Walter Dawson & Son

12/06/2026

Muj is in the press! 🗞️

Mujahid Khan, apprentice accountant at our Bradford office, has been featured in the Huddersfield Hub following his nomination at the West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards 2026.

A lovely piece — well worth a read.
🔗 https://huddersfieldhub.co.uk/apprentice-accountant-mujahid-khan-tipped-to-go-far-after-excelling-and-being-nominated-for-an-award/

An apprentice accountant at Kirklees College has big hopes for his future career after being nominated for an award

09/06/2026

Hospitality businesses and visitor attractions should take note of a new temporary VAT measure announced by the Chancellor to support family activities over Summer 2026.

From 25 June to 1 September 2026, VAT will reduce from 20% to 5% on eligible family-related activities and admissions, including:

✅ Children’s restaurant meals

✅ Child and family tickets for cinemas, theatres, concerts, shows and exhibitions

✅ Admission tickets (adult and child) for attractions including amusement parks, museums, zoos, soft play centres, circuses, adventure parks, nature reserves, wildlife parks and observation decks

The temporary reduction applies across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

This feels similar to the changes many businesses had to implement during the Eat Out to Help Out scheme after Covid, meaning businesses may need to prepare operationally as well as commercially.

⚠️ Action for businesses:

Hospitality venues, visitor attractions and leisure operators should review whether they will need to update VAT rates on tills, EPOS systems and booking platforms to accommodate the temporary 5% rate during the qualifying period.

The Government has also indicated an expectation that businesses pass the VAT saving on to customers, and some businesses may choose to refund the VAT difference on advance bookings where the admission date falls within the qualifying period.

Definitely one for our hospitality and visitor attraction clients to keep on the radar over the coming months.

02/06/2026

Did you know the annual allowance for pension contributions can be as much as £60,000 per tax year? Tax relief is available on this contribution!

For Directors receiving employer contributions, the full £60,000 is available in spite of drawings with full corporation tax allowable as a business expense. For employees, the allowance is 100% of your taxable earnings (capped at £60,000 whichever is lower). Tax relief at basic rate is available at source. For higher and additional rate taxpayers, you can claim further tax relief up to your marginal rate via your self-assessment tax return.

Any unused allowances from the three previous tax years may also be carried forward in some circumstances.

29/05/2026

Did you know that all VAT-registered businesses are required to submit their VAT returns through MTD-compatible software? 💡

It's been the rule for a while now — but you'd be surprised how many businesses are still not fully confident their processes are compliant. VAT returns are typically due one month and seven days after the end of each VAT period, and late submission attracts penalties under HMRC's points-based system.

If you're unsure whether your software and processes are up to scratch, it's worth getting it checked sooner rather than later.

27/05/2026

Eid Mubarak from all of us at Walter Dawson & Son! 🌙

Wishing a joyful Eid al-Adha to all our clients, colleagues, and friends who are celebrating. May the day be filled with good food, great company, and plenty of blessings. Eid Mubarak! 🤍

22/05/2026

Did you know? For the first time since 2011, HMRC has increased the approved mileage rate — up from 45p to 55p per mile for the first 10,000 business miles, backdated to April 2026 🚗

If you drive your own car for work, your employer can now reimburse you up to 55p per mile, completely tax and NI free. Being paid less than that? You may be able to claim the difference back through HMRC.

Employers — it's a good time to check your expenses policy is up to date. Any questions, we're here to help.

21/05/2026

What a week for WDS! Our MD Julie had the honour of speaking at Accountex London last week — taking to the Sage Future Theatre to share our experience with MTD pricing, what we've learned along the way, and how empowering our team has been at the heart of it all.

Swipe through for a few pics from the event. We couldn't be prouder. 👏

20/05/2026

A huge congratulations to Mujahid Khan — apprentice accountant at our Bradford office and finalist at this year's West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards! 🎉

Nominated by his training provider for Professional Services Apprentice of the Year, Muj is the first WDS apprentice to ever receive a regional nomination — and having watched his journey over the past three years, we can honestly say it couldn't have gone to a more deserving person.

Read Muj's story and find out why we're so proud to support the next generation of accountants here 👇

🔗 https://www.walterdawson.co.uk/west-yorkshire-apprenticeship-awards-mujahid-khan/

12/05/2026

The Spring 2026 edition of Prosper is here — and it's free to download.

Our quarterly wealth management guide covers what's really happening in global markets right now, and why limited company directors should be taking a closer look at employer pension contributions following recent tax changes.

Download your copy here 👇
https://148017785.hs-sites-eu1.com/download-prosper-spring-2026-wds-wealth-management

For general information only. Not personal financial advice. Walter Dawson Wealth Management is authorised and regulated by the FCA. FRN: 112543.

12/05/2026

Your £20,000 ISA allowance doesn't carry forward — if you don't use it before 5 April, it's gone for good.

The good news? There's still time to put it to work. Whether you're looking at a Cash ISA, Stocks & Shares ISA, or Innovative Finance ISA, any growth is completely free of Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax.

Not sure what's right for you? Our Wealth Management team can help 👉 walterdawson.co.uk

* Capital at risk. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may be subject to change.