The dual recognition highlights Ballards LLP’s exceptional performance across multiple disciplines and reinforces the firm’s position as a progressive leader in the accountancy sector.

Mid-Tier Firm Excellence

The Mid-Tier Firm of the Year category recognises firms with a fee income of between £2m-£10m that demonstrate exceptional specialist strategy and defining qualities in a highly competitive market. Ballards LLP’s shortlisting reflects the firm’s robust multi-team structure, strategic approach to client service, and consistent delivery of measurable results across its operations.

“This recognition validates our commitment to delivering exceptional value to our clients whilst maintaining the highest professional standards,” said James Syree, CEO and Partner at Ballards LLP. “Our success is built on our specialist expertise, strong client relationships, and our dedicated team’s unwavering focus on excellence.”

Leading Progressive Audit Practice

The firm’s nomination for Audit Firm of the Year acknowledges Ballards LLP’s progressive approach to audit quality and innovation during a period of significant regulatory change. This category celebrates firms that demonstrate exceptional culture, leadership, and commitment to audit quality whilst embracing new regulations and methodologies.

Ballards LLP has distinguished itself through its investment in cutting-edge audit technology, comprehensive staff development programmes, and robust quality assurance frameworks that consistently deliver high-quality audits serving public and stakeholder interests.

“At a time when the audit profession faces unprecedented challenges, we’ve embraced change as an opportunity to strengthen our practice,” explained Ben Powell, Audit Partner at Ballards LLP. “Our focus on innovation, quality, and staff engagement has enabled us to not only meet but exceed the evolving expectations of our clients and regulatory bodies.”

Building on Success

The shortlisting comes as Ballards LLP continues to expand its influence across the Midlands region, with the firm consistently demonstrating strong client retention rates, enhanced profitability, and positive feedback from clients who value the firm’s proactive approach and technical expertise.

The firm’s commitment to professional development has also led to exceptional staff retention and engagement levels, fostering a collaborative culture that drives continuous improvement and innovation.

Awards Recognition

The Accounting Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding achievement across the accountancy profession, recognising firms that demonstrate exceptional quality, innovation, and client service. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on September 30^th, 2025.

“Being shortlisted alongside such distinguished firms is a tremendous honour,” added James Syree. “This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our entire team and reinforces our commitment to setting the standard for excellence in the Midlands accountancy sector.”

About Ballards LLP

Ballards LLP is a progressive Midlands-based accountancy firm providing comprehensive audit, tax, and advisory services to businesses and individuals across the region. With a commitment to innovation, quality, and exceptional client service, the firm has established itself as a trusted partner for organisations seeking expert financial guidance and support.

Head Office
Oakmoore Court
Kingswood Road
Hampton Lovett
Droitwich
WR9 7TD
ENGLAND

Contact Form
Tel: 01905 794504
Web: https://ballardsllp.com/

The post Ballards LLP Celebrating Double Award Shortlisting appeared first on AGN International.

Relevant taxes include; Basis of taxation. Corporate tax. Withholding tax rate (non-treaty). Resident individual. Non-resident individual tax rates. Good and services tax. Estate duty. Stamp duty. Property tax. Income tax filing deadlines. Double tax agreements.

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Barnes Roffe, one of the UK’s top 50 accounting firms, will join the Dains Group on 4 June 2025, significantly strengthening the client proposition in financial advisory, corporate tax, audit, and corporate finance. The Barnes Roffe team has over 29 partners and more than 200 employees in the London area.

The acquisition, which is the largest yet by the Group, means Dains will now have established four key regional hubs across the UK and Ireland — in the South-East, Midlands, Scotland and Ireland — and are on target to become a top 20 firm by the end of 2025.

Barnes Roffe has a strong reputation as a highly customer-centric and proactive business with a talented team. It has built a reputation for delivering outstanding value and service to its clients for over 125 years, since its establishment in 1899.

Stephen Corner, Senior Partner at Barnes Roffe, commented, “By partnering with Dains we are joining a firm with the same values and underlying service proposition we have been delivering to our clients for many years and together we will deliver a truly market leading proposition for our clients. Becoming part of a national firm widens our service proposition and increases the range of specialist services we can deliver whilst at the same time greatly enhancing the career opportunities for our talented team. We look forward to significantly growing the Dains business in the South-East.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Barnes Roffe to the Dains Group.” said Richard McNeilly, CEO of the Dains Group. “It’s not often we encounter such a dynamic and client-centric leadership team. Together, we see significant opportunities to grow our presence in the London area and expand across the UK and Ireland. The addition of Barnes Roffe strengthens our national footprint and aligns perfectly with our strategy to deliver exceptional client service and outstanding career opportunities.”

With a team now exceeding 1,000 professionals, we remain committed to enhancing the value we provide to clients and investing in the development of our talented people.

Our ambition is to work in partnership with clients, offering timely, thoughtful advice rooted in a deep understanding of their goals. This approach has underpinned Barnes Roffe’s impressive growth and makes them a natural strategic partner for our group.”

Pete Wilson, Partner at IK Partners added “This strategic acquisition demonstrates our ambition to continue building Dains into the leading UK & Ireland SME advisory business by establishing a strong presence, led by an outstanding team at Barnes Roffe, in London and the South-East.  We look forward to continuing to back further acquisitions as part of this exciting partnership.”

Dains were advised by CMS (Legal), Eight Advisory (Financial and Tax Due Diligence), Forward Corporate Finance (Financial Modelling), Deloitte (Tax Structuring), PDW (Customer Referencing), Cyber Crowd (IT Due Diligence), Mercia (Technical Due Diligence).

Barnes Roffe were advised by KPMG CF (Corporate Finance) and KPMG Legal (Legal).

The post Dains Group Grows National Presence with Acquisition of Barnes Roffe appeared first on AGN International.

On 11 July 2025, the Federal Council approved the law for an immediate tax investment programme to strengthen Germany as a business location.

– What do these changes mean for your clients operating in or with Germany?
– How can you help them stay compliant and seize new opportunities?
– What are the implications for internationally active businesses across EMEA?

The tax changes are intended to stimulate investment that will ensure a sustainable, growth-promoting environment and planning security for companies in Germany. The tax law changes also affect annual financial statements under commercial law and financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS accounting standards with regard to deferred taxes.

The following measures, amongst others, were decided upon:

1. Reduction of the Corporate Tax Rate

The current tax rate of 15% will continue to apply until the end of 2027. From 2028, it will be reduced by 1% annually until it reaches 10% in 2032.

In addition to corporate tax a solidarity surcharge and a trade tax should also be paid. Trade tax is levied by the municipality in which the company has its place of business. Trade tax amounts to approximately 15%, depending on the location of the place of business. Existing deferred taxes must be revalued. Due to the gradual reduction, different tax rates must generally be applied, depending on the reversal date.

2. Reintroduction and Increase of Declining Balance Depreciation for Movable Fixed Assets – “Investment Booster”

Declining balance depreciation can be used instead of straight-line depreciation for movable fixed assets acquired or manufactured after 30 June 2025 and before 1 January 2028. The percentage to be applied may not exceed three times the percentage applicable to straight-line depreciation and may not exceed 30%.

3. Extension and Increase of the Research Allowance

The main change is the introduction of a flat-rate surcharge of 20% for the overhead and other operating costs on the assessment basis. The surcharge applies to research and development projects that start after 31 December 2025.

Furthermore, for eligible expenses incurred after 31 December 2025, the maximum assessment basis for the research allowance will increase from EUR 10 million to EUR 12 million per year. This results in a maximum research allowance of EUR 3 million per year. By raising the maximum assessment basis in conjunction with a 10% bonus, small and medium-sized enterprises will theoretically be able to apply for up to EUR 4.2 million research allowance per year in future. This applies to companies that employ fewer than 250 people and either have an annual turnover of no more than EUR 50 million or whose annual balance sheet total does not exceed EUR 43 million.

Moreover, the eligible value of hours worked for own contributions will increase from EUR 70 to EUR 100 per proven hours worked.

4. Introduction of a so called Turbo-Depreciation Allowance for Newly Purchased Electric Vehicles

The purchase of a new fully electric vehicle is to become more attractive to companies from a tax perspective. In the year of purchase, 75% of the acquisition costs can now be written off. In the following year, a further 10% can be deducted; in the second and third subsequent years 5% each, in the fourth subsequent year 3% and in the fifth subsequent year 2%. The regulation applies to the purchase of an electric vehicle in the period from July 2025 to December 2027.

Brought to you by the AGN EMEA Tax Committee

If you have any questions in relation to this article, please get in touch with Christine.

Christine Ries
Tax Consultant
Wirtschaftstreuhand Group

Email: christine.ries@wirtschaftstreuhand.de

The post Germany Launches Major Tax Investment Programme to Attract Business Growth appeared first on AGN International.

The campaign culminated in their festive “Jingle and Mingle” Christmas event, which provided a significant boost to their fundraising total. Prior to this seasonal celebration, participants demonstrated their athletic commitment by completing a challenging 10-mile charity run, which proved to be a key fundraising activity.

March 2025 also marked a standout achievement in the campaign, as Ballards LLP and Four Squared Recruitment proudly took home first place in the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust’s Corporate Challenge. Competing against other local firms to raise the most funds within a set time period, the team’s determination, creativity, and unwavering support from the community helped them emerge victorious. The win highlighted not just the generosity of their fundraising efforts, but the collaborative spirit that defined the entire campaign.

Earlier in the fundraising year, dedicated staff members from Ballards LLP and Four Squared Recruitment took on various challenges to raise funds for the Trust. A group conquered the formidable Three Peaks Challenge, whilst one employee demonstrated remarkable courage with a charity skydive.

Matthew Clarke, Marketing Manager at Ballards LLP: “At Ballards LLP, we believe in making a positive impact in our community. Our partnership with Four Squared in support of the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust has allowed us to do just that. I’m incredibly proud of our team’s commitment – whether it was completing our 10-mile charity run, winning the Corporate Challenge in March, or hosting events like our Jingle and Mingle Christmas celebration. Raising over £5,000 is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together for a worthy cause. We’re honoured to have concluded this successful campaign supporting such an important organisation.”

Emma Richardson, Managing Director at Four Squared Recruitment, added: “We’re thrilled to have raised over £5,000 for the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust. The enthusiasm and dedication shown by our team and our partners at Ballards have been truly inspiring. From conquering the Three Peaks to jumping out of planes – and even clinching the top spot in the Corporate Challenge – our employees have gone above and beyond to support this crucial cause. Our Jingle and Mingle Christmas event was a fantastic way to bring our community together and complete this important fundraising effort.”

The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust was founded in memory of Grace Elizabeth Kelly, who passed away in 2014, leaving behind a wish to help other children. Grace’s wish has inspired and shaped the work that the Trust carries out today. The organisation funds research into rare childhood cancers, works towards earlier diagnosis of children with cancer, and provides support to families at all stages of their journey.

The partnership between Ballards LLP and Four Squared Recruitment in support of the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust showcases the power of local businesses coming together for a common cause. Their combined efforts not only raised crucial funds but also increased awareness of childhood cancer and the important work carried out by the Trust.

Both companies express gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of their fundraising campaign and helped make a difference in the lives of children affected by cancer.

Head Office
Oakmoore Court
Kingswood Road
Hampton Lovett
Droitwich
WR9 7TD
ENGLAND

Contact Form
Tel: 01905 794504
Web: https://ballardsllp.com/

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A Warm Welcome to Warsaw

The meeting began on Thursday evening with a relaxed networking cruise along the Vistula River, offering attendees panoramic views of the Warsaw skyline in summer light. The friendly atmosphere was immediately evident, with many participants reconnecting after some time apart. The informal setting helped to ease into meaningful conversations and re-establish personal connections – a hallmark of AGN events.

Focused and Forward-Looking: The Technical Program

Friday featured a full day of technical sessions tailored to current challenges and opportunities in cross-border professional practice. Topics included:

• Insuring tax risk
• Exit tax regulations across EU jurisdictions
• The ESG Act: current legal status and implementation
• Setting up a subsidiary in Poland and comparative EU holding structures
• VAT treatment of e-commerce transactions and the legal framework for implementing VIDA

The day opened with a video address from AGN CEO Malcolm Ward, who provided a strategic update on the organisation’s global priorities and member initiatives.

A Cultural and Collaborative Experience

On Friday evening, attendees visited the historic Koneser Vodka Distillery, where they enjoyed a guided tour, tasting experience, and a short film produced by JRD Tax exclusively for the event. The program also included a talk on the Polish economy, a themed quiz, and a formal dinner at one of Warsaw’s top restaurants – an ideal setting for continued discussion and camaraderie.

On Saturday, those remaining took part in a guided tour of Warsaw’s Old Town, with time to explore its heritage sites and charming local streets. The cultural program added a deeper appreciation for the city and gave members more space to connect beyond the meeting room.

Shared Purpose and Lasting Value

The organisers extend their sincere thanks to all who participated, noting the high level of engagement, openness, and expertise shared across the weekend. The event reflected AGN’s ongoing commitment to building strong professional relationships, staying ahead of technical developments, and embracing the distinctiveness of its members.

Participant Reflections

“I would like to thank Tomasz and his colleagues for organising the AGN meeting in Warsaw. It was a very interesting meeting of German-speaking members of our association.”

— Martin Felenda, Partner, Schaffer & Partner, Prague

“Tomasz and his team at JRD did a great job hosting the German-speaking meeting of AGN in Warsaw. Great content, excellent speakers – and best of all, you felt the heart of the great people of Poland. It felt like home to me. Looking forward to our next exchange.”

— André Marius Le Prince, Partner, WLP GmbH, Hamburg

The post Press Release: JRD Hosts the 2025 AGN German-Speaking Meeting in Warsaw, Poland appeared first on AGN International.

Introduction

Switzerland has released its Safe Harbour interest rates for 2025—benchmarks that significantly affect how multinational companies structure intra-group loans. While often overlooked due to their technical nature, these rates carry real weight for compliance, tax risk management, and treasury strategy. For finance professionals and tax advisors operating in or through Switzerland, staying informed isn’t optional—it’s essential.

What Are Switzerland’s Safe Harbour Rates—and Why Do They Matter?

Safe Harbour rates are annual reference interest rates published by the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (SFTA). These rates allow Swiss entities to comply with the arm’s length principle for intra-group loans without without complex benchmarking.

When applied correctly, Swiss tax authorities accept them as compliant—thus reducing tax audit risks.

2025 Rates: Key Updates at a Glance

– Effective January 1 – December 31, 2025
– Retroactive application from January 1, 2025

Practical Considerations for Tax and Treasury Teams

• Swiss-only presumption: Foreign tax authorities may not accept these rates for cross‑border loans—transfer pricing documentation may still be needed.
  
• Exclusions: Short‑term funding and cash‑pooling structures do not qualify and must be benchmarked separately.
  
• Credit risk ignored: These rates ignore borrower creditworthiness. For loans with higher risk profiles, supporting comparable market data is essential.
  
• Non‑compliance risks: Applying non‑arm’s length rates without documentation can lead to hidden profit distributions and possible Swiss withholding tax of 35% (or reduced in case a Double Taxation Treaty would be applicable).

Recommended Next Steps for CFOs & Tax Leads

• Catalogue intra‑group loans: Determine eligibility for Safe Harbour treatment.
  
• Amend contracts to reference the 2025 Safe Harbour rates where applicable.
  
• Prepare transfer pricing documentation or seek tax rulings for cross‑border or high‑value loans.
  
• Align treasury policies to ensure consistency globally.

Conclusion: Leverage the Rules, Mitigate the Risks

The 2025 Safe Harbour rates reflect the present interest rate environment in Switzerland and serve as an effective compliance tool—when used correctly. For loans that fall outside their scope, prudent documentation or official rulings are key to avoiding tax ambiguity or material exposure.

Brought to you by the AGN EMEA Tax Committee

If you have any questions in relation to this article, please get in touch with Rocco.

Rocco Arcidiacono
Partner & Swiss certified tax expert, TEP
Fiduciaria Mega SA

Email: rocco.arcidiacono@fiduciariamega.ch

The post Switzerland’s Safe Harbour Interest Rates 2025: What Treasury Teams and Tax Leaders Must Know appeared first on AGN International.

Bridging Generations, Building Unity

The 2025 Excellent+NextGen event launched with a standout intergenerational session, “Bridging the Generational Gap: How Can We Better Co-Exist?” This engaging workshop invited participants to examine—and laugh about—their generational quirks, from Gen Z’s digital-native instincts to Gen X’s just-get-on-with-it mindset. Through collaborative exercises, attendees uncovered ways to bridge generational divides and harness diverse perspectives for better team cohesion and stronger client service.

A lively evening activity and informal dinner provided time for deeper conversations among peers of all experience levels.

NextGen Track: Equipping Emerging Leaders

Friday’s NextGen Track began with a focused ESG Update, providing insights on the latest developments in sustainability reporting and regulation. Participants then dove into Advisory Development, analysing a strategic case study from the perspective of younger professionals and applying the Kotter change management framework to envision a future-ready firm.

In the afternoon, Elevating Digital Maturity encouraged NextGenners to assess their firm’s current digital standing and explore practical tools and strategies for technology adoption and innovation. The day concluded with a look at IT Audit and Financial Integrity, reinforcing the importance of strong digital governance across all service lines.

“The NextGen Track was really interactive—it gave us not just updates on ESG and tech trends, but a chance to apply real-world frameworks like Kotter’s to imagine how we can shape more agile and innovative firms. The sessions on digital maturity and IT governance were especially valuable in connecting strategy with practical action. The real discovery was learning the differences between what was important to our generation in comparison to our firm partners generation.”

Jasmin Weckerle, Tax Advisor, Wirtschaftstreuhand, Germany

Firm Leader Track: Strategic Vision for NowGen

Firm Partners followed a parallel Firm Leader Track, beginning with an AGN Update before delving into their own version of Elevating Digital Maturity. The session provided high-level strategic insight into how firms can strengthen their digital capabilities and remain competitive in an evolving market.

Later, during Advisory Development 2, Firm Leaders were briefed on the strategic decisions made by their NextGen counterparts earlier in the day. Using the same case study, NowGen teams tackled practical implementation challenges—finance, delivery, and change management—highlighting the value of intergenerational dialogue in shaping advisory success.

The track concluded with an ESG Update for NowGen, where leaders explored how emerging regulations will affect firm operations and client advisory.

“Focused topics, some considered to be the ‘elephant in the room’, such as generational issues addressed and navigated in practical rather than conceptual means to equip us delegates to navigate these issues .”

Steve Johnson, Head of Audit – Partner, RPGCC, UK

Andy Bewick, Partner at Ballards LLP commented, “I’ve really benefitted from relevant content, digital maturity, ESG and the interaction with NextGen from other EMEA firms has been a refreshing addition to the conference.”

The post 2025 Excellent+NextGen in Mallorca Unites Generations and Embraces Digital Evolution appeared first on AGN International.

AGN International is one of the world’s leading associations of independent certified public accounting and consulting firms, and sets rigorous criteria for admission to the association. We provide outstanding continuing professional education and intra-member collaboration to help all member firms serve clients with excellence and maintain adherence to the highest professional standards.

“We are pleased to welcome RPGCC to AGN International. With a long-established presence in London UK and a growing reputation in the mid-market, RPGCC more than meets the professional and strategic criteria we look for in member firms. Their addition strengthens AGN’s representation in central London and enhances our UK and international capabilities. We look forward to working with the RPGCC team and facilitating valuable connections across the AGN community.” – Malcolm Ward, Global CEO of AGN International

With roots tracing back to 1892, RPG Crouch Chapman, or RPGCC as it is commonly known, is one of the UK’s longest-established accountancy firms — and one of the early firms to be registered with the ICAEW.  RPGCC are proud of their rich heritage, but also firmly focused on the future.

Headquartered in London, with a satellite office in Woburn, Bedfordshire, RPGCC is a dynamic and rapidly growing full-service firm. They are proud to be recognised as a UK audit powerhouse and a serious challenger in the UK’s mid-tier accounting market.

RPGCC provide a comprehensive range of services including audit, accounting, tax, corporate finance, and strategic business advisory. What truly sets RPGCC apart is their relationship-led approach — building trust, offering clarity, and delivering value at every stage of the client journey.

Kevin Foster, RPGCC’s Group Managing Partner commented, “We are absolutely delighted to be joining AGN International. This marks an exciting step forward in RPGCC’s journey and will significantly enhance our ability to support clients with international interests. Being part of AGN will help us broaden our reach, deepen our expertise, and continue driving the business forward with confidence.”

Paul Randall, RPGCC’s London Managing Partner, commented, “With a rapidly expanding pool of audit clients, certainly in the listed sector, joining AGN International is a strategic move. It connects us with high-quality overseas audit firms—partnerships we know will grow over time and will bring added value to our clients and enhance the experience and expertise of our team.”

The post Press Release: London, UK Firm Joins AGN Membership appeared first on AGN International.

Andy’s appointment comes at a time when international accounting standards are evolving rapidly, making experienced leadership in cross-border financial matters more valuable than ever. 

“I am honoured to join the AGN EMEA Board and look forward to contributing to its strategic direction and growth,” said Andy. “The businesses we work with, especially those looking to expand overseas, often ask me for international insights and the key considerations in operating within other countries. This new role will give me an even deeper insight into international practices that I can use to help clients, and other AGN member firms, navigate the increasingly complex global financial landscape.”

As part of his remit, Andy will contribute to strategic oversight of the EMEA region, helping to strengthen member firm collaboration and enhance service quality standards. Additionally, Andy will leverage his extensive experience in cross-border engagements by continuing to serve on specialised committees focused on expanding the international capabilities and reach of the association globally.

Malcolm Ward, Global CEO at AGN International, commented, “ Andy brings deep international experience and a collaborative spirit that aligns perfectly with AGN’s mission to help dynamic firms thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. His insight and leadership will be a real asset to the EMEA board and the wider AGN community.”

AGN International is one of the world’s leading associations of independent accounting and advisory businesses. This association enables the firm to provide seamless service to clients with international operations while maintaining the personal touch and local knowledge that characterises independent practices.

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