Ambre Consulting Limited

In October 2024, and after over 16 years of offering Project Management and Finance Transformation Consulting services, Ambre Consulting has decided to ‘close its doors’.

I want to thank all the Clients and Partners with whom Ambre Consulting has worked over the past 16+ years

This was a voluntary decision/ closure and, as such, all liabilities/creditors were settled in full before deciding to do so.

This decision was taken principally as a result of the increasing challenging landscape facing independent contractors wanting to operate and offer their services through a limited company, as a bona fide business – the previous ideal balance between ‘risk/ reward’ has, unfortunately, now tipped too far towards ‘risk’.

In 2021, the Conservative Government introduced IR35 reforms, resulting in responsibility for working out the application of off-payroll working rules (IR35) moving to the client organisation receiving services. This effectively irreparably damaged the contract market – clients (understandably) becoming reluctant to engage with consultants providing services through Limited Companies, given the looming threat of an HMRC investigation and potential penalties should they choose to do so.

Furthermore, the Labour Government, during the October 2024 Budget, announced that Entrepreneur’s Relief (Business Asset Disposal) tax on businesses would increase from 10% to 14% (2025-26), and to 18% (from 2026-27). This significantly reduces the incentive to continue to operate ‘at risk’ through these challenging times, and significantly reduces the potential ‘rewards’ in doing so.

Unfortunately for the Government, the closing down of any viable business does result in the loss of the following ongoing Revenue for the Treasury:
– Employee NI
– Employer NI
– VAT on invoicing
– Corporation Tax

I do hope that future Governments recognise the benefits independent consultants can bring to a dynamic business environment, providing flexibility and expertise, and therefore positively contributing to a growing economy.

I sincerely wish all the best to my fellow independent consultants.

Anthony Businelli
Director – Ambre Consulting Limited

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