UK-based accountancy and advisory services provider Dains has announced its expansion to the North West market with the acquisition of peer company Hurst. Hurst is headquartered at Stockport Exchange and works with clients across the UK as well as in overseas markets. It is led by managing partner Tim Potter, together with Mike Jackson and Simon Brownbill. Hurst has a team of 120 professionals and provides services spanning audit, tax advisory, corporate finance and digital transformation. Under the d ...

Core Viewpoint - Johnston Carmichael has appointed Stephen Oates as head of payroll to enhance its specialist tax leadership and assist employers with upcoming regulatory changes in payroll and employment tax reporting [1][2]. Group 1: Appointment and Expertise - Stephen Oates brings over 20 years of experience in tax strategy and has been with Johnston Carmichael since August 2022, becoming a partner in 2025 [2]. - His strategic outlook and expertise in payroll, employer services, and entrepreneurial tax incentives are expected to be crucial for employers navigating the evolving tax landscape [2]. Group 2: Structural Changes and Responsibilities - Oates will oversee the integration of payroll with Entrepreneurial Taxes and Employer Services teams under the Specialist Taxes structure, creating a unified oversight for related services [3]. - This structural change aligns with the upcoming payroll benefits in kind (PBIK) rules set to take effect in April 2027, which will require new reporting and tax collection methods [3][4]. Group 3: Implications of New Regulations - The new PBIK regime mandates that employers report and collect income tax on non-cash benefits, such as company cars and private medical insurance, through real-time payroll submissions, replacing the current end-of-year P11D process [4]. - Oates emphasized the importance of a reliable and accurate payroll service for maintaining employee trust and satisfaction amidst these changes [4][5].