Annual Contact Day Event
DS Insolvency Services held its annual contact event on 19 October 2005 at the West Midlands Shooting Ground near Hodnet, Shropshire (www.wmsg.co.uk) attempting to shoot clay pigeons. The day started with fairly dismal weather and several very nervous contacts who had never shot before! However, thanks to the unwavering patience and determination of the instructors, together with the sun finally showing itself, our novices were soon killing the defenceless bright orange clays left right and centre!

After a break for lunch there was a closely shot competition between the groups with team scores ranging between 19 and 28. The winning team were Adrian Perry (DS Financial Management), Jason Washington (Grindeys), Mike Ford (NatWest), Bill Lamplugh (Clarkes), Pete Roach (Dyke Yaxley) and Dean James (TC Interiors). The day finished with a flush (a multiple-target shoot) which everyone agreed was the highlight of the day, not least because of the adrenalin rush it generated! Needless to say, Martin Williamson (DS Insolvency Services) and his hand picked team of David Hall (Hardwickes) and Chris Leonard (TC Interiors) won the flush!

Other prize winners were Mark Smith (NatWest) for the coveted Clay Conservation Award, Mohammed Akram (Hacking Ashton) for Most Improved Shot, with the individual first place going to Dean James of TC Interiors. Whilst not winning a prize, Rachel Henderson (DS Insolvency Services) deserves a special mention for being the highest scoring lady with a score of 27, which incidentally was also higher than a good proportion of the men!

Congratulations to everyone who took part!

Dean Statham Launches HCI in-house
Dean Statham in connection with EPCIS and NEC computers launched the Home Computer Initiative on 1st September 2005. The scheme, available to all the team allows the firm to rent a computer to a team member over a three-year period in exchange for a salary sacrifice.

HCI is a Government initiative to promote wider computer use, thus developing IT skills. Changes in tax legislation allow the team member to save money, the salary sacrifice being deducted before Tax and National Insurance and as part of the scheme, the VAT is also saved.

NEC computers have been used by the practice for a number of years, so we were therefore happy to consider them and their partner for the scheme, EPCIS.

Representatives from EPCIS will present a roadshow of the computers at Dean Statham for the team to consider and we hope as many of the team as possible, take advantage of the offer.

HCI is a scheme many employers may consider introducing, so if you wish any further information contact Nick Jinks on 01782 614618 or email nick.jinks@dsonline.co.uk

We are very pleased to welcome three new team members this month.
Rachel Henderson joins the team from Baker Tilley's insolvency office in Milton Keynes and brings with her a wide range of experience in dealing with clients from individuals suffering from credit problems through to both small and large businesses and limited companies with financial difficulties.

Leslie Mahoney has joined our corporate services team having previously been with Grant Thornton in Oxford. Les has recently passed his final chartered accountancy exams and has experience in accounts and audit for a variety of businesses ranging from sole traders to £35m+ turnover companies.

Michelle Eamens is our third new starter who is working within our computerised payroll bureau under the management of Emma Taylor. This department is responsible for the processing of many of our clients' own payrolls. Additionally, she will be involved in providing book-keeping support to businesses. Michelle's previous experience included a spell with a national chartered accountancy practice based in North Staffordshire.

New team member
DS Insolvency Services is pleased to announce an addition to our business recovery and insolvency services team. Rachel Henderson joins the team from Baker Tilley's insolvency office in Milton Keynes and brings with her a wide range of experience in dealing with clients from individuals suffering from credit problems through to both small and large businesses and limited companies with financial difficulties. Rachel's preference was to move to a smaller practice which had more focus on client service and needs, and even after a short period with the firm, she is convinced that her move was the right one!

Live on Air
Richard Bladen gave a 30 second live business SHOUT on the radio. This took place on Friday 15 April 2005, and was part of a live interview at Crossrhythms City Radio station on their afternoon Drive time programme. Click here to find out more.

Welcome to new team members
We are delighted to welcome three new team members to the firm.

Claire Simcock and Richard Baskeyfield have both joined our corporate services department. Claire is a qualified Certified Accountant and brings with her a varied experience gained in two other North Staffordshire practices. Richard joins as a trainee accountant having previously worked for another local Chartered Accountancy practice.

Angela Brannigan joins us from a local parcel delivery company where she ran the accounting function. Her role within Dean Statham will include working under the management of Emma Taylor in our computerised payroll bureau, which is responsible for the processing of clients' payrolls. Additionally, she will be involved in providing book-keeping support to businesses.

Dean Statham Client Wins Prestigious Business Award
'The Sentinel' business awards were held at the Stoke on Trent Moat House on Tuesday April 5 and two Dean Statham clients were recognised. Click here to find out more.

Annual Budget Breakfast
Dean Statham this morning hosted its annual Budget Breakfast at Keele Hall. An audience of 60 professionals and business people listened to partner, Phillip Dann and tax planning specialist, Peter Fry give their interpretation of the Budget measures.

Additionally, an overview was given of those many issues arising in the tax legislation in the past year, together with an insight into the many tax planning exercises that we are undertaking with our clients.

A copy of our budget report is available from our office (request from peter.fry@dsonline.co.uk )

If you wish to discuss the budget measures or any other tax issues, Peter Fry and Dave Talbot (our tax director dave.talbot@dsonline.co.uk) will be delighted to speak with you on (01782 614618).

Martin Williamson becomes the 2005 ten pin bowling champion
The team at Dean Statham held its annual Team ten pin bowling event at Festival Park last Thursday. Thursday is "Glow bowling" night and as such we were treated to loud music & competitions for prizes. 29 participated in an evening of great fun, which included some appalling attempts at knocking down the pins.

At the final count Luke Rodgers & James Cassidy were just outscored by our recovery services director, Martin Williamson who becomes the 2005 champion.

Red Nose Day appeal raises over £100
Last Friday, the Dean Statham team held a dress down day to raise funds for the Red Nose Day appeal. Everyone was delighted to dig deep and over £100 was raised.

By taking advantage of the Government's Gift Aid scheme, the charity will receive 28% more than was given. This scheme is available for all donations to charity, for further details contact Peter Fry on 01782 614618 or e-mail pdfry@deanstatham.co.uk

Janet Porter
It is with great sadness that we report that on Saturday 29th January 2005 Janet Porter, one of our longest serving team members, passed away after a long illness.

Janet was a good friend and colleague who always had a good word to say about everyone and was an inspiration to all of us for her courage in dealing with the circumstances of her illness.

Our thoughts & prayers are with her family, Alan, Nicola & Richard.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in Janet's memory to North Staffs Breast Cancer Research, can do so by sending a cheque made payable to the charity to Mr R E Nadin, Dean Statham LLP, 29 King Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 1ER.

New Construction Industry Rules
Yet again the rules on the taxation within the construction industry are changing. Are you aware of how the new system will work and affect you? Click here to download our free factsheet which highlights the most important parts of the new rules. You will note from this that instead of merely tinkering this is a completely new scheme.If you have any queries regarding this Peter Fry would be pleased to help. Either call him or if you prefer email him on pdfry@deanstatham.co.uk

Dean Statham clients conquer 2,300 mile bike ride (29.10.04)
Dean Statham clients, Glenn Davies and Keith Harrison, arrived in London yesterday as part of the six-man team that completed the 2,300 mile Caudwell Charitable Trust bike ride. In just under three weeks six Staffordshire businessman cycled from Athens to London. Well done to all!

Learn to love online filing - it can save you money
Letters from the Inland Revenue warning companies about on-line filing of PAYE annual returns will be landing on North Staffordshire business desks next month. Click here to read more.

Insolvency firm opens second office
D S Insolvency Services has opened its second office to help with a growing number of businesses struggling to survive. Click here to read more.

Double Cab Pick Ups
It is well known that double cab pick-ups attract a "van" benefit as opposed to the much less favourable "car" benefit in kind rules. Click here to read more.

Firms may be on the phone to a huge fine
Companies who make unwanted sales calls could find themselves on the end of a huge fine under new Government legislation. Click here to read more.

Businesses face penalties as new law starts to bite
New businesses are facing fines from the Inland Revenue even before they file their first tax return. Click here to read more.

Warning as builders face clash with Inland Revenue
The building industry in Stoke-on-Trent, already struggling in a tough economic climate, now faces a new threat - from the Inland Revenue. Click here to read more.

Sentinel highlights Martin's work in DS Insolvency Services
North Staffordshire's popular Sunday newspaper, the Sentinel Sunday, has highlighted the soaring rate of bankruptcies locally compared to the national average. Click here to read more.

Businesses face VAT bad debt shock
Businesses who have not followed strict procedures in dealing with VAT bad debt relief may face a tough time with Customs at the next VAT inspection. Click here to read more

Flat Rate VAT sparks savings for electrical company
Electrician Mike Hopkins couldn't believe it when his accountant told him to stop paying VAT at 17.5% and save at least £1,000 a year. Click here to read more

Best foot forward
A team of 9 walkers and 2 drivers from Dean Statham are undertaking the 3 Peaks Challenge on 24th & 25th July 2004. The aim is to complete ascents of Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in Cumbria and Snowdon in Wales - all within 24 hours! Funds raised will go to the Donna Louise Trust and Ward 73 at the University Hospital, Staffordshire and the team would be delighted to receive any donations. If you would like to sponsor them please contact Kay Nixon on 01782 614618, or by email klnixon@dsinsolvency.co.uk ... click here to read more.

Successful Farming Seminar - "Preparation for a New Era"
On 21 June 2004 the Dean Statham farming department held a thought provoking seminar at Keele Hall on the future of agriculture after Mid-Term Review.Speaking at the seminar were Richard Nadin, farming partner at Dean Statham, agricultural consultant Ian Browne of the Farm Consultancy Group, and John Hinson of Hinson Parry Chartered Surveyors. The 70 farmers who attended were given specific advice and information to help them to plan their futures positively and minimise tax. For further details or if you require any advice please contact Julie Boyle, our farm department manager on 01782 614618 or jboyle@deanstatham.co.uk.

Dean Statham Financial Management Seminar
Dean Statham Financial Management Limited, the financial services arm of Dean Statham, held seminars at Keele Hall for business people and professional contacts, informing them of important new pension legislation that will affect them in the future. The seminars were very informative and if you require further details or advice please contact Adrian Perry, Manager of Dean Statham Financial Management, on 01782 614618.

North Staffordshire households facing a mountain of debt
Many families and businesses in North Staffordshire are facing a mountain of debt because it is far too easy to obtain credit ... click here to read more.

Small firms could lose out on VAT 'rent trap'
Sole traders or partnerships in North Staffordshire need to be alert to avoid losing out on VAT repayments if they become limited companies ... click here to read more.

North Staffs. industry defies rate rise to continue expansion
Small to medium-sized firms in North Staffordshire are pressing ahead with expansion plans despite the recent rise in the Bank rate to 4.25% ... click here to read more.

Half of North Staffs. firms in breach of pensions law
More than half of small firms in North Staffordshire could be in breach of Government rules on stakeholder pensions, according to the area's largest independent firm of chartered accountants and business advisers ... click here to read more.

Champion of owner-managed businesses promoted to partner
An Alsager man who started as a trainee with North Staffordshire's largest independent firm of chartered accountants and business advisers has been made a partner in the firm ... click here to read more.

FREE Ebook
If you would like to register with Dean Statham, receive our free eBook titled "52 Reasons Why Some People Are Much, Much More Successful in Business Than Others", ask us a question or give us feedback on our website, click here >

Welcome to our New Website
There are many exciting features including a huge resource of business information on free resources and links to useful websites. Please keep coming back to our website as this information will be continually updated and added to. We want to provide you with a reliable source of up-to-date business information so that you don't have to waste time searching the Internet for what you want.

More importantly there is a lot of information about Dean Statham and how we can help your business grow and become more profitable. For a free initial consultation please complete our registration form or contact us on 01782 614618.