NEW Articles24 Sep 2026
Making Tax Digital update for sole traders and landlords
HMRC is beginning to enrol sole traders and landlords who have not yet joined MTD, while opening exemptions for those due to join from April 2027.
News
The guest of honour at Westminster Business Council’s event was the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Patricia McAllister.
I was delighted to be a guest at Westminster Business Council’s event on 9 May 2024 held in the sumptuous surroundings of the Lord Mayor’s Parlour overlooking Buckingham Palace. The guest of honour on the evening was the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Patricia McAllister.

As one of London’s leading business referral communities the Westminster Business Council is a friendly forum to meet up with businesses and individuals from a range of sectors across the capital.
The as ever generous host Lenna Lou, Director of Westminster Business Council www.westminsterbc.org.uk interviewed Patricia McAllister.
Patricia willingly shared her fascinating story about a life as a Lord Mayor, ‘renowned as the most important citizen in Westminster’ as she often needs to be reminded. She is passionate and driven about providing support to residents and representing the local community. In addition two charitable causes are particularly close to her heart Carers Network which supports unpaid carers aged 18 and over across the City of Westminster, helping over 6,600 local carers gain access to the support they deserve and The Passage which provides homeless people across Westminster with support to transform their own lives.
Patricia revealed that she also has a future aim to pursue a Peruvian project, and this is yet to be developed further. Co-incidentally, with a Paddington Bear mascot at the entrance to the council building it was felt that this might be particularly a appropriate choice by the audience on the evening.
There is lot more Patricia hopes to achieve once her role changes to Deputy Lord Mayor later this year in September.
It was such a pleasurable evening with also plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded business people, in a wonderful venue in the heart of our great city whilst hearing from an inspiring individual who helps drive positive change.

THE AUTHOR
Senior Manager, Business Services
More & Other Musings
View all related contentNEW Articles24 Sep 2026
HMRC is beginning to enrol sole traders and landlords who have not yet joined MTD, while opening exemptions for those due to join from April 2027.
NEW Articles23 Sep 2026
The new Chancellor, John Healey, has confirmed the Budget will take place on Wednesday 28 October, around four weeks earlier than the 2025 Budget.
NEW Articles21 Sep 2026
Alliotts accountant joined UKIE and the UK Government in Shanghai to connect with China’s thriving games industry, to explore new opportunities for UK businesses.
NEW Articles18 Sep 2026
Favourable tax treatment of electric and hybrid cars drives latest increase in directors and employees choosing company cars.
Articles17 Sep 2026
Rising tax rates and reduced tax-free allowances drive a sharp increase in CGT receipts