Eighteen teams took part in the day, raising £4,300 for the two charities. Competitors also had the chance to putt while wearing a pair of glasses that caused them to see from the perspective of someone suffering from cataracts.

It was generosity all round as Killiow Golf Club did not charge any green fees for the competition.

Paul Reed, Senior Partner of Robinson Reed Layton, is pleased to have been able to support local charities.

‘It was a great day for local businesses.  The vision impairment goggles were a real asset as they gave us a chance to understand the importance of charities like the Cornwall Blind Association, making us realise how much we take our sight for granted.’

Charles Whitehead from Cornwall Blind Association is delighted with the funds raised.

‘It was a fantastic day that everyone enjoyed.  We were really pleased to be involved and thrilled that local businesses such as Robinson Reed Layton were able to raise money and awareness of our work.’

Prizes went to Quality Solicitors Nalders for first place, second were H20K ‘Waterboys’ and third ‘Back to the Kuchar,’ a team made up of Alex Reed, Simon Reed, Jonathan Trembath and Nigel Long.

Nathalie Johns won the prize for the ‘nearest to the pin’ and Henk Ferreira, Paul Reed and Sara Taylor won prizes for the longest drive.

Other events of the day included a tombola, an auction and a chance to be photographed holding a London 2012 Olympic Torch courtesy of the Cornwall Blind Association.

Pictured from left to right: Pete Matthew (Jacksons), Sarah Snell (Merlin MS Centre), Charles Whitehead (Cornwall Blind Association), Paul Reed (Robinson Reed Layton) and George Winters (Seven Investment Management).

The Festival runs from the 2nd – 6th May and features over 60 choirs from around the world, some travelling from as far as Australia, Russia, Germany, Lithuania, The Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Finland to be at the event.

The 25 concerts that make up the festival are held at venues across Cornwall including the Eden Project, Pendennis Castle and Tate St Ives before the Finale Gala Concert at the Hall for Cornwall in Truro.

Paul Reed, Senior Partner at Robinson Reed Layton says about the festival:

“The CIMVCF brings choirs to the county that we rarely get the opportunity to enjoy. Cornwall is very proud of this Festival and Robinson Reed Layton is proud to play a part in ensuring that it goes from strength to strength.”

Robinson Reed Layton will be sponsoring the concert held at St Andrews Church in Redruth on Friday 3rd May featuring the Four Lanes Male Choir, New Mill Male Voice Choir, Tideswell Male Voice Choir from Cornwall, The St Petersburg Boys Choir from Russia and the Harmonie Lindenholzhausen from Germany.

Chairman of CIMVCF David Peters is grateful for local support.

“Singing plays an important role in Cornwall for people from all walks of life so it’s wonderful that the County hosts, what we believe to be, Europe’s largest male voice festival.  It costs £120,000 to stage and so couldn’t go ahead without sponsors, especially in these difficult economic times.  Thanks to local businesses like Robinson Reed Layton, this sixth biennial Festival looks to be better than ever.”

Tickets to the various concerts cost £7.50 and are available to buy online at www.hallforcornwall.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01872 262466.

More information can be found at www.cimvcf.org.uk/

“This is bad news for businesses and even worse news for residential landlords,” said James.

“The Renewals Allowance could be claimed when you replaced an item used in your trade or in your let property. For example, if you run a hotel you could claim ‘renewals’ on the cost of replacing such items as beds, tablecloths, glasses and so on. It was much simpler than the alternative, which is to claim capital allowances, and avoided reams of additional paperwork.”

“The withdrawal of the Renewals Allowance will hit all businesses, but will cause major problems for hotels and similar establishments, given how much they spend on replacing items.”

James explained that the news was even worse for landlords of residential properties.

“Capital Allowances cannot be claimed on items within a property let as residential accommodation, so for these landlords the option of doing the extra paperwork to claim capital allowances does not apply.

The only way the landlord of residential property can now get a deduction for the cost of replacing an item of furniture will be to claim the ‘wear and tear’ allowance of 10% of the rent on the property, and this only applies to fully furnished accommodation.

Landlords of unfurnished residential property will only be able to get a deduction for replacements if they can persuade HMRC that the expenditure is on ‘repairs’ and this can be problematic.”

“This is yet another example of HMRC seeking to increase their tax take by imposing yet more bureaucracy on hard pressed businesses. The renewals basis made sense, was easily understood and gave a fair result in terms of tax.  I suppose we should not be surprised that HMRC decided it had to go!”

Any businesses concerned about how HMRC’s decision could affect them can call James Bailey on 01872 276116 to arrange a free consultation.

Wendy, who lives in Falmouth, passed her exam after preparing for a year.  She can now offer clients more in-depth advice about their bookkeeping.

Senior Partner Paul Reed is delighted with Wendy’s accreditation.

“It’s good to see Wendy’s hard work rewarded with accreditation.  Robinson Reed Layton is Cornwall’s only Sage Accredited Accountant Partner, and we have a strong dedicated team with two Sage accredited accountants and one Sage certified accountant.  This expertise helps our clients get the best out of their software.”

Robinson Reed Layton has been handpicked by Sage as demonstrating the necessary skills, expertise and resources to support a business that can benefit from the software.

June Horne is the Accountant Partner Area Manager for Sage and is pleased with Wendy’s achievement.

“I’m delighted for Wendy.  The Sage 50 Accounts accreditation exam is particularly tough and in-depth knowledge of the program is required to pass it.”

Robinson Reed Layton’s highly trained staff are able to install, configure and train on Sage software.  They run regular free seminars to keep clients up to date and also offer discounts on software packages.

Pictured are Helen Greig, Carole Thomas and Wendy Peters of our Sage team.

For more information on how Sage can help your business, please click here.

As a trainee Emma has worked in a variety of different areas from accounts preparation to audit.

Emma recently moved to Truro and during her spare time she tries to fit in her favourite activities of cooking, socialising and enjoying coastal walks.

emma.down@rrl-truro.co.uk

At university, he was the treasurer and captain of the golf club and is now a member of the Killiow golf team.

Alex is an active sportsman and as well as his golf, plays both hockey and cricket for local teams and is a keen skier. Now that he has returned from university, his aim is to cut his handicap to five from its current position of nine and to hit the slopes more frequently.

alex.reed@rrl-truro.co.uk

She has experience in preparing tax returns and forms P11d and also preparing accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.

In her spare time Becca enjoys socialising with friends, quizzes and visiting zoos in the UK and abroad.

becca.walkden@rrl-truro.co.uk

When Amalia is not busy studying, she enjoys her passion for music, is an avid reader and relishes spending time with her family and friends.

amalia.watson@rrl-truro.co.uk

Emma joined the firm in 2012 as the new receptionist. As the first point of contact, she is responsible for operating the switchboard for Robinson Reed Layton and greeting clients, whether they are dropping off records or coming in for a meeting.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading, swimming and being with friends and family. She also plans to travel the world some more.

emma.bungay@rrl-truro.co.uk

Vicki is a typist and administrator who assists Partner Nick Skerratt. Vicki joined the firm in 2012 as a receptionist and was rapidly promoted.

With two young children to entertain, Vicki spends most of her spare time enjoying Cornwall by exploring the beaches and going on nature walks.

vicki.burtenshaw@rrl-truro.co.uk

Partner Stephen Gainey is a Bard and encourages local businesses to celebrate the famous Cornish saint.

“Pur lowen yw Robinson Reed Layton dhe skoodhya an Gwella Displetyans Fenester.  Selyes yn Truru agan honan, y krysyn ni yth yw posek dhe ri piwas dhe’n negysyow teythyek neb a wra aga thamm dh’y wul sita mar deg.”

“Robinson Reed Layton is delighted to support the Best Window Display. Based in Truro ourselves, we feel it is important to reward those local businesses who are doing their bit to make it such a beautiful city.”

The trophy will be awarded after the Truro St Piran’s Day Parade reaches the cathedral on Tuesday March 5th.

Members of societies and clubs in the area will join with children from local schools to walk through the streets.  The parade will leave the Waterfall Gardens off St George’s Road at 1.15pm and finish at High Cross with performances of Cornish music and drama by school children, before culminating in the singing of ‘Trelawny’.

More information can be found on the Truro St Piran’s Day page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stpiransdaytruro

We are pleased to announce the winner is…

Martin’s Bakery in Victoria Square.

Tim has looked after the day to day running of IT at Robinson Reed Layton for over ten years. 

He loves living in Cornwall and has two young children so never has a dull moment. When he can find the time, Tim enjoys running, cycling and watching good films.

tim.flower@rrl-truro.co.uk

“This case was hugely important for owners of holiday cottages throughout the country”, explained James, “and given the number of such businesses in Cornwall, it is particularly bad news that the Tribunal has sided with HMRC.”

The Pawson case concerned whether the late Mrs Pawson’s 25% share of a holiday letting cottage in Suffolk was a share in an investment or not. If it was an investment, her estate was liable to inheritance tax on its value. If it was not an investment, then Business Property Relief would have meant no inheritance tax was payable on it.

The First Tier Tribunal found against HMRC and allowed the relief, but HMRC appealed to the Upper Tribunal. The case was heard in December last year, and it has been announced that they have agreed with HMRC that the holiday let was an investment, and that the inheritance tax must be paid.

Owners of holiday lets will need to consider whether they can offer their guests sufficient services to tip the balance from investment to trading. In the Pawson case there were basic services like laundry and cleaning. Following the decision of the Upper Tribunal it is clear that much more will need to be offered to qualify as a business that is not mainly an investment in property.

Owners of holiday lets can get further information on how this ruling could affect them by calling James Bailey, Tax Partner at Robinson Reed Layton on 01872 276116.

Staff supported the charity’s Odd Sock Day and as well as surprising clients with their mismatching hosiery, they raised £125.

Staff also took part in St Petroc’s Swimathon and were sponsored by friends, family and colleagues to the tune of £392.

Jackie Davis from St Petroc’s Society is delighted with the donation.

“It is so helpful to have unrestricted funds that we can divert to cold weather provision for homeless people in Cornwall.  Only through support like Robinson Reed Layton’s can we provide hot drinks, showers, healthcare and support for people in need.”

Pictured are some of the fundraising staff at Robinson Reed Layton together with Jackie Davis from St Petroc’s Society.

For further information about St Petroc’s Society please visit www.stpetrocs.org.uk

After joining the firm in 1994 Deborah completed her AAT studies and now has considerable experience in preparing accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.

Deborah also trains new staff and gives help on the firm’s CCH Viztopia Accounts Software.

Deborah has recently taken up horse riding and enjoys walking with her dog and spending time with her family. She also enjoys visiting the Christmas markets, here and abroad.

deborah.hanghoy@rrl-truro.co.uk

Born and raised in Cornwall, Simon joined Robinson Reed Layton in 2006 as a Trainee Chartered Accountant, having graduated from the University of Leicester with a degree in Medical Genetics, and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with the firm in 2010.

He has now been promoted to Audit and Accounts Manager in recognition of his hard work with the firm.

Simon, who is 28 and from Truro, is excited about the future:
“This promotion means increased client contact, enabling me to build strong relationships – which is something that Robinson Reed Layton prides itself on.  I really enjoy spending time with clients and being their first point of contact, helping with any questions and progressing their work. I am delighted this promotion means more responsibility in this area.”

Senior Partner at Robinson Reed Layton and father of Simon, Paul Reed commented:
“The Partners are delighted to promote Simon in recognition of his progress.  Simon works hard, networks well and brings in new business.  He is good with clients, very personable, approachable and enthusiastic – he takes after his father!”

Simon will deal with a range of businesses from sole traders to large limited companies and charities, advising on accounts, business and audit matters.  He also controls a portfolio of personal taxation clients.

After obtaining a first in his physics degree from Exeter University, David moved back down to Cornwall with his wife and put his hand to accountancy at Robinson Reed Layton where he completed his Chartered Accountancy qualification in August 2012.

David enjoys getting involved in the preparation of accounts and has recently specialised in work involving academies. He also has experience of working with charities, both large and small.

David is actively involved with his local church, where he plays the bass guitar and helps with the children’s work. He also enjoys playing sport and is a keen supporter of Newcastle United FC.

david.horwell@rrl-truro.co.uk

Well done Reds for a good 21-0 win.

Senior Partner Paul Reed presented the man of the match award after the game to Reds number 1 Darren Jacques.

The Culdrose Military Wives sang at the match and we hope that everyone enjoyed themselves.

“These new rules involve a new tax called the “high income child benefit charge” and are ridiculously unfair in the way they operate,” said James Bailey.

“As well as producing an extremely steep rate of tax (in certain circumstances more than 100%) for those who are caught for the new charge, it also goes against the fundamental principle of confidentiality that is supposed to underpin HMRC’s tax gathering efforts.  For the first time since 1990, when the practice of taxing a husband on his wife’s income was abolished, it is necessary for each member of a couple to know what their partner earns in order to deal with the new tax charge.  In one way it is even worse than the antiquated system of taxing husbands on their wives’ income, in that it applies not just to married couples but to any couple, of whatever sex, where one of them is entitled to child benefit.

“The tax is particularly unfair in that it is such a blunt instrument – a couple receiving child benefit could have income of up to £100,000 between them and lose no child benefit at all, provided that the income was split 50/50.  Another couple could have income of £60,000 and lose all of their child benefit, if only one of them has the income.

“The charge falls on the one whose income is over £50,000, or if both partners have income above that level, on the one with the highest income.   It is this that means it will be necessary to know your partner’s income to determine who pays the new tax.

“Many people caught by this new charge will not currently be completing self-assessment returns – for example, those who are employed and whose income is taxed under PAYE – but if they fall foul of the new child benefit rules they will need to complete a self assessment tax return each year in future, starting with the year ending April 2013.

“The final straw is that the new rules take effect for child benefit received after 7 January 2013.  This means that only a small amount of child benefit will fall into the tax year ending 5 April 2013, but anyone affected has to declare the fact and sign up for self assessment by 5 October 2013, and HMRC’s published guidance on this matter is quite explicit in saying that there will be penalties for those who fail to do this by that deadline.

“It is estimated that half a million additional self assessment returns will need to be completed as a result of this measure, and each one of them will represent the erosion of the principle of separate taxation for spouses that has existed for almost the last quarter of century.”

For further information please call James Bailey on 01872 276116.