Next up on our packed programme of webinars this year is Marco Piacquadio, from business recovery and insolvency professionals, FTS Recovery and FA Simms. The webinar will be taking place on Thursday 13th February, 11am-12noon.
Marco will be joined during the webinar this week by his colleagues, Mark Hopkins and Ian Rose, so members will have the opportunity to learn from a team of sector experts. The session promises to deliver insights into topical issues, regulatory changes, and make sense of the complexities around insolvency and liquidations.
The CPAA works with a range of industry leaders to deliver a diverse CPD programme for members. Live webinars run throughout the year and details on how to register for the live webinars are emailed to members the week before each event, with a link to book your place. Each session has a set timeslot and topic titles will be confirmed in the registration emails. By attending, you gain 1 hour of structured CPD points. Older webinars can be viewed on CPAA Zone.
Ahead of the webinar, Marco shares some insights on what to expect, his professional expertise, and why CPD matters:
What topic/topics will you be covering?
Our first topic will be the time-sensitive topic of Members Voluntary Liquidations (MVLs) and how the upcoming changes to Business Asset Disposal Relief from 4th April could impact clients. Also on solvent liquidations, we will unpack the implications of Section 455 tax in solvent liquidations, focusing on what happens after a DLA is repaid post-liquidation.
We’ll then cover some familiar issues CPAA members may encounter with directors: clients taking dividends, navigating overdrawn Director Loan Accounts (DLAs) and when it might make more sense to have directors on payroll.
What are the key themes will you cover?
Business Asset Disposal Relief changes: we will break down the 2025 changes, highlighting why timing is crucial for MVLs and how proactive planning can help clients maximise tax efficiencies. This is not just about theory – we will share practical scenarios to help spot opportunities for clients.
Section 455 Tax implications: we will demystify how Section 455 tax applies during solvent liquidations, with real-world examples of where things have gone wrong (and how to avoid them). Plus we will cover the practical steps for recovering Section 455 tax post-liquidation.
Managing Director Loan Accounts: we will explore the risks around overdrawn DLAs - such as tax implications and personal liability issues - and discuss strategies to suggest to clients, like shifting directors onto payroll, to manage these risks effectively and avoid common pitfalls.
Why do you recommend accountants engage in webinars / CPD like this?
While CPAA members are already experts in areas such as tax and accountancy, insolvency and liquidation add another layer of complexity that doesn’t always come up in day-to-day practice. Webinars like this help bridge that gap.
Attendees will get actionable insights, real-world examples and the chance to hear how other professionals handle similar challenges. It’s about adding another string to their bows when advising clients.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m the Director of FTS and FA Simms. My background is in supporting businesses through financial restructuring and insolvency, with a focus on helping directors make informed decisions. I’ll be joined by Mark Hopkins and Ian Rose, two highly experienced insolvency practitioners who specialise in company insolvency and guiding directors through the legal and financial nuances that come with it.
What professional topics interest you at the moment?
We are particularly interested in how tax changes, like the upcoming Business Asset Disposal Relief amendments, are reshaping business exit strategies. We’re also keeping an eye on director responsibilities, especially with Covid-19 loan repayments still causing difficulties for many small businesses. Effective risk management and proactive advice can make a real difference in these cases.
What advice might you give someone keen to keep up with industry issues/developments?
Stay curious and keep learning. Webinars, industry updates and peer-to-peer discussions are invaluable - not just for technical knowledge but for understanding how others are applying these insights in practice. Sometimes the best lessons come from real-life examples shared by your peers.
How long have you been involved in training/coaching others?
Between the three of us, we’ve been delivering training, coaching and advisory support for many decades. We’re always working with accountants, financial advisers and business owners, to break down complex insolvency issues into practical advice that is easy to apply in the real world.
What do you like about sharing your knowledge with peers and other professionals?
It is the collaborative nature of it. We’re not just there to talk at people: we genuinely enjoy the discussions that come from these sessions. Hearing the attendees’ experiences, answering their questions and learning from each other is what makes it rewarding.
What do you do for your own professional development?
Continuous learning is key. We attend advanced CPD courses, engage with professional bodies and stay connected with industry developments. Regular discussions with peers and regulatory bodies also help us stay sharp and ensure we’re always up-to-date with the latest changes.
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