2009 - January
Are repair costs capital or revenue expenses?
Given the collapse of the property market you have decided to stay put in your current premises. What tactics do you need to employ to ensure that you get the maximum tax relief on the cost of any repairs you carry out?
The current economic downturn has resulted in falling income for your family and now your partner has been made redundant. Could you transfer some of your income to them and save some tax in the process?
When is a company “associated”?
The Taxman has introduced new rules regarding “associated companies”. How will these changes reduce your company’s tax bill?
Using former employees to cut payroll costs
You want to reduce your payroll costs by engaging former employees as self-employed contractors but you’ve been told by your accountant that it’s too risky and the Taxman won’t accept it. But could a recent case help you?
Loan and discounted gift schemes
You want to give away some assets to save Inheritance Tax but you can’t afford to lose the income these generate. However, if you continue receiving it, the Taxman will treat the assets as yours. How can you solve this conundrum?
Identifying the cost of your shares
You bought further shares in a company two years ago which are now worth much less. The new Capital Gains Tax rules mean that you may not be able to use the loss to reduce any gains you have. How can you rescue the situation?
Customers are more price conscious than ever and selling has never been more difficult. Business promotion schemes are a good way of enticing new business, but they come with traps. What are they and how can they be avoided?
Raising money from family and friends
As a director, getting finance for your company has never been more difficult. An alternative to the traditional lenders may be family and friends. But to ensure both sides get a fair deal, what form should the finance take and on what terms?
You know that to succeed with any type of insurance claim you have to notify your insurer. But at what point should you do this - when an incident arises, or on receipt of a solicitor’s letter?
Following a consultation on home-to-work travel expenses, the Taxman recently announced there’s to be no change to the rules. Could this benefit you?
Onerous terms - are they still enforceable?
One of your clients has just been in contact saying that because you didn’t point out some particularly onerous terms, the contract is invalid and they’re walking away from it. What’s the latest on this?
In the current climate you can’t afford to move home. As an alternative you could add an extension. You’ve heard that the planning rules have been relaxed, so what can you build now without needing permission?
Soon to be introduced changes in the law mean that when you die your partner may be financially better off. But does it necessarily follow that there’s now no need to make a will?
Court rules - service of documents
You’re representing yourself in a dispute and have issued a claim against the other party. You know that the claim form needs to be served correctly but you’re confused by all the court rules. How do you get it right?
Improving digital photo management
The holidays will probably have produced lots of great digital photos. Now comes the time for managing and editing them. We went in search of three useful photo tools.
Recently, we reviewed some “how-to” video sites. In the meantime, a couple of new initiatives have been launched. Can they match excellent sites such as the renowned VideoJug?
Windows Vista is a good operating system, but it’s a lot slower than the performance of Windows XP. Here are some tips that can speed up Vista so that it might even match Windows XP.
Competitors for Microsoft Access?
Microsoft Access, a component of MS Office, is probably the most popular database application for ordinary users. However, there are several alternatives and programs that focus on one type of data. Can they match Access?
The right memory card for your camera
Prices of memory cards for digital cameras have plummeted. But before buying anything, you should know what is - and what is not - possible with the different types of memory cards on the market.
Looking for a training course - how the Web can help
Unemployment is back in the headlines but training and qualifications can help protect you from the recession. We look at the skills most valued by employers and how the Web can help you find them.
It’s a new year but the same story as every week brings more job losses. We follow last month’s look at the online market with a review of more resources.
Safer and more flexible mailing
E-mail is certainly the main method of written communication for almost everyone, but it isn’t always safe. Here are some free tools that can make e-mailing safer and more flexible.
You’re probably using the free Adobe (Acrobat) Reader tool to open and print PDF files. But how about Foxit, a free program which has a few extra features? Is it a good alternative?
Children understandably wish to start surfing the Web at an early age. For worried parents, we found a child-friendly YouTube alternative and several special browsers for kids.
What’s the test for religious discrimination?
Religious discrimination continues to cause confusion for employers. But a recent decision by the Employment Appeal Tribunal now sets out what an employee must show in order to win a claim. What can you learn from it?
Making poor performers redundant?
Whilst redundancy is the last thing that any employer wants to have to think about, it can be a useful way of clearing out poorly performing employees. But how can you do this in a way that minimises the risks to your business?
How not to treat pregnant employees
As a well-informed employer you know that dismissing an employee due to her pregnancy is a big “no, no”. However, judging by the number of cases in this area many employers are still getting it wrong. So what mistakes should you avoid?
Can you dismiss staff for their political beliefs?
Following the leak of 12,000 BNP members’ names on to the Internet, much has been said about the possibility of dismissing an employee for belonging to such an extreme party. But would a dismissal for this reason be safe?
The new Employment Act finally begins to take effect in April. What key changes do you need to be aware of and how should you prepare?
Most employers have at least one whinger on the payroll at some time, but how can you best deal with this type of behaviour and limit the negative effects on other staff? In certain circumstances, is it possible to dismiss?
Employee moves away - what can you do?
An employee has announced that they’re moving out of town and that their new commute will involve a round trip of over 130 miles. You’re not happy about the situation. Do you have to accept it or is there anything you can do?
Cashing in on transfers to your pension fund
The decline in the stock market may have cut the value of your investments and your pension fund. How can you turn this tragedy to your advantage and receive tax-free cash in the process?
Tips for improving your VAT cash flow
Every three months you have to pay your VAT, but when money is tight this can be difficult. So what tricks could you use that will keep the VAT in your account for longer?
Pay your spouse tax and NI-free for extra benefits!
It’s not often the Taxman offers something for nothing, but there are some free benefits to be had by paying your spouse even a low salary from your business. What are they?
In July the Taxman started a consultation on travel expenses for employees. So what was the outcome when it ended in October?
Like adults, children have an annual tax allowance, currently £6,035. But most children won’t use all of this, so can parents transfer some of their savings into their child’s bank account to benefit from tax-free interest?
If you’ve decided that the value of sterling has bottomed out and now is the time to convert your foreign currency account, watch out! The Taxman may be rubbing his hands with glee at the prospect. So how can you ruin his mood?
Annual investment allowance and tax credits
Business is poor, money is tight and even worse the firm’s van is on its last legs and without it you can’t trade. But is there a way you can afford a new van with some help from the Taxman?
Do you have to pay liquidated damages?
Your company recently entered into a contract, but due to cash flow problems it now wants out. The other party has said there’s no “cooling off period” but will end the contract on payment of “liquidated damages”. What does this mean?
Director liable for company tax
In a recent case where a company had underpaid its Corporation Tax bill, the Taxman attempted to recover the money from the director personally. What happened and could you be caught by the same trap?
Bailiffs at the door - what are your rights?
A bailiff recently turned up at your premises demanding money for a debt. When you refused to let them in they made a number of threats. What rights do bailiffs have and, as a director, what steps can you take to protect your company?
Preparing your business for sale
You’ve decided that in the next few years you’re going to sell your company. So how do you achieve the best price? What steps should you be taking now that will encourage prospective purchasers?
The personal risk of passing off
A company’s been found to be “passing off” and in breach of someone else’s trade mark. Does the matter rest solely with the company or could there be personal implications for any of the directors?
The need to buy and implement cost-effective IT solutions has perhaps never been more acute. Yet many directors still find the topic confusing. So what should you watch out for, and where can you get reliable advice?
On October 1, several changes were made to the annual return that you’re required to complete and send to Companies House. What’s to know?
How often should you examine forklifts?
You’ve been told that you need to complete thorough inspections on your forklift trucks every six months, not annually. Is this a new legal requirement, or is it just the insurance inspector trying to get more work?
BSI British Standards recently published BS 9999:2008: a code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings. What is its legal status and will it need to be applied to your premises?
Inspection and edge protection required
A worker has been left permanently paralysed following a fall from a mobile tower scaffold. How did the accident happen, and what can you learn from this particular case?
Recent studies indicate that up to a quarter of the population are not washing their hands properly. What are the potential health and safety implications of this and what can you do about it?
Managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
If an employee has been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, are there any potential health and safety implications? If so, what’s the best way of managing them?
Has the door been opened to stress claimants?
Ever since the Court of Appeal finding in Hatton v Sutherland in 2002, it’s been much harder for an employee to successfully bring a stress claim against their employer. However, a new case may have changed this. What’s the latest news?
Don’t forget to protect your webmail!
The webmail accounts of a number of politicians, including Sarah Palin’s, were recently scanned by “curious” hackers. How can you protect your own webmail against this?
Chrome: good news and bad news
Besides the sober interface and the obvious time gain thanks to its high speed and stability, there are a couple of functions which you will only find in Google Chrome. However, some other functions are absent...
Do you collaborate on projects with colleagues or business partners? Which online tools can help you to manage projects and keep track of your goals?
Google’s new browser, Chrome, has only acquired a 1% market share so far, but its popularity is growing fast. So it’s high time to have a closer look at this somewhat unusual browser.
Amazon has joined 7Digital in offering a “no restriction” MP3 download service in the UK. That means extra pressure on “iPod-only” iTunes.
Working safely with partitions
By default, each computer is equipped with a hard disk having one partition. However, it’s a better idea to work with several partitions. Why is this, and how do you create a new partition?
Online shopping across the ocean
Suppose you would really like to buy something in an American online shop but you suddenly discover that they don’t deliver goods to Europe. How can you get around this problem?
When Google Images lets you down…
Anyone looking for a specific photograph or image will almost automatically turn to Google Images these days, but this search engine isn’t perfect. Which other websites can help you out?
Making documents available on your website
If you have your own - or a company - website, you will probably have to make documents such as price lists, presentations and sample contracts available to your visitors. What are the key matters you should pay attention to?
Can you go green and save money?
Choosing to follow a greener lifestyle need not be expensive. We show you where to look for money-saving green solutions in four key areas.
Relocation of staff - what you need to consider
You need to relocate an employee to work in another of your premises. What issues do you need to consider before the move takes place? And could a relocation policy help you to manage the change?
An employee claims they’re suffering from “work-related stress” and, as a result, that they’re now disabled under disability discrimination legislation. At what point are they legally protected?
Why a diversity policy can pay off
You’ve heard that it could be worthwhile developing a “diversity policy”, but aren’t sure why you should have one, or what it should include. How can you go about formulating such a policy?
The risk of refusing a flexible working request
An employee who is returning from maternity leave wants to work part-time and has submitted a written request for flexible working. But you’ve refused the request without meeting her. What legal claims might you now face?
The Agency Workers’ Directive has now been passed by the European Parliament. What implications could this have for you?
Dangerous company car drivers?
With research confirming that company car drivers are the most dangerous in the UK, plus the fact that corporate manslaughter laws are now in force, what type of policy should you have in place in order to minimise the legal risks?
Restrictive covenants - use and abuse
You want to know if a restrictive covenant can be imposed on managers, preventing them from contacting customers, or working in a similar role for twelve months and within a 100-mile radius of your business. Can this be done?
Over the last few months, the prices recycled materials fetch have dropped significantly. What potential impact could this have on your business and what, if anything, can you do about it?
The recent Pre-Budget Report centred on tax cuts and borrowing. But was there anything to worry about on an environmental level?
Are retread tyres a viable “green” option?
You’ve heard that using replacement retreaded tyres is not only cheaper, but also better for the environment. Is this really the case, and if so, are they an option you should consider for your vehicles?
It’s the time of year for resolutions. This year you want to cut costs, avoid spending money, and stay on the right side of the environment police. That seems a lot to deal with, so are there some simple rules to follow in 2009?
Prosecutions for packaging offences
Not only is the Environment Agency still prosecuting businesses for failing to comply with packaging regulations, but the fines are getting bigger too. What can you learn from two recent cases?
How expensive could a cracked pipe be?
Although you may think that the biggest cost of a leaking fuel pipe would be in lost fuel, the clean up costs could be far more. What can you learn from a previous case in which 2,000 litres of oil leaked into the ground?
If some kind individual decides to decorate your premises with their “artwork”, what steps should you take to get it removed, and what can happen if you tackle it the wrong way?