7 Mistakes You’re Making with Companies House ID Verification (and How to Fix Them)
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the regulatory landscape lately, you’ll know that the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) has landed with quite a thud on the desks of UK business owners. For those of us in the accountancy world, it’s not just another bit of red tape; it’s a fundamental shift […]
The Rise of the Consolidators: What it Means for the Independent Accountant
If you have been running your firm for more than a few years, your inbox probably looks a lot like mine: full of "confidential enquiries" from people you’ve never met, asking if you’ve considered selling your accountancy firm. It’s no secret that the UK accountancy market is currently in the middle of a massive transformation. […]
The Data Pitfalls That Kill Practice Valuations (and How to Avoid Them)
You’ve spent years, maybe decades, building your firm. You’ve weathered the storm of MTD, navigated the complexities of various Finance Bills, and acted as the "fourth emergency service" for your clients during the pandemic. But when it comes time to finally sell your practice, I see far too many owners get a nasty shock. The […]
Beyond the Hype: Building a Winning AI Tech Stack for Your Accountancy Practice
Let’s be honest for a second. If you open LinkedIn or any professional journal lately, you can’t move for headlines about Artificial Intelligence. It’s either going to save the world or take our jobs: depending on who you listen to. But if you’re a firm owner in the UK, you probably don't care about the […]
The Private Equity “Gold Rush”: Is Your Practice the Perfect Bolt-On?
If you’ve been keeping even half an eye on the accountancy trade press lately, you’ll have noticed a recurring theme. Whether it’s Accountancy Age or the latest ICAEW updates, the headlines are dominated by one phrase: Private Equity. It feels like a bit of a gold rush, doesn't it? As we move through March 2026, […]
The “Human Glue”: Why Your Team Culture Drives Practice Valuation More Than Your P&L
When most people think about a practice valuation, they immediately go for the spreadsheets. They look at the recurring fees, the EBITDA, the overheads, and the bottom line. And don’t get me wrong: those numbers are vital. You can’t sell accountancy practice assets without a solid financial foundation. But in my years as one of […]
MTD for ITSA 2026: Is This the Final Line in the Sand for Your Practice?
It’s Wednesday, the 25th of March, 2026. If you’re anything like the dozens of practitioners I’ve spoken to this week, you’re probably staring at your calendar with a mixture of disbelief and, let’s be honest, a bit of dread. In exactly twelve days, the landscape of UK tax changes forever. Making Tax Digital for Income […]
BADR Changes in 2026: Why Timing Your Practice Sale Matters More Than Ever
If you’re reading this on Saturday, 21st of March 2026, I have some news that might make your morning coffee taste a bit sharper. We are exactly 16 days away from a significant shift in the UK tax landscape for every retiring accountant and practice owner in the country. I’m Peter Watson, and for years […]
Is Now Still the Best Time to Sell? 5 Factors Affecting Accountancy Practice Valuations in 2026
It’s March 2026, and if you’ve been keeping an eye on the UK accountancy landscape, you’ll know things are moving fast. I’ve spent the morning chatting with a few practice owners who are all asking me the same thing: “Peter, have I missed the boat? Is now still a good time to sell my accountancy […]
Accountancy Practice Merger Brokers
If you're considering selling your practice, looking to buy a practice, or exploring merger opportunities, you've probably realised that navigating the world of accountancy mergers & acquisitions isn't exactly straightforward. That's where specialist accountancy practice merger brokers come in – and frankly, it's one of the smartest decisions you can make for your practice's future. […]