Training Expenses Through a Limited Company

I am an IT contractor providing project management services.

I am considering undertaking Cisco CCNA certification to improve my knowledge of networking technologies, with the aim of improving my marketability for IT infrastructure project manager positions - not with the intention of undertaking a career shift into hands-on, network engineer roles.

Would this type of training be allowable as a business cost against tax for my limited co.?

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The training expense would in my opinion be allowable but the expense must be incurred/paid by the Company. It would not qualify if paid by the director and not reimbursed by the company to the director.

The reason is that to be allowable for business purposes the expense must be incurred wholly and exclusively for the purpose of the trade which is a must easier test that that imposed on an employee, viz: wholly, exclusively and necessarily in the performance of the duties of the employment.

The contractor says he will be attending the course ".....to improve my knowledge of networking technologies, with the aim of improving my marketability for IT infrastructure ....". Perhaps nitpicking but I would not use those words - better to say that it is the decision of the company to send the diretcor on the course to improve the company's marketability etc.

Bob Jones, Independent Tax Expert