- "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
Final call for VAT registration
HMRC has issued a final call for those taking part in the VAT Initiative to register for VAT by 31 December.
The VAT Initiative was launched in July this year, and offered businesses with a turnover of more than £73,000, who have failed to comply with VAT rules a special plan to put their tax affairs right.
The opportunity to participate in the plan ended on 30 September, and those who registered their intention to take part must register for VAT by 31 December in order to face a lower penalty of rate of 10 per cent on the VAT that has been paid late.
The plan targeted trades including construction, business services, hair and beauty, hotels and catering, agriculture and horticulture and property and road haulage.
Since the plan closed, HMRC has been identifying those who did not come forward, and has warned of higher penalties and even criminal prosecution.
Commenting, Marian Wilson, HMRC's Head of Campaigns, said:
"Those who have told us of their intention to disclose now have until the end of December to register for VAT. They must then submit their first VAT return and make arrangements to pay.
"We are determined to ensure everyone pays their fair share and, since September, have begun identifying people and companies who we believe are trading above the VAT threshold but have not come forward. We will be targeting these groups early in the New Year.
"I urge anyone with unpaid tax to use it to come forward and avoid potentially lengthy and costly investigations. The penalty they will pay will still be lower than when HMRC catches up with them."