Training Example: Haines Watts – Review the Data, Give Your Score & Compare to the Real AI Evaluation

How can we help?

[IMG: Looking for an accountant]

Looking for an accountant

[IMG: Expanding abroad]

Expanding abroad

[IMG: Selling a business]

Selling a business

[IMG: Growing a business]

Growing a business

[IMG: Looking for funding]

Looking for funding

[IMG: Starting a business]

Starting a business

[IMG: Paying too much tax]

Paying too much tax

[IMG: Buying a business]

Buying a business

[IMG: Cashflow stopped flowing]

Cashflow stopped flowing

[IMG: Exiting a business]

Exiting a business

[H2] Why Haines Watts?
At Haines Watts, we offer professional services to people who run their own business, delivered by people who understand them, and share their ambitions, passion and commitment... helping achieve their business goals faster and with fewer missteps.It's what makes us the business people for people with a business.

See our story

[H2] Our services

[H2] Our services

Business Advisory

Tax

Audit & Assurance

Business Process

[H3] Business Advisory

Being a business owner can be lonely and challenging. Having a business advisor that can act as a sounding board and is there when you need solid business advice is priceless.
Haines Watts’ business improvement advisors offer relevant, commercial and valuable business advice to help you formulate business improvement strategies and achieve your ambitions.

Acquisitions and Disposals

Expansion & Improvement

[H3] Tax

UK and international tax law can be complex, so finding the tax allowances and reliefs available isn’t always easy. We’ve got some of the best tax people in the business to make sure you’re not only compliant, but both you and your company save tax.

Personal Tax Planning

Corporate Tax Planning

International Tax Planning

Tax Reliefs (including R&D)

VAT & Customs Duty

Tax Investigations

Wealth Planning

[H3] Audit & Assurance

Whether you need a statutory audit or you choose to have an audit for other business reasons, you’ll wind up with a far better understanding of your business.
Our auditors review your financial operations, make suggestions about improvements and best practice, and help management in identifying and controlling business risks.

Accounting

Auditing

[H3] Business Process

It’s hard to scale up a business without tackling this area. Automating and streamlining processes and using the right technology for your sector, stage of growth and complexity can make a real impact on productivity, profit and customer satisfaction.
Our experience in helping business owners to ‘go up through the gears’ will help you find the right balance between internal efficiency and a great customer experience.

Online Accounting

Outsourced Accounting

[H2] Insights
All the latest news and opinion

View all

17th March 2026

[H3] VAT essentials for businesses

25th February 2026

[H3] Spring tax planning 2026: What business owners need to know

30th December 2025

[H3] VAT Mistakes That Lead to Penalties – And How to Avoid Them

22nd December 2025

[H3] The Importance of Giving Back

17th December 2025

[H3] Should You Register for VAT Voluntarily? What to Consider Before 2026

View all

[H2] Ready to start a conversation?

Contact us

[H3] Owning it. Business conversations.

Series 2 of business conversations brought to you by Haines Watts aims to uncover the trials and tribulations of being a business owner, from the highs and the lows to everything in between.

Series 2

Series 1

[IMG: Nici Goldsmith, Director Haines Watts Midlands Tax Advisory: Ahead of the game]

[H4] Episode 9

[H3] Nici Goldsmith, Director Haines Watts Midlands Tax Advisory: Ahead of the game

In this episode, Lawson Muncaster is joined by Nici Goldsmith, Director at Haines Watts Midlands Tax Advisory, for a chat about education and ambition, the challenges involved with problem-solving, an...

[IMG: Jess Shanahan, Founder and Director of Jet Social: Setting boundaries]

[H4] Episode 8

[H3] Jess Shanahan, Founder and Director of Jet Social: Setting boundaries

In this episode, Lawson Muncaster interviews Jess Shanahan, Founder and Director of Jet Social, a content marketing agency. As a client of Haines Watts, Jess shares her entrepreneurial journey since s...

[IMG: Graeme Miller, Managing Partner Haines Watts Scotland: Falling into tax.]

[H4] Episode 7

[H3] Graeme Miller, Managing Partner Haines Watts Scotland: Falling into tax.

In this episode, Lawson meets Graeme Miller, Managing Partner at Haines Watts Scotland to discuss a wide variety of issues and his specialist subject – Tax. From rate disparities between UK nations, t...

[IMG: Spring Budget Special 2024]

[H4] Episode 6

[H3] Spring Budget Special 2024

A special podcast episode on the Spring Budget 2024 brought to you from Soho Radio Studios, London.' Owning it.' Podcast host Lawson Muncaster, Managing Director of City AM, was accompanied by wealth...

[IMG: Martin Gurney, Tax Partner Haines Watts: Navigating complexities]

[H4] Episode 5

[H3] Martin Gurney, Tax Partner Haines Watts: Navigating complexities

Host Lawson Muncaster, Managing Director of City AM interviews Martin Gurney, Partner from Haines Watts Swindon about how he helps businesses navigate complexities of tax, compliance, legislation, and...

[IMG: Martin Gurney and Amilios Costa, Haines Watts: Autumn Statement 2023 Special]

[H4] Episode 4

[H3] Martin Gurney and Amilios Costa, Haines Watts: Autumn Statement 2023 Special

A special podcast episode on the Autumn Statement 2023 brought to you live on the day from Soho Radio Studios, London. 'Owning it.' Podcast host Lawson Muncaster, Managing Director of City AM, and Hai...

[IMG: Lawson Muncaster, City AM: Meet the host.]

[H4] Episode 3

[H3] Lawson Muncaster, City AM: Meet the host.

Introducing 'Owning it.' Series 2 Podcast host, Lawson Muncaster, Managing Director of City AM.
We turn the tables around on Lawson who is usually our podcast host, to find out about his career, his p...

[IMG: Gavin Harris, SMS Environmental: The clarity of science]

[H4] Episode 2

[H3] Gavin Harris, SMS Environmental: The clarity of science

In this episode, Lawson meets Gavin Harris from SMS Environmental who discusses a range of issues from finding his way in early life to running and growing a successful business with over 200 employee...

[IMG: Andy Blenkinsop, Mediaworks: The rise of Chat GPT]

[H4] Episode 1

[H3] Andy Blenkinsop, Mediaworks: The rise of Chat GPT

In this opening episode of our second 'Owning it.' podcast series, new host Managing Director of City A.M. Lawson Muncaster talks to Andy Blenkinsop Chief Strategy Officer at Mediaworks Online Marketi...

[IMG: Owning it. Business Conversations: Series 2 Coming Soon.]

[H3] Owning it. Business Conversations: Series 2 Coming Soon.

Introducing Lawson Muncaster, Managing Director of City A.M. Lawson is our new host for Series 2 of the 'Owning it.' Podcast, a series of business conversations brought to you by Haines Watts.

[IMG: Wolfgang Buttress – Award Winning Artist: A hive mind]

[H4] BONUS EPISODE

[H3] Wolfgang Buttress – Award Winning Artist: A hive mind

In this special episode we talk to Wolfgang Buttress about his journey from a Birmingham council estate to creating award winning art installations across the world.
We find out how a complete change...

[IMG: Ian Oswald: Honesty Works]

[H4] Episode 12

[H3] Ian Oswald: Honesty Works

In this episode Damian talks to Ian Oswald about the importance of honesty, hard work and an optimistic attitude in building a successful business.
We find out how the support of family gave Ian and...

[IMG: Matthew Neale: Never Broken]

[H4] Episode 11

[H3] Matthew Neale: Never Broken

In this episode Damian talks to Matthew Neale about the art of taking risks be it in business or on a motorcycle. We find out how he ‘accidentally’ became an accountant but went on to develop a determ...

[IMG: Steve Watmough: Stay curious]

[H4] Episode 10

[H3] Steve Watmough: Stay curious

In this episode Damian talks to Steve Watmough about IT advice, triathlons, helping child poverty and advising government.

[IMG: Tim Whitehead E.Tupling: Finding balance]

[H4] Episode 9

[H3] Tim Whitehead E.Tupling: Finding balance

In this episode Damian talks to Tim Whitehead about joining the family business and turning what was just a job into a passion.

[IMG: Nick Peacock Ascendant Recruitment: Relentless belief]

[H4] Episode 8

[H3] Nick Peacock Ascendant Recruitment: Relentless belief

In this episode Damian talks to Nick Peacock about building a successful business with people literally at its heart.

[IMG: Gavin Sherratt Mashbo: The Power of Wait]

[H4] Episode 7

[H3] Gavin Sherratt Mashbo: The Power of Wait

In this episode Damian talks to Gavin Sherratt about being brave and honest in both life and business, and the importance of simply listening and taking a moment to pause before acting.

[IMG: Mark Sapsford and Douglas Edmunds CapEQ: Emotionally Invested]

[H4] Episode 6

[H3] Mark Sapsford and Douglas Edmunds CapEQ: Emotionally Invested

In this episode Damian talks to Mark Sapsford and Douglas Edmunds from CapEQ about their unique approach to helping businesses with mergers and acquisitions.

[IMG: Hannah Beaumont-Laurencia Beaumont Organic: Consciously Ethical]

[H4] Episode 5

[H3] Hannah Beaumont-Laurencia Beaumont Organic: Consciously Ethical

In this episode Damian talks to Hannah Beaumont about turning a passion into both a successful business and a pioneering driver for change in the fashion industry.

[IMG: James Baly - Nowcomm: Pit stop to pole position]

[H4] Episode 4

[H3] James Baly - Nowcomm: Pit stop to pole position

In this episode Damian talks to James Baly about his unconventional journey into starting a successful technology business. We learn the value of perseverance and embracing the challenge of change to...

[IMG: Ben Foster Rankine Zeal Global: Per Mare, Per Terram]

[H4] Episode 3

[H3] Ben Foster Rankine Zeal Global: Per Mare, Per Terram

In this episode Damian talks to Benjamin Foster-Rankine about his passion for the military and how he overcame adversity at a young age to create a successful business.
Benjamin was focused from an ea...

[IMG: Ian Baggett - Adderstone Group: Game, set and match]

[H4] Episode 2

[H3] Ian Baggett - Adderstone Group: Game, set and match

In this episode, Damian talks to Ian Baggett about his personal and professional life goals and achievements.

[IMG: Mark Thompson - Ryder Architecture: Tough Love]

[H4] Episode 1

[H3] Mark Thompson - Ryder Architecture: Tough Love

Professor Damian Hughes talks to Mark Thompson from Ryder Architecture about how tough love and overcoming adversity helped him to succeed and how it continues to shape his business philosophy.
From r...

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Talk to our team

Most accountants know what they’re doing... the Haines Watts difference is that we pride ourselves on also knowing who we’re doing it for…
“Historically accountancy has been about preparing company accounts, but here at Haines Watts it’s about much more than that, we work with business owners, building trusted relationships, because we know that the more we know your business – the more we can help make it better.”

[H2] Can you grow with my business?

It’s important to think about what your business will need tomorrow, as well as today. Make sure your accountant has the resources to cope with your growth. Haines Watts has extensive resources both locally and nationally, so if you are looking for an accountant, you can be confident we have capacity and expertise to spare.

We're here to help

[H2] How we can help your business

Watch video

[H5] Episode 3

[H4] Ben Foster Rankine

Zeal Global: Per Mare, Per Terram

Listen now

Watch now

[IMG: Owning It Business Conversations Logo]

The ‘Owning it.’ business conversations podcast brought to you by Haines Watts aims to uncover the trials and tribulations of being a business owner, from the highs and the lows to everything in between.

[H2] FAQs

Haines Watts focus exclusively on owner managed businesses and work with over 30,000 of them around the UK, across many sectors. Why not read some of our client stories to find out the types of companies we work with? All of our partners are owner managers themselves, so they understand not just the numbers but business issues that you face.

We have specialists in accounting, audit, personal tax, corporate tax, business improvement and much more. But your relationship partner will be your first point of contact. They have the business knowledge to see beyond just accountancy advice and are available to speak to at any time.

It’s tempting to think that a national firm will be expensive, but that’s not the case with Haines Watts. Our practices are independent local businesses with fees that are highly competitive. We’ll show you the value of every pound you spend with us.

If all you need is your books tidied and accounts submitted once a year, we’d be happy to help, but that’s not all we do.
When looking for an accountant, you want someone who can:
tell you what the figures mean in simple business terms
give advice on how to grow your business
look at ways to improve your business
help you to raise funding and asset finance
liaise with and negotiate with HMRC on all your taxes
help you get the right finance team in place
be on the end of the phone whenever you need them
understand every aspect of running a business from first hand experience
We know what makes business owners tick. We understand more than just the numbers. We carry out extensive research into business owners, their wealth, health, personal and business relationships, planning challenges and communication struggles.

[H2] Read our insights

Read more

23rd January 2025

[H3] Thinking of Switching? Top Questions to Ask Before Choosing Your Accountant

14th August 2023

[H3] Changing Your Accountant Made Easy: A Comprehensive Guide for Business Owners

28th July 2023

[H3] Outgrowing Your Accountant? Identify the Signs Early

16th January 2023

[H3] How to get the best from a pre year end meeting with your accountant

Read more

Find An Office

Find an office

Find an office

Talk to our team

Moving your business into foreign markets can unlock massive potential, but there’s a lot of things to be taken into consideration… we’ll help you understand what they are.
It’s exciting working with ambitious owner managers, real decision-makers; the people at the sharp end of their business and being able to make a real difference to the success of their business and helping them to expand into new markets.

[H2] Why do businesses expand internationally?

The digital revolution makes it easier than ever for businesses of all sizes to venture into foreign markets. There are many reasons that companies enter the international business arena which include access new customers and markets, access to new talent pools, and risk diversification in different markets.

[H2] Ready to take your business to the next level?

Restructuring could be the key to unlocking growth. Learn how the right structure can save tax, reduce risk, and prepare your business for the future.

Download your free Restructuring Guide today

[H5] Episode 3

[H4] Ben Foster Rankine

Zeal Global: Per Mare, Per Terram

Listen now

Watch now

[IMG: Owning It Business Conversations Logo]

Benjamin was focused from an early age on a career in the Marines, but his time was cut short due to medical reasons. Undeterred he quickly set about turning his skillset and passion into a successful global maritime security business and explains how lessons from the military helped him succeed.

[H2] FAQs

In order to develop business in international markets, it’s vital to do your homework.  Haines Watts is here to help consider what is needed and what to consider when expanding business internationally. We’ll help you:
Understand new markets – Due diligence and research into the health of the target market.
Local customs and culture – knowing these can make a huge difference to a business relationship.
Establish local links and develop business overseas.
Develop customised international tax plans that will give you the edge and help make the venture more profitable for you.

Having international links is more than just a nice thing to have – it’s a necessity. When carrying out business abroad. Haines Watts will help you with expanding internationally by offering you:
The options – branches, agencies, service companies, subsidiaries and legal entity format.
Tax efficient ownership – development and exploitation of intellectual property.
Holding company location – for tax efficient repatriation of profits into the UK.
Finance structure – to ensure tax efficient circulation of cash within a group.
Regulatory information – ensure you follow regulatory practices and you are compliant in the relevant countries, saving time and money.
Funding – help you get the money needed to get your overseas venture up and running.
More importantly, we offer the local business advice that can be so vital. Remember that it’s the small things that can be so easy to miss without that local input.

If you are considering trading or investing in the UK, contact us for help.

Coordinating international tax advice across jurisdictions is vital. Our international tax experts will develop customised tax plans that help manage your compliance while reducing your exposure when expanding overseas. We advise clients on:
Tax efficient ownership structures
Repatriation of profits
Withholding taxes and tax clearances
Double taxation relief
Controlled Foreign Companies planning
Managing enquiries from local and UK tax authorities

To guarantee you the best advice around the world, Haines Watts is a member of Geneva Group International (GGI), one of the world’s leading organisations of accounting, law and consulting firms. GGI has been ranked by Accountancy Magazine as a top ten international network.
Our UK partners will work with you to introduce and recommend the best overseas help you can get.
Our network provides business owners with:
The freedom to select who to work with in each country – our network is entirely independent.
Competitive and highly flexible fee structures.
Expertise and strong ties to the local business communities – giving you a head start in relationship building.
Significant experience in cross-border transactions.
Extensive knowledge of tax systems and planning techniques globally.
On top of all that, every member is carefully selected for their local influence and international capabilities – giving you the highest quality support when expanding internationally.

[H2] Read our insights

Read more

31st January 2024

[H3] How to improve exports - 8 ways to strengthen your export sales

23rd April 2024

[H3] Will overseas remote working affect my tax and residency position?

3rd May 2024

[H3] How does remote work affect payroll for employees?

Read more

Find An Office

Find an office

Find an office

Talk to our team

Selling your business can be a bit of a minefield, and the fact that every sale is completely unique doesn’t help. Our experienced team will work with you to make sure you get the right advice to make the right calls and achieve the best possible result.
The end goal of every business owner is to own a valuable business, whether you are building to sell, building to hand over to the next generation or just to have a more successful business.

[H2] How can I sell my business?

Asking yourself the question - how can I sell my business? Worried about the finding a buyer for your business? Or want to know how to value your business for sale? Haines Watts can help.

Talk to our experts

[H2] Building a Legacy

Are you thinking about selling your business and wondering what the future will hold for the business you built? Find out if an Employee Ownership Trust is the right option for your business with our free guide.

Download our FREE EOT Guide

[H5] Episode 6

[H4] Mark Sapsford and Douglas Edmunds

CapEQ: Emotionally Invested

Listen now

Watch now

[IMG: Owning It Business Conversations Logo]

Mark and Douglas explain why ‘EQ matters more than IQ’ – especially in complex and often emotional business dealings, and how empathy, rapport and honesty are every bit as important as simply having a ‘standard’ set of industry skills. It’s good to know that building strong and trusted relationships really does pay in business.

Listen to our podcast

[H2] Planning to exit your business?

Exiting your business is a big step, make sure you’re prepared. Our expert-crafted Exit Planning Handbook is packed with strategic advice and practical insights to help you navigate every stage with confidence.

Download your free copy today!

[H2] FAQs

Here are a few things to ask yourself when selling a business:
How do I value my business?
Will your business attract interest?
Who might be interested?
Is everything ready for a ‘smooth’ sale?
How can you increase the value of your business?
When is the right time to sell your business?
What are the tax implications of your business sale?

Interested in knowing what your the value of your business? With our business valuation calculator you can value your limited company online instantly.

Finding the right buyer for your business is the key to a smooth transaction which will contribute to the continued success and growth of the business. We can act on your behalf by marketing your company to potential buyers, and handling all ongoing contact with potential buyers.

The HW Corporate Finance team has helped sell small businesses, limited companies and large corporations across many sectors. Our team views every business sale as unique and is skilled at working with individual owner managers to get the best from selling your business.

Typically, selling a business can take months to prepare for an exit date. However if time is not on your side there are various fast exit strategies which can be taken. Contact us today if you need help with a fast business sale.

There are many tax implications when selling a business. These include consideration of Capital Gains Tax, deferred consideration, earn outs, proceeds and income tax and inheritance tax.
At the end of the day, what would generally be the most tax efficient solution might not meet your lifestyle or cash needs. Seeking expert advice before you’re committed means that Haines Watts can help you arrive at where you want to be.

We provide business owners with advice on selling a business, maximising value, preparing for sale and getting the right buyer. Here are some of the other ways we can help you sell your business:
Creating an exit plan
Business valuation services
Creating a compelling sales document
Identifying buyers
Obtaining & managing offers
Selecting a preferred buyer
Project management from start to finish
Advice on the tax aspects of sale
Preparing for due diligence
It’s all about getting the right deal done – and in the best and most profitable way for you.

[H2] Read our insights

Read more

15th March 2022

[H3] Using Employee Ownership Trusts to exit your business

8th September 2022

[H3] Ultimate checklist for selling a business successfully

22nd July 2025

[H3] Common pitfalls when selling your business

Read more

Find An Office

Find an office

Find an office

Talk to our team

We’ve been helping ambitious business owners like you grow their businesses for over 90 years, so we know all the new challenges it can bring… and how to overcome them.
The pandemic has had a remarkable effect on a lot of companies, who have become leaner, more efficient, who have refocused on new markets, who have embraced a more fluid, digital way of working and seized the opportunity to grow.

[H2] Growing a business

Growing a business can bring many challenges to business owners that they may have never faced before. Many decisions need to be made around:
How to grow the business
How to structure the business
Funding for growth
Building the right team
Letting go of the reins
Our advice on how to grow businesses spans all of these areas and comes from years of supporting aspirational business owners, across a wide range of sectors, who want to grow their businesses.

Talk to our experts

[H2] Looking to attract, retain and motivate your team?

Share schemes can be an invaluable part of your recruitment, retention, and reward strategy, as well as aligning your team to your business goals. Download our free guide to find out if this could work for you and your business.

Find out more about Employee Share Schemes

[H2] Think you don’t qualify for R&D Tax Relief? Think again.

Many businesses miss out because they don’t realise their projects qualify. If you’ve invested time, money, and expertise into solving problems or improving products, you might be due a tax benefit. Our free guide explains what counts, how to claim, and the benefits you could unlock. Could you be missing out on thousands?

Get the free R&D Tax Relief Guide and see what’s possible.

[H2] Ready to take your business to the next level?

Restructuring could be the key to unlocking growth. Learn how the right structure can save tax, reduce risk, and prepare your business for the future.

Download your free Restructuring Guide today

[H2] Ways to grow a business

[IMG: Organic growth]

[H3] Organic growth

Your existing business may have plenty of potential to grow long-term in its present form. A sound business plan and marketing plan will help.

[IMG: Merger & acquisition]

[H3] Merger & acquisition

Buying a business can be a great way to expand geographically, tap into new customers or bolt on additional products. Make your merger or acquisition a success by speaking to our Corporate Finance team.

[IMG: Growing overseas]

[H3] Growing overseas

Trading internationally can offer massive growth potential. Our international services team will help you understand new markets and establish local contacts there.

[IMG: Diversification]

[H3] Diversification

Diversification into new products, services or markets not only offers growth opportunities but may qualify you for a grant or R&D tax credits.

[H2] What do I need to consider when growing a business?

[H3] Finance

Sourcing, applying for and getting the right deal can be tricky, so talk to us about funding for acquisition and funding for additional equipment.

[H3] Premises

Do you have room for business growth? If not, we can advise on funding new premises and tax efficient property purchase or leasing.

[H3] Outsourcing

Outsourcing key functions such as payroll or certain finance functions may free up valuable resources for growth. Explore our other business services.

[H3] Tax planning & restructuring

Planning or restructuring for maximum tax efficiency can preserve valuable cash to fund business growth. Don’t pay unnecessary tax. Talk to our experts.

Talk to us about growing your business

[H2] Read our insights

Read more

5th August 2025

[H3] Investor Ready: How management accounts open doors to securing funding

14th June 2022

[H3] How to prepare a cash flow forecast for investors

20th May 2025

[H3] Simplifying Corporate Tax: Expert Tips for Business Growth

17th June 2025

[H3] The Power of Financial Forecasting: How to Predict and Plan for Growth

Read more

[H5] Episode 5

[H4] Hannah Beaumont-Laurencia

Beaumont Organic: Consciously Ethical

Listen now

Watch now

[IMG: Owning It Business Conversations Logo]

Feeling that the high street didn’t align with her values, Hannah took a leap of faith and started her own business with the goal of tackling over consumption of clothing and working ethically throughout the whole process. From knocking on shop doors to success in Japan and across the world, we hear Hannah’s inspiring story.

Listen to our podcast

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