2011 -
November
PROPERTY - 30.11.2011
Using your hobby to promote your business
You’ve heard that you can claim back the VAT on some desirable assets, such as yachts and racehorses that you use for hobby purposes. Surely there must be a catch?
OUTPUT TAX - 30.11.2011
VATman bogies golf clubs
For some time there has been some confusion over the VAT liability of “green fees” charged by golf clubs. What’s the background to all this and what’s the current legal position?
OVERSEAS VAT - 30.11.2011
Triangular transactions - any benefit?
Having to register for VAT in other EU member states can be a really time-consuming chore. You’ve heard that it’s possible to avoid registration by taking advantage of the triangulation simplification. What’s to know?
ENFORCEMENT - 30.11.2011
How to challenge the VATman
If you receive an assessment or a decision that you don’t agree with, what are the pros and cons of asking for a reconsideration or appealing directly to the tribunal? And what are the risks?
CARS - 30.11.2011
Recover VAT on a car purchase?
As cars cost a great deal of money to buy, recovering the VAT would be highly desirable. The VATman allows it but only when the car has 100% business use. How do you prove this?
FLAT RATE SCHEME - 30.11.2011
Interest not in FRS turnover?
The VATman has grudgingly amended his guidance on including bank interest in flat rate scheme (FRS) turnover. Good news - so what do you need to know?
TRAINING - 30.11.2011
Saving money with a Training Needs Analysis
According to research, up to 60% of training purchased by employers fails to deliver on its intended benefits. A Training Needs Analysis (TNA) could vastly improve your chances of success. How does it work and what does it cost?
GROSS MISCONDUCT - 30.11.2011
Is losing you a customer “gross misconduct”?
Suppose that an employee’s poor level of customer service has cost you a customer. Although it’s the first complaint you’ve received about them, could you dismiss for gross misconduct or might it invite a tribunal claim?
RECRUITMENT - 30.11.2011
I’m recommending my spouse for the job
An internal vacancy has come up and one of your existing employees has recommended their spouse for the job. Although this option will avoid expensive recruitment costs, what should you bear in mind?
WHISTLEBLOWING - 30.11.2011
Whistleblowing to “SFO Confidential”
The Serious Fraud Office has recently launched “SFO Confidential”. This new service allows an employee to “whistleblow” if they have any suspicions about bribery. There’s a big risk here, so what should you do now?
DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION - 30.11.2011
Reasonable adjustment: give me a (career) break!
A disabled employee recently argued that, in order to comply with its duty to make reasonable adjustments, her employer should have granted a career break. What was the Employment Appeal Tribunal’s view on this?
DATA PROTECTION - 30.11.2011
How (not) to deal with confidential data
Oliver Letwin MP was recently filmed by the media disposing of some documentation in a public bin. Why was this particular activity problematic and what should he have done instead?
SICKNESS ABSENCE - 30.11.2011
Holidays and long-term sickness
Employees who are off sick for a whole holiday year still accrue statutory paid annual leave. But suppose they don’t request it, what’s the legal position then?
TAX PAYMENTS - 28.11.2011
Can you defer paying £3,000 tax?
Until recently, personal tax bills of up to £2,000 could be paid via your tax code. This figure is to rise to £3,000 next year. But can you take advantage of it now?
HMRC - 28.11.2011
Can you rely on what the Taxman says?
A landmark decision by the Supreme Court went against a taxpayer who had relied on advice published by HMRC. Where does this leave you if you follow the Taxman’s rules but he later changes his mind?
VAT - 28.11.2011
Can you have more than one VAT registration?
One of our subscribers runs a successful business but wants to start a second one with his brother who also already runs his own company. They want to defer VAT registration for as long as possible, but what will the Taxman say about this?
INVESTMENTS - 28.11.2011
Taxman changes his mind on income shifting
HMRC’s view was that interest earned on joint savings accounts by spouses must be taxed on a 50/50 basis. It has now quietly changed its view. Might this provide a chance for you and your spouse to reduce your joint tax bill?
CORPORATION TAX - 28.11.2011
An alternative to associated companies
There might be good commercial reasons for running different parts of your business through separate companies, but this can lead to higher tax bills. Why is this, and what steps can you take to reduce them?
EXPENSES - 28.11.2011
The tax advantages of fixed expenses payments
Reimbursing your employees the cost of their business travel etc. is tax and NI-free. But could paying a fixed-rate allowance instead make them better off and save you time and effort into the bargain?
COMPANIES - 28.11.2011
Another winding up concession goes
The Taxman’s concession for companies closing down is to go, probably in April 2012. However, the Treasury Solicitor has just scrapped his equivalent concession with immediate effect. Could this mean higher tax bills for shareholders?
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE COMMUNITIES - 25.11.2011
Facebook at work?
In most European countries, about half of employees have unlimited access to Facebook and Twitter while at work. Should you be as tolerant with your own workforce? Here are some tips to guide you.
COMPUTER - PERIPHERALS - 25.11.2011
Use your USB stick judiciously
Large files are more often exchanged via online storage or e-mail these days. But an ordinary USB stick can still come in handy, especially for transferring several files. How do you best use such a stick?
HEALTH - EXERCISE - 25.11.2011
Sporty smartphone
Your smartphone allows you to be mobile and yet online everywhere. This is very convenient for your professional activities, but iPhone or Android smartphones are also the ideal tool for working out. Here are some good apps.
E-MAIL - E-MAIL USE - 25.11.2011
“Recalling” a sent e-mail
Have you ever thought: “Oh no, I’ve been too hasty” just seconds after hitting the “send” button? Here are some tips for avoiding such embarrassing situations in the future.
SOFTWARE - MISCELLANEOUS - 25.11.2011
“Zipping”: freeware or shareware?
To save space on your hard disk or in your recipient’s mailbox, or to reduce download times for visitors to your site, you can compress or “zip” your files. What’s best, a free tool or a commercial program?
SOFTWARE - WINDOWS - 25.11.2011
Hidden Windows 7 tools
Windows 7 is currently running on about one in three computers. And yet, several tools which are integrated in Windows remain unknown to most users. Here are some useful “hidden” tools.
BUSINESS - WEB SERVICES - 25.11.2011
Monitoring projects “in the cloud”
There’s such an abundance of tools for managing and monitoring projects online that it has become very hard to see the wood for the trees. We put a new bunch of online task managers to the test.
E-MAIL - WEBMAIL - 25.11.2011
Yahoo! Mail revamped
With almost 300 million users, Yahoo! Mail still ranks among the top three e-mail services. However, compared with Hotmail and Gmail, Yahoo! Mail tends to be sluggish and outdated. Is the recent update a step forward?
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE COLLABORATION - 25.11.2011
Alternatives for Dropbox?
Dropbox is currently the most popular cloud storage service. Are there any competitors which provide an alternative for storing and sharing files online? How does iCloud compare with Dropbox?
ENTERTAINMENT - MUSIC - 25.11.2011
Do you know this artist?
The Internet is crawling with radios and services which allow you to listen to a wide variety of music. But perhaps you would like to discover new music which matches your taste? Here are some services that can help you.
TRAINING - 25.11.2011
Time to get your training hat on!
Whether you’re responsible for a staff education plan, thinking of changing jobs or looking for one - training or re-training is essential. It’s time for online advice.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH - 25.11.2011
Employees at risk from asthma
In a recent prosecution, a company was accused of serious failings in the management of hazardous soldering fumes. What happened and what can you do to avoid the same fate?
FIRE SAFETY - 25.11.2011
Testing smoke alarm systems
If you have independent smoke detectors in your property, how often should they be tested? Will pushing the test button on the odd unit now and again suffice or is something more formal required?
CONSTRUCTION - 25.11.2011
Just a little conversion
With the market for commercial lettings on a downward spiral you’ve decided to convert some offices into a couple of flats. Will you need to notify the HSE about the work or is it exempt because the flats are for domestic premises?
DRIVING - 25.11.2011
Should you allow hands-free phone use?
To avoid any risk of liability from the use of mobile phones by drivers, your company has always taken the line that staff must switch off their phones whilst at the wheel. But the policy is proving inconvenient. What are the options?
INSURANCE - 25.11.2011
Limit the cost of compensation claims
Although the government is taking steps to clean up the “no-win, no-fee” business, many firms are still making huge profits from handling claims. Is there anything that you can do to help stop this?
ENFORCEMENT - 25.11.2011
What’s a Primary Authority scheme?
The National Trust recently signed up to a Primary Authority scheme with the HSE and Swindon Borough Council. What’s involved, what are the benefits and should you consider doing the same?
STATISTICS - 25.11.2011
Key annual figures 2010/11
The HSE has published its latest accident and illness statistics. What do the numbers indicate and how will the authorities use them?
LANDLORD AND TENANT - 25.11.2011
Leases and statutory compliance clauses
The company is about to enter into a new lease. It contains a clause which states that it “must fully comply with all legislation affecting the premises”. Is this legal and what might the implications of it be?
INSURANCE - 25.11.2011
Legal expenses insurance: your solicitor or theirs?
You’ve just been offered a competitive quote for legal expenses insurance. However, the policy says that “in the event of a claim, the insurers appoint the solicitor”. Is this right or can the directors insist on using their own?
DIRECTORS’ LIABILITY - 25.11.2011
Directors personally liable for discrimination?
When a company is accused of wrongdoing, its directors usually have a significant level of protection. However, if any form of discrimination is involved, they can now be ordered to pay compensation personally. What’s to know?
TRAVEL EXPENSES - 25.11.2011
Is the cost of getting home taxable?
With the threat of a bad winter comes the risk that nervous-driver employees simply won’t drive to work. You could offer to pay for alternative transport to get them to and from work, but what’s the Taxman’s view on this?
COMPANY VEHICLES - 25.11.2011
Watch out there’s a traffic warden about!
A change in the law has given local councils the right to tighten their parking regulations and more opportunity to slap a ticket on your delivery vans or other company vehicles. What’s the full story?
DIRECTORS’ LOANS - 25.11.2011
The danger of having two company loans
Several years ago you pumped some personal cash into your company, but now you could do with a chunk of it back. Your accountant has warned that this could lead to a tax charge. Why, and how can you avoid it?
PERSONNEL - 25.11.2011
Sector-based work academies
A new government scheme aims to provide subsidised trainees for all types of business. Sounds promising, but is there really something in this for your company?
GREEN INITIATIVES - 18.11.2011
Toolkit for going green
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has launched a new toolkit designed to help small and medium-sized businesses to make the most of green growth opportunities. Is it worth a look?
PLANNING - 18.11.2011
Planning laws changed for green technologies
On December 1 2011, the government is introducing new permitted development rights for the installation of small-scale wind turbines and domestic air source heat pumps. What impact is this move likely to have?
GREEN INITIATIVES - 18.11.2011
Alternatively financing the Green Deal
A group of firms including British Gas, B&Q and HSBC have established a new bank to fund energy efficiency projects under the government’s Green Deal programme. Is this something that should be of interest to you?
ENERGY MANAGEMENT - MICRO-GENERATION - 18.11.2011
More cuts to feed-in tariffs
The government has announced big cuts to its feed-in tarrifs (FITs) incentive scheme, meaning it’s set to become less attractive for you to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at your premises. What are the implications?
WASTE - 18.11.2011
Retailer fined for burning waste
In a case brought by the Environment Agency (EA), a chain of discount stores has recently been fined for illegally dumping and burning waste at two of its sites in the West Country. What’s to know?
WASTE - 18.11.2011
Waste hierarchy policy
Under the new Waste Regulations 2011, businesses must show that they have adhered to the waste hierarchy. Having a written policy will confirm your company’s commitment and show how you will stay legal. What should it say?
ENFORCEMENT - 18.11.2011
Crimestoppers on the case
In a bid to catch environmental criminals in the act, the enforcement authorities are working with the charity Crimestoppers. Why are they doing this?
RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS - 18.11.2011
Restrictive covenants - what do you need to know?
Restrictive covenants can help protect a business from harm. But there’s a danger - if the court deems you’ve “acted unreasonably”, they’re not worth the paper they’re written on. So how can you ensure these clauses are watertight?
MATERNITY LEAVE - 18.11.2011
Maternity leave: how do KIT days work?
Keeping-in-touch (KIT) days were designed to help those on maternity leave stay up-to-date with developments at work. But there are strict rules governing how they operate. So what do you need to tell affected employees?
UNFAIR DISMISSAL - 18.11.2011
Expired driving licences and unfair dismissal
The Employment Appeal Tribunal has just looked at a case involving two employees who were sacked for “intentionally allowing their driving licences to expire”? So did the employer involved dismiss them fairly or not?
SICKNESS ABSENCE - 18.11.2011
Lengthy sickness absence during probation
A probation period allows you to confirm that a new employee can actually do the job you’ve hired them for. But suppose they’ve ended up spending a large chunk of it on sick leave? What options are available to you then?
FAMILY FRIENDLY RIGHTS - 18.11.2011
Piloting a “Working Families Contract”
According to reports, O2 is piloting a “Working Families Contract”. It allows selected groups of parents to freely decide between them how they will cover various shifts over a set period of time. Could this work for you?
DISCIPLINARY MATTERS - 18.11.2011
(Un)reasonable delay in disciplinary proceedings
It’s taken you six months to carry out an investigation into an allegation of misconduct and arrange a disciplinary hearing. The employee says that this renders the entire process “unfair”. Is this correct?
POOR PERFORMANCE - 18.11.2011
Easier to sack?
A leaked government report says that it should be easier and cheaper to sack poor performers. So will every employer’s wish soon become a reality?
EMPLOYMENT STATUS - 15.11.2011
The true key to employment status is...?
In a recent appeal case the Taxman argued that the right to send in a substitute wasn’t the key factor in deciding a worker’s employment status because there were conditions attached. What was the tribunal’s view?
VAT - 15.11.2011
VAT deregistration - the final tax breaks
Depending on the circumstances, VAT deregistration can be compulsory or voluntary. Either way, the trouble is that the Taxman expects you to account for VAT on the value of all the assets your business owns. How can you minimise this bill?
BENEFITS-IN-KIND - 15.11.2011
Are company mobiles SIMply exempt?
Dual SIM mobiles are gaining popularity, particularly with business users. But if you decide to switch your company phone to one of these devices, might you be jeopardising your tax exemption?
CAPITAL GAINS TAX - 15.11.2011
The CGT loss time machine
Where you make capital losses in the same year as gains, the two can be set against each other to reduce your tax bill, but losses can’t be set against gains from a previous year. Is there something you can do to achieve the same result?
PROFIT EXTRACTION - 15.11.2011
Why it’s worth paying directors’ fees
The Taxman’s instruction manuals say he should challenge companies that pay salary to a director’s family just as a way of avoiding tax. Is there a legitimate way of paying them which can achieve the same result?
PENSIONS - 15.11.2011
Stretching the Taxman’s pension limits
From April this year the annual limit for tax relief on pension contributions was slashed. As a quid pro quo the Taxman allows you to bring forward any unused limit from the previous three years. But is there a way you can stretch this further?
CORPORATION TAX - 15.11.2011
HMRC to help with R&D claims
The Taxman has launched a service aimed at encouraging companies to make use of research and development credits. Is it worth considering?
UTILITIES - 11.11.2011
Knock 10% off your energy bills now!
Equipment designed to cut energy bills has been around for a while but installation costs often made these uneconomic for smaller businesses. But can new low-cost devices do the job for your company?
CONTRACTS - 11.11.2011
Side letters: close enough for your comfort?
The company has an existing agreement with a third party which it wants to alter slightly. They don’t object to this but have suggested putting the terms into a “side letter” to avoid the expense of a new contract. Would this be binding?
FINANCE - 11.11.2011
Are you trying the new “Finance Finder” website?
Experian has recently launched a free online “SME Finance Finder”. It’s designed to quickly match your funding requirements with appropriate brokers and lenders. Sounds good, but how will it affect the company’s credit score?
PROFIT EXTRACTION - 11.11.2011
Can paying interest instead of dividends save tax
You and your fellow directors have a great deal of money invested as shares in your company. These pay you dividends but your company receives no tax deduction. Would swapping dividends for interest be a more tax-efficient option?
INSURANCE - 11.11.2011
Replacing your income in times of trouble
If you’re ill for a while, it’s not just your expertise your company will miss. If its income falls it might not be able to pay you. You can take out income replacement insurance but it might not fill the gap. Is there a better option for directors?
PERSONNEL - 11.11.2011
Retracting a written notice of termination
Suppose that the company wants to serve an employee with written notice to terminate their contract of employment. Once it’s been communicated to them, can it ever be retracted? What’s the latest from the Court of Appeal?
COST CUTTING - 11.11.2011
Save £7.7 billion (energy) efficiently
Apparently, 4.8 million small businesses lose £2,000 p.a. because they’re not “energy efficient”. But where should you start when trying to save these costs?
SOFTWARE - WINDOWS - 10.11.2011
Windows errors - the next step
Any computer user will know (and hate) them: the infamous Windows error messages. What causes them and - even more importantly - how can you fix the underlying problems?
PERSONAL WEBSITE - PHOTOS & IMAGES - 10.11.2011
Your online portfolio
Suppose you wish to inform customers or prospects about your products and projects. You could integrate an online portfolio into your own website, but you can also use a dedicated Web service for this purpose. Here are some examples.
COMPUTER - TABLET - 10.11.2011
Useful apps for your iPad
The Apple App Store offers thousands of apps for your iPad. Such a multitude sometimes makes it hard to see the wood for the trees, and some very good apps remain unknown. Which ones should you definitely give a try?
TRANSPORTATION - PUBLIC TRANSPORT - 10.11.2011
Public transport abroad
Suppose you’ve decided to use public transport during a business trip or a holiday in a foreign city. What (mobile) websites can help you?
WEB SERVICES - MISCELLANEOUS - 10.11.2011
In the clouds with your iOS device
The main innovation of version 5 of iOS - Apple’s operating system for mobile devices such as the iPhone and the iPad - resides in the iCloud online service. What does it have to offer?
SOFTWARE - MOUSE - 10.11.2011
Working with mouse gestures
Some people like using the keyboard and know dozens of keyboard shortcuts by heart. Others prefer using the mouse. Here are some add-ons and utilities which make it possible to perform almost any task via a few mouse gestures.
