financial planning Archives

PM+M announces nine promotions across the firm

Posted on 20 February 202620 February 2026 by Georgia Flatley

PM+M, the chartered accountancy, business advisory and financial planning group, has promoted nine colleagues in its latest round of promotions, reflecting the firm’s continued investment in its people and future growth.

In the Cloud team, Dylan Fraser-Kelly has been promoted to Manager; Anya Holden is now a Supervisor; and Sophie Sandiford steps into the role of Adviser. In the Accounts team, Dylan Brogden has been promoted to Junior Adviser; whilst Hugo Castle becomes a Supervisor.

In Audit, Jack Groundwater and Harry Yates have both been promoted to Senior Adviser. Rebecca Cowell has been promoted to Senior Credit Controller in Finance; and Georgia Flatley moves into the role of Executive in the Marketing and Business Development team.

Helen Clayton, managing at PM+M, said: “These promotions are thoroughly deserved and recognise strong technical ability, the significant impact that each person has on our clients and their teams, and the importance they each place on their own continual development. Our over-riding strategy is to remain an independently owned business at PM+M, and as such we are committed to supporting our people to grow by creating clear progression opportunities. It’s fantastic to see so much talent growing from within.

Helen added: “I’d like to congratulate everyone on their successes, and I am excited to see them continue to thrive in their new roles.”

Market update: what’s happening and what it means for you

Posted on 27 October 2025 by Rebecca Campbell

As the summer months rolled in, global financial markets seemed to take a breather from the drama of trade tensions and political headlines. Instead, investors shifted their focus back to the basics: how companies are performing, how economies are growing, and the ongoing excitement around artificial intelligence (AI).

Economic overview: mixed signals across the globe

While most regions saw little change in economic growth, the United States raised some eyebrows. A major revision to job data revealed fewer new jobs than previously thought, and economic activity slowed during the summer. This led to increased concern about the health of the US economy.

The US dollar, which had been weakening throughout 2025, found some stability during the quarter. It even regained some ground against the British pound, which is important for UK investors with exposure to US assets.

Inflation: a growing concern

Inflation (how fast prices are rising) is becoming a bigger issue, especially in the UK. We’ve been watching this closely, and now it’s clear that inflation could reach double the Bank of England’s target before the end of the year. That means everyday costs could continue to rise, affecting everything from groceries to housing.

In the US, inflation is also creeping up. However, many companies are choosing to absorb these higher costs themselves rather than pass them on to consumers, likely due to uncertainty about the economy.

Bond markets react

Bond markets, which often signal investor expectations about inflation and interest rates, responded to these concerns. Yields on longer-term bonds rose in many countries, reflecting uncertainty about future inflation. In the UK and US, government spending plans added another layer of complexity.

In the US, the Federal Reserve (America’s central bank) responded to weaker job numbers by cutting interest rates in September, a move aimed at managing risk and supporting the economy. However, not all Fed officials agreed on the path forward, with some suggesting rates should fall below 3% by year-end.

Back in the UK, the Bank of England faces a tough balancing act. Inflation is proving stubborn, especially in areas like housing and services, making it harder to decide whether to raise or lower interest rates. This uncertainty caused the UK bond market to shift slightly, as investors tried to make sense of the situation.

Stock markets: AI and emerging markets shine

Global stock markets saw a shift in leadership this quarter. The US continued to perform well, driven by enthusiasm around AI and related investments. But it wasn’t the only star.

China stood out, with its tech sector attracting investors thanks to lower valuations compared to the US. Taiwan and South Korea also delivered strong returns, although India’s stock market lagged behind.

Closer to home, UK and European markets made gains, especially among larger companies. Japan’s market also picked up, helped by a new trade deal with the US and strong company fundamentals, including widespread share buybacks.

Looking ahead: what should investors expect?

The more positive mood over the summer has pushed many stock markets into double-digit returns for the year so far. However, UK investors with overseas holdings may have seen some of those gains reduced due to the weaker pound.

There’s an interesting contrast between stock and bond markets, especially in the US. While bond investors are worried about slowing economic growth, stock investors remain optimistic, focusing on AI innovation and increased merger and acquisition activity.

Bond markets often spot trouble before stock markets do, but they can also overreact. In the UK, bond investors are more focused on inflation and how it might be controlled without hurting the economy.

As we head toward the end of the year, expect more headlines about inflation, interest rates, and economic growth. But remember: not all noise is worth reacting to. Staying focused on long-term goals and maintaining a well-diversified portfolio is often the best approach.

Get in touch

If you would like to discuss your investments in more detail, or require tailored advice specific to your situation, please get in touch by emailing financialplanning@pmm.co.uk or by calling 01254 679131.

The value of investments can fall as well as rise. You may not get back what you invest.

The information contained within this article is for guidance only and does not constitute advice which should be sought before taking any action or inaction.

‘Positive impact’ programme supports 20+ charities with time, resources and expertise — and opens applications for the year ahead

Posted on 13 May 202513 May 2025 by Rebecca Campbell

We will once again be inviting local charities and community organisations to apply for support through its ‘Positive Impact’ programme, as the firm begins a new financial year.

Now in its second year, Positive Impact is our community support initiative and a central part of its wider Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy. It provides a mix of practical donations, sponsorship, and volunteering — all designed to help charitable organisations across Lancashire and Greater Manchester deliver their services and grow their reach.

In the last 12 months, we have supported over 20 organisations – including Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zones, East Lancashire Hospice, Child Action North West, Pendleside Hospice, Prevent Breast Cancer, Lancashire Women, Advocacy Focus, Blackburn with Darwen Age UK, Ashgrove Community Centre and numerous food banks. The team has also clocked up more than 135 hours of volunteering.

Applications for the next round of Positive Impact support are now open, and we are particularly keen to hear from smaller, grassroots or underrepresented organisations that may not always have access to regular funding or corporate backing. The support will remain wide-ranging and locally focused.

Tara Maynard, Partner in PM+M’s financial planning team and a member of the Positive Impact committee, said:

“The first year of Positive Impact has exceeded all expectations. We’ve built meaningful relationships with local charities and seen first-hand the difference that small acts of support — whether through time, resources or collaboration — can make. As we move into our new financial year, we’re excited to continue this work and to hear from even more brilliant community organisations doing great things in our region.”

Helen Clayton, Managing Partner at PM+M, said: “I have always been proud of how we, as a team at PM+M, have given back to our communities. Creating the Positive Impact initiative has provided us with additional resources to focus on how and where and why we give back, creating time for people to volunteer alongside the financial contributions, which we have increased too. I look forward to another year ahead where we can add value to others, helping them to achieve more.”

Charities and community groups interested in applying for support can email positiveimpact@pmm.co.uk for more information.

Navigating major life events with financial planning

Posted on 4 March 20254 March 2025 by Rebecca Campbell

During your lifetime, you are likely to face a number of significant milestones, such as marriage, buying a home, or retirement. These milestones can be something to look forward to, but also financially challenging.

Having a strategy in place for your finances can ensure you’re prepared for any immediate expenses along with the long-term impact on your financial stability.

Possible Key Life Events

Career Changes: Depending on your circumstances, a new job or career change could dramatically impact your income or pensions.
Marriage or beginning a family: A wedding itself could be a large expense which requires financial planning for months, or even years, in advance. Subsequently, marriage could then bring a shared income and different living arrangements, whilst starting a family could result in childcare and education costs.
Buying a Home: Budgeting for mortgage payments, insurance and ongoing maintenance is extremely important when making this significant financial commitment.
Retirement: Approaching retirement requires a solid strategy to ensure your pension and savings support your desired lifestyle.

With the right guidance, these changes can be managed effectively, ensuring your finances are structured to meet your goals.

Set your Financial Goals

When facing life changes, it’s important to distinguish between short-term and long-term financial goals. Short-term goals cover immediate needs, like saving for a house deposit or budgeting for childcare. Long-term goals include saving for retirement, paying off your mortgage, or funding a child’s education.

Create a Realistic Budget

Once you’ve decided what your financial goals are, you will then have to consider a realistic budget to allow you to achieve these goals. A cash flow forecast is an excellent tool for this, allowing you to test your objectives and create a financial plan to ensure you have enough money to fund your needs. By modelling a cash flow forecast, you can ensure you are on track to have sufficient funds in place. This provides direction and helps you understand what is required to reach your retirement goals, testing different scenarios to get you there.

Plan for the Unexpected

Sometimes no matter how well you plan ahead, life can still be unpredictable. An emergency fund and the certain insurance policies can provide a safety net for your finances and peace of mind.

Where possible, we suggest that you should have enough savings to cover around three to six months of living expenses, should any unexpected emergencies arise, for example house or car repairs. Without this emergency fund in place, it could make it extremely difficult to handle unexpected financial emergencies and the added worry this would bring.

Considering taking out relevant insurance policies can also provide some extra protection. Depending on your circumstances, this could include life insurance, health insurance, or home insurance.

Tax Considerations

Major life events often come with tax considerations which can impact your finances. This could include buying a house, deciding to start your own business, or planning for your retirement. Understanding the tax implications these events will bring and leveraging any available reliefs can be hugely beneficial.

Property Considerations

When purchasing property, stamp duty land tax should be a key consideration. The amount will depend on the value of the property and whether it’s your first or an additional home. Selling property could trigger capital gains tax (CGT), particularly if the property is not your primary residence. Additionally, if you are a first-time buyer using a Lifetime ISA (LISA), you can benefit from a 25% government bonus on savings up to £4,000 per year, which can be used towards purchasing a home valued up to £450,000.

Family Tax Matters

Marriage can offer tax benefits, such as the marriage allowance, which allows a lower-earning spouse to transfer part of their personal allowance to their partner. Starting a family also introduces new considerations, including child benefit and tax-free childcare schemes, all of which should be considered as part of your overall plan.

Retirement

Retirement brings various tax considerations, especially around pension withdrawals. In the UK, 25% of your pension pot can normally be withdrawn tax-free, but the remainder will then be subject to income tax. Additional retirement income from things like rental properties or investments, also require careful tax planning.

Estate Planning

Major life events can increase the importance of thorough estate planning. Inheritance tax (IHT) planning ensures your loved ones benefit from your estate without facing large tax bills. Effectively using gifts, trusts, life cover, certain types of investment and IHT allowances can greatly reduce the burden on your estate.

Reviewing Pension Options

Pension contributions are one of the most tax-efficient ways to save for retirement. In the UK, retirement plans include workplace pensions, personal pensions, and the state pension, each with its own rules and tax implications.

Pensions can also play a valuable role in estate planning, as many pension funds aren’t subject to IHT. It’s important to review your pension beneficiaries and align them with your estate plan to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.

Creating a Retirement Income Plan

Retirement planning isn’t just about saving; it’s about how you draw on those savings. A retirement income plan balances different sources of income – pensions, investments, and property – in a tax-efficient manner. You should look at putting a strategy in place to reduce any income tax you would be liable to pay on your pension withdrawals and could consider moving your investments to lower-risk options if preserving capital was an important part of your plan. You should also look at how any of your other assets, such as property, could contribute towards your retirement income.

Summary

Big life changes can bring big financial challenges and opportunities. It is vital to be proactive and set clear goals. You should create a realistic budget, plan for the unexpected, and seek expert advice on how to optimise your individual financial circumstances.

For further information or advice on how you can plan ahead to secure your financial future, contact a member of our financial planning team by emailing financialplanning@pmm.co.uk or call 01254 679131.

The information contained within this article is purely for information purposes and does not constitute financial advice.

PM+M launches new charity programme called Positive Impact and puts out call for local organisations to apply

Posted on 18 June 202418 June 2024 by Georgia Flatley

Blackburn and Bury-based PM+M – the chartered accountancy, business advisory and financial planning group – is launching a brand-new community initiative called Positive Impact that aims to increase the firm’s investment in local projects across East Lancashire and Greater Manchester. Applications from charitable and grassroots organisations are now open and can be made via positiveimpact@pmm.co.uk

Positive Impact is a dedicated Corporate Social Responsibility project that will build on PM+M’s long-term commitment to helping the communities in which it operates. Over the past few years, the firm has provided direct financial support to – and volunteered at – a raft of organisations including Blackburn Youth Zone, Pendleside Hospice, Bury Hospice, East Lancashire Hospice, Blackburn Foodbank, Bury Porch Boxes, Burnley Clarets in the Community and Children Services in Blackburn, Burnley and Bury.

This new, more formalised structure, which is led by a group of team members, aims to build on that work, whilst at the same time driving employee involvement and empowering them to help select which charities will receive financial donations, time and expertise.

Helen Clayton, managing partner at PM+M, said: “We are incredibly excited to launch Positive Impact. The enthusiasm and commitment that all of our team have shown – along with their willingness to get involved – has been fantastic. This programme is a testament to our commitment to not only provide exceptional services to our clients, but also to making a positive difference in the communities where we live and work. By enabling our team, and increasing our investment, we are confident that we can drive meaningful change.”

Tara Maynard, financial adviser at PM+M and part of the Positive Impact team, added: “We want to support causes that make a real difference in the East Lancashire and Greater Manchester areas as this is where we primarily operate and where most of our team live. We now want to get going so I would encourage any charity that might need our help to get in touch. I am really excited to see what we will achieve over the coming months.”

PM+M sees turnover rise by 15% to record £10.75m

Posted on 3 June 202418 June 2024 by Rebecca Campbell

We are delighted to announce we have seen our consolidated turnover increase by 15% to £10.75m in its last financial year which ended in March.

We have also increased our total headcount to 164 after making 37 new team appointments, of which 29 are in newly created roles, since 1^st April last year. This figure includes 10 apprentices who joined in September. People development has remained a central pillar of the business with a 25% jump in its dedicated training budget.

We saw consistent growth across accounting, audit and advisory, cloud accounting, corporate finance, financial planning, payroll, tax and private client teams.

Over the past 12 months, our firm has appointed Helen Clayton as our new managing partner following the retirement of Jane Parry who was in post for over eight years.

Other notable achievements included leading on a raft of high-profile deals that were handled by the corporate finance team; winning retained contracts with several major North West companies; being named as a UK top 100 firm in the Accountancy Age 50+50 2023 listing for the sixth year running; the staging of a full events calendar for clients; and retaining Investors in People Gold Accreditation. There have also been two waves of promotions across the whole group at all levels.

Helen Clayton said: “PM+M’s success is simply down to the talents of our people – they are what stand us apart. We all share the same core aims of cultivating strong, collaborative relationships with our clients and other professionals, all the while working together towards mutual success and growth. We also know that innovation is key, so we are constantly evolving the way we deliver our services by staying adaptable, being relevant and making bold decisions when necessary. We are investing heavily in our infrastructure and technology this year and we are excited for what this will enable.”

Financial planning considerations for the new tax year

Posted on 23 April 202423 April 2024 by Rebecca Campbell

With the new tax year underway, it could be a perfect time to review your finances and consider how to make the most of your allowances and investments for the year ahead to gain optimum benefit. Below we consider some of the areas where utilising the allowances available could make a huge difference and potentially save you a substantial amount of money.

ISA Allowance

The new tax year means a fresh ISA allowance of £20,000. ISAs can provide tax free benefits for your savings and investments, allowing you to benefit from higher returns over the long term. Maximising your allowance early can allow more time for your investments to grow, free from capital gains and income tax.

Pension Contributions

Most pension savers can contribute up to £60,000 per annum into their pension, however, advice should always be taken as an individual’s allowance can be restricted to an amount less than £60,000 due to complexities with the rules. Similar to the ISAs, pensions are tax efficient savings vehicles which can be accessed from the minimum pension age. Your pension can be used to invest in various different investments including cash savings, investment portfolios and commercial property.

Also, if you haven’t utilised your allowance from the previous three years, it is possible to carry it forward and boost your pension pot further, subject to certain criteria.

Capital gains tax allowance

From April 6 2024, the capital gains tax allowance was reduced from £6,000 to £3,000 per person. If find yourself in a position where you have maximised both your pension and your ISA allowance, you could consider investing into a General Investment Account and crystallise your gains on an annual basis using your capital gains tax allowance.

Dividend allowance

Rather than investing in growth assets, there is the option to invest into income distributing funds. Any dividend received on unwrapped investments can be claimed tax free if it falls within your Dividend Allowance, the allowance fell from £1,000 to £500 on the 6 April 2024.

Inheritance Tax

You are able to give up to £3,000 each year completely free of any inheritance tax (IHT) liability, this can be a useful way to reduce a potential inheritance tax bill, as well as helping out your family with a financial gift.

The tax-free inheritance threshold is £325,000 per person, above which 40% rate of tax is due (subject to other allowances).

You can gift more should you wish but if you died within seven years of the gift, the recipient could be subject to a large IHT bill. You are also able to carry over your allowance to the following tax year so if you haven’t used any of your allowance during the previous tax year, you could potentially gift up to £6,000 without any tax liability.