John’s Summer Blog 2024

Dear All,

I am trying to get back into the habit of writing a regular blog now and I believe this can be called my summer blog. I am sure we are all pleased to see some sunshine and warmer weather finally after the months of dampness. We pray that this will continue and give us a nice long end of summer early autumn weather.

Since I last sent a blog, we have had a General Election and now a Labour government. The chancellor is threatening us with tax rises, particularly capital gains, and inheritance tax. Both of these could affect businesses and personal wealth. Without a doubt the rate of capital gains tax will be increased, so if you’re thinking of selling any stocks and shares or a buy to let property or other capital assets which will be subject to tax, you should give consideration to selling earlier than later on. I doubt it will be retrospective legislation.

Please do not forget to let us have your income tax return information for the year end 5th April 2024. I suspect that Antonina would already have written to you earlier on in the year asking for this information to be submitted to us and no doubt she will be chasing you in the autumn if we have not heard from you.

There have been some staff changes in the firm. You may have heard that Karin, my PA/secretary for some 9 years, has left. We are sad to see her go but we do pray that she will find a resolve to her health issues and find other alternative employment in due course. We have recruited a new PA/secretary Sam, who joined us a few days ago and should you get emails from her (sam@caladine.co.uk) you will know they are not spam. We have also recruited a new audit senior/assistant manager Sophie, coming later this month to help Jacob with our audit work. Our audit department is ever growing, particularly with the audits of charities and churches. A quite specialised area of work needing expertise, and many accountants are giving up on this type of work.

The firm continues to grow with a continued influx of new clients, particularly in the charitable and taxation sector; If you have any particular problems in relation to charity accounting do contact gemma@caladine.co.uk or in errors of taxation contact Antonina@caladine.co.uk.

While I am writing this, we have riots going on throughout the country and we seem to be living in times of great instability and change. I am reminded of Psalm 121 which reads ‘I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills: from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord: who hath made heaven and earth.’  That is where my strength is and I pray that you will know that strength and help as we approach the second half of 2024 with so many unknowns, politically, socially, as well as war in different parts of the world.

We are also very excited to announce the launch of our new and improved website! Please do head on over to take a look, if you make your way to our ‘Meet The Team’ page you will be able to put everyone’s friendly faces to their names.

I wish you every blessing
John Caladine