Business Sectors
We understand the specific needs and unique challenges that face certain sectors. We have gained considerable knowledge of a range of these sectors and we have specialist staff that deliver timely and relevant ideas and solutions. Our dedicated sector specialists support you, share their understanding and industry knowledge, and tailor a service that works for you.
Charities
Changes in legislation and in accounting requirements mean that Charities and other voluntary sector organisations are facing a challenging time.
At Ribchesters we understand the needs and requirements of this sector and act for a number of Charity and Not for Profit clients, who range in size from the very small to those with total incoming resources in excess of £18 million per year.
Within our audit and accounting team we have a division of Charity Audit and Accounting specialists who are up to date with all relevant legislation. This division also provides support to the accounting staff of clients who may be part-time or voluntary.
We can also assist in the monitoring and audit of reports to fund providers. The team is led by David Holloway, who is one of a handful of practitioners in the region to hold the ICAEW accredited Diploma in Charity Accounting.
Ribchesters has a long history of assisting local charities and has built up considerable experience in this very important and complex sector. We understand the changes that are occurring and the affect that these have on charitable organisations. We therefore believe that we are uniquely placed in the independent sector to offer practical and cost-effective advice.
Academies
The academies programme has expanded rapidly giving schools significant freedoms in excess of those given to maintained schools. Whilst this presents exciting opportunities for schools looking to convert to academies, there are also a number of challenges ahead for them, including a new accounting and financial reporting regime and dealing with the requirements of the department for education and other regulatory responsibilities. It is therefore important that academies consult early in the process and choose advisers who have the experience and expertise to help them meet these challenges and add value for them going forward.
Ribchesters is one of the leading charity advisers in our region and beyond. Members of our specialist charities and education team, led by David Holloway (DChA), have the experience and expertise to help academies meet their new challenges and responsibilities.
The services we are able to offer include the following:
Considering the transition to academy status
We can advise on the financial and regulatory issues facing schools considering a move to academy status.
Litigation support
Ribchesters has been assessed and certified for inclusion in the Law Society Directory of Expert Witnesses for the provision of accountancy and taxation related litigation support services.
Our experience is wide ranging and covers business valuations, loss of profits and damages assessments, business compliance reports, taxation impact reports and forensic examinations.
The Partner in charge of our litigation support department is David Armstrong, who in addition to being a Chartered Accountant and a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation has been providing litigation support services to the legal profession since 1992.
Because of the independent nature of our practice, we are confident that we can provide solutions more cost effectively than many larger practices.
Legal profession/solicitors
Ribchesters provides a wide range of specialist services to the Legal Profession. Many are to give the support and guidance required to assist Solicitors and Barristers comply efficiently and effectively with their own responsibilities in areas of accounting, audit and taxation.
Others are to help add value to their client service delivery by providing cost- effective “add-on” services to complement existing in-house expertise.
We can provide accounting expertise in the preparation of accounts for the legal practice itself.
Many practices are partnerships or LLP’s and there are a number of different ways of accounting for many complex and sensitive business issues such as the office premises, motor vehicles, goodwill and partnership capital, amongst other things.
Rarely will any two practices be alike – we can guide you through the issues and the options to find the best solutions for your practice.
Whilst a number of legal practices have in-house capabilities in the production of accounts for Trusts and Estates, several do not, often because the requirement to do so occurs relatively infrequently in that practice. Others will do so but are not particularly comfortable with the issues.
We can provide any type of accounting assistance, either on an ad-hoc or regular basis.
The Law Society continues to tighten the regulatory framework surrounding the handling of client monies, making compliance ever important.
We have many years experience in the provision of Reports to the Law Society and are fully aware of the deadlines and their importance.
Our specialists can ensure your own business taxation liabilities are minimised, whether it be annual income tax liabilities or longer term capital gains tax planning.
We can also provide specialist consultancy advice to add value to your client service in respect of any transaction or planned transaction.
Expert Witness Services
Our Firm has been properly assessed and approved for inclusion in the Law Society Directory of Expert Witnesses and is able to provide a wide range of financial related Expert Witness services.
We believe our services to be much more cost effective than those provided by the larger national accountancy firms often instructed to carry out this work, without compromising on the quality of the opinion delivered.
Chinese community
At Ribchesters our bi-lingual Cantonese and English speaking team in our Newcastle office specialise in providing a complete business advisory service to the Chinese community.
With more than 200 clients of Chinese origin, we are uniquely placed to advise the Chinese business community on all aspects of accounting, taxation compliance and planning VAT compliance, bookkeeping and payroll.
We have particular experience in the restaurant, takeaway and property sectors and can offer detailed advice on minimising the risk of HMRC investigations and use our unique experience to negotiate effective investigation settlements on your behalf.
But our team are much more than just accountants. We can assist with arranging mortgage and loan finance, pensions and investment advice, student grants and loans, Company formation and company secretarial, work permits applications and many other matters.
Next Step:
Please contact us if you need further advice, have any questions about our services, or would like a free consultation or a fixed quote.