Why Mental Health Matters at Ward Williams – And
At Ward Williams, we have always believed in doing the right thing for our clients, our people, and the communities we serve But when it comes to mental health, we know we haven’t always spoken about it as openly or taken as much action as we could have That’s something we want to change
This year, we are formally recognising Mental Health Awareness Week (12–18 May 2025). We’re not doing this because it’s expected - we’re doing it because it matters It's time to open up the conversation, lay better foundations, and support one another in meaningful ways
What is Mental Health?
Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being It affects how we think, feel, and act, and also determines how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices
Mental health is just as important as physical health - in fact, they’re closely linked When one is off balance, it can impact the other
Why We’re Talking About It Now
Mental health at work - why it matters
At work, mental health plays a key role in how we engage with our tasks, interact with colleagues and clients, and manage pressure
A positive mental health environment can boost productivity, creativity, and collaboration Conversely, poor mental health can lead to burnout, stress, and disengagement
The Theme This Year: Community
The national theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 is Community – and it couldn’t be more relevant to us
A sense of belonging, kindness, and shared connection is essential to our wellbeing especially in a fast-paced, high-trust profession like ours
Whether it’s having someone to check in with when the pressure’s on, celebrating wins together, or simply knowing that others are in your cornercommunity matters
Across our three offices and remote colleagues, we have around 60 people, all playing a vital part in who we are We want this week to reflect that - a community of people who feel valued, included, and not alone
NESS WEEK
Mental Health is a spectrum
Just as physical health can vary from day to day, so can mental health. Some days we feel on top of the world; other days, we might feel overwhelmed or drained. That’s normal.
What’s important is recognising when mental health struggles begin to affect our work, and seeking help when needed. It’s not a sign of weakness - it’s a sign of strength to seek support and take action.
How to find support
Whether it's work-related or not, here’s how to find support:
Your Manager - They’re your first point of contact if you’re feeling overwhelmed by workload, performance pressure, or clientrelated stress. A check-in can make a big difference.
Our HR Team - Trained in mental health awareness and here to listen They offer a confidential space to talk and can help you access further support if needed
Mental Health Responder - Maddie Heslop is trained to recognise signs of mental health challenges and can guide you to the right resources or next steps
If you’d prefer to talk outside work:
Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7 free)
Mind: 0300 123 3393 | mind org uk
CALM: 0800 58 58 58 | thecalmzone net Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7 free text service)
Hub of Hope: hubofhope co uk
Signs of Mental Health
12-18 May
Struggles
Sometimes, we may not notice that our mental health is affected until it’s impacting work or relationships. Here are some common signs to watch for both in yourself and your colleagues:
Changes in Behaviour: Sudden mood swings, irritability, or withdrawal from social interactions
Decreased Performance: Struggling to focus, meet deadlines, or perform tasks you normally excel at
Physical Symptoms: Fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, or trouble sleeping
Increased Absenteeism: Taking more sick days or arriving late to work without clear reasons
Social Withdrawal: Avoiding team events or declining social invitations more often
Negative Thoughts: Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, or a sense that nothing will improve
Starting the conversation
Understanding mental health is a first step toward building a supportive workplace It’s important to check in with yourself and others regularly
Look for the signs mentioned above and don’t hesitate to start a conversation if you think someone might need support
YOU:
If you’re struggling, reach out to a colleague, manager, or one of our trained professionals.
YOUR COLLEAGUE:
If you notice a colleague struggling, let them know you care a
DID YOU KNOW?
As part of our benefits package, all Ward Williams employees have access to confidential counselling and medical helplines – available 24/7, 365 days a year
YOUR CLIENT: If you see or hear a client struggling, speak to your manager and discuss the right course of action, together
Counselling helpline: 0117 934 2121
An independent councillor is available to talk to
Health and Medical helpline 0117 934 2121
Advice can be given on: general health issues, non-diagnostic medical matters, allergies, side effects of drugs, how to improve overall health
WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
What
’s on
this week - how you can take part in mental health awareness week
Here are a few simple ways to connect and take part across the week:
Walk and Talk
Join a local lunchtime “Welly Walk” with a colleagueor just get out in the fresh air A short walk can go a long way for your mind and mood.
Take a look at the maps of a few recommended routes If you find another route you would like to share please email us
Wear It Green
On Thursday 15 May, we’re inviting everyone to wear a splash of green on their official celebration day to show support for Mental Health Awareness Week
Share a photo if you’d cansend your photos to Marketing
Mindful
Moments You Can Try
Pause before opening your inbox
– take three deep breaths
Focus fully on one task instead of multitasking
Eat your lunch without screens
Go for a walk
Let’s
Talk
Ask simple questions like ‘how are you?’ and how was your weekend?’ making connections makes a big difference to someone’s day.
Talk about Mental Health in your team meetings and share good practices
Give someone Kudos when its duemake someone feel valued - you canalso do this on Breathe!
The Ward Williams Bake Off Thursday 15 May.
Bring a bake (homemade or not – sweet or savoury!) to share with your team. We will be fundraising for Mental Health Foundation
Hints & Tips
Most smartwatches have breathwork and mindfulness functions that guide you through breathing exercises to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
UCLA Mindful- a free app with several guided meditations ranging from 3 -19 minutes
Insight Timer - a free app for beginners to advanced practitioners, with over 270,000 guided meditations and music tracks You can pay for ‘plus’ access, but there are hundreds of options with the free version.
WW NEWS
Key Dates for your diary
JUNE
Protecting what matters campaign
Over the past six months, we’ve been raising awareness of our Estate Planning services through targeted advertising in glossy lifestyle magazines across the Elmbridge and Windsor areas
Our combination of eye-catching adverts and expert-led advertorials has helped strengthen our local presence and share what makes our approach stand out So far, we’ve seen a positive uplift in enquiries - a great reminder of the value of staying visible in our local communities
And it’s not just the print exposure making a difference - the Estate Planning email footers many of you have been using have also helped generate an increase in referrals Every bit of visibility helps, and it’s making an impact.
Thanks for continuing to support the momentum.
You may have seen us in Your Elmbridge Magazine, Elmbridge & Kingston magazine and Windsor magazine
Helping you keep on track
We've created this essential calendar for both clients and staff to help keep you on top of your business and personal deadlines!
This handy resource provides a structured overview of key dates throughout the year, helping you avoid penalties and ensure compliance with HMRC regulations.
Where to view and download the calendar
Important Dates 2025: Helping you keep on track
Important Dates 2025: Quarter 1
Important Dates 2025: Quarter 2
Important Dates 2025: Quarter 3
Important Dates 2025: Quarter 4
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AFreshLookforWardWilliams
Excitingchangesareontheway!Overthecomingmonths,you’ll noticearefreshedandupdatedlookforWardWilliamsasweevolve ourbrandtobetterreflectwhowearetodayandwherewe’re headed.
Oneofthemostnoticeableupdatesisournewhorizontallogo, replacingthepreviousverticalversionYoumayhavealready spottedtheupdatedstyleacrossoursocialmediaandexternal communications
Andyesthe‘Ward’isstillupsidedown!andheretostayWeknow it’sbecomeatalkingpoint,andwedidourresearchIt’snowpartof ouridentityitturnsoutthattheupside-down‘Ward’isoneofour
Our new horizonal logo
Tax Rates Cards
Tax rate cards for 2025/26 are out now. Copies are available at each office and online
most recognisable features So rather than change it, we’ve chosen to embrace it
To support this evolution, we’ll be rolling out new brand guidelines and practical tools to ensure a consistent look and feel across everything we do This will include essentials like letterheads, stationery, PowerPoint templates, and signage, among others
We’re also in the early stages of developing a refreshed website so keep an eye out for its launch later this year!
Our monogram will take more prominence in some of. our executions - see if you can spot it!
Our updated brand colour palette
How have we
communciated
to our exisiting clients?
Ahead of the 1 May renewal date, we’ve proactively contacted all current clients with information about continuing their Tax Investigation Service cover For those who haven’t yet opted in, a follow-up reminder is being sent this week
In addition, we’ve identified and reached out to clients who may particularly benefit from this protection, based on the nature of their affairs or risk profile Our aim is to ensure that those who are most likely to face HMRC scrutiny are fully informed and supported
How can you help?
Every member of the firm has a role to play in raising awareness When speaking to clients, listen for signs that they might benefit from TIS:
If a client asks about tax returns or compliance, mention the risk of random HMRC checks
If a business owner expresses concerns about cash flow, explain how TIS prevents unexpected costs.
If a client is hesitant, share real examples like the £34,000 case to show what’s at stake
simple question like:
Who to contact at Ward Williams about TIS?
For questions about the service please get in contact with the Tax team (Simon, Malcolm, Dipesh and Jamie)
If you need Marketing support materials like flyers, letters, and guides about TIS then please contact the Marketing team (Jo, Sarena or Hannah).
For finance questions from clients about paying for the service and invoices Please get in contact with Jacky or Andrew in Finance
More information can be found on our website: www.wardwilliams.co.uk/private-clientservices/tax-investigations-protection
Take Note:
While the TIS annual cover renews each May, clients can start a policy at any point during the year.
To reflect the shorter coverage period, the cost is reduced on a monthly pro-rata basis making it flexible and fair for clients joining mid-term
Please ask Finance for the monthly prorata costs.
MAKING TAX DIGITAL
What You Need to Know and How We're Preparing
You’ve probably heard about Making Tax Digital (MTD) more times than you can count, and for good reason After multiple delays, the next phase is now confirmed and will begin rolling out from April 2026
What is MTD?
MTD is HMRC’s initiative to modernise the UK tax system For Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA), this means:
Maintaining digital records
Submitting quarterly updates through MTD-compatible software
Replacing the traditional single annual return
The New Timeline
After previous postponements, a phased rollout is now confirmed:
From April 2026: MTD will apply to individuals earning over £50,000 from self-employment and/or property income
From April 2027: This extends to those with annual gross income of more than £30,000 and up to £50,000 from self-employment and property letting
From 6 April 2028, MTD will apply for those with annual gross income of more than £20,000 and up to £30,000 from self-employment and property letting Partnerships and smaller businesses are not currently in scope but further guidance is expected
What’s Already Happening
HMRC has started contacting clients it believes will fall within the scope of MTD in 2026 These letters may prompt confusion or concern, especially if clients aren’t hearing from us first.
What We’re Doing at WW
To ensure our clients feel informed and supported, we are already:
Checking for MTD eligibility during the tax return review process
Logging HMRC letters and flagging affected clients in our systems
Creating a clear, client-friendly brochure explaining MTD and what they need to do Preparing tailored software guidance and support
Ensuring teams are equipped to advise and guide clients through the change
What You Can Do
Keep an eye out for clients who meet the income thresholds
Flag any clients who mention receiving an HMRC letter
Reassure clients we’re ahead of the curve and ready to support them
Look out for our upcoming internal toolkit and brochure to help guide conversations
Why This Matters
This is more than just a regulatory shift, it’s an opportunity to:
Reinforce our role as trusted advisers
Deliver added value during a time of uncertainty
Deepen client relationships by offering proactive, practical support
SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATE
FINANCIAL FOUNDATION SERIES
Have You Seen Our Financial Foundations Series?
We’ve been running a Financial Foundations Series campaign across our social media channels have you spotted it?
The campaign was born out of the Autumn Budget announcement last October, where it became clear there’s still a real need to improve financial understanding among early-stage business owners.
What’s It All About?
The series is aimed at start-ups and growing businesses, focusing on the kinds of questions we’re regularly asked at Ward Williams We cover practical, relevant topics such as: How to create a business budget that works
Common accounting mistakes and how to avoid them
Building a strong financial foundation
What Makes It Different?
We’ve made it our mission to cut through the jargon Each post is written in clear, accessible language so that business owners can actually understand and use the advice no confusing financial speak here!
Where to Find It
You can catch the full series on our social media channels so if you haven’t already, follow us to stay in the loop!
Articles also appear first on our News section at wardwilliams.co.uk.
We’re posting regularly so whether you’re looking to brush up your own knowledge or help point a contact in the right direction, there’s plenty to see and share
’d love to see more of you, our colleagues, engaging with our external content liking, commenting, and sharing helps spread the word and shows your support. Even a simple comment like “Excited for the future of Ward Williams!” makes a big impact
TEAM NEWS
New joiners
A Warm Welcome to Our New Starters
We’re delighted to welcome two new colleagues to the team:
Iisa Sherez, who joined the Audit team back in January as an Audit Senior.
Lauren Matthews, who joined us in April as a Personal Tax Trainee based in the Weybridge office.
If you haven’t had the chance to say hello yet, please do reach out and give them a warm Ward Williams welcome!
Career Progression
As part of our exciting next phase of growth, we’were delighted to share two recent milestones:earlier in the year
Jo Philip, joined us as our new Strategy and Marketing Director
Izabela Kuchmacz has been approved as an Audit Responsible Individual (RI)
Both Jo and Izabela bring exceptional experience and leadership that will help drive our business forward - congratulations again to them both!
Promotions
Congratulations to our recently promoted Colleagues!
We’re thrilled to share the news that the following team members have been promoted to Audit Manager: Lydia Powell, Jack, Miles, and Ben Martin
A further round of applause goes to Anns, who has been promoted to Audit Senior Manager.
Well done to all your hard work, dedication, and leadership continue to make a real impact across the firm
Supporting mental health at work
We’repleasedtosharethatMaddieHeslopisnowourofficial MentalHealthWorkplaceResponderhereatWardWilliams. Aspartofourongoingcommitmenttocolleaguewellbeing,Working alongsideHRandmanagers,Maddieisavailabletohelpsignpost supportandresourcesforanyonenavigatingmentalhealthconcerns whetherforthemselvesorsomeonethey’resupporting
Welcome back
A warm welcome back to Sarena Harwood, our Marketing Manager, who has rejoined the team following her maternity leave Sarena has returned on a part-time basis and will be working Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 7:30am to 3:00pm.
We also welcome back Lydia Powell, who returned from maternity leave on 24th February Lydia is currently working part-time until the end of August and will resume a fulltime schedule thereafter.
It’s great to have you both back with us!
Exam Passes
Congratulations to our colleagues on their exam success! Please join us in congratulating the following team members on their recent exam achievements: Usman Butt– Taxation
Simi Sekhon– Business Planning: Taxation
Roman Shatunovskiy – Law
We’re proud of your hard work and dedication well done!
To all of you who have forthcoming exams or awaiting results, we wish you the very best of luck!
Other team news:
A big congratulations to Milan, who got married earlier in May in a register office ceremony He and his partner will be celebrating again with a traditional ceremony in June
We wish them all the very best for this exciting new chapter!
IIsa Sherez
Lauren Mathews
Pink Ribbon Walk,
Written by Katherine Van Ey
We gathered early in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace There was about 1000 of us completing the walk and the weather had decided to be kind to us.
It was an emotional start with a speaker whose words clearly resonated on a deep level with many of the walkers
This was a reminder of the work that Breast Cancer Now does in terms of research and support
There is one rule – No running!
I was walking with 2 friends who have had very personal experiences dealing with the effects of breast cancer and 1 friend who has been going through breast cancer diagnosis and treatment herself recently so this did hit home
We had friends running the marathon this weekend, so walking 10 miles seemed a bit fraudulent!
However, hearing these stories and knowing the impact that this type of support and research could have was very validating
We were then treated to a Mr Motivator type warm up to limber us up for the next few hours!
And then off we went.
4 hours of walking along the Thames Path and back through the Palace grounds. This was a truly beautiful route over Kingston Bridge, up to Ham and over Teddington Lock and back down to Hampton Wick
Conversation was contemplative and then lively and upbeat.
Achy legs and a few blisters later we approached the finish line and the impressive ribbon “wall” where walkers have an opportunity to add their own message for loved ones, past and present
Through the finish and we were rewarded by the amazing sounds of South London Samba - another 10 miles anyone?!
For anyone contemplating a similar event Please do it You will be doing something positive and will enjoy it, I promise.
I was honoured to walk with my friend and help such a worthy cause
Thank you to all, including Ward Williams, for the invaluable support.
If you would like to support Breast Cancer now and Kath’s fundraising efforts contributions welcome to Katherine Van Eyken Justgiving page
SPOTLIGHT
Cathy
Dilena Company
Secretarial Manager CG (Affiliated)
Cathy runs our Company Secretarial department which offers a comprehensive service aimed at assisting UK Private Limited Companies and Limited Liability Partnerships maintain, monitor and manage their statutory compliance obligations under Company law Cathy is also one of our valued Gold Ring employees for long service at Ward Williams
How many years have you been with Ward Williams? I’ve been working for over 20+ years!
What has been your career path to date? Did you follow a traditional route, or have you had a zig-zag career? Has it always been with WW?
Where do I start, I did not follow the traditional route into the field of company secretarial work At 18 I left dancing school and initially worked abroad, in Greece and South America. I completed my Secretarial course in 1984 and my first job was in the typing pool at Harrods I was made redundant from my PA role at the tobacco firm Gallaher in 2004 and then came for my interview with Ward Williams that same year
What inspired you to pursue your career and specialise in your area of expertise?
Realised that Ward Williams could benefit from centralising the company secretarial function and therefore asked the partners if they would be happy for me to pursue this path. I wanted more from my working life than being someone’s PA.
Looking back on your career, what achievement are you most proud of, and why?
Forming the company secretarial department at Ward Williams, I feel proud of the service that the company now provides and the fact that I initiated the change.
What has been the biggest change in WW since you started?
The growth of the company.
What has been the highlight of your time with WW so far?
Starting the company secretarial department in April 2009
If you weren’t an accountant, what alternative career would you have pursued, and why?
I am not an accountant, but if I had my time again I wouldn’t have perhaps given up dancing, but I don’t regret the path I have taken.
What’s the most valuable piece of career advice you’ve received?
My Mum told me when I was 18 ‘learn to type, you will never be out of work’ she was right!
What do you believe sets WW apart from other accountancy firms?
I have only ever worked in one other accountancy firm, but I would say generally WW has been the nicest place I have worked throughout my working life.
What’s the one piece of valuable advice you would give to our colleagues who are starting their career with WW? Keep going �� the hard work and studying is worth it in the end.
To find out more about our Company Secretarial department please visit our website.
Company Secretarial Webpage