- "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
Pensions
State pension age
The Chancellor announced that the introduction of the planned rise of the state pension age to 67 is to be brought forward to 2026 from 2034, which is forecast to save £59 billion in the longer term. This should not affect anyone within 14 years of receiving their state pension.
State pension and pension credit
The basic state pension will rise by £5.30 to £107.45 in April 2012, which will be the largest ever cash rise in the basic state pension. To ensure that the poorest pensioners will not see a smaller rise, the Government confirmed that it would also uprate the pension credit by £5.35 in April 2012.
Asset-backed pension contributions
The Government will introduce new legislation that takes effect on 29 November 2011 to prevent employers obtaining excessive tax relief for asset-backed pension contributions to their pension schemes, but instead accurately reflects the payments made.
Pension funds and infrastructure funding
It was announced that the Government will target up to £20 billion of additional private sector investment to support UK infrastructure through a Memorandum of Understanding with two groups of UK pension funds.