Universal Weather
automates VAT
Future-proof compliance and
swift MTD implementation.
Company size
1,000+ employees
Headquarters
Houston, Texas, USA
Industry
Aviation
Use cases with ARKK
MTD compliance, VAT automation
Solution
ARKK provided a rapid implementation of its automation platform, enabling Universal Weather and Aviation to meet its immediate HMRC obligations and future-proof tax processes across 30+ entities.
Outcome
With ARKK’s expertise and collaborative approach, Universal successfully met its MTD filing deadline and established a framework for sustained compliance and efficiency gains.
1 month
from implementation to first MTD submission
30+
entities unified under a single automated VAT process
Details
A complex tax landscape with growing compliance obligations
Founded in 1959, Universal Weather and Aviation is the world’s oldest corporate flight planning company, now operating across 30+ countries. With a complex corporate structure, its EMEA division sought to streamline tax compliance and improve efficiency in meeting European tax deadlines.
The introduction of Making Tax Digital (MTD) in April 2019 added yet another regulatory requirement to manage. While a temporary bridging solution could have met initial compliance, MTD 2020 mandated a full digital audit trail, requiring a more robust, future-proof approach.
Akash Kalaiya, EMEA Tax Manager, saw an opportunity to move beyond short-term compliance and implement a sustainable tax automation strategy. Having heard about ARKK through a referral from another division of the company, he recognised the value of a trusted, proven solution.
“Due to the size, structure and complexity of the company, we knew it was time to further enhance our tax compliance and reporting capabilities. We needed a company that could hit the ground running and a platform that allowed us to immediately meet our upcoming HMRC requirements. ARKK’s automation platform provided just the answer.”
– Akash Kalaiya, EMEA Tax Manager, Universal Weather and Aviation
Swift and accurate implementation
With tax deadlines fast approaching, ARKK acted quickly to understand Universal Weather and Aviation’s VAT processes and reporting complexities. A structured action plan was created to ensure full compliance with MTD phase and 2 while minimizing disruption to existing operations.
“The speed and accuracy of implementation were incredible. ARKK took the time to fully understand the complexity and issues of our company and set out an action plan to ensure we filed in time.”
– Akash Kalaiya
Collaboration for a seamless transition
ARKK recognised that clear communication and collaboration would be key to delivering results under tight time constraints. By aligning expectations and defining precise data requirements early on, both teams worked together efficiently, leading to a successful first MTD submission in under a month.
Future-proof compliance
BeBeyond meeting immediate HMRC obligations, Universal Weather and Aviation leveraged ARKK’s platform to optimise tax processes and structure, reducing the risk of future compliance disruptions and ensuring readiness for any upcoming regulatory changes.