2012 -
January
CONSTRUCTION - 31.01.2012
Is it your fault if your client is ignorant of the law?
You’ve heard that as a contractor or designer in the construction sector, you’re supposed to check that your client understands their responsibilities. Can this really be true and, if it is, what do you need to do about it?
WORK AT HEIGHT - 31.01.2012
A fall-arrest harness doesn’t always make it safe
There can be a tendency to insist that staff wear a harness for any work above a couple of metres. But as two recent cases show, it’s a method which is by no means foolproof. What can you learn from these incidents?
FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT - 31.01.2012
New competency criteria for fire risk assessors
New competency requirements for fire risk assessors have been published. What are they and is it a legal requirement to ensure they are all met next time you appoint an assessor?
SAFE USE OF MACHINERY - 31.01.2012
Failing to manage fork lift operations safely
A recent court case involved a company whose fork lift driver was seriously injured when a cabinet fell on him. How did the accident happen and what steps could have been taken to prevent it?
RIDDOR - 31.01.2012
2012 changes to accident reporting regulations
The HSE has announced the changes to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) that will come into effect on April 6 2012. What’s to know?
WORKPLACE - TEMPERATURE - 31.01.2012
Thermal comfort issues
You’ve heard that the HSE has finally set a minimum temperature of 16°C for all workplaces. Is this really the case and, if so, does this mean that staff shouldn’t work in environments that are too cold?
CONSTRUCTION - 31.01.2012
Plans for the construction industry
The HSE has identified priorities for its construction division in 2012. Where will its resources be focused and how can you avoid any unwanted attention?
CREDIT CONTROL - 31.01.2012
Credit control - good news case
The outcome of a recent case could prove useful when chasing debtors where a director has promised the cash. What’s your position now?
HOLIDAYS - 31.01.2012
Family holiday premiums
You know that taking the family away during the school holidays is an expensive business. Is there a way you can get around the head teacher by saving money with a term-time break?
FINANCE DEPARTMENT - 31.01.2012
Streamlining the accounting function
A member of your finance team has just resigned. The MD has refused your request for permission to recruit a replacement. What can you do to maintain your department’s service levels?
PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT - 31.01.2012
Are your goals SMART?
The board has asked you to set new targets for the finance department. How do you set realistic but stretching goals that will really motivate your employees throughout the coming year?
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS - 31.01.2012
Where do your customers come from?
The new sales director has asked you to help him understand the make up of your customers so he can plan his strategy for the next few years. He has asked you to provide some data. What should you give him?
UTILITIES - 31.01.2012
Hot savings from green heat?
The first stage of the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive is up and running. It’s reckoned that it could help small businesses save thousands a year. Is this another “too good to be true” promise?
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS - 31.01.2012
Avoiding surprise costs
A large invoice marked “For the Finance Department” has just arrived out of the blue. These “unknown” costs could have been accrued for in last month’s management accounts. How can you avoid problems like this in future?
PAYROLL - 31.01.2012
Getting ready for RTI
In April, HMRC will start piloting its system to collect “Real Time Information” (RTI) from employers. Although this doesn’t roll out for most employers until next year, is there anything you need to do now to prepare for it?
PERSONNEL - 31.01.2012
It’s cold outside…
Winter’s back with a vengeance and the forecasts aren’t great. But be careful before yielding to employees complaining that they’re too cold. In fact, can keeping it cooler cut costs?
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE - 31.01.2012
Maintaining control over the purchase ledger
Being responsible for financial control isn’t the same as having control over spending. How can you extend the reach of your control over what is spent within the company?
CARS - 31.01.2012
The “sort of” company car
Once your kids can drive, the only thing they’ll ever want you to buy them is a set of wheels. If you don’t have the personal resources, what about buying it through the company?
ENERGY SAVING - 26.01.2012
IT turn-off policy
According to recent research, businesses are still wasting millions of pounds every day by failing to power-down idle computers in offices. Are your staff guilty of doing this and, if so, what can you do about it?
CARBON REPORTING - 26.01.2012
Reporting on carbon emissions
Thanks to new standards and methodologies, it’s getting easier for large companies to report on indirect emissions from their supply chain. Why should it concern small businesses and what might be expected of you in the future?
BIODIVERSITY - 26.01.2012
Preventing environmental damage
The Energy Institute has produced new guidance to assist those that have to comply with the Environmental Damage (Prevention and Remediation) Regulations 2009. Who is it aimed at and might you need to read it?
WATER - 26.01.2012
Government plans for water outlined
A long-awaited White Paper, which outlines the government’s future policy relating to water issues, has been published. What does it say and what changes can we expect to be implemented in the next few years?
CARS - 26.01.2012
A hybrid worth having?
It’s safe to say that we haven’t been too keen on some of the “green” models produced by the major car manufacturers in the past. However, we’ve now found a few that may be worth a look. What’s to know?
WEEE - 26.01.2012
Where’s the old computer gone?
It’s not just the Environment Agency you need to worry about when it comes to disposing of old computers. At a time when identity fraud is on the rise, many are leaving data on their unwanted PCs. Can a new standard help?
ENFORCEMENT - 26.01.2012
Crackdown on illegal waste sites
The Environment Agency (EA) has set up a specialist crime taskforce, which will blitz illegal waste sites over the next two years. How might this affect you?
INVESTMENTS - 25.01.2012
Tax-efficient investment for your grandchildren
The anti-avoidance rules which affect parents investing for their children don’t apply to grandparents. This means there’s a wider range of investment choices, including government schemes, but what are the most tax-efficient options?
PAYE - 25.01.2012
How to escape PAYE penalties
The first raft of appeals against the Taxman’s PAYE late payment penalties have recently been decided by the tribunals. The process for levying these penalties is subjective, so what steps can you take to avoid or defeat them?
CAPITAL GAINS TAX - CASE LAW - 25.01.2012
Can selling part of your business qualify for ER?
Where you sell your business and entrepreneurs’ relief (ER) applies, you’ll only pay tax at 10% on any gain you make. But where you just sell assets rather than the whole or part of your business, the Taxman argues ER isn’t due. Is he right?
PROFIT EXTRACTION - 25.01.2012
The importance of dividend timing
Overdrawing your director’s loan account can land both you and your company with a tax bill. A common way of dodging this is to pay a dividend after the end of the financial year, but this won’t work in every case. Is there a better option?
EXPENSES - 25.01.2012
Tax relief for buying equipment for your company
Strict rules limit tax deductions that employees and directors can claim for work-related expenses. They must be incurred as part of doing your job, but there are exceptions, such as loan interest. In what circumstances can you make a claim?
VAT - 25.01.2012
Changes to EU sales reporting
If you’re registered, your VAT return must include figures for EU purchases and sales, but you might also be required to provide EC sales list or Intrastat reports. When do these apply and how are they changing?
INVESTIGATIONS - 25.01.2012
New era for tax investigations?
The Taxman says that he’s now taking a much harsher line in suspected cases of fraud. Surely that couldn’t include you?
MATERNITY - 25.01.2012
Antenatal care: what must you pay for?
An area that often causes much uncertainty for employers is time off to attend antenatal care appointments. So what must you allow and does this type of absence always have to be paid?
SICKNESS ABSENCE - 25.01.2012
Long-term sick employee - is it a “frustration”?
One of your employees is on long-term sick leave. A colleague has suggested that you might be able to use the legal concept of “frustration of contract” to get rid of them. Is this really possible? If not, what should you do instead?
BENEFITS - 25.01.2012
Salary sacrifice schemes - now with added VAT!
On January 1 2012, new rules relating to the VAT treatment of certain benefits provided to employees under salary sacrifice schemes came into force. So what do you need to know about this all-important tax change?
RECRUITMENT - 25.01.2012
Withdrawing a job offer in light of new information
Let’s suppose you offered a candidate a job and their references were fine. Further information then comes to light - it’s undesirable and makes you think twice about hiring them. Can you retract your offer?
DISCRIMINATION - 25.01.2012
Anonymous job applications?
To help stamp out discrimination, the government wants employers to accept job applications on an anonymous basis. Is there a new law on the cards?
UNFAIR DISMISSAL - 25.01.2012
Dismissed for “refusing to communicate”
Sometimes, employees fall out and then refuse to speak to each other. This unprofessional stand-off can easily cause problems for their employer. So would it be grounds for dismissal? What does the tribunal say?
PROFIT EXTRACTION - 23.01.2012
Can you backdate tax-free goodwill?
One of our subscribers recently realised that the goodwill from her previous sole trader business, which ceased two years ago, might provide her with tax-free income from her current company. Is it too late to do anything about this?
BUYING/SELLING A BUSINESS - 23.01.2012
TUPE or not TUPE, that was the question!
A pre-pack administration allows directors to cherry-pick valuable assets from a debt-ridden business and ditch the liabilities. But what about its employees in this situation? Do they become your responsibility?
CORPORATION TAX - 23.01.2012
Trouble with the Taxman’s software
Directors intending to use the Taxman’s free software for the first time to complete their company’s Corporation Tax return are running in to some frustrating snags. What steps can you take to resolve them?
BANKING - 23.01.2012
The danger of an investigating accountant
If your bank thinks the money it has tied up in your company is at risk, it can appoint an investigating accountant to check up on you. This can cost you a fortune in charges and even lead to administration. How should you handle this situation?
DEBT RECOVERY - 23.01.2012
Can they afford not to mediate?
During a legal dispute, neither party is under any obligation to mediate, unless the contract states otherwise. However, if the directors are in this situation, suggesting it to the other side could be a good tactical move. What’s to know?
COPYRIGHT - 23.01.2012
Copyright: don’t copy that disc!
Microsoft has alleged that the retailer Comet recently breached its copyright by creating software recovery discs as a “gesture of goodwill” for its customers. So why is this “IT favour” potentially problematic?
CREDIT CARDS - 23.01.2012
New rules on credit card surcharges
According to reports, the government is going to ban “excessive” surcharges on credit card payments. What might this mean for you and your company?
SOFTWARE - E-BOOKS - 20.01.2012
Reading e-books on your computer
If you don’t have an e-book reader (a hardware device for reading e-books) but would like to start reading e-books on your desktop, laptop or netbook, what are your options?
PERSONAL WEBSITE - SITE DESIGN - 20.01.2012
A WYSIWYG editor for your website
Do you wish to give users the possibility to edit HTML pages on your website? Or do you sometimes need to edit a page quickly? An integrated WYSIWYG editor is ideal in these cases. How exactly does it work?
SOFTWARE - WINDOWS - 20.01.2012
Hidden Windows tools for keys, mouse and screen
The Control Panel of Windows 7 and Vista has an “Ease of Access Centre”, which contains some little-known tools which may come in handy. What exactly do they do?
E-MAIL - MAILING LISTS - 20.01.2012
Cloud tools for e-mail marketing
E-mail is a useful channel for keeping customers informed of new products, services and special offers etc. Emailbrain is a service that purports to assist you. How good is it?
TELEPHONY - INTERNET TELEPHONY - 20.01.2012
Make Skype more versatile
Everyone is familiar with Skype as a handy program for free worldwide (video)phone calls and chat. What most people don’t know is that there are also Skype apps which further extend the range of features of this tool...
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE OFFICE - 20.01.2012
Google Docs Presentations revamped
Google Docs is not one to rest on its laurels: this handy online office suite is regularly equipped with new functions. The Presentations editor was revamped recently. What’s new?
BUSINESS - WEB SERVICES - 20.01.2012
SkyDox versus Google Docs
SkyDox allows users to collaborate with others on documents “in the cloud”. Why would you choose this fee-based service when you can do the same thing via Google Docs for free?
E-MAIL - E-MAIL USE - 20.01.2012
More productive e-mailing
To help you process your e-mail more productively, here are some useful tips, plus a couple of tools for training you to handle your e-mail more efficiently. What more do you need?
TELEPHONY - SMARTPHONES - 20.01.2012
Handy tips for your Android smartphone
Do you own an Android smartphone? Then you will appreciate the following tips for using your device more efficiently and safely. Plus, we’ll let you discover some new functions too.
TRANSPORT - MISCELLANEOUS - 20.01.2012
How to reduce travel costs
Whether you’re frequently driving, taking the train or having to fly - for work or pleasure, there are ways to reduce the cost. Read on.
HOUSEKEEPING - 19.01.2012
Don’t get cleaned out
The HSE has recently launched a campaign which is targeted at in-house and contract cleaners. What is its aim and is it likely to prompt a flurry of inspections?
WORKPLACE - 19.01.2012
Teenager crushed under bus
The HSE recently prosecuted a firm after a young worker was seriously injured during work on the underside of a bus. How did the accident happen and what should have been done to prevent such an incident from occurring?
WORK AT HEIGHT - 19.01.2012
How often do you need to inspect work platforms?
You’ve heard that fixed barriers and walkways provided to protect staff working at height need to be inspected every time they’re used. Is this really a legal requirement?
WORKPLACE - 19.01.2012
Don’t let the bed bugs bite
If you provide sleeping accommodation, you should be aware that bed bugs are becoming an increasingly common problem. How will you know if your premises has them and, if so, what should be your response?
POLICIES & RECORDS - HEALTH AND SAFETY IN 2012 AND BEYOND - 19.01.2012
What’s on the horizon in 2012 and beyond?
It seems that not a week goes by without an announcement of planned changes to health and safety legislation, or the way that it’s enforced. How will our new document help to reduce any possible confusion?
MAINTENANCE - 19.01.2012
Roller shutter repair went wrong
A major employer recently found itself in court after two members of staff suffered serious injuries. But it could have been much worse. What happened and how could it have been prevented?
ENFORCEMENT - 19.01.2012
“£124 per hour please...”
The HSE has now published details of how its new charging system will work and when it will be applied. How much could you have to pay?
CONTRACTS - 11.01.2012
Common sense prevails
A recent court ruling gives guidance on how contract terms will be interpreted in a dispute. When reviewing contracts with your customers and suppliers, what should you be looking for?
SPREADSHEETS - 11.01.2012
Understanding complex formulas
You’ve received a spreadsheet from a colleague but are struggling to figure out exactly where the formulas are and what they’re supposed to be doing. How can you find and understand these formulas?
CREDIT CONTROL - 11.01.2012
Reducing sales credits
Your department has to issue quite a number of sales credit notes each month. As well as taking up much of your credit controller’s time, this is impacting on profit and cash flow. Is there anything you can do to reduce the number?
PAYMENTS - 11.01.2012
Consider mobile point of sale?
If your business needs to take credit card payments on the move, you’re probably aware that point of sale hardware can be expensive to buy or lease. Is there an alternative solution that could save your company money?
POSTAGE - 11.01.2012
Dealing with junk mail
Whether it comes through the letterbox or electronically into your inbox, junk mail can cost you money. Every time you open a letter or e-mail it takes time. Are there ways to deal with it?
UTILITIES - 11.01.2012
Free electricity?
A new scheme is promising to provide “free electricity” to small businesses and homeowners. What’s the reality behind all the marketing spin; surely there’s a catch?
RECYCLING - 11.01.2012
Cash for gadgets?
Recycling paper, cardboard etc. is easy to do, but you’re not sure what to do with your electrical gadgets. It could be easier than you think and make you some cash to boot. What’s involved?
CONTROLLING COSTS - 11.01.2012
Deciding what to cut
The latest forecasts indicate that economic times will remain tough for a while yet. Your business has already been through one round of cost cutting but the MD has now asked you to suggest further cuts. Where do you start?
REPORTING - 11.01.2012
Do you know what’s on your balance sheet?
In most businesses, the report that gets most attention is the profit and loss account, followed closely by cash flow forecasts. But the balance sheet is just as important. If asked, would you know the breakdown of each balance?
PROPERTY - 11.01.2012
Business rates reliefs extended
With a 5.6% increase in business rates due in April, can your company benefit from recently announced measures to help mitigate the effects of this rise?
EXPORTS - 11.01.2012
Giving customers a choice of currency
Your company has decided that the way forward is to focus on the overseas market. The question of what the financial risk would be in allowing customers to pay in their local currency has been left with you. What’s your answer?
JURY SERVICE - 11.01.2012
Can you prevent or defer an employee’s jury service?
One of your key employees has just informed you that they’ve been called up for jury service. This event is going to cause you and them serious difficulties. Is there any way they could defer or even avoid it altogether?
DISCIPLINARY MATTERS - 11.01.2012
This is a conduct and a capability issue!
When it comes to disciplinary matters, it’s easy to assume that an employee’s wrongdoing will fit neatly under “conduct” or “capability”. But what happens if it could fall into both categories? How should you proceed?
TRIBUNALS - 11.01.2012
Have your say on the “non-negotiable” tribunal fees
At the moment, employees can issue a tribunal claim free of charge. The government believes this system encourages malicious allegations and wants to change it. So what’s on its radar and is there a catch for you?
BONUSES - 11.01.2012
Annual bonuses: can they sue?
It’s been reported that many employees plan to sue their employers if they don’t get an annual bonus this year. Is this type of payment an automatic right?
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT - 11.01.2012
Telling employees that a colleague has died
At some point, every employer will have to communicate sad news to their employees. One such occasion is the death of a member of staff. So whether it’s sudden or expected, how should you handle this sensitive situation?
TRAINING - 11.01.2012
How to select the correct training format
We recently looked at how you can save money with a Training Needs Analysis (TNA). So after you’ve identified what’s actually required, how can you tell which training format will be the most beneficial for your staff?
