
Professional Services Digest #3
Catch up on the latest news from the Professional Services sector, featuring B4 Members Freeths, Whitley Stimpson, Penningtons Manches Cooper, Family Mediation & Mentoring, Bambury & Co Accountants and many more.

Overview of Digital Services Tax (DST)
The UK’s Digital Services Tax (DST) came into operation on 1 April 2020. This tax is designed to ensure that the major social media, search engine and online retailers are subject to a 2% tax on revenues generated from the participation of UK users of their services.

International Women’s Day
A hundred years ago the first women were being admitted as Solicitors. It was a huge milestone following the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919. Who would have thought it back then, that the profession is now full of women practising in all sectors of the profession. In July 2019, 63.1% of new admissions were women.

The strength to succeed
If I asked you to describe an Ironman triathlete, I doubt that you would immediately think of me. A 53 year old woman with a full time job as a lawyer managing the Oxford office of Freeths.

Boardman, Hawkins & Osborne expand thriving matrimonial team
Family law specialist Stuart Webber joined the firm on 1st March 2022 as a consultant solicitor, and will be advising clients on relationship breakdown and its financial consequences.

End of an era as senior director retires from top accountancy...
Malcolm Higgs, senior director at accountants Whitley Stimpson, is stepping down after dedicating his entire career to the firm.

£2.6 million pre-seed funding for next generation virus diagnostic company OxDX
The corporate team at Penningtons Manches Cooper has advised OxDX on the completion of its spin-out from Oxford University and its £2.6 million pre-seed funding. The funding will be used to develop its AI-powered diagnostic technology, which will be used to improve the speed, cost and accuracy of diagnostics worldwide.

New Leadership and Team Expansion for Freeths’ Highly Regarded Oxfordshire Private...
For 15 consecutive years Freeths’ Trust, Estate and Tax lawyers have secured a Tier 1 ranking in the UK’s leading legal directory, Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide. This recognises excellent client service, experience and expertise. Building on this, the highly regarded practice is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Lisa Mark Bell and Louise Lewis as new, joint heads of the Oxford Trust, Estates and Tax team.

Be prepared for big National Insurance hike in April
Experts are warning businesses and employees to brace themselves for a major rise in National Insurance payments in April.

Are you registered for Making Tax Digital for VAT?
Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT is to be extended to cover businesses with a turnover below the VAT threshold from April 2022.
More in Professional Services

Freeths appointed to Cottsway’s legal panel
Leading law firm Freeths has been appointed as a new supplier to Cottsway Housing Association’s legal panel for the next five years.

The Oxford Accelerator
Oxfordshire features a rapidly growing innovation ecosystem. We organised a gathering of investors, founders, entrepreneurs and university bodies to discuss investment trends/opportunities.

Boardman, Hawkins & Osborne LLP continue long-standing B4 relationship
Boardman, Hawkins & Osborne LLP has recently entered their 6th year of operation, and their 6th renewal with B4, and 2nd as Platinum Members.
From this author

The Power of Collective Leadership: How a CEO and Leaders Group...
Leadership can be a lonely journey. The weight of decision-making, the burden of responsibility, and the pressure to perform can often feel overwhelming. However, when leaders come together in a trusted environment to share their challenges, the results can be extraordinary. This was precisely the case for a dynamic group of six leaders who committed to a six-session journey of deep, candid conversations, mutual support, and transformational growth with the B4 CEO Circle.

Town v Gown 2025
The Town v Gown football fixture will return this March and for the first time in the event’s 130-year history will incorporate a women’s match.

Teams at the Raise’25 Golf Cup at Frilford will be competing...
The Raise’25 Golf Cup will take place on Frilford Heath’s Red Course on Monday 15th September with up to £10,000 being raised for the ten Raise’25 charities. The inaugural event will also see teams compete for the Colin Rosser Memorial Cup.