Mid-market firms brace for profit impact as UK accounting overhaul takes effect - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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Mid-market firms brace for profit impact as UK accounting overhaul takes effect - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
"New research from BDO's Economic Engine survey found that 70pc of around 500 respondents using expect the changes to affect net profits, largely due to revised rules on revenue recognition and lease accounting. A further 29pc said the changes could impact results but admitted they had not yet fully assessed the implications."
"The reforms, which apply to accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2026, are designed to bring UK reporting standards closer to international norms set out under IFRS, the global accounting framework used in many listed companies. The changes apply across all entities reporting under FRS 102, including charities and not-for-profit organisations."
"Both adjustments are widely expected to alter reported profitability, asset values and debt levels, even where underlying business performance remains unchanged. Analysts say this could make year-on-year comparisons more complex in the short term, particularly for investors and lenders assessing financial health."
UK financial reporting standards are undergoing major reforms effective January 2026, bringing accounting practices closer to international IFRS standards. The changes apply to all entities under FRS 102, including charities and not-for-profits. Two key areas drive significant impacts: revenue recognition rules and lease accounting treatment. BDO's survey of 500 mid-market leaders found 70% expect negative effects on net profits, with 29% uncertain about implications and only 1% expecting no impact. These changes will alter reported profitability, asset values, and debt levels despite unchanged underlying business performance, complicating year-on-year comparisons for investors and lenders.
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