Professionals: Dow Schofield Watts; Garbutt + Elliott; DLA Piper

DOW SCHOFIELD WATTS is offering independent wealth planning advice to individuals with the launch of a new division.

The new business, Dow Schofield Watts Wealth Advisory, will form part of the Dow Schofield Watts group of professional services businesses.

Dow Schofield Watts, with offices in Daresbury and Leeds, is a specialist adviser to owner managed business and high net worth investors.

Richard Speight joins as a partner, having previously worked at Grant Thornton. He is both a chartered and certified financial planner with extensive experience in advising owner managers and entrepreneurs.

James Dow, co-founder of Dow Schofield Watts, said: “I am delighted to welcome Richard to Dow Schofield Watts, I have been very impressed with Richard’s enthusiasm from our very first meeting.  Richard is bringing a skill-set which is entirely complementary to our activities as we continue to develop our offer as adviser of first-choice to owner managers, entrepreneurs and high net worth investors.”

The Wealth Advisory business focuses on developing personal financial strategies to secure an individual’s financial future and preserve their wealth.  The role includes coordinating and project managing the work of other experts and professionals including: lawyers, tax advisers and investment managers.

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Garbutt and Elliott launches capital allowances serviceACCOUNTANCY firm Garbutt + Elliott is set to help commercial property owners and occupiers saves thousands with the launch of a new in-house capital allowances service.

Headed by the firm’s property services team partner, Jeremy Oliver, the service would allow those who own commercial property to access thousands of pounds in tax relief.  

Mr Oliver said: “Our ability to offer access to the very best capital allowances advice is a real advantage to our clients.  At Garbutt + Elliott we pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our clients, and by bringing capital allowances in-house our customers know they will be dealing with someone they trust.  

“Likewise, as some accountants shy away from capital allowances due to the complex procedures and legislation involved, having a team with the specialist technical and valuation skills at Garbutt + Elliott puts us in a unique position to offer a service that can benefit anyone who owns commercial property and wishes to make significant savings through tax relief.”
 
Capital allowances cannot be claimed on buildings themselves, but can be claimed on internal fixtures such as plumbing, heating and air conditioning, alarms and emergency lighting and – for pubs and restaurants – certain decorations which contribute to ambience.  Despite the significant savings to be made, over half of commercial property owners have not made a capital allowances claim.

Mr Oliver added: “Many commercial property owners do not fully understand the process of making a capital allowances claim, or when it is appropriate to do so.  We would advise owners to speak to us about capital allowances when they are building, extending or refurbishing a commercial property, when purchasing a property directly from the developer, or when buying or selling a second-hand property.

“Even for those who have owned a property portfolio for several years, it is possible to look back indefinitely at any purchases and refurbishments made in the past, so there is still scope to make major savings by making a claim.”
 

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DLA Piper has welcomed two of its Leeds-based lawyers to the partnership.

Jane Hannon in the employment practice and Andrew Batterton in the real estate team have been promoted to partner.

There have also been a number of internal promotions within the Leeds office. Rebecca Piper (Intellectual Property & Technology) and Christopher Harvey (Litigation & Regulatory) have been promoted to legal director.

Sarah Acton (Knowledge Management, Finance & Projects) has been promoted to senior professional support lawyer, while Charlotte Butler and Sarah Blackman (Corporate), Carol Conway (Finance), Jessica Hill (Litigation & Regulatory) and Tim Maddison (Restructuring) have all made it to senior associate.

Sarah Day, office managing partner for DLA Piper in Leeds, said: “These promotions are excellent news for our Leeds office and recognise the valuable contribution and commitment that each of these lawyers gives to the firm and our clients. We would like to congratulate everyone involved and look forward to working with them in the years to come.”

 

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