• Working Flexible Hours

  Employees requesting flexible working hours are currently only eligible if they are a parent of a child under the age of 17, or 18 if the child is disabled, or have caring responsibilities for adults. This also only applies if the individual has at least 26 weeks continuous service with their company. This is set [...]

• References

  Employers don’t have to give references, but if they choose to do so, they must ensure that they are fair. Many employers choose to give only basic references, stating the job title, dates and reason for leaving. In this case, this will probably prompt a phone call being received from the individual’s new employer requiring [...]

• Bookkeeping

  With the strict emphasis by HM Revenue & Customs to keep all your financial records accurate, it is advisable to appoint a qualified bookkeeper thus avoid any penalties. Many people think that by doing their own bookkeeping, they will be saving themselves money. In fact, if you are under-qualified and unsure of the bookkeeping, you [...]

• Emission Taxes

  The benefits of a company car now come with emission taxes that apply to both directors and employees. These rates can be very expensive, so it is worth finding out whether the car can be owned by you personally, instead of the company.  If this is the case, then you are able to claim back [...]

• TAX DEADLINE REMINDER

  This is a final reminder for all those people who are self-employed  who are required to submit Self Assessment Personal Tax Returns. To avoid a penalty of £100, electronic submission of tax returns is required not later than 31st January 2012.  The penalty will apply even if there is no tax to pay, or if [...]

• Working Capital

  Every business must ensure they have enough working capital to help with the efficient running of their company. It is all to common for a business to show signs of overtrading, which could lead to insolvency. Here are a few tips to avoid this happening. Ask your suppliers for credit Try asking your customers to [...]

• Advice on Debt Collection

  If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of chasing up a bad debt, here are a few tips you should bear in mind. Before making a claim, be sure to carry out a credit check on the customer, to confirm they have assets to be seized. Keeping a written confirmation of any order or [...]

• 

  Hidden PAYE Penalties

  Rumours are circulating that the Inland Revenue is about to issue penalties regarding PAYE payments on unsuspecting businesses. PAYE Return Forms (P35) The PAYE Return Forms for 2010/11 were due for submission by 19th May 2011, which means the Taxman should be processing them by now.  This year this might well prompt a review of [...]

• 

  13 FREE Tax & Money Saving Tips: Part 3

  I am pleased to be able to give you now the final chapter in our tax and money saving tips; Claim your tax credits – £3.7 billion is not being claimed.  You don’t lose anything by ringing up and asking. Review your savings. Plan ahead regarding capital gains and inheritance taxes.  When you are old, [...]

• To Tweet or Not to Tweet

  It has recently been quoted that ‘if you don’t use social media for your business, you won’t have a business in 5 years’.  Well this may seem extreme, however you cannot afford for social media to not be considered for your marketing strategy.  One large barrier for many, after ‘lack of time’, is confidence is [...]

Business Development