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.
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Companies House Identity Checks Coming Into Force on 18 November 2025
Companies House has confirmed that mandatory identity verification (IDV) will be introduced from Tuesday 18 November 2025, marking one of the most significant changes to UK corporate regulation in recent years. The reforms are part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act and are designed to improve the accuracy, transparency and integrity of information held on the Companies House register. By Simon Robinson of nexa law.
Boardman, Hawkins & Osborne LLP Celebrate Double Top-Tier Recognition in Leading...
Boardman, Hawkins & Osborne LLP (BH&O) has once again been recognised as one of the region’s leading family law firms, achieving top-tier rankings in both The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners 2026 Guides — a remarkable achievement for a firm that has just celebrated its seventh anniversary.
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University of Oxford Vice Chancellor’s Christmas Drinks: A Celebration of Community,...
Sincere thanks to Professor Irene Tracey, Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford, and Professor Alex Betts, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement, Sport, and Community, for the kind invitation to this year’s Christmas Drinks — a truly memorable evening hosted in the spectacular Life and Mind Building, one of the most impressive additions to Oxford’s innovation landscape.
The Customer Test: When Service Fails the Customer
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FROM LOVER TO BUYER™
Please join us on Tuesday, October 14th, 2-6:30PM at the Royal Suite of St. Pancras Hotel London, concurrent with Frieze London Art Week, for an afternoon tea and social featuring conversations with visionaries at the intersection of art, culture, and business.