another term as chair of Kreston’s Global Tax Group, overseeing coordination and leadership of the tax network across 115 countries. Taylor’s re-election reflects his commitment to advancing the group’s commercial capabilities and generating business opportunities. Kreston Global plans to launch a Global Advisory Services Group, expanding its service offerings. CEO Liza Robbins applauds Taylor’s leadership, emphasising his role in driving growth and innovation. Taylor expresses gratitude for the support and outlines ambitious plans to address evolving international tax challenges, positioning Kreston as a leader in the field.
The Treasury has reported a significant increase in inheritance tax receipts to £6.8bn, driven by years of house price growth, especially in London and the south-east. Wealth Club highlights a growing trend of families surpassing the inheritance tax threshold due to property appreciation. The average tax bill is projected to rise to £240,000 for the 2023/24 tax year, impacting over 31,000 estates. Nicholas Hyett of Wealth Club underscores the need for tax planning amid rising liabilities, offering strategies to mitigate inheritance tax burdens.
ICAS has launched a revamped syllabus and learning approach to train chartered accountants, addressing evolving business landscapes and industry demands. The new curriculum integrates sustainability, technology, and business ethics alongside core accounting skills. Students gain practical skills in collaboration, communication, and leadership, emphasising the link between sustainability and financial performance. The flexible learning model allows employers to tailor training schedules, with opportunities for specialisation and role-relevant learning. Gail Boag of ICAS highlights the significance of adapting to global developments, while CEO Bruce Cartwright emphasises preparing CAs as future business leaders.
