When accounting firms look to sell their business, it is essential to profile and prepare the business ready for a sale, from the critical financial data to softer information about management structure, client base and staffing splits, advises Keith Underwood, managing director of merger experts Foulger Underwood

HMRC’s tax take has seen its biggest jump since the recession in the last year, rising by £35.6bn, with a 10% hike in revenue from national insurance contributions (NICs) while higher rates of property tax have raked in £1.1bn in additional revenue

HMRC is consulting on draft guidance covering new legislation on enablers of defeated tax avoidance schemes which will be introduced once Finance Bill (No.2) 2017 receives Royal Assent, and which could see accountants and lawyers liable for penalties as a result of providing contentious advice in this area