Bonham & Brook

Tax advisors and funding specialists.

[Bonham & Brook @BonhamBrook]

Rising energy costs directly hurt manufacturing profitability.

Many industrial firms are unaware they are effectively funding government renewable programmes through levies on their electricity bills.

The Energy Intensive Industries (EII) Exemption Scheme exists to help businesses in sectors like metals, chemicals, and glass remain competitive.

Success requires:

→ Proving your business is in an approved industry using government-assigned NACE codes, which are standard codes used to group companies by what they do.

→ Demonstrating that electricity costs make up at least 20% of your Gross Value Added (GVA), which is the total financial value your company produces.

→ Providing the rigorous financial data and auditor sign-offs needed to prove you meet the government's requirements.

At Bonham & Brook we map these technical boundaries to ensure your relief is audit-ready. This allows you to waive up to 85% of the green taxes added to your bill, which are officially called renewable levies.

A levy is a compulsory payment or tax officially imposed by a government or authority.

In this context:

→ It is a mandatory fee added to your energy invoice to fund national renewable energy projects.

→ Unlike a legal seizure of property to pay debt, an energy levy is a standard tax on the electricity and natural gas your business uses.

→ These levies, such as the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) and Renewables Obligation (RO), are the specific names for these forced costs.

What is your current process for tracking the profit impact of energy levies?

↳ Follow @bonhambrook for technical tax strategy.

#Manufacturing #EIIExemption #EnergyTax
#UKBusiness

[Bonham & Brook @BonhamBrook]

Many businesses unknowingly leave tax relief locked inside their buildings.

Standard accounting depreciation typically misses the specific technical components that qualify for capital allowances.

Embedded fixtures such as HVAC systems, specialised lighting, and security infrastructure are frequently categorised as general building costs.

This kind of mistake means you could end up paying more tax than you need to and not getting it back.

Our specialists find these savings by walking your site to map every cost. These surveys provide the evidence required to turn your spending into qualifying plant and machinery.

You can typically still claim for equipment bought years ago if it is still in use. Every building purchase or fit-out is a chance to capture this relief.

Defensibility is our priority. A robust claim requires:
➔ Itemised cost traceability
➔ Technical narratives for every asset
➔ Contemporary evidence of use

Evidence is the asset. Without a systematic approach to documentation, businesses remain exposed to enquiry risk.

Internal teams lack the bandwidth for this level of technical detail. Specialist reviews provide the necessary depth to ensure every qualifying asset is evidenced and audit-ready.

↳ Follow @bonhambrook for defensible tax strategy.

#CapitalAllowances #CommercialProperty #TaxCompliance #PropertyInvestment #FinanceStrategy

[Bonham & Brook @BonhamBrook]

Your property may contain tax relief you didn’t know existed.

Standard accounting depreciation fails to capture embedded fixtures.

Technical gaps in traditional reporting leave HVAC, lighting, and security systems unclaimed. These items qualify as plant and machinery.

Previously unclaimed relief may still be available for assets that remain in use.

Every property purchase, fit-out, or refurbishment creates an opportunity to identify qualifying capital allowances.

Defensibility is the priority.

Three requirements for a successful claim:
➔ Forensic site surveys
➔ Traceable cost breakdowns
➔ Robust technical narratives

Evidence is your core asset.

Claims must be audit-ready from day one to withstand HMRC scrutiny.

Internal teams lack the time to investigate these technical details.

Specialist reviews provide the necessary depth with minimal disruption to your daily operations.

Strong documentation strengthens compliance.

↳ Follow @BonhamBrook for technical insights on property tax.

#CapitalAllowances #CommercialProperty #TaxCompliance #PropertyInvestment #FinanceStrategy

[Bonham & Brook @BonhamBrook]

How often should you update your Firm-Wide Risk Assessment?

Your FWRA is the absolute backbone of your AML framework.

Regulators expect it to be perfectly tailored to your firm.

You must review and update it annually as a minimum regulatory requirement. You also need to update it whenever significant business changes occur.

This includes offering new services, opening new locations, or taking on new client types. Updates are strictly required following regulatory changes or any compliance near-misses.

An outdated FWRA is one of the most common causes of AML penalties.

At Bonham & Brook, Jon Arulthas is our Head of AML compliance.

He specialises in rebuilding risk assessments so they genuinely reflect your daily operations.

If you need to overhaul your FWRA, you will likely work closely with Jon. He builds evidence-based risk justifications and operational decision-making frameworks.

We never rely on generic, off-the-shelf templates. We also provide annual review retainers to guarantee your continuous compliance.

Follow ➔ @bonhambrook to learn more about Firm-Wide Risk Assessment.

#AML #Compliance #RiskAssessment #FWRA #RegulatoryRisk

[Bonham & Brook @BonhamBrook]

Can an AML fine be reduced or appealed? 🏛️

Receiving a fine isn’t a final decision.

In certain circumstances, a penalty can be reduced or appealed. However, clear grounds must exist to successfully challenge a regulator's decision.

Regulators like HMRC and the FCA typically consider specific factors when reviewing a penalty.

They look at your level of cooperation and whether you took prompt remedial action.

They also assess whether your senior management understood and addressed the risks effectively. In some cases, a voluntary "unprompted disclosure" of a breach can lead to a significantly lower fine.

Even if a full reduction is not possible, how you respond to the initial notice is critical.

Implementing a robust remediation framework is essential. Taking these steps immediately can lower the risk of further enforcement action, additional fines, or increased regulatory scrutiny.

At Bonham & Brook, our compliance team has extensive experience in post-enforcement remediation. If you are dealing with a penalty or an investigation, you will likely work with Jon Arulthas, Head of AML Compliance.

He specialises in demonstrating that your firm is taking the necessary steps to fix its framework and building the evidence needed to show that you have addressed every weakness identified.

Contact us today to get your personalised AML compliance roadmap.

⬇️Check the link in the comments to get started.

#AML #Compliance #HMRC #FCA #RegulatoryEnforcement

[Bonham & Brook @BonhamBrook]

Can poor AML controls lead to criminal liability?

Yes. While many cases result in civil penalties, serious or repeated failures expose firms and individuals to severe consequences.

Failing to maintain robust compliance measures directly leads to:
- Criminal Investigations: Law enforcement agencies actively pursue severe regulatory breaches.
- Personal Liability: MLROs and senior managers face individual prosecution for systemic failures.
- Regulatory Restrictions: Authorities impose strict limits on future operational permissions.

At Bonham & Brook, we specialise in comprehensive AML compliance management. We build and oversee robust frameworks designed to prevent these exact scenarios.

Effective AML controls protect the firm and the people running it.

Are you concerned about your current AML controls?

We want to help you stay confident about your compliance practices.

Contact us today. Link in the comments ⬇️

#AML #Compliance #CriminalLiability #MLRO #BonhamAndBrook #RiskManagement

[Bonham & Brook @BonhamBrook]

Do Trust and Company Service Providers have different AML obligations?

TCSPs face specialized AML requirements because regulators categorize these activities as high-risk.

Your firm must implement measures beyond standard compliance protocols.

On top of standard rules, TCSPs must:
- Perform Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD): Every trust and company formation requires deep investigation.
- Maintain Beneficial Ownership Registers: Records must remain accurate and up-to-date.
- Execute Strict Customer Due Diligence: Verification processes require high levels of scrutiny for every client.
- Analyse Complex Ownership Structures: Your framework must account for layered corporate entities.

HMRC currently supervises TCSP compliance. This responsibility will eventually transfer to the FCA, bringing even more rigorous standards.

At Bonham & Brook, we design TCSP-specific compliance frameworks.

Our systems include procedures for verifying complex ownership and meeting beneficial ownership documentation requirements.

Follow ➔ @bonhambrook to stay updated.

#TCSP #AML #Compliance #HMRC #TrustServices #CompanyFormation

[Bonham & Brook @BonhamBrook]

How do massive food manufacturers like Weetabix manage rising energy costs?

Alongside sustainability targets and operational efficiency upgrades, UK manufacturing operates under extreme pressure to mitigate costs.

Energy tax relief remains a frequently overlooked piece of the puzzle.

The EII scheme operates as a legitimate government-backed incentive designed specifically for energy-intensive businesses.

When integrated into a wider energy strategy, the financial impact compounds.

We present our latest client story with Weetabix. The Weetabix team shares how rising costs shape their energy strategy.

We worked directly with them to map their operations, manage the EII application, and ensure compliance from start to finish.

We link high-quality evidence directly to the reduction of HMRC enquiry risk. We back all applications with an unmatched compliance team led by former HMRC inspectors.

We help UK manufacturers stay competitive, sustainable, and future-focused.

Watch the full film here: https://t.co/Kl8IXk2P2z

↳ Follow @bonhambrook for insights on energy tax relief and compliance.

#EnergyTaxRelief #UKManufacturing #Weetabix

[Bonham & Brook @BonhamBrook]

What is included in the Bonham & Brook AML policy and procedure service?

Our service delivers bespoke AML documentation specifically for your business.

We avoid generic paperwork and off-the-shelf templates.

Each policy reflects your unique business model, client base, and risk profile.

Every engagement includes a comprehensive suite of professional documents:
- Full AML Policy: This foundational document contains clear risk appetite statements and governance frameworks.
- Customer Due Diligence (CDD) Procedures: We provide step-by-step instructions for verifying client identities.
- Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) Protocols: These specialised workflows address high-risk situations and complex client profiles.
- Ongoing Monitoring Steps: We define the actions required to supervise client activity over time.
- Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR): This section provides clear guidance on identifying and reporting suspicious behavior to the relevant authorities.
- Record-Keeping Requirements: We outline the standards for maintaining compliance data and documentation history.
- Staff Training Framework: We provide a solid structure to ensure your team understands their regulatory responsibilities.

These documents arrive copy-ready and designed for your specific sector. We include practical instructions to ensure your team can implement every procedure immediately.

Follow ➔ @bonhambrook to stay updated about AML policy.

#AML #BonhamAndBrook #ComplianceService #RiskManagement #AMLPolicies

[Bonham & Brook @BonhamBrook]

Your renovation costs likely hide unclaimed tax relief.
Large projects often qualify for special tax breaks if you get the timing right.

You must prove whether work was a simple repair or a major improvement to avoid HMRC challenges.

Getting this wrong leads to avoidable audits and penalties.

Success requires:
➔ Recording the exact date you signed contracts
➔ Matching every pound spent to the work done
➔ Checking every part of your fit-out to see what qualifies

Evidence is the asset.

Without clear records, you lose the relief you are owed. Our specialists walk your site to find the savings that stay hidden in your building costs.

Good records keep you in control of your tax position.
What’s your process for capturing records during a project?

Follow @bonhambrook for technical tax strategy.

#CapitalAllowances

[Bonham & Brook @BonhamBrook]

Have you heard about the FCA AML supervision transition? Do you know how it may affect your business?

AML supervision for regulated firms is expected to transfer to the Financial Conduct Authority in the future.
The exact timeline is still unclear and depends on future legislation.

However, firms should already be thinking about whether their current AML framework would stand up to increased regulatory scrutiny.

The key point is this:
If your business is already fully compliant with your current AML regulator, you are likely in a strong position for any future FCA transition.

The FCA is expected to place greater emphasis on:
➜ Governance frameworks
➜ Evidence-based risk assessments
➜ Staff training and accountability
➜ Ongoing monitoring and documentation
➜ Demonstrable operational controls

For many firms, this will not require a complete rebuild of their AML framework.

Instead, the focus will likely be on strengthening existing controls, improving documentation standards, and ensuring procedures are consistently followed across the business.

At Bonham & Brook, Jon Arulthas leads our AML compliance function, helping firms assess whether their current framework is robust, practical, and aligned with evolving regulatory expectations.

Strong compliance today creates resilience for tomorrow.

Follow ➔ @bonhambrook for updates on AML compliance and regulatory developments.

#AML #FCA #Compliance #RegulatoryRisk #FinancialConductAuthority

[Bonham & Brook @BonhamBrook]

Last Friday, everyone at Bonham & Brook gathered in central London for our eagerly awaited end-of-year party.

This yearly tradition gives us a chance to celebrate our team, our shared successes, and those who made the biggest impact in FY26.

Setting the scene for FY27, the party was a raging success. Good food and even greater service by the Lighterman, Kings Cross, with a backdrop of a sun-soaked Regent's canal.

Highlights include: @DomBonham and David Kent’s heartfelt speeches, a wildly confusing round of B&B trivia, and of course, our very own Chris Howell-Jones on the decks, inspiring some experimental dance moves by our sales team.

One comment we overheard summed up the day perfectly: "No matter how big this company gets, it still retains its family culture." We couldn't ask for a better compliment. As we continue to grow, maintaining the culture that's helped get us here is just as important as the growth itself.

A huge thank you to our unofficial social secretaries Tatiana Berger and Jack P. for organising (and entertaining).

Here’s to a record-breaking year behind us and an even better one ahead 🥂

[Bonham & Brook @BonhamBrook]

5 promotions in under 5 years. That's not luck, that's Logan Hornby. 🏆

Result of hard work, continuous learning, and taking every opportunity to grow.

Logan Hornby joined Bonham & Brook straight from university with a degree in Accounting & Finance and no prior experience in the industry.

Nearly five years later, he is a Senior Business Development Manager, having progressed through five different roles across the business.

From Junior SDR to Senior BDM, Logan's journey reflects both his commitment to personal development and a culture that actively supports people as they grow.

Throughout that journey, he credits much of his success to the guidance and support of colleagues, particularly Christopher Mongan and Matthew Davidson.

"I have been given incredible support from so many people to help me develop through each role. I joined with no knowledge of the industry and nearly 5 years later I am so proud of how mature and knowledgeable I've become."
- Logan Hornby, Senior Business Development Manager

Outside of work, Logan is a dedicated Manchester United season ticket holder and has recently taken up both golf and padel.

By his own admission, there is still plenty to learn, but he is enjoying every minute of it.

His advice for anyone starting their career?
➜ Ask as many questions as possible
➜ Learn from the people around you
➜ Never stop developing your knowledge

At Bonham & Brook, we believe career progression is built through opportunity, support, and a willingness to keep learning.

↳ Follow @bonhambrook

#TeamCulture #ProfessionalGrowth #EmployeeSpotlight #CareerDevelopment

[Bonham & Brook @BonhamBrook]

Our consultancy is built on technical expertise and a strong sense of teamwork.

Sebastian Woollard, our Head of Technical Consultancy, sets the bar for our team.

He joined us from KPMG New Zealand as a Senior Consultant, and within six months, his dedication and unique mix of scientific, legal, and commercial skills led to his promotion to lead.

Sebastian puts people first. He creates a calm, respectful, and professional atmosphere.

With his guidance, the TC team takes a proactive approach to quality control, regularly updating technical narratives based on current HMRC enquiry trends to stay prepared.

His attention to detail brings real results. For four years, his team has kept enquiry rates below 2% and achieved a 100% success rate on enquiries.

Each report we produce has a real impact. To reduce HMRC enquiry risk, we support our claims with a top compliance team led by former HMRC inspectors.

Sebastian brings the same dedication to his life outside work, whether he’s powerlifting, snowboarding in the backcountry, touring on his motorbike, or surfing.

Follow Bonham & Brook at @bonhambrook.

#TeamCulture #CareerDevelopment #BonhamAndBrook

[Bonham & Brook @BonhamBrook]

Ali Pirzadeh is known across Bonham & Brook for his calm, supportive approach and his ability to keep things clear and practical for clients.

As Client Success Manager, Ali combines a background in financial management with consultancy and sales experience to deliver structured, results-focused support throughout the client journey.

One of the milestones he is most proud of was securing his largest commercial IT client during his time in sales, a moment that marked a major step forward in his professional development.

Since joining Bonham & Brook, he has continued building towards becoming a more well-rounded consultant, developing greater confidence, strategic thinking, and organisation along the way.

“Bonham & Brook is a good, honest environment. There is always room to improve, both as a company and individually, and that is what keeps it interesting. I feel more confident, more strategic, and more organised than when I first started, thanks to the support of colleagues like Jack P., my former manager.”
- Ali Pirzadeh, Client Success Manager

Outside of work, Ali hopes to eventually earn his private pilot licence, a goal that reflects the curiosity and ambition he brings into both his personal and professional life.

Within the team, he is valued for simplifying complexity and making sure the people around him feel supported.
His advice to newcomers?
➜ Arrive with an open mind
➜ Be willing to learn
➜ Never hesitate to ask questions

↳ Follow @bonhambrook for more insights into our people, culture, and specialist advisory work.

#TeamCulture #ProfessionalGrowth #InnovationAdvisory

[Bonham & Brook @BonhamBrook]

Ollie Mountford joined Bonham & Brook alongside Nick Grimond following the merger with Innovation in Life.

Already ATT qualified, Ollie brought experience as a Financial Consultant and a boutique-style approach to client relationships, staying closely involved with clients and ensuring they felt supported beyond the delivery of a claim.

That mindset has continued to shape his journey at Bonham & Brook.

Since joining, Ollie has moved into the Compliance team and now works as Compliance Manager, helping strengthen the high standards of governance and technical compliance the business is known for.

He describes his approach as bringing “efficiency and a compliance-first mindset” to the team.

“Bonham & Brook has a true family culture, where you want to do the best you can for each other. I feel more confident in my abilities than I did when I first started, thanks to the support of my team.”
- Ollie Mountford, Compliance Manager

His advice to anyone starting their career?
➜ Work hard
➜ Stay open to constructive feedback
➜ Use every experience as an opportunity to grow

↳ Follow @bonhambrook for more insights into our team, culture, and specialist advisory work.

#TeamCulture #ProfessionalGrowth #InnovationAdvisory

[Bonham & Brook @BonhamBrook]

The landscape of UK innovation funding is changing.
With the government committing £55 billion to long-term R&D investment, and the merged RDEC scheme reshaping how businesses access R&D tax relief, the era of “set and forget” claims is coming to an end.

As Malcolm Henderson, our Compliance Director and former HMRC R&D Unit Leader, notes:
“Success now belongs to the most prepared.”

R&D tax relief can no longer be treated as a retrospective year-end exercise.
➜ Finance teams should be involved during project planning
➜ Technical uncertainty should be documented as projects progress
➜ Claims must clearly connect qualifying costs to the underlying R&D activities

Working with a trusted advisor helps reduce the risk of HMRC enquiries and compliance issues.

At Bonham & Brook, we help businesses build robust, audit-ready claim frameworks aligned with the latest compliance expectations.

Most importantly, we help protect cash flow by ensuring claims are properly evidenced from the outset.

↳ Follow @bonhambrook for insights on R&D tax relief, compliance, and innovation funding.

#RDTaxRelief #InnovationFunding #HMRC #UKInnovation

[Bonham & Brook @BonhamBrook]

Rising energy costs continue to place significant pressure on UK industry, particularly for businesses operating in energy-intensive sectors. ⚡

The newly announced British Industrial

Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) is designed to help address that challenge by bringing UK electricity costs closer to European levels and providing longer-term support for eligible industries between 2027 and 2035.

Read through the slides for a breakdown of:
➜ What the scheme is
➜ The industries expected to benefit
➜ Key eligibility considerations
➜ The potential impact on industrial competitiveness across the UK

BICS could play an important role for sectors such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace, clean tech, steel, chemicals, cement, and paper, where energy costs remain a major operational pressure.

While further consultation is still expected, the announcement signals a significant step in the UK’s wider industrial and energy strategy.

Full blog:
https://t.co/IqMMJoFOeQ

#UKManufacturing #IndustrialStrategy #EnergyCosts #BusinessGrowth

[Bonham & Brook @BonhamBrook]

The UK Government’s new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) could significantly reshape the outlook for energy-intensive industries across the UK.

From 2027, eligible manufacturers are expected to benefit from reduced electricity costs through exemptions on key policy-related charges, helping bring UK pricing closer to European levels.

For sectors already under pressure from rising operational costs, the scheme could have a major impact on long-term competitiveness, investment decisions, and industrial growth.

But there are still important questions around:
➜ Eligibility
➜ Electricity-intensity thresholds
➜ Which businesses are likely to benefit most
➜ How BICS compares to existing support schemes

In our latest article, Shannon Shaw breaks down what businesses should know now and what to watch for ahead of consultation later this year.

Read the full article:
https://t.co/zBYyp1YLI4

#UKManufacturing #IndustrialStrategy #EnergyCosts #BusinessGrowth

[Bonham & Brook @BonhamBrook]

Many UK manufacturers are still overpaying for energy because they do not realise they qualify for government-backed relief schemes.

Weetabix partnered with Bonham & Brook after initially being unaware of their eligibility for the Energy Intensive Industries (EII) Exemption scheme.

The result?
➜ Significant reduction to energy costs every single month
➜ More funding available for sustainability initiatives and greener technologies
➜ Greater operational efficiency

“Bonham & Brook helped us to identify areas of improvement within our operational side of the strategy, working to understand where our consumption lies & how we can fit within energy-intensive schemes from the government.”

- Hugh Tollan, Strategic Sourcing Manager, @weetabix

For energy-intensive manufacturers, managing energy costs is no longer just a procurement issue.

It is now directly connected to: competitiveness, long-term investment, sustainability strategy and carbon reduction targets

Our energy specialists supported Weetabix by:
➜ Reviewing operational energy consumption
➜ Managing compliance and application process
➜ Aligning energy strategy with sustainability goals
“I would absolutely recommend Bonham & Brook as a supplier in this space.”

Many businesses operating in manufacturing still do not realise these schemes exist or assume they will not qualify.

That assumption can become expensive.

↳ Follow @bonhambrook for insights on energy tax relief, compliance, and operational cost strategy.

#Manufacturing #EnergyCosts #EII #Sustainability #UKBusiness