VAT Advisory

Services

Explore our Specialist VAT Services

Expert VAT guidance for eligible bodies, helping maximise reliefs, advising on trading subsidiaries, and providing key sector updates.

Service

Education Sector

We support academy trusts, independent schools, and FE colleges with VAT registration, apportionment and partial exemption, capital projects, and contract reviews.

Service

Land & Property

We advise on property transactions, development projects, mixed-use property, and Option to Tax elections.

We deliver advice that is not only technically robust but also pragmatic and commercially focused.

Led by Sarah Hughes, a former Regional VAT Partner at a Top 15 firm, VAT Advisory provides practical, expert guidance to help your organisation remain compliant while optimising VAT efficiency. Our vision is to support your organisation in navigating challenges with confidence.

Big firm expertise, with a personal approach

See how we've helped businesses and organisations alike to to simplify complexity, minimise risk, and deliver value.

Optimising VAT Efficiency for a Major Community Build

Secured zero-rating on new construction

Reliefs on refurbishment costs

Substantial VAT savings

We helped a charity undertaking a major building project maximise VAT efficiency by restructuring the extension as a standalone new build, reviewing refurbishment costs for further reliefs, and advising on taxable treatment options for remaining supplies. This approach delivered substantial VAT savings and supported a cost-effective, compliant project.

Case Study:

Charity

Recovering VAT and Strengthening Compliance for a MAT

Corrected partial exemption errors

Reclaimed over £200k in over-restricted VAT

Fixed output VAT mistakes

We reviewed a MAT’s VAT calculations, identified significant partial exemption and output VAT errors, and prepared disclosures to recover the overpaid amounts. This secured a £212k repayment plus interest, improved compliance processes, and freed up funds to reinvest in pupil support.

Case Study:

Multi Academy Trust

Strengthening VAT Efficiency in Global Trade

Reviewed supply chain for VAT exposure

Advised on revised Incoterms to prevent VAT leakage

Implemented procedures for export zero-rating evidence

We helped a global manufacturer resolve VAT inefficiencies across imports and exports. By reviewing the supply chain, advising on revised Incoterms to enable correct import VAT recovery, we reduced compliance risks and improved the company’s VAT position.

Client:

Manufacturing Company

Testimonials

"Incredibly knowledgeable and always approachable, Sarah makes our complex tax matters feel simple. Their friendly guidance and expert support have been invaluable to our Trust."

Alex Brown CPFA

Life Multi Academy Trust

"SPX have been using Sarah Hughes for a number of years. The service provided is excellent. The rates are very competitive and lower than the larger rivals. The biggest difference is the service level you get from Sarah. She is very supportive, looks at the problem and comes up with solutions."

Robert Gomes-Smith

SPX Cooling Technologies UK Ltd

"Working with Sarah has been an absolute pleasure. Her expertise in VAT advisory is second to none, and her ability to navigate complex legislative frameworks with clarity and precision has been invaluable to our business."