- "In the last 20 years our business has changed considerably…and as the focus of our business has changed, Bird Luckin have moved with us."
Alex Tanner, George Tanner (Shalford) Ltd - "Bird Luckin has looked after us incredibly well for over 60 years, they are pro-active and innovational - meeting all our needs to help us achieve our aims."
Richard Stubbings, Cliffords Limited - "I can honestly say that Bird Luckin are the best firm of accountants and auditors I have ever dealt with - and I don't say that lightly!"
Colin Webb, Walthamstow Stadium - "It's important for us to know that we will always be able to contact the right people to give us the right advice and support."
Jane Bennett, Bennetts Funeral Directors - "Although we deal mainly with one Partner … we also know that if we need to contact someone else who is a specialist in another area, we can get the advice we need quickly and easily"
Jeremy Ruggles, J.S. Wright & Sons Ltd - "Bird Luckin got us to a stage which would have taken us months - if not years - to reach on our own, and they got us there in a matter of weeks"
Matthew Sullivan, SNC Ltd - "You can be a good accountant, but if you don't have an understanding of the industry it can be very difficult. "There are two or three people we have regular contact with at Bird Luckin who know our business well, and it makes a difference.""
Robert Church, W A Church (Bures) Ltd - "The work which Bird Luckin has done for Boddingtons over the past few months has helped shape our future direction for the better."
John Warner, Chief Executive, Boddingtons Ltd - "Bird Luckin has acted for us since our inception 10 years ago. They have a very 'can do' yet highly professional attitude - we are very appreciative of their support and advice over the years."
Marlon Fox, Outlook Property Ltd
Clearer taxation system for pensioners proposed
The 'overly-complex' methods in which pensioners are taxed should be simplified, says the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS).
Completing the first stage of its review into the pensioner taxation system, the OTS described the current structure for taxing pensioners as a 'maze of special tax rules and unfamiliar forms', which is causing older tax payers increasing problems.
Whilst the initial report offers few immediate recommendations for change, it highlights key areas of complexity including the age related and married couples allowance and the resulting taxation of savings. The publication, which has been reported to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, also recommended a further review of 'convoluted' PAYE forms and tax administration.
The OTS admits that some of the suggested preliminary reforms - including the possibility of ending the taxation of state pensions altogether - would cause contention.
John Whiting, tax director for the OTS, said: "Too many people find the tax system gets more complex as they get older. Many of the issues we highlight are well known but we have taken our time to consider and document the full extent of the current system, taking into account fully the concerns and complexities, before we make any solid recommendations."
"Our report floats a number of possible ways forward to mitigate the difficulties pensioners face. We haven't shied away from the big issues and I hope that this interim report helps stimulate a debate on pensioner taxation. We are aiming to make final recommendations that will mean pensioners can have a better understanding of a simpler tax system, and can deal with their responsibilities more easily."
The second stage of the OTS review, which will be published at the end of the year, will now begin to explore the issues raised in more detail and make specific simplification recommendations.