Budget 2026: what it means for you and your business —
In short
Forensic accounting investigates financial irregularities and quantifies losses where the answer must withstand challenge — in commercial disputes, insurance claims, matrimonial and shareholder proceedings, and suspected fraud. We reconstruct records, trace funds, and set out findings clearly enough for a board, an insurer or a court to act on.
Suspected fraud or theft — you think money is missing, and you need to know whether it is, how much, and how. Commercial disputes — quantifying loss arising from a breach of contract, a failed acquisition, or business interruption. Insurance claims — quantifying and evidencing a loss for an insurer who will scrutinise it. Shareholder disputes — valuation, and unpicking what has actually happened inside the company. Matrimonial proceedings — valuing a business, tracing assets, and assessing income where it is disputed. Professional negligence — quantifying the loss caused.
Before you do anything else: do not confront them.
An early confrontation destroys evidence, alerts them to conceal it, and can seriously prejudice both a criminal complaint and a civil claim. It is the single most common and most damaging first reaction.
Preserve access and evidence quietly. Do not alter systems, delete emails, or begin an obvious investigation. Take advice immediately — from us, and from an employment solicitor, before any step is taken. Then investigate properly, so that whatever you decide to do afterwards — disciplinary, civil recovery, insurance claim, police — the evidence supports it.
The first 48 hours determine what is possible for the following two years.
By establishing what the actual position is, what the position would have been but for the event, and the difference between the two — with every assumption identified, evidenced and defensible.
The counterfactual is where these cases are won and lost. The claimant’s version is invariably optimistic; the defendant’s invariably pessimistic. The credible analysis is the one that states its assumptions openly and can justify each of them under cross-examination.
The most damaging thing you can do on suspecting fraud is raise it with the person involved. Evidence disappears, and both a civil claim and a criminal complaint can be prejudiced beyond repair. Preserve the evidence quietly, take advice within days, and investigate properly. What you do first determines what remains possible.
Built to withstand challenge — because in this work, someone always attacks the conclusion.
Discreet — investigations are handled quietly and confidentially.
We work with your solicitors and insurers, and know what each of them needs.
Chartered (ICAEW) and independent.
This page provides general information about the 2026/27 UK tax year and is not advice on your particular circumstances. Tax and regulatory rules change frequently. Please contact us before acting, or refraining from acting, on anything set out here. LMJ Group is a firm of Chartered Accountants regulated by the ICAEW. LMJ Group is not a registered auditor and does not provide audit services. Last reviewed: July 2026.
