Ward Goodman

Ward Goodman At Ward Goodman, we are dedicated to guiding individuals, businesses, and charities across Dorset towards financial clarity and growth.

Our team of accountants and financial planners offers integrated financial and business advisory services. Ferndown office: 4 Cedar Park, Cobham Road, Ferndown Industrial Estate, Wimborne, BH21 7SF
Phone:+44 (0)1202 875 900
Fax:+44 (0)1202 876 288

Shaftsbury office: First Floor, 34 High St, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8JG
Phone:+44 (0)1747 835 435

Wareham office:18 West Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH2

0 4JX
Phone: +44 (0)1929 551 551

Wimborne office: 22A W Borough, Town Centre, Wimborne Minster BH21 1NF
Phone:+44 (0)1202 849 731

Employers: Have you recently received a National Minimum Wage compliance letter from HMRC?The letter serves as an import...
17/06/2026

Employers: Have you recently received a National Minimum Wage compliance letter from HMRC?

The letter serves as an important reminder to review your pay practices and ensure workers are being paid correctly under current National Minimum Wage regulations.

Key areas to check include:
Pay for all time worked
Travel and training time
Uniforms, tools, and work-related deductions
Salary sacrifice arrangements
Apprentice pay rates and eligibility
Accurate record keeping

Even unintentional errors can result in underpayments and potential HMRC investigations. Taking the time to review your payroll processes now can help avoid costly issues later.

If you're unsure whether your business is fully compliant, now is a good opportunity to carry out a payroll and NMW health check.

Proud to sponsor Race 2 of the Poole Yacht Racing Association’s Poole Bay Summer Series. It was fantastic to see sailors...
16/06/2026

Proud to sponsor Race 2 of the Poole Yacht Racing Association’s Poole Bay Summer Series. It was fantastic to see sailors from across the harbour enjoying another competitive day of racing in Poole Bay, showcasing the skill, teamwork and community spirit that make our local sailing scene so special.

Congratulations to all competitors, volunteers and organisers who made the event a success. Ward Goodman is delighted to support events that bring people together and celebrate the best of our local community.

To read more visit - https://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/297090/PYRA-Poole-Bay-Summer-Series-day-2

🎉 Welcome to Ward Goodman, Chloe! 🎉We're delighted to welcome Chloe to the Ward Goodman team as bookkeeper. Having worke...
15/06/2026

🎉 Welcome to Ward Goodman, Chloe! 🎉

We're delighted to welcome Chloe to the Ward Goodman team as bookkeeper.

Having worked in accounting and finance since leaving school, Chloe has built valuable experience in bookkeeping and accounts assistant roles across a variety of businesses. They achieved their AAT Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications and gained AATQB status in December 2021. Demonstrating a strong commitment to professional development, they are currently studying towards their AAT Level 4 qualification.

Outside of work, Chloe enjoys spending time by the beach, exploring new places, and training in CrossFit. A dedicated athlete, they regularly compete in CrossFit events across the country and have ambitions to compete at a high level in the sport in the future.

Please join us in giving Chloe a warm Ward Goodman welcome! 👏

What a fantastic week it has been for Ward Goodman, all centred around helping business owners prepare for successful ex...
11/06/2026

What a fantastic week it has been for Ward Goodman, all centred around helping business owners prepare for successful exits through our EAGERLY framework.

The week started with the publication of our client success story in the Bournemouth Echo, covering the sale of Priest Engineering to Xcel Aerospace. As a well-established precision engineering business serving the aerospace sector, Priest Engineering's successful transaction demonstrates the value of early planning, strategic preparation and having the right advisers in place to maximise business value and achieve a smooth exit.

Read the full story here: https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/26168688.priest-engineering-poole-sold-xcel-aerospace/

This was followed by our Business Succession Planning and Tax Considerations Seminar at the Village Hotel Bournemouth, where our specialists explored the key considerations for business owners planning their next chapter.

Alex Foster discussed our EAGERLY framework and exit planning strategies, Nick Davies from Steele Raymond covered the legal aspects of a business sale, Esha Amani-Cundy TEP, CTA, ATT explored tax considerations including Business Asset Disposal Relief, and Chris Peters discussed the financial planning required both before and after a sale.

Thank you to everyone who attended our seminar - One key takeaway remained clear: The most successful exits are planned well in advance!

If you're considering your own business exit, succession plans or simply want to understand how to maximise the value of your business, we'd be delighted to start the conversation. Please get in touch with our team to find out how our EAGERLY framework can help you plan for a successful future both in the short term and long term, however you envision them.

Call us today on 01202 875 900 or https://wardgoodman.co.uk/contact/

Companies House Update: Changes to filing for Small Businesses. The government has confirmed that from 1 April 2028, sma...
10/06/2026

Companies House Update: Changes to filing for Small Businesses.

The government has confirmed that from 1 April 2028, small companies and micro-entities will be required to file both a balance sheet and profit & loss account with Companies House.

However, following concerns raised by the business community, companies will be able to opt out of having their profit & loss accounts published on the public register, helping to protect commercially sensitive information.

Other key changes include:
- Abridged accounts will be abolished
- Small companies will not be required to file a director's report as part of their annual accounts

This is a significant development for smaller businesses, balancing increased transparency with greater protection of sensitive financial information.

If you'd like to understand what these changes could mean for your business, get in touch with our team today on 01202 875 900 or https://wardgoodman.co.uk/contact/

We were delighted to welcome Luca to Ward Goodman last week for his work experience placement.During his time with us, L...
08/06/2026

We were delighted to welcome Luca to Ward Goodman last week for his work experience placement.

During his time with us, Luca will have the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the world of Financial Services, Accountancy and Business Advisory, working alongside members of our team and learning more about the services we provide to our clients.

Work experience placements are a fantastic way for young people to explore potential career paths, develop new skills, and gain valuable experience in a professional environment.

We hope you had an enjoyable and rewarding week with us, Luca!

No such thing as a (tax) free lunch? Think again.Many business owners believe that providing staff lunches automatically...
05/06/2026

No such thing as a (tax) free lunch? Think again.

Many business owners believe that providing staff lunches automatically creates a taxable benefit in kind - but that isn’t always the case.

Free or subsidised meals can be tax-free when certain conditions are met, including:

• Meals provided on business premises
• Available to all employees (including directors)
• Not part of salary sacrifice or remuneration packages
• Provided on a reasonable and fair basis

You don’t need a workplace canteen to benefit from the exemption. Regular team lunches or shared meals could be both a valuable staff perk and tax efficient for your business.

Getting the structure right is key.

Speak with the Ward Goodman team today to review your employee benefits and ensure you’re making the most of available tax reliefs.

www.wardgoodman.co.uk/contact or call us today on 01202 875 900

Do You Need to Charge VAT on Deposits?Not all deposits are treated the same for VAT purposes - and getting it wrong coul...
03/06/2026

Do You Need to Charge VAT on Deposits?

Not all deposits are treated the same for VAT purposes - and getting it wrong could affect your VAT return.

Key points businesses should know:

• Refundable security deposits are usually not subject to VAT.
• Non-returnable deposits or advance payments for goods/services are normally VATable.
• If a sale falls through, the VAT treatment depends on whether the deposit is retained or refunded.

Understanding the difference between a security deposit and an advance payment is essential to staying compliant and avoiding costly mistakes.

At Ward Goodman. we help businesses navigate VAT rules with clear, practical advice.

Contact us today on 01202 875 900
Visit: www.wardgoodman.co.uk/contact

Thinking of putting your Airbnb into a limited company? 🏡While it can offer tax planning opportunities and long-term fle...
01/06/2026

Thinking of putting your Airbnb into a limited company? 🏡

While it can offer tax planning opportunities and long-term flexibility, there are key considerations every host should understand - including CGT, SDLT, Corporation Tax, BiK rules, mortgage changes, and inheritance tax implications.

A company structure may work well for some property owners, but it’s not always the most tax-efficient option once dividend tax and compliance costs are considered.

Before making the move, it’s important to review your goals, projected profits, financing, and local short-let regulations.

Need guidance? Read our latest blog below and contact us today on 01202 875 900.

https://wardgoodman.co.uk/?p=28168&preview=true

The Chancellor has announced a series of temporary tax measures aimed at supporting businesses and households this summe...
28/05/2026

The Chancellor has announced a series of temporary tax measures aimed at supporting businesses and households this summer.
Key changes include:
✔️ A temporary 5% VAT rate on children’s meals and attractions
✔️ An increase in the approved mileage allowance from 45p to 55p per mile
✔️ Continued fuel duty support measures
✔️ New corporation tax rules for oil & gas foreign branches
While the VAT reductions may provide a welcome boost for the hospitality and leisure sectors, businesses will need to act quickly to update systems and ensure compliance before the changes take effect.
The increase to mileage rates, the first in over 15 years, will also be welcomed by employers and employees facing rising fuel costs.
Our latest blog breaks down the key announcements and what businesses should be considering now
https://wardgoodman.co.uk/blog/chancellor-announces-vat-cuts-for-childrens-meals-and-increase-to-mileage-rates/
For more information, contact us today on 01202 875 900 or Contact | Ward Goodman

Address

4 Cedar Park, Cobham Road, Ferndown Ind Est
Wimborne
BH217SF

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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