Tourism and Leisure

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Our staff have many years experience in the tourism and leisure industry and so are able to provide you with practical advice to maximise profits and minimise tax liabilities.

• Holiday Parks

We are regularly asked to advise on funding, purchasing and sales.  Our clients also value our practical advice for saving money.  For example,  our detailed knowledge of the VAT rules as they relate to the sale of new and second hand static vans on holiday and caravan parks has saved our clients thousands of pounds of VAT over the years.

• Hotels, Restaurants and Pubs

We have a wide range of hotels, restaurants and public houses as clients.  They require specific assistance in controlling and recording their cash transactions, payroll and planning capital expenditure.  They also need special planning in relation to capital gains tax.

• Food and Drink Sector

In the UK, and certainly since circa 1984/85, businesses have been required to account for VAT on hot take away food and on any food supplied for consumption on the premises from which it has been served. This is because H M Revenue and Customs consider that what is being supplied is a service of "catering" and not just a provision of food, which may be zero-rated.A recent (conjoined) European case has cast doubt over that approach and the UK' s position will now being challenged through the UK court system, with a major retailer likely to take a lead case.

The European case(s) essentially found that where the elements of food preparation and service are minimal, then the supply is one of food and not subject to the standard rate of VAT. They also found that if facilities for consumption on the premises are very limited, then again there is no supply of a "catering" service.There is an opportunity for any business supplying hot take away food and those with restricted on-site facilities to make a "protective claim" for VAT potentially overpaid in the last 4 years. For further information and advice, please contact our VAT Partner, David Pegg, on 01392 288555 or email at david.pegg@thomaswestcott.co.uk. 

• Timeshare

At Thomas Westcott, we have two audit teams working within timeshare services – one specialising in UK requirements and the second dealing with overseas work.  We have excellent links with both TATOC (the leading timeshare consumer body) and, on the industry side, RDO (the leading European trade body).  Moreover, our experts are regularly asked to speak at specialist conferences as well as assist with finding solutions to the key structural problems of the industry.

We provide bespoke assurance services to resorts in the UK and Europe. This work ranges from full statutory audits to less formal engagements where the owners have specific concerns and we are tasked with reporting on those key areas. 

As well as working within audit and assurance we are well placed to assist resorts, developers and governing bodies with tax planning and compliance services. This includes VAT, payroll management, PAYE compliance reviews and the structuring of developments. Where that work leads to areas of complex international tax then we have access to member firms of IGAF Worldwide to assist us.

For more information, please contact your local office or our Head of Timeshare Services, Stuart Carrington.