Member Article

West Mids firms join forces for Budget breakfast

Leading economist Mark Berrisford-Smith was the main speaker at a Budget event held in Birmingham by HSBC in partnership with accountancy firm Chantrey Vellacott DFK and patent and trade mark attorneys Avidity IP.

Business professionals from across the West Midlands attended the breakfast event at HSBC’s Birmingham Area Commercial Centre on Calthorpe Road.

Berrisford-Smith, Head of Economics for HSBC UK Commercial Banking, reviewed key market issues, the UK’s position within the Eurozone and economic developments expected over the next few years.

Tony Elliott, Senior Tax Director at Chantrey Vellacott DFK, which also has its Birmingham office on Calthorpe Road, presented on the tax implications of the Budget.

He said: “We’ve worked with HSBC and Avidity IP to provide the local business community with economic updates in the past, and once again this event was extremely well received.

“Hopefully the overview helped to simplify some of the outcomes of the Budget and knowledge of the steps needed to take full advantage of support available, such as the Patent Box and Research and Development (R&D) tax credits.”

Paul Lynch from Avidity IP, added: “The UK Patent Box regime comes into force in April and will be utlilised by thousands of businesses to drive growth. Many are unaware just how much money it can save them so this was a good opportunity to provide an overview.”

Stephen Breen, HSBC’s Birmingham Area Commercial Director, said businesses valued the opportunity to tap into the panel’s expert knowledge.

He said: “Mark Berrisford-Smith has a fountain of knowledge and always provides a fantastic insight into key market issues on the economy.

“We were also delighted to be able to partner again with Chantrey Vellacott DFK and Avidity IP to provide a really useful economic update to the local business community.”

For full details about the Budget and its impact on businesses and individuals log on to http://www.cvdfk.com/news/budget2013/

Back left to front right - Paul Lynch and Surb Gogna (both Avidity IP), Nisha Najran (HSBC), Paul Fenner (Chantrey Vellacott DFK), Tony Elliott (Chantrey Vellacott DFK), Joanne Yapp-Pennino and Stephen Breen (both HSBC)

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Pete Squires .