The MGroup November Newsletter: Deadlines, News & More

Welcome to our November Update

As we approach the end of 2025, several important updates are taking shape across the business and tax landscape. This month brings changes that will affect company directors, self-employed individuals, and UK residents with overseas income.

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We begin with a reminder that, from 18 November, all company directors and people with significant control will be required to verify their identity with Companies House, a major step towards greater transparency and accountability.

โ€œItโ€™s good to see stronger safeguards coming in. Directors should act early to avoid a last-minute rush.โ€
โ€” Ollie Squire, Partner, The MGroup

We also explore the Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime, replacing the remittance basis for non-domiciled individuals โ€” a major shift in how foreign income is taxed.

HMRC is urging 18- to 23-year-olds to check for unclaimed Child Trust Fund savings, and new self-assessment reporting rules will take effect from April 2025, affecting directors and traders alike.

Finally, youโ€™ll find key tax diary dates for November and December to help you stay ahead of deadlines.

๐Ÿ“ž If any of these changes affect you or your business, please get in touch with your usual MGroup advisor.

Accountancy Planning Services - Oxford

Have You Verified Your ID at Companies House?

From 18 November 2025, all company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) must verify their identity at Companies House. The process will be phased in over 12 months, with Companies House contacting companies directly.

These measures will help ensure that people setting up and running companies are who they say they are. An estimated 6โ€“7 million people will need to complete verification by November 2026.

โ€œItโ€™s a one-time process but an important one. Directors should make sure they understand how and when to act.โ€
โ€” Wendy Tatham, Partner, The MGroup

You can verify via GOV.UK One Login or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). Options include app verification, online security questions, or in-person checks at the Post Office.

๐Ÿ“Ž Next Step: Visit GOV.UK โ€“ Companies House verification to check the process and accepted forms of ID.


Claiming 4 Yearsโ€™ Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) Relief

From April 2025, the new FIG regime replaced the remittance basis for non-UK-domiciled individuals. Nearly all UK-resident individuals must now report foreign income and gains to HMRC, unless eligible for 4-year FIG relief.

The relief is available to new UK residents who have not been UK-tax-resident in any of the previous 10 years, offering up to four years of exemption on qualifying foreign income and gains.

โ€œThis change alters how non-doms plan their UK tax affairs. If youโ€™ve recently become UK-resident, itโ€™s essential to understand how FIG relief could apply to you.โ€
โ€” Jordan Lyne, Partner, The MGroup

Who Qualifies

Those eligible can claim relief on:

  • Overseas trading profits
  • Income from foreign property
  • Dividends from non-UK companies
  • Interest on overseas bank accounts

๐Ÿ“ง Action Point: Speak with your MGroup advisor about whether you meet the criteria and how to structure claims across your first four tax years in the UK.


Check If You Can Cash In a Child Trust Fund

HMRC is urging 18- to 23-year-olds to check whether they have unclaimed savings in dormant Child Trust Fund (CTF) accounts. Over 758,000 young adults may have unclaimed funds worth an average of ยฃ2,240.

Anyone born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011 was eligible for a CTF, with government contributions of at least ยฃ250.

โ€œThis is a great reminder that small savings can add up. Itโ€™s worth checking โ€” especially for parents whose children have recently turned 18.โ€
โ€” Wendy Tatham, Partner, The MGroup

๐Ÿ’ก Find your account: Search โ€œFind my Child Trust Fundโ€ on GOV.UK.


Heads Up for Company Directors

From April 2025, new mandatory reporting rules will affect company directors and the self-employed when filing self-assessment tax returns for the 2025-26 year.

Directors of close companies must now report:

  • Their companyโ€™s name and registration number
  • Dividends received
  • Percentage shareholding (including any changes during the year)

โ€œThe new requirements will make reporting more transparent, but directors should start gathering the right data now rather than waiting until filing season.โ€
โ€” Ollie Squire, Partner, The MGroup

Self-employed individuals must also report the date their trade begins or ceases, which was previously optional.

๐Ÿ“… Action Point: Review your record-keeping processes now to ensure a smooth filing for 2025-26.


Tax Diary โ€“ Key Dates for November and December 2025

DateDeadline
1 NovCorporation Tax due for year ended 31 Jan 2025
19 NovPAYE and NIC deductions due (for month ended 5 Nov 2025)
19 NovCIS return and tax payment due (for month ended 5 Nov 2025)
1 DecCorporation Tax due for year ended 28 Feb 2025
19 DecPAYE and NIC deductions due (for month ended 5 Dec 2025)
19 DecCIS return and tax payment due (for month ended 5 Dec 2025)
30 DecOnline Self-Assessment filing deadline to include PAYE coding adjustments for 2026-27

๐Ÿ“ž Need help preparing for any of these deadlines? Contact our team for tailored advice.


And Finally โ€“ Join Us for Town v Gown 2025

Weโ€™re proud sponsors of The MGroup Stadium and excited to host this yearโ€™s Town v Gown on Thursday 13 November 2025, where Oxford City FC take on The University of Oxford in both the Womenโ€™s and Menโ€™s matches.

Town v Gown is Back

Whether youโ€™d like to come along for an evening of football or enjoy dinner and networking in hospitality, thereโ€™s something for everyone.

Read our October article for full details.

โ€œTown v Gown is a brilliant mix of football, food and community. Itโ€™s one of those evenings where work, sport and good conversation all come together.โ€
โ€” Jordan Lyne, Partner, The MGroup

Weโ€™d love to see clients, colleagues and local businesses join us. Bring your team, enjoy the match and be part of a great Oxford evening.

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Testimonials

What our Customers Say

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One of the best decisions we have made in our business to choose The MGroup as our accountants and advisors. We are a startup with a rapid growth plan in ...
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Prasanna Perera
Shyam Holdingsย Limited
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One of the best decisions we have made in our business to choose The MGroup as our accountants and advisors. We are a startup with a rapid growth plan in M&A sector. The MGroup has been amazing in understanding the business and our growth plans. Their input in raising finance for our acquisitions was invaluable. The entire team have shown immense care and given good consideration to our growth plans and he has advised us and shaped our company for the future. They have a great network of other specialists whom they always refer us to get special advice when needed. Thank you, The MGroup for all your services. We look forward to walking through our journey to build our business together with you.
Prasanna Perera
Shyam Holdingsย Limited
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I canโ€™t say enough good things about The MGroup and the incredible support theyโ€™ve given me over the years. They expertly handled setting up new companies, tackled HMRC...
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Peter Mullins
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I canโ€™t say enough good things about The MGroup and the incredible support theyโ€™ve given me over the years. They expertly handled setting up new companies, tackled HMRC enquiries with confidence, and provided tailored training on accountancy software that made my life so much easier. What truly stands out is their personal touchโ€”every interaction felt like I was their top priority. Their dedicated service to both my companies and personal tax affairs has been nothing short of exceptional. Iโ€™m beyond satisfied with their professionalism and expertise. If youโ€™re looking for a reliable, knowledgeable team to manage your financial needs, I highly recommend The MGroup! โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
Peter Mullins
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Race Against Dementia started working with The M Group in 2024, and right from day one, they've been fantastic. The team is always quick to respond,...
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Lydia Beaton
Race Against Dementia
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Race Against Dementia started working with The M Group in 2024, and right from day one, they've been fantastic. The team is always quick to respond, extremely knowledgeable, and incredibly patient โ€” no matter how many questions we ask!
Lydia Beaton
Race Against Dementia
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We have worked with The MGroup for over 40 years. Throughout this time, they have provided consistent, high-quality advice for all of our accounting and tax requirements as well as supporting ...
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Richard Knight
Houlihan & Co Excavations Ltd
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We have worked with The MGroup for over 40 years. Throughout this time, they have provided consistent, high-quality advice for all of our accounting and tax requirements as well as supporting across a broad range of business matters, including complex corporate reorganisations. Their independent audit team has consistently delivered thorough and reliable work, ensuring our confidence year after year. We value our longstanding relationship with the firm.
Richard Knight
Houlihan & Co Excavations Ltd
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Chris and his team are easy to work with, comprehensive and responsive. The MGroup provided us with timely, specialist tax advice in a recent transaction. They fitted in seamlessly - ...
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Katy Tuncer
Horizon37 Limited
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Chris and his team are easy to work with, comprehensive and responsive. The MGroup provided us with timely, specialist tax advice in a recent transaction. They fitted in seamlessly - working with our internal team and our other advisers, collaborating brilliantly. Thank you!
Katy Tuncer
Horizon37 Limited
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Chris Denton is our main contact at The MGroup, having benefited from his services and expertise in his previous ...
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Chris Peppermill
Brand Kitchen
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Chris Denton is our main contact at The MGroup, having benefited from his services and expertise in his previous role it was a no brainer for us to follow him to the MGroup when he joined. He has been vital in supporting us set up our businesses and keeping us on track with our accounts. He has the ability to see clarity in our numbers and share a financial overview that helps us progress. Chris has a great team around him that diligently keep our accounts in order.
Chris Peppermill
Brand Kitchen
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The MGroup Accountants are a dynamic, pragmatic and a flexible firm providing a complete accounting service. I have used their services now for over 20 years and Oliver and the team ...
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Simon Pollard
Connect Oil Limited
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The MGroup Accountants are a dynamic, pragmatic and a flexible firm providing a complete accounting service. I have used their services now for over 20 years and Oliver and the team are knowledgeable, helpful and respond quickly to queries. They have made our business feel individual with a personalised approach and not just like another client. They are quick to respond and have always given me the confidence that their accounting of my business does not need to be intensively scrutinised and checked. I would like to thank them for their dedication to detail and look forward to our ongoing business in the future.
Simon Pollard
Connect Oil Limited
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I have worked with The MGroup for many years and continue to be impressed by their professionalism, expertise, and responsiveness. They provide invaluable advice and support across...
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Ed Ryle
Calleva Ltd
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I have worked with The MGroup for many years and continue to be impressed by their professionalism, expertise, and responsiveness. They provide invaluable advice and support across all our business and personal tax matters, as well as delivering thorough financial auditing and the accurate preparation of our annual accounts and tax returns. Their proactive approach and clear communication make complex issues straightforward, giving me confidence and peace of mind. Ollie and the team are knowledgeable, approachable, and consistently reliableโ€”an essential partner in our ongoing growth and compliance. I highly recommend The M Group to any business seeking trusted advisors.
Ed Ryle
Calleva Ltd
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Berryrange have been working with The M Group for many years now and from the moment we started working with them, they have consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of our ...
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James Banham
BerryRange Ltd
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Berryrange have been working with The M Group for many years now and from the moment we started working with them, they have consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of our business and our financial needs and have provided tailored solutions that have significantly benefited our business. I would have no hesitation in recommending them.
James Banham
BerryRange Ltd
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I have been a customer of The MGroup for over 30 years now. The staff are extremely helpful and competent. I can only speak highly of their services.
Debbie Blackmore
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I have been a customer of The MGroup for over 30 years now. The staff are extremely helpful and competent. I can only speak highly of their services.
Debbie Blackmore
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Joining forces with Smart Systems UK Ltd represents an exciting new chapter for Phi Lighting. We believe their forward-thinking approach and established presence in the industry will enable us to ...
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Jon Dale
Managing Director and Co-Founder of Phi Lighting Systems Ltd
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Joining forces with Smart Systems UK Ltd represents an exciting new chapter for Phi Lighting. We believe their forward-thinking approach and established presence in the industry will enable us to bring our innovative designs and technologies to a wider audience while continuing to deliver the quality and tailored solutions our clients have come to expect.
Jon Dale
Managing Director and Co-Founder of Phi Lighting Systems Ltd
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Thank you Geoff, to you and your team. First class work by yourself, navigating extremely challenging waters. Without your professionalism, wisdom and expertise this deal would not have happened. Your ...
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Nick Joslyn, Steve Welch and Simon Davies
4i Solutions Ltd
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Thank you Geoff, to you and your team. First class work by yourself, navigating extremely challenging waters. Without your professionalism, wisdom and expertise this deal would not have happened. Your calm and supportive guidance has been a blessing throughout this process and the expertise of your team has helped to take a lot of the load along the way. Sincere thanks and gratitude to all involved. This deal would not have happened without your personal support, guidance and experienced hand on the tiller, never mind the calmness, patience and professional approach that you and your team at the MGroup met each and every challenge with. I can't think of a meeting or discussion that I came away from, without feeling better for it, on the basis of having received your advice. Been a pleasure working with you and being supported by you and the team. Don't hesitate to offer me up, if it helps, as a reference for others should they want to talk to MGroup's previous clients.
Nick Joslyn, Steve Welch and Simon Davies
4i Solutions Ltd
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The MGroup team guided me through the entire buying process from my first inquiry to post-transaction. I understood what was achievable for me, and the personable, approachable nature of the ...
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Alex Forster
Hunt Bespoke Kitchens
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The MGroup team guided me through the entire buying process from my first inquiry to post-transaction. I understood what was achievable for me, and the personable, approachable nature of the team members enabled us to form a trusted partnership. The MGroup acted in my behalf, always with professionalism and diligence. They were proactive and conscientious and I would not hesitate to recommend them.
Alex Forster
Hunt Bespoke Kitchens
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Without a doubt, I recommend speaking with The MGroup. They are very knowledgable, very understanding, have a good feel for our business and accommodate us quickly when we need help. ...
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Peter Mace
TT Concrete Products Ltd
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Without a doubt, I recommend speaking with The MGroup. They are very knowledgable, very understanding, have a good feel for our business and accommodate us quickly when we need help. We frequently get approaches from other accountancy firms and I tell them that we have no need to look elsewhere as everything is catered for very efficiently. I couldn't fault them.
Peter Mace
TT Concrete Products Ltd
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My company was recently introduced to the MGroup because we undertook an MBO and they advised us to a successful conclusion. As part of this exercise they undertook due diligence ...
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Simon E Hersh
NS Optimum Ltd
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My company was recently introduced to the MGroup because we undertook an MBO and they advised us to a successful conclusion. As part of this exercise they undertook due diligence work to show the lender that the deal would be fundable. In my view the standard of their work was excellent and I would recommend them to other potential clients. Many of the bigger professional firms no longer put their client's requirements and interests first, they tell you what can't be done not what can. I am glad to say that MGroup are refreshingly different in this respect.
Simon E Hersh
NS Optimum Ltd

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Ollie Squire

Partner

Chris Denton

Partner

Jordan Lyne

Partner

Jordan has worked with various clientโ€™s over his ten years at The MGroup. The services provided range from bookkeeping, VAT returns, annual accounts and management accounts. He has been involved in recruitment of new staff members and helped move the firm on with itโ€™s systems by creating and improving internal controls and procedures.

Jordan manages his resources efficiently to meet deadlines and where clients have specific requirements, he works closely with them to ensure these are both feasible and met in a timely manner. Jordan has clients in various sectors, ranging from international companies to smaller locally based businesses.

Wendy Tatham

Partner

Wendy joined the firm in 2015, after starting in finance for the NHS and then qualifying with another local firm of accountants. She brought with her experience across all areas, having previously managed payroll support, corporate and personal tax compliance and planning alongside other general practice elements.

Wendy works with clients across a range of sectors and enjoys supporting them with their statutory reporting, internal financial processes, corporate and personal tax planning and business advisory services. A key area of interest is working closely with her clients to support them with growing and restructuring their businesses to align with their long term goals.

In her spare time Wendy is the lead volunteer for Oxfordshire Scouts, supporting 95 Scouts groups across the county to deliver a fun programme of activities to young people aged 4 to 24.

Geoff Pinder

Corporate Finance Partner

Geoff has operated in the Mergers & Acquisitions and the corporate finance arena since 2004. He has held Executive roles leading and managing the performance and productivity of cross functional teams focused on delivering a high quality service to clients across complex portfolios.

Selling a business is a life changing event, and Geoffโ€™s passion is working with businesses owners to help them explore the various exit options and strategies available to achieve their objectives, leading to excellent results for all stakeholders.

Geoff has been involved in over 500 deals across multiple industry sectors, working predominantly on the sell side of transactions, including sales to strategic buyers, private equity, and MBOโ€™s.

Darren Green

Partner

Having grown up in North Oxfordshire, Darren joined The MGroup in 1999 as a trainee, qualified in 2003, and became a partner in 2010. Darren is best known for his ability to โ€˜go the extra mileโ€™ for clients; even changing a flat tyre outside the office when it was discovered after a meeting, helping his clients to safely make their way home.

Aside from changing tyres, Darren enjoys helping clients to grow their varied and interesting businesses, and gaining insights into a wide range of sectors. In particular, he likes working within the corporate finance team, assisting with financial projections and due diligence for prospective buyers. Darren enjoys the challenging and pressurized nature of this type of work. Many of his clients are from manufacturing, technology or start-up backgrounds.

In his spare time Darren is a family man and he also enjoys sport, including football, skiing and running. He has taken part in a 26 mile walk for a cancer charity with colleague Geoff.

Peter Smith

Partner

Peter joined The MGroup in 1990 and became a partner in 1996. Originally from Wiltshire, Peter is a member of the Oxford Chamber of Commerce where he has been a Chamber council member for over 20 years.

Helping to provide a complete finance solution to companies is one of Peterโ€™s key focus areas. He believes this to be a service that sets the partnership aside from its competitors, alongside The MGroup values and employees.

Peter provides financial mentoring, support with strategy and planning, solutions to increase profitability and improve cash flow, and help with expansion/diversification plans. His specialist interest areas include not-for-profit, healthcare and international organisations.

Peter enjoys the opportunities and challenges he is faced with every day at The MGroup and making a difference to clientsโ€™ lives. He is also a keen local charity supporter, regularly helping to raise funds and awareness for SeeSaw and SpecialEffect where he is an ambassador.

Outside of work, Peter is a Chelsea Football Club season ticket holder. He likes walking in the local area, especially if there is a pub or cafรฉ at the end of the walk, and enjoys holidays in Devon, in particular to a secret escape in Dartmouth.

Richard Clayton

Partner

In 1984 Richard became the youngest ever partner at The MGroup at the age of 27 and is now the longest serving partner. Richard is a true team player, having been a prominent local footballer in his early years. He very much brings the team ethos to The MGroup who like to work as an integral part of their client teams.

Richard qualified in 1982 and has worked with many of his clients for decades, evidence of the excellent service provided by both Richard and the firm. Richard is proud of the firmโ€™s exceptional reputation. He continues to develop new strategies and explore improvements to the services they provide and remains highly ambitious and committed. Outside of work Richard enjoys golf, football, spending time with his family and the very occasional glass of wine (normally accompanied by too much food!).

Richard has a depth of knowledge and experience in all areas of the construction industry and also deals with most of the firms agricultural clients. He also deals with a wide range of other clients which include a substantial number of UK subsidiaries of overseas companies together with a number of high profile local businesses. Richard is a firm believer that the role of a trusted accountant is to provide clients with the best possible advice and support. The client does not always have to follow advice but he believes they must have all options on the table to form a meaningful decision.