Ridgefield Consulting

22/05/2026

With the new tax year now underway, many of the UK’s key tax allowances have reset for another year.

While some of these reliefs are widely known, others are frequently overlooked despite having the potential to improve an individual’s or a business owner’s overall tax position.

👉One of the simplest ways to become more tax-efficient is to ensure you are making full use of the allowances available. When used correctly, they can help you retain more of what you earn.

To help simplify this, we have outlined 10 key UK tax allowances to be aware of in the new tax year, along with how they may be used in practice.

20/05/2026

As part of a much-needed technology upgrade across both of our offices, we’re modernising our setup to make day-to-day work even smoother for our team at Ridgefield Consulting.🧑‍💻

Simon has kindly organised new laptops and dual-screen setups for everyone, giving us faster, sleeker and more efficient equipment to support the way we work.

In the process, we’re clearing out our existing monitors. Rather than letting them go to waste, we’d love to see if they could be put to good use by local businesses, schools, or for educational purposes.

All monitors are still in perfect working condition — the only reason for replacement is lack of storage and our wider upgrade programme.

If you or your organisation could make use of them, please get in touch directly at: [email protected]

18/05/2026

Very nice surprise to wake up to — Ridgefield Consulting has now also been featured in the Daily Express. 🚀

Ridgefield Consulting has now also been featured in the Daily Express, alongside recent coverage in MSN, GB News and other national and regional outlets.

It’s been great seeing our campaigns continue to gain traction and prove that useful, relevant tax insights can genuinely cut through nationally.

https://www.express.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/2206139/hmrc-4-groups-july-31

14/05/2026

Simon, had a Great evening at Oxford North yesterday for the AI in Healthcare panel discussion, bringing together founders, researchers and innovators from across Oxford’s growing health-tech and AI start-up scene.

👉 The discussion focused on both the opportunities and challenges AI presents within healthcare — especially around ethics, governance and responsible implementation.

👉 Some particularly interesting insights from Jana Sedlakova on conversational AI and human-AI collaboration in mental health, alongside perspectives from Dr Rubeta Matin and Sarah Smith on regulation and real-world healthcare applications.

👉 It was also great to hear from early-stage businesses and start-ups developing new technologies within the sector, with plenty of interesting conversations and networking throughout the evening.

Thanks to the organisers for putting together such a valuable event.

12/05/2026

With the new financial year now underway, many business owners are reassessing how they operate.

For some, a limited company can offer greater flexibility, a more professional structure, and potential tax planning opportunities as profits begin to grow. But knowing where to start can often feel overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve updated our latest step-by-step guide to setting up a limited company in the UK for 2026/27, covering:

✔️ How to register with Companies House
✔️ The documents and information you’ll need
✔️ Setup costs and expected timeframes
✔️ The advantages and disadvantages of a limited company
✔️ What to do after incorporation
✔️ FAQs for new business owners

Whether you’re launching a brand new business or thinking about transitioning from self-employment, this guide walks through the full process from start to finish.

07/05/2026

Happy Belated Birthday to our Managing Director, Simon!🥂

Simon celebrated his birthday on Tuesday! Both offices came together to contribute towards a special voucher for ‘The Crazy Bear’, one of his favourite places, along with a card signed by everyone.

After a hectic few months and managing two firms, a visit to The Crazy Bear will be a much-needed chance for Simon to unwind.

We hope you have a wonderful time celebrating and enjoy some well-deserved time away from the office!

05/05/2026

Working from home is now the norm for many — but are you making the most of the tax relief available?

👉Since COVID and over recent years, hybrid working and new business ventures have surged. As this way of working evolves, so too have the rules around what you can claim — and how.

👉Our latest guide breaks down the different ways to claim tax relief when working from home, whether you're an employee, sole trader, or company director.

👉From flat-rate allowances to claiming a proportion of your household costs, understanding your options could make a real difference to your tax position.

01/05/2026

A huge thank you to our client Phil for leaving such a kind review about Emma, our Henley Client Manager 🙏

We’re so pleased Emma was able to support you through a complex tax situation and provide clear, ongoing guidance throughout.

A big well done to Emma for once again going above and beyond to help a client feel confident and in control of their finances.

We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience — your Google reviews mean a lot to us and help others find trusted advice ⭐

Thank you again for your recommendation!

29/04/2026

If the new tax year has inspired you to start a new business or step out on your own as a sole trader, one of the first and most important steps is making sure you are properly registered as self-employed with HMRC.

Starting out on your own means understanding how your income will be taxed. If you are earning outside of PAYE, you will usually need to register for Self Assessment, obtain your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), and understand your ongoing tax responsibilities.

Our latest guide breaks down:
✔️ What “self-employed” actually means
✔️ How to register with HMRC step by step
✔️ Key deadlines, including the 5 October registration cut-off
✔️ What you need to do once you are set up

Whether you are freelancing, starting a side hustle, or going fully self-employed, this is a must-read guide to help you get started with confidence.

24/04/2026

Fiscal drag is quietly becoming one of the biggest drivers of rising tax bills in the UK.

👉 With thresholds frozen until 2031, more individuals are being pulled into higher tax bands. What was once considered a generous income now barely covers the cost of living due to inflation.

For some, this means losing allowances or slipping into the 40% band. For others, particularly those earning between £100,000–£125,140, it can result in an effective 60% tax rate.

👉 The key takeaway? This isn’t something you can ignore.

Our latest article explores 8 key strategies for proactive planning to help minimise the effects of fiscal drag wherever possible.

From pension contributions and salary sacrifice to making full use of allowances, these strategies can make a meaningful difference in protecting your income.

If you're finding that your pay rise just means more tax going out and less money in your pocket, then this is why and what you can do about fiscal drag.