2011 -
October
TAX - 31.10.2011
More tax by association - updated advice
HMRC has updated its advice to reflect changes in the rules on how the Corporation Tax small profits rate and marginal rate relief apply to associated companies. What’s the best way to check whether these changes affect your company?
CONTRACTS - 31.10.2011
Shoddy goods: an exchange but no refund
The company placed an order for some goods. On arrival, they weren’t up to scratch so the directors complained to the seller. It says that it only has to offer replacement items, but no refund. Where do you stand legally?
COST CUTTING - 31.10.2011
Should you move premises or store the problem?
It’s becoming increasingly clear that the company is getting too large for its current premises, but moving is an expensive headache. So is there a cheaper and more cost-effective solution the directors could consider?
COMPANY PENSIONS - 31.10.2011
Are you ready for pensions auto enrolment?
You’ve read in the press that next year compulsory employer pension contributions for all employees will be introduced. Is this correct and are there steps you should be taking to prepare your company for this?
PERSONNEL - 31.10.2011
Employment problems and legal advice
The directors have sought advice from a solicitor regarding a difficult employee. It’s been suggested their correspondence be marked “confidential” and attached to the agenda for the next board meeting. Why could this be problematic?
DIRECTORS’ TAX - 31.10.2011
Can you avoid tax on a loan from your company?
Where you borrow money interest-free from your company, you can land yourself with a tax bill. But a friend, who’s also a director, tells you that he avoids this by paying interest to his company. Will this also work for you?
COMPANIES HOUSE - 31.10.2011
Changes to company returns
Whether you’re a one-man company or multinational, the information you’re required to show on your annual return has recently changed. What’s the full story?
FIRST AID - 26.10.2011
How do you plan for special medical needs?
You’ve found out that a new staff member has a medical condition which doesn’t affect their ability to do the job safely, but you’re concerned about possible medical emergencies. What are you allowed to ask and what should you do?
SAFE USE OF MACHINERY - 26.10.2011
Most fork lift accident victims are on foot
The Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) has released figures which show that two- thirds of truck accident victims are not behind the wheel. Who, in particular, is at risk, and what can you do to prevent similar incidents in your workplace?
WORKPLACE - 26.10.2011
Decorating, without the drama!
Whilst painting walls and ceilings may be a pretty straightforward job, there are risks associated with the task that should be addressed. What do you need to do to ensure the work is completed safely?
FIRE SAFETY - 26.10.2011
The £110 million fire
In a recent High Court case, a confectionery giant claimed damages from a fire protection company, blaming them for the destruction of its factory. What’s the full story?
TEMPORARY STAFF - 26.10.2011
Will the new Agency Workers Regulations affect you?
You’ve heard that there are new regulations which could have a big impact on the way you manage health and safety for temporary staff. Is that the case and if so what do you need to do?
ACCIDENT MANAGEMENT - 26.10.2011
Make RIDDOR reporting easier
The new online forms created by the HSE to report accidents and incidents in line with RIDDOR are proving tricky to use. What should you look out for and how can you make the process as simple as possible?
ASBESTOS - 26.10.2011
You must remove asbestos safely
Marks & Spencer and three contractors have been found guilty of failing to protect staff and customers from asbestos. What are the key messages?
WASTE - 25.10.2011
The responsibility deal
A new deal between government and the waste industry has recently been introduced to help businesses tackle their rubbish and save money at the same time. Will it really cut costs and red tape, as it’s claimed?
OIL STORAGE - 25.10.2011
Updated guidance on storing oil safely
The Environment Agency (EA) recently updated the guidance document that covers above ground oil storage. To help ensure that your arrangements are in-line with this, we’ve produced a new checklist. What’s covered?
CARBON OFFSETTING - 25.10.2011
What’s “carbon retirement”?
Carbon offsetting has been the subject of much negative press. But if you are still keen to offset your carbon emissions, could the “retirement” of offset credits prove a viable alternative?
WATER - DRAINAGE - 25.10.2011
Drain maintenance
The responsibility for repairing private sewers and drains has been transferred to water companies. This sounds positive, as it could save you from expensive maintenance bills etc., but is this move really better for you?
ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS - 25.10.2011
New standard for manufacturing
The British Standards Institution (BSI) has launched a new standard to help manufacturers demonstrate best practice regarding the sustainability of their products. How does it work and is it worth adhering to?
ENERGY SAVING - 25.10.2011
Cut energy costs in your home and office
Although many energy-saving devices are designed for large commercial enterprises and cost the earth to install, we’ve found some that are suitable for small offices and homes. What’s to know?
LEGISLATION - WASTE - 25.10.2011
Waste Regulations 2011 kick in
Since the end of September, the waste hierarchy, as defined in the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011, must be followed. How might this affect you?
DISCIPLINARY MATTERS - 21.10.2011
Dismissals where a written warning had no appeal
You’re considering dismissing an employee who has a live written warning on file. However, he didn’t exercise his right of appeal during those earlier proceedings. Does that mean you can’t take it into account now?
POOR PERFORMANCE - 21.10.2011
Poor performance: give the employee a plan!
Managers often worry about tackling poor performance - this in itself can lead to problems getting out of hand. But a simple, yet robust, employee improvement plan could make both of your lives that much easier - how?
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT - 21.10.2011
Your Christmas party gift is (not) a tribunal claim
After a hard year’s work many employers reward their staff with a party. Unfortunately, these festivities can cause all sorts of problems. So with Christmas on the way, what could you do to prevent things getting out of hand?
FLEXIBLE WORKING - 21.10.2011
Revoking a statutory flexible working request
When a statutory flexible working request is granted it becomes a permanent change to the employee’s contract. But what would happen if, sometime later, you needed to change it? Could the arrangement be revoked?
REFERENCES - 21.10.2011
New Court of Appeal guidance on references
You’ve been asked to provide a reference about a former employee. Trouble is, since they left, concerns over their work have come to light. Do you disclose this fact or keep quiet? What’s the latest guidance from the Court of Appeal?
DISCRIMINATION - 21.10.2011
Speak English only (it’s all health and safety)
One employer recently hit the headlines after it directed its Eastern European staff to “speak English only to colleagues”. It said the requirement is based purely on health and safety grounds. Is this discriminatory or perfectly justified?
UNFAIR DISMISSAL - 21.10.2011
Unfair dismissal rights restricted?
The government has said that from April 6 2012 employees will need two years’ service before they can claim unfair dismissal. Will this really happen?
VAT - 18.10.2011
Reclaiming VAT on workers’ expenses
Apart from paying salary to your workers it’s likely you’ll make other financial transactions with them, such as providing benefits-in-kind (BiKs) and reimbursing business expenses. But where do you stand with the Taxman on these?
PAYE - 18.10.2011
Don’t get caught for your employees’ tax bills
A few of your employees have received assessments showing they owe tax for 2010/11. The Taxman has told them the reason for this is that you operated an incorrect code. Your employees expect you to foot the bill. Do they have a case?
HMRC - 18.10.2011
HMRC v Information Commissioner - but you’re the winner
Communicating with the Taxman can be a hit-or-miss affair, but the latter is rapidly becoming the norm. If you simply can’t get the Taxman to respond, to what extent can you use the Data Protection Act (DPA) to force his arm?
EXPENSES - 18.10.2011
How to make repairs tax effective
The tribunal recently considered whether the Taxman was right to refuse a deduction for the cost of repairs to a business asset. The taxpayers won. What useful pointers for maximising your maintenance costs can you take from this case?
CAPITAL GAINS - 18.10.2011
Selling your company - will you get ER?
You’ve had an offer for your company that you can’t refuse. Trouble is, the buyer wants to pay you in shares and other securities. This could mean you’ll miss out on entrepreneurs’ relief (ER). What steps can you take to preserve it?
NATIONAL INSURANCE - 18.10.2011
What’s happening to your NI next April?
If you’re in a contracted-out personal or stakeholder pension scheme, the Taxman boosts your fund by rebating some of the NI you pay. This subsidy will stop from next April. What steps should you be taking to compensate for this?
PENALTIES - 18.10.2011
What counts as a reasonable excuse?
The Taxman is to rethink what counts as a “reasonable excuse” for submitting a late return. This might mean fewer penalties. What’s the full story?
SOFTWARE - COMPUTER MANAGEMENT - 13.10.2011
Stick-start
USB sticks are ideal for moving data around. However, they can be useful in other ways too. They can help you to install Windows faster, to experiment safely with another operating system or to recover inaccessible data.
PERSONAL WEBSITE - WEBSITE DESIGN - 13.10.2011
Web design via video tutorials
Your website is your online business card, so it had better be well designed! There are lots of websites offering tips and tricks for good Web design. We tried out a couple of online video courses.
TELEPHONY - MOBILE PHONES - 13.10.2011
Good budget management apps
Do you carry your smartphone with you at all times? It’s probably equipped with several useful apps already. Here are some budget management and personal finance applications.
SOFTWARE - COMPUTER MANAGEMENT - 13.10.2011
Permanent access to your home computer
If you’re on the move and you wish to check something on your computer at home via your iPad or smartphone, it’s possible thanks to Virtual Network Computing or VNC. How does it work?
SOFTWARE - WINDOWS - 13.10.2011
Running old programs in “XP Mode”
Do you have some old programs which are no longer working (well) in Windows 7? Windows XP Mode could be something for you. What is it and how do you get started?
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE OFFICE - 13.10.2011
New features at Google Docs
Google Docs is a handy online alternative to the familiar office suites. And it’s completely free into the bargain! This online office service was revamped recently. Here’s the result.
SOFTWARE - BROWSER - 13.10.2011
Power tips for Firefox
Firefox is a highly popular browser, mainly thanks to the thousands of add-ons that are available. However, the browser also contains a lot of hidden features which can make surfing faster, more pleasant and more efficient.
E-MAIL - E-MAIL USE - 13.10.2011
Only urgent messages, please!
If you have your e-mail application constantly open, you will probably be inclined to open every new message that comes in. AwayFind lets only the most important messages through.
WEB SERVICES - MISCELLANEOUS - 13.10.2011
All your “cloud” storage spaces collected
Files are no longer neatly sitting together on your hard disk but are also scattered over various Web-based services. How do you best manage all these files “in the cloud”?
SOFTWARE - COMPUTER MANAGEMENT - 13.10.2011
Better “copy paste”
Ctrl-C (copy) followed by Ctrl-V (paste) is a keyboard shortcut you’re probably using several times a day. As it is, there are several handy tools for making your “copy paste” operations faster and more efficient.
ASBESTOS - 12.10.2011
Free asbestos training, no catches
The HSE is co-ordinating a campaign which will offer businesses free places on asbestos awareness courses. Why is it doing this and is it something that you should take advantage of?
SAFE USE OF MACHINERY - 12.10.2011
Statutory inspections: where does responsibility lie?
You’ve heard that if you purchase an engineering inspection policy, you can pass on your legal duty to complete all statutory machinery and lifting equipment inspections to your insurer. Is this really the case?
MANUAL HANDLING - 12.10.2011
Getting to grips with hoists
The HSE has recently issued new official guidance on the use of patient hoists and slings for moving the elderly and disabled. What is its legal status, who does it apply to and what does it say?
SCAFFOLDING - 12.10.2011
Contractor left scaffold unsecured
When you employ a reputable scaffolding company you should be able to expect that the erection is safe and secure. However, a recent incident has proved that this isn’t always the case. What can be learned from this?
RIDDOR - 12.10.2011
Is reporting an accident late better than never?
A few weeks ago one of your employees had a relatively serious accident. You’ve just found out that it should have been reported to the authorities at the time. Should you report it now or will that just make the situation worse?
CONSULTANTS - 12.10.2011
Are consultants shopping clients?
Rumours are circulating that consultants on the Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register (OSHCR) are shopping their clients to the authorities. Should you take any notice?
DATA PROTECTION - 12.10.2011
When can you dispose of company records?
One of the directors believes there’s a “general” rule which allows a company to dispose of any document or written record, regardless of what it relates to, after exactly three years. Is this correct and, if not, what’s the actual position?
INSURANCE - 12.10.2011
Are you sure your car is fully covered?
You might think that as your company car is covered by comprehensive insurance, if the worst happens and it’s written off or stolen, you or your business won’t be out of pocket. You’re probably wrong. Why, and how can you fix this problem?
PERSONNEL - 12.10.2011
Protect staff wellbeing or be disqualified?
As you know, directors can be disqualified for financial impropriety. In recent weeks, there have been calls to extend this power to also include their “serious failure to protect employees’ well-being”. Is this really going to happen?
DIRECTORS’ TAX - 12.10.2011
Can you hand back your salary to save tax?
The directors of a recently formed company were canny enough to know that taking a small salary plus greater dividends would be tax-efficient. But could they retrospectively change their remuneration package to save even more tax?
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - 12.10.2011
Cutting the cost of NI
The Chancellor wants to merge tax and NI, but that won’t happen soon. This is good news because it means you can still use the “earnings period” loophole to cut your employees’ NI bill. How does this work?
SHADOW DIRECTORS - 12.10.2011
Are there any directors hiding in the shadows?
The Companies Act 2006 says an individual may be a “shadow director” if they regularly help out with the running of a company. This is potentially problematic for both parties, so what should they each do?
DIRECTORS’ PAY - 12.10.2011
We’re scrutinising directors’ pay!
The government has announced plans that will give shareholders and employees rights to scrutinise and vote on directors’ pay. How might this affect you?
SPREADSHEETS - 07.10.2011
Too much data?
When importing information created by other computer software there’s a chance that there will be too much data for your spreadsheet to work on. How can you get around this problem in an efficient manner?
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT - 07.10.2011
Leverage an advantage
Leverage got a bad name in the early days of the recent financial crisis. But what exactly is it, how is it measured and how might an understanding of it help your business to take advantage of opportunities in the marketplace?
PAYROLL - 07.10.2011
Stopping student loan deductions
An employee with a student loan has informed you that they’ve just paid off the balance of their loan with a lump sum. Therefore, you don’t need to make a deduction towards repaying it from next month’s salary - or do you?
BUSINESS COSTS - 07.10.2011
Start-up savings?
Some of the country’s biggest companies have got together to offer some of the smallest businesses a helping hand. Is this just a resource, or are there cost savings to be secured too?
PROJECT MANAGEMENT - 07.10.2011
Consider crowdsourcing?
You’ve heard that by using an online concept known as “crowdsourcing” you can save money in a number of areas. Can this idea really be used as a viable alternative to the traditional methods of completing specific projects?
CREDIT CARDS - 07.10.2011
Reducing credit card debt
Credit card company MBNA recently announced that it is increasing the “minimum amount” its customers have to repay each month to save them money. Is there something in this?
MARKETING - 07.10.2011
Can Facebook make you smile?
More companies than ever are trying to find cheaper ways of marketing. Social networking through the likes of Facebook is just one of them. But could it really be cost effective?
BANKING - 07.10.2011
Finding a new bank
Changing your company’s bankers can be a painful experience. What should you consider doing in advance to ensure that your decision turns out to be the right one?
CREDIT CONTROL - 07.10.2011
Paperless DDs
You’re reviewing your company’s customer payment options and have noticed that some larger businesses are now offering paperless direct debit sign-ups. Is this something that your company could do too?
PAYROLL - 07.10.2011
Forecasting pay rises for 2012
With the minimum wage increasing by 2.5% this month but inflation running at 5%, what pay increase should you be forecasting for next year’s budget?
REPORTING - 07.10.2011
Budget deviations
You’re redesigning the management accounting reports for next year. How can you best isolate and illustrate the most important budget deviations for your board of directors?
WORKING TIME - 07.10.2011
Second jobs - the health and safety implications
If an employee has some form of secondary employment, for example part-time work at weekends, you will probably have some concerns, particularly around health and safety. But what, if anything, can you do about them?
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT - 07.10.2011
Insuring your key(wo)men - is it really necessary?
Running a business is hard enough at the best of times. But what would happen if one of your key employees suddenly became unavailable, perhaps due to death or serious accident? Could “keyman insurance” provide the answer?
ABSENTEEISM - 07.10.2011
Recording all absences in one place
Absenteeism can be a difficult issue to manage, particularly if you suspect that an employee is lying about its cause. How can a simple change to your absence recording systems make your life and disciplinary action more straightforward?
DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS - 07.10.2011
Questioning witnesses - how far can you go?
You’re about to hold a disciplinary hearing and there will be a number of witnesses present. How far does the ACAS Code of Practice allow you to go in your questioning? In other words, could you carry out a full cross-examination?
UNFAIR DISMISSAL - 07.10.2011
We’re now ordering their reinstatement
In a recent case, the tribunal ordered an employer to reinstate an ex-employee after it found she had been unfairly dismissed. This was on top of paying her £6,000 in compensation! Just how often does this type of ruling happen?
PAY - 07.10.2011
Are National Minimum Wage rates being frozen?
National Minimum Wage rates (NMW) went up on October 1 2011 for the twelfth year in a row. However, if one employers’ group gets its way, they will now be frozen until 2014. But could the government really do this?
TRIBUNAL AWARDS - 07.10.2011
Tribunal claims: now the good news
The latest employment tribunal statistics reveal that 218,100 cases were accepted in 2010/11. This may sound high, but what else does the data tell us?
BUSINESS - 05.10.2011
Sound advice for SMEs
There’s no shortage of online places to go and techniques to use to obtain advice for SMEs. What are some of the recommended sites - old and new?
