National recognition for our team was attained in 2019 when they were awarded Best SEIS/EIS Tax Adviser at the EIS Association Awards.
The team provides the full range of VCT advice, from advising on structuring of VCT investments, reorganisations and exits, to liaising with HMRC to obtain advance assurances (where required), and providing opinions to a range of VCT boards, EIS funds and investment managers.
Our knowledge and understanding of the UK VCT and EIS tax provisions set us the apart from our competitors and we have developed bespoke solutions which others assume are not achievable. We are at the forefront in terms of delivering innovative solutions to VCT/EIS investors whilst also maintaining compliance with the letter and the spirit of the VCT/EIS legislation. This is borne out by the number of VCT/EIS investors who instruct us on a regular basis and refer us to others. Understanding the requirements of HMRC, the investor and the investee company are the key to Shoosmiths’ success as this allows us to come up with creative ideas which satisfy all parties.
Shoosmiths is an active member of the EIS Association, the Association of Investment Companies and the BVCA and regularly advises clients on responses to Government consultations in the VCT arena, as well as submitting our own.
We are a member of the VCTA Advisors Working Group which is working with HMRC to improve guidance and influence policy. We are also a member of the AIC VCT Technical Committee and the EISA Tax and Technical Committee.
Our credentials
Our client-centred approach has delivered excellent results over a number of years, further evidenced by our award-winning track record.
Earlier in 2019 Shoosmiths was named Best EIS/SEIS Tax Adviser 2018 at the EIS Association Awards and Corporate and Commercial firm (Specialism) of the year (Venture Capital) at The Legal 500 UK Awards.
Tom Wilde, head of Shoosmiths’ team, said: ‘Winning both awards showcases the strength and depth of our national venture capital team. We have a unique offering of being able to provide high-quality EIS, VCT and corporate advice all under one roof.
That, combined with a brilliant team of talented people working for clients across the UK, means we are now a real force to be reckoned with in the VC market.’
“Shoosmiths' tax team has 'very strong knowledge of venture capital trust regulations.'
Recent experience includes:
- Acting for Beringea LLP on its VCT investment into Fnatic, the leading global e-sports brand, as part of a $19m Series A funding round;
- Acting for Octopus Ventures on over 40 new and follow on investments VCT and EIS in the past 12 months. We have advised on investments for Octopus into companies based in the USA, Israel, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Switzerland;
- Acting for Gresham House on its VCT investment into wine bar and restaurant concept, Vinoteca.
