News & Updates
Our News and Updates section is an instant resource for all the latest information on the academy sector.
Everything to keep you well informed…
Latest Feeds
HMRC resumes direct debt recovery from firms
DRD allows HMRC to obtain tax owed directly from a bank or building society account of a taxpayer. HMRC will apply this in circumstances when an individual or a business is deemed to be able to pay what is owed to HMRC but are not currently making payments.
Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio
SCASS Winter Ball: HWB was well represented by newly qualified and training colleagues dressing up in style for this year’s Gatsby-themed SCASS Winter Ball.
SCASS stands for Southern Chartered Accountants Student Society. It is an official society of @ICAEW, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. The black-tie evening, including a three-course dinner, was held at the Grand Café, South Western House, Southampton, and was an ideal opportunity for professional networking, knowledge sharing and strengthening connections with peers across the sector.
Congratulations to colleague Steven Hughes who won the evening’s raffle draw in aid of @Scratch, a Southampton-based charity that works with families in poverty. We look forward to building on the relationships and insights gained from this event as we move into the year ahead #icaew #annualwinterball #winterball #scass.
If you`re looking for an excellent performance with your accountancy, tax or business advisory needs, our team at HWB is here to help. T: 023 8046 1200 E: [email protected]
Last week HWB hosted our first Alumni event. It was an excellent opportunity for current staff to catch up with ex-colleagues for fun and games at @level1southampton at St Mary`s Stadium.
Thank you to everyone who attended, it was great to receive such a positive response to the event!
ICAEW changes to high net worth individual definition and compliance requirements
From November 2025, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has updated its definition of a High Net Worth Individual (HNWI). This change significantly broadens the scope of individuals who fall into this category and has implications for anti-money laundering (AML) compliance.
Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio.
Charity Quiz: A team from HWB – James Flood, Matt Cooper, Nick Whitemore, Matt Pickett, Brendon Reis and Alex Olney – took part in the Paris Smith Charity Quiz.
The popular event was held to raise funds for the Heartbeat Charity which works towards improving cardiac care by raising funds to support the Wessex Cardiac Unit at University Hospital Southampton, and also provides free, home-from-home accommodation for patient’s relatives.
Last year HWB managed to win the quiz but this year we sadly couldn’t repeat the triumph! Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable event for all and supported a good cause.
Thank you to Paris Smith for hosting.
If you`re looking for an excellent performance with your accountancy, tax or business advisory needs, our team at HWB is here to help.
T: 023 8046 1200
E: [email protected]
Digital assets become recognised property
A legal landmark was reached during December as the Property (Digital Assets etc) Act received Royal Assent.
The new law confirms that certain digital assets – including cryptocurrency tokens and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) – can now be formally recognised as personal property in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio
High-Value Council Tax surcharge
The government has announced plans to introduce a new levy, the High-Value Council Tax Surcharge (HVCTS), which will apply to owners of residential properties in England valued at £2 million or more.
Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio.
Miss Saigon: HWB director Michaela Johns had the pleasure of attending a performance of the iconic musical Miss Saigon at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton in an event hosted by law firm Paris Smith.
Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, Miss Saigon tells a powerful and emotional story of love, sacrifice, and resilience.
The performance was a truly memorable experience that Michaela thoroughly enjoyed
Many thanks to Paris Smith for hosting such a wonderful evening and for bringing together local professionals for a night of culture and connection.
If you`re looking for an excellent performance with your accountancy, tax or business advisory needs, our team at HWB is here to help.
T: 023 8046 1200
E: [email protected]
Let’s Talk
Why not arrange a FREE consultation and find out what we can do for your Academy.