2013 -
April
DIRECTORS’ LIABILITY - 25.04.2013
Contracting personally, not via your company
A start-up business has asked if you will contract with them in your personal capacity, rather than through your company. You’re reluctant to turn away business but are there any risks if you agree to this?
COMPANY LAW - 25.04.2013
Is it safe to borrow from your company?
You want to borrow some cash from your business for a while. Because it’s a private company with only a few director/shareholders no one is going to object, but you might still be putting yourself at risk. Why, and how can you avoid this?
DIRECTORS’ TAX - 25.04.2013
Home cleaner: your employee or self-employed?
In order to make your home life run more smoothly, you’ve decided to get a cleaner in for a few hours each week. If you pay them “cash in hand”, will they be self-employed or your employee?
DIRECTORS’ DUTIES - 25.04.2013
Discrimination in the supply of goods and services
In a recent case, a disabled customer claimed discrimination against a business and won £3,500 after its manager physically lifted him into the premises. What can the directors learn from this interesting ruling?
TAX - 25.04.2013
New P11D procedure
HMRC has introduced new web-based P11D forms. Does this mean your company has to switch to using these for 2012/13?
PROPERTY - 25.04.2013
Turn a business premises tax trap into an advantage
If you personally own your company’s business premises and it makes some improvements to the building, this will land you with a hefty income tax bill. Why, and what steps can you take to reduce and defer this amount?
ENERGY CERTIFICATES - 25.04.2013
Energy certificate price rises
You’ve heard that the price of Energy Performance Certificates has more than doubled. Is this really the case and what may happen if you fail to get one for your property?
WASTE - 25.04.2013
Thieves targeting waste oil
Reports indicate that 50% of used cooking oil is apparently being stolen to sell as biofuels. Surely if it’s being put to good use and it saves on disposal fees, this isn’t such a bad thing?
POLLUTION - 25.04.2013
Cities without light
The French government has introduced new laws that will force shops and commercial properties to switch off lights at night, to save energy and reduce light pollution. Is the UK government likely to follow suit?
STATUTORY NUISANCE - 25.04.2013
Get to grips with odour
Odour is increasingly being reported as the reason behind non-compliance with environmental permits. Who’s alerting the authorities to the problems and what should you be doing to avoid getting caught out?
ENFORCEMENT - 25.04.2013
Environmental penalties under review
It’s probable that new guidelines dealing with sentencing of environmental offenders will be issued soon. What’s likely to be the outcome?
GREEN INITIATIVES - 25.04.2013
Money in the regions
There used to be a large number of schemes offering businesses financial support to make green investments. Although these dried up in the recession, new ones are now being introduced. Are they worth a look?
TAX - 25.04.2013
Budget impact on low emission vehicles
The Budget 2013 included changes to benefit in kind rates which will impact plug-in and other low emission vehicles, with two new tax bands being created. What do you need to know, and is it as good as it sounds?
VAT - 16.04.2013
How to lower the tax cost of investment advice
Since January 1 financial advisors have been required to charge VAT for many of their services. In what situations does this apply and what steps can you take to avoid it?
EXPENSES - 16.04.2013
Tax deductions for beginners
You’ve been spending your own money with the aim of creating a business, but you expect it to take a while to get going. In what circumstances can you claim a tax deduction for this and what’s the most tax efficient way to do it?
INHERITANCE TAX - 16.04.2013
Countering the big IHT freeze
In the Budget the Chancellor extended the freeze on the Inheritance Tax (IHT) nil-rate band for another few years. How can you fight fire with fire by increasing the value of your capital but freezing it for IHT purposes?
CAPITAL GAINS TAX - 16.04.2013
Minimising CGT on property
If you own a property other than your home you could be facing a large tax bill when you come to sell. Apart from relying on your annual exemption, what further action can you take to reduce any Capital Gains Tax due?
EXPENSES - 16.04.2013
Tax efficient loan write-offs for family companies
In a family company it’s not unusual for the directors to borrow money from the business. But where it’s decided that the money doesn’t have to be repaid, tax will usually be payable. How can you keep this to a minimum?
ACCOUNTS - 16.04.2013
Can the new cash basis work for you?
After two years of consultation and debate the new “cash basis” for working out taxable profits will soon become law. There are one or two positive surprises in the small print, but also some pitfalls. Overall, is it worth bothering with?
INVESTMENTS - 16.04.2013
Cashback deals to be taxed
HMRC has stirred up a hornets’ nest by ruling that cashback on certain investments will be taxed from now on. What’s the full story?
BUDGET - 16.04.2013
Good news, plus a warning for some directors
The Budget included positive news for directors on the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and company loans. But there are also moves to close a popular tax planning loophole. What’s the low-down on these changes?
PERSONNEL - 16.04.2013
Insider fraud rising in smaller companies
A recent report suggests that employee fraud in large companies is falling, whilst smaller companies are suffering greater losses. What should you be looking out for and what safeguards can you introduce?
COMPANY LAW - 16.04.2013
Discrimination removed from the Model Articles
From April 28 2013, any company that adopts the Model Articles won’t be able to automatically terminate a director’s appointment on mental health grounds. But what’s the position if you’re already using them?
DATA PROTECTION - 16.04.2013
Suspected theft: can you install hidden cameras?
The directors are confident that an employee is helping themselves to company stock. Trouble is, it’s proving difficult to pin-point exactly who it is. Can hidden CCTV cameras be installed to catch the perpetrator in the act?
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY - 16.04.2013
The new intellectual property mediation service
The Intellectual Property Office recently overhauled its mediation service to make it easier for directors of small companies to resolve intellectual property (IP) disputes. Is this a welcome move or a waste of time?
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION - 16.04.2013
Another tactic to reduce Child Benefit tax
The tax aimed at clawing back Child Benefit from high earners took effect in January, but now we’re into a new tax year the potential charge is much greater. Why and what tactics can directors use to legitimately avoid it?
RAISING FINANCE - 16.04.2013
Another £70 million for the fund
Directors of small and medium-sized companies will soon be able to access a further £70 million of potential funding via the government’s Business Partnership Fund. But what’s the really interesting bit?
SILICA DUST - 16.04.2013
New guidance on silica dust
New guidance which identifies where silica may be found and the risks associated with it has been issued by the HSE. Who is the leaflet aimed at, and is it worth a look?
WORKPLACE - LIFTS - 16.04.2013
Working in lifts safely
There’s a new British Standard for lift working. As a client using contractors for lift servicing, what, if anything, does it expect of you and is it compulsory to comply with it?
POLICIES & RECORDS - WORKPLACE TRANSPORT - 16.04.2013
Are your traffic routes safe?
About a quarter of fatal accidents at work are caused by vehicles. So if you have a car park, loading bay, roadway, etc. it’s worth getting organised by using our free sample workplace transport policy.
CONTRACTORS - 16.04.2013
Roofing firm to pay £21 million for fire
In a recent case heard in the High Court, the judge concluded that the destruction of a factory was caused by contractors. What happened and how can you avoid a similar occurrence?
FORK LIFT TRUCKS - 16.04.2013
Fork lift truck training - what to do
If your staff operate fork lift trucks, you must have systems in place to ensure that it’s done safely. The HSE has recently updated its guidance, which sets out what you should be doing and when. What’s to know?
SAFE USE OF MACHINERY - 16.04.2013
Liable for your own mistakes
The legal obligation to keep equipment in good repair is what’s known as “absolute”, i.e. no excuses. But if the owner of a business neglects their duty and suffers an injury, are they entitled to compensation from their insurer?
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH - 16.04.2013
HSE focused on health
HSE research shows that many businesses are unclear of their health surveillance responsibilities. What are they and might they apply to you?
LEISURE - TRAVEL - 12.04.2013
Have a nice trip!
Are you planning a business trip or a city trip for the family? We looked for some (new) websites that can help you to find a place to stay and to organise your transport.
PERSONAL WEBSITE - SITE DESIGN - 12.04.2013
Are you using the right colours?
Your website should be in tune with your business, and its colours should also be representative of your style, vision, activities, etc. How do you make sure you’re using the right colours? We selected a few good tools.
PERSONAL NEWS PAGE - 12.04.2013
Alternatives for Google Reader
Google will retire Google Reader from July 1. If you used this service to follow RSS newsfeeds, you will have to start looking for a replacement. Here are the best alternatives.
SOFTWARE - MISCELLANEOUS - 12.04.2013
Testing software without any risks
Do you want to download and try out a new program without running the risk of damaging your operating system? There’s software which lets you install other software “virtually”. How does it work?
SOFTWARE - BROWSER - 12.04.2013
Working with tabs in your browser
Do you have lots of tabs open simultaneously in your browser? This can quickly turn into a mess. Here are some tricks and plug-ins for surfing efficiently with lots of active tabs.
SOFTWARE - WINDOWS - 12.04.2013
Extra tools for Windows 8
Windows 8 definitely takes some getting used to. We have collected a number of free tools which ease the transition from Windows 7 to 8. Plus you can customise Windows 8.
COMPUTER - MOBILE - 12.04.2013
Professional apps for tablets
Tablets are used more and more for professional purposes. Using the appropriate apps, you can make your iPad or alternative even more useful on the shop floor.
E-MAIL - E-MAIL SOFTWARE - 12.04.2013
New Gmail app for iOS
The first attempt by Gmail to create a dedicated iOS app didn’t amount to much and wasn’t a great success, but now there’s an update. What’s new and will this version be more successful?
SEARCHING - INTERNET - 12.04.2013
Searching your own cloud efficiently
Do you have lots of data sitting in the cloud, for instance with Dropbox, Facebook, YouTube, Picasa or Evernote? Search engines for the cloud let you search all your cloud data in one go. How do you get started?
WEB SERVICES - PRESENTATIONS - 12.04.2013
Doing more with your presentations
PowerPoint has become the standard for creating slideshows. Still, there are lots of alternatives around. We tested a brand new program plus a trusted webtool which has been recently revamped.
CONSUMER - CLASSIFIED - 12.04.2013
Searching locally
With Yell launching its local business app for Android phones, it’s time to check out available apps and websites that help you find what you’re looking for.
DISMISSAL - 09.04.2013
A total breakdown in trust and confidence
If the relationship between you and an employee breaks down, it’s possible to dismiss on the grounds of “some other substantial reason” (SoSR). But, in this situation, what must you always be able to demonstrate?
RECRUITMENT - 09.04.2013
Must a job vacancy be advertised?
A public row erupted recently when it emerged that a number of independent police and crime commissioners have handed out highly-paid jobs to friends. Morals to one side, it begs the question: must a job vacancy be advertised?
PAYROLL - 09.04.2013
A temporary RTI exemption
At the eleventh hour, HMRC granted employers with fewer than 50 employees a temporary exemption from certain PAYE “Real Time Information” reporting requirements. What do you need to know?
DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS - 09.04.2013
Can you outsource a disciplinary investigation?
Following an allegation of employee misconduct, it’s abundantly clear that a disciplinary investigation is required. But supposing you outsourced it to an external employment consultant, would the tribunal frown on your decision?
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT - 09.04.2013
The end of personal relationships at work
Two of your employees had been dating, but things came to a nasty end. It created a bad atmosphere and, whilst this has now blown over, you don’t want to go through it ever again. Can you ban all personal relationships at work?
TRIBUNAL CLAIMS - 09.04.2013
Legal Aid slashed for employment-related claims
On April 1 2013, the Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 came into force. Amongst other things, it removed most employment-related matters from the scope of Legal Aid. Is this as good as it sounds?
DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION - 09.04.2013
Reasonable adjustments and your statutory duty
The Employment Appeal Tribunal has confirmed that you’re under no obligation to make reasonable adjustments for an employee simply because they are disabled. So when does this statutory duty actually kick in?
PERSONNEL - 02.04.2013
Conduct an interview and play back the result
In a recent survey, 41% of directors who deal with recruitment said that they now rely heavily on video-conferencing. Is it possible to record these interviews so that your fellow directors can assess the candidates at a later date?
CARS - 02.04.2013
Reducing tax and NI on your company car
As a cost cutting measure you and your fellow directors have put a price ceiling on company cars. The trouble is the one you’re after is a few grand over this. You’ve agreed to fund the difference, but what’s the most tax efficient way?
PERSONNEL - 02.04.2013
Making employee training pay
The government intends to improve apprenticeships and “empower employers”. Fine words, but in practice how might this benefit your company?
INSURANCE - 02.04.2013
An attractive rent or an insurance headache?
The directors have been offered some new commercial premises at a rock bottom rent. However, this low price reflects the fact that they’ve been standing empty for a while. What impact, if any, could this have on the insurance?
COMPANY LAW - 02.04.2013
What shares should your company issue?
Usually, companies start by issuing only ordinary shares. In most cases this is OK, but there are situations where you might want to issue new shares, perhaps of a different class. Why, and how should you go about this?
DIRECTORS’ TAX - 02.04.2013
Is there a better alternative to dividend waivers?
This year’s accounts show a healthy profit and you want your share of it now, but one of your fellow directors insists he wants to defer indefinitely to keep his tax bill down. Is there something you can do to keep you both happy?
DEBT RECOVERY - 02.04.2013
Commercial debt compensation rules beefed up
For many years, companies have been able to claim a fixed rate of compensation from another business if it’s not paid an invoice on time, e.g. £40 for debts of less than £1,000. The rules have now been extended. So what’s happened?
BUDGET - 02.04.2013
The Budget - some help for businesses
For companies, the headline news was a proposal for a single Corporation Tax rate of 20% from 2015. But the fine print included plenty of other proposals for business owners to get their teeth into. When and how might these affect you?
BENEFITS - 02.04.2013
An end to tax-free employer childcare vouchers
The tax break for employer-provided childcare vouchers is to be scrapped. The good news for parents is that they will be replaced by a more generous version direct from the government. But what effect will this have for employers?
PROFIT EXTRACTION - 02.04.2013
Maximising the training costs tax break
The cost of training your workforce is tax deductible for your business and a tax and NI-free benefit for them. But can this exemption extend to non-employees, say a member of a director’s family?
VAT - 02.04.2013
When to register a new business
One of our subscribers wanted to know at what point he was obliged to register his new business for VAT. It seems a basic question, but the answer isn’t always straightforward. What factors do you need to consider?
INHERITANCE TAX - 02.04.2013
Choosing the right IHT saving investment
Usually, you need to allow more time for Inheritance Tax planning than for other taxes; it can take seven years to be effective. But some off-the-shelf schemes promise to achieve this sooner. Are they worth considering?
EXPENSES - 02.04.2013
An interesting case of home-to-work travel
The tribunal recently ruled in a case involving what counts as business mileage. This decision might have serious and wide ranging consequences for taxpayers who have more than one place of work. What’s the full story?
PAYE - 02.04.2013
RTI - HMRC backs down (a little)
HMRC has caved into pressure and will allow some employers more time to submit their RTI reports. How might this affect your company?
FLAT RATE SCHEME - 02.04.2013
VAT issues for bars and restaurants
If your business operates in the bar and restaurant trade, there are a number of different VAT issues to consider. What’s the best option to help navigate your way through the problems?
OUTPUT VAT - SUNDRIES - 02.04.2013
Don’t forget sundry income!
Most businesses have income that comes in through journal entries and non-invoiced sales and these can be missed off the normal accounting system. Why is it important to identify this income and account for the VAT correctly?
OUTPUT VAT - HOUSEBUILDERS - 02.04.2013
What can you claim back when building a house?
There are complicated rules for builders on what they can and can’t claim the VAT back on when installing goods in a new house. So what are they and how can you avoid falling into a trap?
FLAT RATE SCHEME - 02.04.2013
Can farmers deregister for VAT and not lose out?
If farmers want to recover the VAT on their purchases they normally have to register for VAT. But under a special scheme you can avoid registering for VAT and still not lose out on the input tax. What’s to know?
REGISTRATION - 02.04.2013
Just overseas clients - where to register?
If you run a consultancy business or are a service provider, you might only have overseas clients. If you want to register for VAT to recover input tax on their costs, can you do this?
SPREADSHEETS - 02.04.2013
Horizontal subtotals in Excel
The Subtotal function in Excel is designed for columns of data not rows or horizontal ranges. So if you want to add subtotals which collapse across a worksheet, how can you do it?
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT - 02.04.2013
What profits do you mean?
As the head of finance, it’s up to you to ensure that your senior colleagues have, at least, a working knowledge of the key numbers. “Profit” is a good place to start but what does this actually mean?
CARS - 02.04.2013
New car finance savings
In spite of the gloomy economic outlook, car sales seem to be holding up. If you’re considering your next set of wheels, should you pay with cash or opt for one of a range of finance deals?
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING - 02.04.2013
Dealing with dividends
Accounting for dividends may seem very straightforward but there are a number of pitfalls you need to be aware of to avoid falling foul of the regulations. What should you watch out for?
ENVIRONMENT - 02.04.2013
Say yes to an EMS?
More small businesses are being encouraged to implement environmental management systems. But what are they and can they really save (and not cost) you money?
PERSONNEL - 02.04.2013
Time off for an emergency
When the weather turns cold burst pipes can become a problem. Yet it’s probably just one of a number of “emergencies” that will delay staff. But what’s it costing you?
DEBT COLLECTION - 02.04.2013
Late payment trick
Late payment is a constant problem for small businesses. One of our subscribers has come up with a new way to tackle this issue. What is it and could it help cut costs?
PAYROLL - 02.04.2013
Last minute RTI changes
RTI becomes a reality on April 6 but HMRC was still making changes to the new starter procedures just a few weeks before this. What’s the revised process?
TREASURY MANAGEMENT - 02.04.2013
Keeping a reserve for a rainy day
Your Managing Director, who also owns the business, has asked you to ensure that the company has enough reserves on the balance sheet to withstand a period of slow trading. How do you calculate the right amount?
ACCOUNTING - 02.04.2013
Keeping the record straight on disposal of assets
Keeping tabs on fixed assets is one of those tasks that can often be put aside in a busy finance department. At the year-end, you then have to recall transactions well after they happened. How can you make it easier to keep up to date?
