2009 - November
You’ve heard that a number of organisations are running “green” team bonding exercises, which are free and help you to boost your environmental credentials. Who offers them, and are they worth looking into?
With the UK postal service becoming increasingly unreliable, should you resort to other forms of mailing, e.g. e-mail or text messaging. According to some reports, doing so is more effective and greener. Is this really the case?
Are there any bugs in your rainwater tank?
You’ve installed a system to collect rainwater. However, one of your employees says that there’s a risk of legionella bacteria growing in it. Is this likely to be a problem; if so, what do you need to do about it?
Asbestos waste - even the specialists get it wrong
In a recent case, a waste management company was prosecuted for not meeting the conditions of its asbestos waste management licence. What did it get wrong and what lessons can be learned?
Should you install low voltage optimisation equipment?
In a bid to reduce its energy bills, the Environment Agency has decided to invest in low voltage optimisation equipment. How does this technology work and should you consider following suit?
Are you insured against pollution clean-up costs?
You’ve heard that insurers are including sneaky clauses in their policies which mean that if your business causes damage to the environment, the clean-up costs won’t be covered. Is this true, and if so, what should you look out for?
Does carbon offsetting have a future?
Support for carbon offsetting schemes has recently taken a major hit with some businesses dropping them altogether. What’s to know?
How does your MD compare the financial viability of a range of proposals? Their decision-making process could be made easier if they had a yardstick to use which they know appealed to the shareholders. Is there such a measure?
Internal rate of return and net present value…
You’ve been asked to work out the future returns in today’s money (discounted cash flows) on an investment. You know there are two main ways of doing this - IRR and NPV. But which one should you be using?
Your customers, key suppliers or even your own business may exhibit tell-tale signs of financial distress well before the situation deteriorates beyond salvation. How do you spot impending money problems early on?
The ads have started and the shops are full of decorations, gift ideas and seasonal food - yes, Christmas is fast approaching. But if money’s tight, should you scrap the office party?
Greener driving = cheaper driving?
In the past we’ve looked at possible savings from lower emissions cars, but what about saving money with the car you’ve got. Can better, eco-driving really cut costs?
Part of your workplace has an area that’s designated as a mandatory noise protection zone. In this area, staff need ear protection. So what are the cheapest (but still legally safe) options?
In the current climate, many SMEs don’t have the cash flow they did during the “good times”. However, you don’t need cash in order to buy goods and services - you can barter. What’s involved?
Outsourcing the accounts department’s payroll function could free up your time to concentrate on other things. What factors do you need to consider when choosing and working with an external payroll services provider?
Confusing a financial budget with a business plan will lead your organisation into the trap of repeating past performance. What are the key features of a good business plan?
Should you go offshore to save tax?
Last month, another high-profile company threatened to leave the UK over taxes. Is this something your company could consider to cut its tax bill?
Z scores are a useful indicator of the financial health of your business as well as that of your customers and suppliers. How do you calculate and use Z scores for maximum effect?
You’re asking for tenders for new accounting software. How should you frame the tender document so that the responses from software suppliers are useful and comparable?
Does your company spend money on researching and developing new products? If so, is it taking full advantage of the special R&D tax relief, and if not, why not?
A role for Twitter in your business?
Everyone from the US President to Jordan is Tweeting these days. But, according to some new research, Twitter can be a powerful tool for businesses too. What’s involved and can it really save you money?
Cutting the cost of light-fingered staff
It’s been reported that 82% of employees have taken property from work or exaggerated expense claims, costing businesses millions. How can you cut the cost of workplace crime?
Whether your company manufactures goods or supplies services, work in progress (WIP) control is an important element of working capital management. What steps can you take to ensure that you’re managing WIP effectively?
It’s payback time for the sales director
The managing director is deciding whether to implement a new computer-based sales system. You’ve been asked to look over the figures. How can you help your MD to make the right decision?
Last month, the European Court of Justice issued a ruling on employees who are sick whilst on annual leave. Will this affect how you process the payroll?
A cheap way to change supplier?
Trying to change your mobile contract is seldom fun - you usually have to go through hoops and end up paying more. However, it’s possible to make savings even before the contract is up. What’s to know?
Due to the current economic climate, the company’s profits are considerably down on last year and cash is a little tight. Is there any way to ease pressure on the cash flow by changing the company’s year-end to reduce the next tax bill?
Benefiting from the cashback bonanza
“Cashback” has become a much more familiar concept recently. By taking a few simple steps, you can now get money back on a huge range of business purchases. So what’s involved?
It might not seem like much, spending £3 on a pack of biros, but total this up over the year, together with your other items of stationery and you could end up spending quite a bit. But can you save on the simple items?
Staying under the Taxman’s radar
The Taxman’s approach to tax compliance for larger businesses is now out in the open. Could this help your company avoid a tax enquiry?
SWOT analyses have become a commonplace component of business plans. However, they are often no more than useful background. How can you make sure that your SWOT analysis really does add value?
There may be times when you need to represent numbers in a spreadsheet in a different format from the standard built-in ones. Is there a way to customise your own number formats?
One change that the 2006 Companies Act brought in is the requirement to consolidate the financial statements of medium-sized groups. What does this change mean for your company’s accounts?
Mind mapping is becoming an increasingly popular practice in the business world. There is now a plethora of software packages available to help you mindmap more easily. But are these worth the money?
Savings with an energy broker?
Energy prices are expected to increase by about 17% as the government tries to find ways to fund a green power revolution. You’ll want to find any way possible to cut energy costs. Can an energy broker help?
Almost as ubiquitous as the iPod, the BlackBerry is becoming the must-have techno-accessory. Many larger companies now offer staff a BlackBerry, but are they worth the money to smaller businesses too?
Under company law, all directors need access to the accounting records even if they’re not directly involved in the finance function. But how can you ensure that you keep control?
Commercial customers paying your bills late are costing your company money in the interest you pay to your bank. Late debts can easily turn into bad debts. What sanctions can you add to your armoury?
When appraising investment opportunities, the cost of capital is an important factor in taking a decision to proceed or not. What is the cost of capital and how is it calculated?
Controlling non-salary-related variable business overhead costs is an essential part of the financial controller’s job. However, it may not be you that’s spending the money. How do you help your colleagues to keep their expenditure in line?
Finding revenue generating time
Finding more time for your sales people and customer-facing staff to generate sales or satisfy customers is motivating for them and good for your top line. Where can you find time in your business?
Some insurers have been cutting the cover available to small businesses against the risk of a large customer going bust. But recognising the difficulty, the government introduced a top-up scheme - can you take advantage?
Is your expenses policy adequate?
As the MPs’ scandal shows, sloppy expenses guidelines can cost a lot of money. Is it time to revisit your company’s expenses policy?
In the current economic climate, it’s important to monitor not just how quickly you get cash in but also how quickly you pay it out - “days payables outstanding”. How does your company compare to others in the same sector?
Your company’s working capital is being severely stretched at the moment. One way to improve it would be to get your customers to pay more quickly. So should you give credit and, if so, for how long?
Giving presentations isn’t usually a favourite activity of financial controllers. But there are times when they can’t be avoided. How can you ensure you get your message across effectively?
Last month we covered the cheapest ways to get to that conference abroad, and we promised to look at airport parking in more detail. It’s a fairly simple process to book airport parking, but how can you ensure the best deal?
Working effectively with sales staff
Today’s economic climate is perfect for creating friction between the accounts and sales departments. As financial controller, what steps can you take to smooth this critical relationship?
You have been instructed by the Board to prepare a special report for them to consider at the next meeting. How should you structure its content so that you communicate the subject clearly?
You work with large tables of data which you need to interrogate on a regular basis. A colleague suggested you set up a pivot table, but you’re not sure where to start. So what’s involved?
You are looking to extend your business internationally. There’s a convention next month which will be the perfect chance to network and attract new customers. How could planning your journey in advance save you cash?
Whether you are thinking about moving to a smaller office, or upgrading some of your IT equipment, there could be some hidden treasures in the stuff you have left over. So, how can you make a few bob?
Saving cash with cross-trained staff
Do you often have to bring in temporary staff to cover when employees call in sick or take holiday? Have you ever thought about cross-training staff so they can cover for one another and so save on costs?
With summer here and the cost of fuel on the rise again, several employees have asked if the company can offer a cycle-to-work scheme. What are the benefits and how would you go about setting one up?
Your managing director has asked you to draw up a bonus scheme so that the company will be able to meet the payments when they are due. What safety factors should you include?
Auditors are increasingly referring to “going concern” issues in their reports on company accounts. What could this mean for your company?
With all the fuss over Swine ‘flu in the past few weeks, it’s got you thinking whether it’s worthwhile paying for your staff to get a ‘flu jab. What’s the cost and how do you go about it?
Cash is king and running out of cash will eventually lead to insolvency. What do you need to include when building and maintaining cash flow forecasts for your company?
How to reduce electronic time-wasting
Did you know that staff messing around on Facebook costs UK businesses the equivalent of £130 million per day in lost time? So, is it possible to reap the benefits of technology and reduce the temptation for electronic time-wasting?
Your company has purchased a new IT system and you’ve just received two invoices - one for the actual cost of the software and one for the development costs. Should these be capitalised or can they be written off to the P&L?
Alternatives to your favourite software
The Internet offers a wide range of free software to rival the commercial programs. We test examples in areas such as photo editing and CD burning. Are they up to the job?
Applying for dispensations for certain expenses used to be a very time-consuming process. But since last month, the process has become far simpler. So should you now consider putting one in place for your company?
They might attract a lot of flak from the likes of Jeremy Clarkson, but electric cars are touted as a money and environment saver. Are they worth considering, and how do they compare to a standard vehicle?
Is it (still) fit for purpose?
Spreadsheets are, hands down, the most widely used analytical tool for financial controllers. Scary, because they are the least controlled. How easy would it be for you to update a key spreadsheet created in your organisation?
Budgets for things like learning and development are coming under increasing threat. So can the costs of training be cut without affecting overall performance, and if so, by how much?
“Staff costs” is usually one of the biggest figures in the profit and loss account. In these volatile times, how can you match the company’s staffing capacity to the forecasted sales?The level of business
In the current economic climate, monitoring your debtors’ ledger has never been more important. How can you use KPIs to shorten cash collection times and improve cash flow?
How to make low value invoices vanish
Your accounts payable department is spending a huge amount of time processing very small value invoices. Is there anything you can you do to streamline the system?Low value invoices
Providing information that looks to the future is even more important in the current environment. How can you ensure that your sales forecasts provide meaningful information for the board?
Scoping and budgeting projects
Your company is bidding for some new work. What can you do to support the bidding process and ensure that the project has been fully “scoped and budgeted”?
Not everyone has yet moved into the world of electronic invoicing, but there’s a new change in regulation on the way from Europe which should make this save you money. What is it and how much will it save you?
Control waste, improve the bottom line
Many businesses still haven’t realised what an expensive drain on profits waste can be. Reducing your waste, and recycling as much of what’s left as possible, could save 4.5% of your turnover. So what’s involved?
Every time you create a new workbook, you find yourself having to make the same changes to the margins, scaling, header etc. before using it. This can all be very time consuming, but there is a way around the problem.
Poor billing practices are often behind excessive days’ sales in debtors’ statistics. What can you do to ensure that your company’s invoicing procedures make it as easy as possible for the customer to pay promptly?
With the thresholds for April 2009 year-ends increasing again, fewer companies will need to get their accounts audited. If this applies to you, it sounds like a great opportunity to save money - should you take advantage?Audit threshold increase
It’s the end of the tax year - time to update the payroll software and work out the new tax-free salary levels for the directors. What do you need to consider?
Ever thought about sharing the rent?
Empty workstations (which may be the result of forced redundancies) are not only bad for team morale - sitting like tombstones around the place - but they are costing you money. How about sharing the rent?
The company is considering a new venture and you’ve been asked to work out whether it would be better to set it up as a limited company or a limited liability partnership. What do you need to consider?
How to save on fleet insurance costs
Insuring your cars is expensive, and you may feel there’s little you can do to cut the costs. However, there are two factors that can impact on the cost of fleet insurance premiums. What are they and how could they lead to savings?
With banks and building societies reluctant to lend, company loans to employees are a valuable benefit. If your company extends loans to employees, how should you document them to protect the business?
Your managing director has asked you to design some key performance indicators (KPIs) to see how well the company is doing. How should you go about this task?
How to set up a childcare voucher scheme
Several employees have asked you if the company can set up a childcare voucher scheme. What’s involved in doing this and could there be any advantages for the company?
How to calculate hourly billing rates
Your company charges its clients on the basis of hourly billing rates for staff members. These rates are long overdue a revision. How should you go about re-calculating them?
A new scheme has been launched to assist companies in raising finance. Is this something that your company could take advantage of?
Your company is consistently plagued by late payment from customers, which is leaving it short of cash when it comes to paying suppliers. How much is this debt actually costing and what can you do to get the cash in quicker?
How to get more business from buyers
The people who work as buyers for your customers are playing an increasing role in purchasing decisions. So how can you benefit by helping your company to secure and develop more business from them?
Where to post a director’s personal expenses?
The MD is reclaiming his personal expenditure from the company and he’s told you to pass them off as company expenses rather than post them to his loan account. What position could this put you in and what should you do about it?
Budgeting with department heads
It’s the start of the new financial year and you need input from your departmental heads to produce the company’s annual budget. How do you ensure that they will deliver what you need?
Overdraft review - key elements
Your company’s bank overdraft review meeting is fast approaching. In order to ensure that the facility isn’t cut, how should you prepare for such a meeting in the current climate?
The Pre-Budget Report announced an increase in NI. With pay reviews just around the corner, what can you suggest now to reduce the impact of this rise?
After a slightly disappointing year, to keep its high credit rating, the company is looking to beef up its balance sheet. The company has some fixed assets which are valued at less than their current value - is there scope to revalue these?
You have to present a report to the board of directors on the company’s latest results. How can you make sure that, when they get your numbers and analysis, they actually understand it?
It will soon be the company’s year-end and that means time for the annual stock take. But once the stock has been counted, what’s the best way to value it? What are the options?
Raising cash on the PLUS market
The company is growing fast and looking to raise a significant amount of cash. One of the options being looked at is a flotation on the PLUS market. What issues should you take into account when considering this proposal?
In order to obtain more meaningful management reports, you’re thinking of upgrading your accounting software. With so many products out there, how do you decide which one to choose?
Employers with 50 or more employees will have to file in-year PAYE forms such as P45s and P46s online from April 2009. Is your company affected?
With Christmas fast approaching, the company is looking at gifts to give to some of its customers and staff. What are the tax implications of such gifts and where should you post them in the accounts?
According to official figures, company liquidations jumped by 25% in the last quarter. So what should you be doing to help ensure that your company isn’t hit by a large bad debt?
Preparing for your year-end audit
You’ve just been handed the latest bill from the auditors. The fees seem to go up every year. Is there any additional preparation or analysis you can do in advance to save the company money?
The company’s sales are starting to slow down. You’ve been asked to look at the effect of cutting the price of the end-product to get things moving. How can you measure the effect of cutting prices by, say, 10%?
Many companies pay the parking tickets issued to their employees whilst on company business. But is this an allowable business expense and how should you account for it in the company’s records?
For some years, CO2 emission levels have been used to determine company car benefits. But from April 2009, emissions will also affect tax relief on depreciation. Is it time to reconsider the choice of cars offered and the way they’re financed?
It’s tough to think that a co-worker may be trying to slip a fraud past you. Yet in the US alone, this type of behaviour costs the average business 7% of annual revenues. What can you do to minimise the risks?
The recent demise of the low-cost airline Zoom was due to a classic cashflow problem. What should you be doing to ensure you don’t fall into the same trap?
Will higher CT give you more relief?
A colleague says that because the company’s financial year ends on March 31 you should defer the purchase of the directors’ new cars until after the Corporation Tax rates change in April 2010. He reckons you’ll get more tax relief. Is he right?
Getting more for your endowment
15 years ago endowment policies were all the rage. But after years of poor performance many investors are cutting their losses and surrendering their policies back to the insurance companies. But is there a more profitable solution?
Keeping the Taxman off your Christmas list
It’s been a tough year for your employees and more so for the directors. But things have eased a bit and you want to say thanks with a little something for Christmas. But will this come with a tax bill?
Would a pre-nuptial agreement protect you?
You’ve spent time and money building up a successful company. Now you’re thinking about getting married and know you will lose financially if things don’t work out. Is there any way to protect your assets should the worst happen?
Should you accept a volunteer?
As a busy company director, you’re constantly on the go. But a graduate who wants to boost their CV has just approached you asking for some “free work experience”. Is this a great way to liberate some spare time, or a risky move?
Do e-mail exchanges form a binding contract?
Your company provided a quote, which was sent out by e-mail. Unfortunately, it had to be revised and this was explained to the other side using the same medium. But now you’re being held to your original “terms”. So are you stuck with them?
The Taxman has at last seen sense and is proposing a shake-up of the rules for associated companies. Might this lead to lower taxes for your company?
Are you liable for an employee’s driving offence?
An employee was stopped by the police for using a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving. Apparently, the officer said that as they were on company business you could also be guilty of an offence. True, or just an attempt to scare you?
In a recent case a director argued that he should be allowed a tax deduction for the cost of paying off a company debt on which he had stood as guarantor. It seems a fair claim but he lost; why?
Misleading information on the company’s website
Your company’s website is packed full of information. Could a visitor rely on its contents and then hold you accountable later if there’s a problem? This has just been considered by the Court of Appeal, so what did it say?
Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines!
Both Companies House and HMRC have this year made major changes to their rules on filing deadlines. But will postal strikes or failing electronic filing services be an excuse for not getting your papers in on time?
To get into the festive spirit, another director has said that Christmas carols can be played in “the background”. But you’ve got an inkling that your company needs a music licence first, otherwise it could face a fine. Are you right?
Following a PAYE inspection the Taxman has written saying that he’s going to disallow a director’s claim for travel expenses because there was “duality”. What does he mean by this, and is he right?
The Payment Services Directive
On November 1 the Payment Services Directive came into force. It’s meant to offer greater protection for your personal and company bank accounts. So does it?
Wireless surfing at home or at work can be highly convenient, but the Wi-Fi signal may be blocked at times by walls and ceilings. Why not use an existing network - your household power grid?
Suppose you’d like to create a website for yourself, your association or business, but you don’t want this to be too expensive. The solution is to use a free web editor. Here are some suggestions.
Suppose you hear a song on the radio and you would like to find out who the performer is. Or there’s a tune playing in your head but you can’t put a name on it. Which services or tools can help you?
In certain circumstances, it may be a good idea not to send an e-mail message immediately but at a later time. Can you do this in your regular e-mail program or are there external services that can help you?
Not only Windows, but also browsers are subject to security leaks. To be on the safe side, it’s therefore best to “patch” your browsers regularly. Here’s the how and why.
How good is AVG Anti-Virus version 9?
There’s a new version of AVG Anti-Virus Free out now; probably the most popular free antivirus tool. Does it offer better protection compared with, for instance, Microsoft Security Essentials?
Synchronising several devices efficiently
You probably have several computers, plus a smartphone or a PDA, and maybe even a Mac. How do you make sure that documents or data are synchronised on all these devices at all times? Here’s some of the best software.
Gmail certainly doesn’t rest on its laurels. Here are some recent new features which make Google’s webmail service even better.
The best apps for your smartphone
The number of official iPhone apps recently reached 100,000. We’ve selected a couple of practical business apps for you, not only for the iPhone but also for other (Android) smartphones.
Google Calendar is an outstanding online calendar which you can access wherever you are. Here are some useful add-ons and tips for making this online calendar even better.
Everyone has items they no longer want and those same things may be just what other people are looking for. How can the Web bring the two together?
What’s scuttling across the kitchen floor
A recent case has highlighted just how bad cockroach infestations can get. In fact, the premises was so bad, it left an environmental health officer no choice but to shut them down. How can you prevent a similar outbreak?
The (over) demanding fire inspector
The local fire inspector has come sniffing around. He says that you must give him details about other premises under your control. And if you won’t, he’ll get them through other means! Can he really do this, or is he just trying it on?
Can we rely upon training from the hire company?
To reduce your ladder use, staff working at height generally do so from a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP). However, you’ve heard that to use it training must be given, not just a briefing from the hire company. Is this true?
Significant fines following deaths of railway workers
Network Rail and Carillion Rail have been heavily fined following the deaths of two railway workers in 2004. How did the accident happen and what can be learned from this particular case?
Do you need anti-slip flooring?
You might have thought that slips and trips had fallen off the HSE’s radar. In fact, two new documents have given the subject fresh impetus. So what do you now need to be aware of?
Is your safety consultant covered?
You know that if you employ a consultant to provide health and safety advice, you must ensure he knows what he’s talking about. But how can you find out if he’s properly insured?
Can you rely on training certificates?
A new recruit has a certificate to show he’s already been trained in forklift truck operation. Is it safe to rely on this one piece of paper?
Don’t allow Christmas “spirits” to get out of hand
It’s reckoned that 80% of workplaces will be having a Christmas bash this year. But where employees drink excessive alcohol, their employer can be left nursing the hangover. So how can you avoid the worst post-party headaches?
The tax advantages of allowing staff to think
You’re thinking of bringing in a staff suggestion scheme. But you’ve heard that if you want to make the most of the tax advantages, the Taxman will apply some complicated rules. Is this true and what paperwork will keep him happy?
Future earnings now count towards compensation
Until now, when an employee brought a constructive dismissal claim the tribunal ignored any monies they earned during what would have been their contractual notice period. But a new ruling has changed this. Why is this good news?
Work experience and the Vetting and Barring Scheme
From July 2010 anyone working with children will need to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority. But 550,000 school children go on work experience placements each year. So what must you do if you offer them?
You’re banned from catching swine ‘flu!
Winter brings with it higher rates of sickness absence. But this time around there’s also swine ‘flu. Yet the government has now launched its free vaccination programme, so can you insist an employee has it to protect your business?
Urinating at work is a fair reason for dismissal
An employee who needed to answer “a call of nature”, stopped his van to do just that. His employer reacted by sacking him for gross misconduct. But what did the tribunal think? Was this a “reasonable response” or not?
From April 2010, some employees will be granted yet another statutory right. This time they’ll be able to request time off to train. Is it time to start panicking?
Phantom PAYE payments and refunds
You’ve recently received a notification from the Taxman telling you that your company has overpaid PAYE tax and NI for 2008/9. But the trouble is HMRC is refusing to refund the money. What’s the problem?
What you shouldn’t discuss with your accountant
In a recent case the court considered whether the Taxman had a right to know what was said between an accountant and their client. The client claimed that it was confidential and covered by legal privilege. What did the court say?
Avoiding the employment question
If you’re in line for a PAYE inspection, you can guarantee the Taxman will look closely at the employment status of people who work for you. What can you do to stay below his radar?
Separate company strategy for company cars
Tough new rules mean that your company will have to wait over a decade to get its tax relief on the cost of a company car. But we’ve applied some lateral thinking and come up with a cunning plan. Will it work for you?
Making use of personal losses in a company
The hobby that turned into a small business unfortunately never took off. In fact, so far it’s made a small loss and left you stuck with some hardly-used equipment. Is there any way you can profit from this loss?
One of our subscribers was fortunate to receive an inheritance. But despite there being no requirement to declare this, he found himself in hot water with the Taxman. What’s the full story?
We’ve been living with 15% standard rate VAT for a year but on January 1 2010 the rate will revert to 17.5%. What are the main rules to watch out for?
Should you file abbreviated accounts?
Most small businesses can file abbreviated accounts with Companies House. While this may seem like a good idea, it could be costly. What’s the problem?
Analysing financial statements effectively
In today’s economy, analysing a customer’s creditworthiness means carefully scrutinising up-to-date financial statements using ratio analysis. But this process can be very time-consuming. Is there a way to speed it up?
Riding out the recession using zero-based budgets
In a recession, you’ve heard that “zero-based budgeting” could be a useful approach in order to control costs. What’s involved and would it work for your company too?
Meeting your monthly financial deadlines
In order to react more quickly to any issues facing the company, the monthly board meetings have been scheduled for a week earlier. How can you ensure that you can get your financial report in on time?
Calculating holiday pay on termination
With a change in holiday entitlement coming into effect in April 2009, what’s the best way to calculate the holiday pay for anyone who leaves part-way through the year?
When faced with important commercial decisions, directors need to be well informed. In the current economic climate, is now the time to reconsider the information you are providing to the board?
Maximum tax relief on interest payments
The company’s just bought a new piece of equipment on finance. There’s more than one way to account for the interest - which method should you use to ensure the company gets maximum tax relief?
Reducing your foreign exchange risk
Turmoil in the currency markets is having serious consequences for many businesses. So what can you do to ensure that your company doesn’t lose out due to fluctuating exchange rates?
With credit issues facing UK companies, yours might be missing out on the opportunity to reclaim 24 years worth of under-claimed VAT. What’s the story?
The company’s accounts have been completed and you’ve just been told how much tax is due for last year. But there isn’t enough in the bank to cover it. What are your options and how can you prevent this from happening in the future?
One study found that over 90% of spreadsheets contain mistakes. With management decisions being made on the basis of your spreadsheet reports, how can you minimise the risk of errors?
In order to improve the company’s cash flow, you’re looking at ways to alleviate the problem of slow payers. The company could offer a prompt payment discount, but how do you calculate how big the discount should be?
In the current liquidity crisis, getting hold of bank finance has become very difficult. What information can you provide that will help convince bankers etc. to lend money to the company?