“2025 has got off to a busy start for many of our clients, with last year already feeling like a distant memory. Prior to the 2024 Autumn Budget, the expected changes to the capital gains tax rate created a flurry of activity with many deals pushed through in advance of the Budget. However, the uncertainty of the exact details also meant that many stakeholders chose to delay taking major strategic decisions.
The actual Budget has created a range of challenges for businesses, with many expecting to raise prices in the coming year in order to offset their increasing employment costs. This could well impact upon the Government’s inflationary targets and in turn, interest rates. We watch this space. Despite this outlook, with the certainty that the Budget has introduced, we are seeing an increase in instructions from our clients to assist them in readying their businesses for sale. In the year ahead, our due diligence, strategic planning and valuation services will continue to be crucial in assisting business owners in making key decisions to maximise shareholder wealth.
Whether you are considering a short-term exit or a longer term future-proofing strategy, our experienced Corporate Finance and Advisory team is available to assist you in developing sound financial plans to help you on your journey.”
Declan Rice
Director, Corporate Finance and Advisory Services
"2025 promises to be an exciting year for BDO Northern Ireland’s Audit team as we expand our client base, partnering with both established and emerging businesses across diverse sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and technology.
The audit and finance landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in technology, AI, and data analytics, enhancing efficiency and accuracy. We are committed to leading this digital transformation alongside our clients.
Additionally, sustainability reporting and ESG metrics are reshaping financial practices, while upcoming FRED 82 changes will challenge many of our clients. At BDO NI, we’re ready to support every step of this journey with our agile, experienced and dedicated team. "
Tara Campbell
Director, Audit
"Employers who want to attract and retain skilled employees have many tax efficient tools at their disposal. While I have seen more employers embrace flexible benefits packages, salary sacrifice schemes and equity-based plans in recent years, it is still not commonplace in Northern Ireland.
NI employers here have a chance now to stand out from their competitors when it comes to recruitment campaigns if they are willing to incorporate some of these benefits into their remuneration packages. Not only does it help employers, employees are provided with cost effective means to contribute to pensions, acquire electric vehicles and in the case of equity, getting a chance to participate in company equity value.
Join David Mitchell from Millar McCall Wylie and myself, on 6 February at 8:30am at Custom House Square where we will discuss how equity can be used as a tax efficient method of retention and reward." Email judith.stewart@bdoni.com before 3 February to sign up for our event.
Jane Lee
Director, Tax
Please do not hesitate to contact our team for advice or guidance: Declan Rice, Tara Campbell or Jane Lee.