Latest News

May 17 2022

Time for a Spring Clean

Categories: Charities

At this time of year, many of us do our annual spring cleaning and its good practice for trustees of charities to do the same. Good governance demands clear, appropriate, and complete set of procedures and policies to ensure any organisation is well run and by ‘cleaning’ them, you will be in a better position more

May 13 2022

The Food Processing, Marketing and Cooperation Grant Scheme

Categories: AgricultureFood & Drink

The next round of the annual Food Processing, Marketing and Cooperation Grant Scheme (FPMC) is now open for applications. As one of a number of funding schemes which make up the Scottish Rural Development Programme, the FPMC provides £10.2 million of grant funding to businesses (or groups of businesses) within the Scottish food & drink sector more

May 11 2022

The next round of Innovate UK Smart Grants is open for applications

Categories: Technology

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is investing up to £25 million to deliver disruptive R&D innovations that can significantly impact the UK economy. The smart grants aim to offer funding where other opportunities are not available or appropriate, and where timing is key to ensure swift and successful commercialisation post-project completion. The next round of more

May 4 2022

The FCA to regulate the pre-paid funeral plans sector from 29 July 2022

Categories: Healthcare

It was announced early last year that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will start regulating the pre-paid funeral plan sector from 29 July 2022. As this deadline fast approaches, it is important that you submit the required application if you intend to continue offering pre-paid funeral plans after this date. The regulation will extend to more

May 2 2022

FHL earnings for National Insurance and pension purposes

Categories: Leisure

There has been a lot of media overage surrounding the recent 1.25% increase in National Insurance Contributions (NICs) from 6 April 2022. The increase was applied across both employers and employees NICs and will revert to the previous levels when the new Health and Social Care Levy (HSCL) is introduced from 6 April 2023. How more

May 2 2022

Should I change my year end date?

Categories: Leisure

With confirmation that the basis period reform is going ahead as planned, it could impact many FHL businesses, where they trade as unincorporated businesses (sole trade or partnerships) and who do not use 5 April or 31 March as their accounting date. From 6 April 2024, profits and losses of sole traders and partnerships will more

Apr 29 2022

Welcome return to on-site agricultural events!

Categories: Agriculture

With the return of many on-site agricultural events, our EQ Agriculture team are all looking forward to the busy year ahead. As well as meeting clients on farm to deal with their service requirements, we will be out and about supporting various sector events over the course of the year. If you are going to any more

Apr 27 2022

David Cameron steps down after 20 years as Managing Partner

Categories: EQ NewsPeople

After 35 years with the Firm, our Managing Partner, David Cameron, has taken a large step towards retirement accepting a part-time role as Consulting Partner with effect from 1 April 2022. David has successfully guided EQ as Managing Partner for nearly 20 years and moving forward he will use his experience to help support the more