2014 -
March
SOFTWARE - CHAT - 28.03.2014
Good alternatives for WhatsApp
Now that Facebook has bought the popular chat app WhatsApp, some WhatsApp users fear that their data will be misused by Facebook. Are there any good alternative chat apps?
E-MAIL - SECURITY - 28.03.2014
How to recognise dangerous e-mail attachments
Most malware can still enter your computer because you unsuspectingly click on an attachment to an e-mail too quickly. How can you tell that an attachment is safe or not?
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE STORAGE - 28.03.2014
OneDrive: the new SkyDrive
Microsoft recently rechristened its SkyDrive cloud service OneDrive. What does this service have to offer besides a new name, and can it compete with Google Drive or Dropbox?
COMPUTER - NETWORK - 28.03.2014
Doing more with your NAS
A network attached storage (NAS) or network drive is typically used for making regular backups of all computers in your network. However, more recent NAS servers can do much more than that. What exactly, and how do you use them?
COMPUTER - HARDWARE - 28.03.2014
A laptop or a tablet?
Are you planning to buy a new laptop or do you think a tablet might be a better option? Although both devices are “mobile”, they each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a checklist.
BUSINESS - LEGAL - 28.03.2014
Implementing flexible working
Smart technology, new legislation, work-life balance - there are lots of factors in the drive towards more flexible working. We look at sites that can help.
PERSONAL WEBSITE - SITE ANALYSIS - 28.03.2014
Getting to know your website visitors
Web analytics tools allow you to check who visits your website and how they behave. What are the most important areas to pay attention to when using these analytics tools?
E-MAIL - E-MAIL SOFTWARE - 28.03.2014
The plug-ins for Thunderbird
Thunderbird remains an excellent (and free) e-mail program, but the developers have stopped adding new features to their software. Fortunately, plug-ins let you extend Thunderbird yourself.
SOFTWARE - COMPUTER MANAGEMENT - 28.03.2014
Deleted? Or not?
Did you or one of your colleagues delete a file and you don’t have a backup? Dedicated tools can help you to retrieve deleted files. We put two free programs to the test.
INTERNET CONNECTION - ROUTER - 28.03.2014
Making the most of your router
A router lets you create a network in your home or business. However, they don’t always function as they should. Therefore, here are some technical tips for optimisation.
SOFTWARE - VIDEO - 28.03.2014
The best video player for your iPhone or iPad
The Video app on your iPhone or iPad is only compatible with a limited number of video formats. If you’re looking for a better app for videos, there’s a wide range available at the App Store. Which ones are really good?
WASTE - 27.03.2014
Disposing of empty drums and containers
If you have old containers or storage tanks on site, recent guidance published by the Environment Agency will help you to identify whether they need to be disposed of as hazardous waste. What’s to know?
STATUTORY NUISANCE - 27.03.2014
Keep dust in check
The prolonged rainfall kept dust from roads and material stacks in check, but this is changing now the drier weather is here. To prevent dust being a problem on your site, use our new dust management checklist.
ENERGY SAVING - 27.03.2014
Are your fridges and freezers working properly?
A recent incident which nearly resulted in you having to waste the entire contents of a walk-in fridge has led to you taking a look at devices which will warn you of a potential problem. What’s on offer?
ENFORCEMENT - 27.03.2014
Sentencing guidelines published
New guidelines identify appropriate penalties for those found guilty of environmental offences. What impact are these likely to have?
VEHICLES - 27.03.2014
Wait a minute - reducing idling time
Many drivers leave cars and vans running whilst delivering, taking a call or even having lunch. It wastes fuel, increases emissions and costs money. So what should you be doing to stop your staff from idling?
GREEN INITIATIVES - 27.03.2014
Crack the tough nut of staff engagement
A recent survey has identified that when it comes to environmental matters, staff engagement continues to be a stumbling block. Why is this a problem and how can you get your employees on side?
WASTE - 27.03.2014
“Lower tier” waste carriers
If you regularly transport waste materials, you now have a legal duty to register as a waste carrier. What does the process involve, how much does it cost and what can happen if you fail to register?
TERMINATION - 24.03.2014
How to avoid TOIL and trouble on termination
Many employers allow staff who work extra hours to take time off in lieu. But what happens if employment is terminated before the employee has a chance to take the time back? Must you pay for their accrued but untaken hours?
DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS - 24.03.2014
What evidence must you provide?
If you subject an employee to disciplinary proceedings, you must provide them with the evidence that you intend to rely on. What does this consist of and at what point must it be supplied?
SICK PAY - 24.03.2014
Paid sick leave for a vasectomy?
An employee has informed you that he’s having a vasectomy soon and will need to be off for a few days. You don’t think he’s entitled to any paid sick leave as the procedure isn’t for medical reasons. What’s the situation?
DISCRIMINATION - 24.03.2014
Forcing their religious beliefs on others
Employees have the right not to be treated less favourably because of their religion or belief. But what if they seek to impose their views on others in your workplace? Could that give you grounds for their dismissal?
SICKNESS ABSENCE - 24.03.2014
Sickness absence: what’s your average?
According to official statistics, sickness absence rates are at their lowest in 20 years - the average employee now takes 4.4. days off sick each year. How can you compare your own employees’ time off quickly and easily?
REFERENCES - 24.03.2014
References and previous disputes
You’ve received a reference request which asks whether you had any disputes with a former employee. How should you respond?
RECRUITMENT - 24.03.2014
Interviews: the perfect question
When you interview a job candidate, there are many things you can’t enquire about. However, there’s one question which should be put to each and every one. What is it and why should it be asked?
RESCUE PLANS - 24.03.2014
A bodged lift rescue
An ill-advised attempt to rescue school pupils from a trapped lift car, serves as a cautionary tale for other organisations. What are the basic steps you should put in place to deal with such breakdowns?
PPE - 24.03.2014
Do welders need flame-resistant clothing?
If your staff carry out welding work, should you equip them with flame-resistant clothing? If so, what should you look for when selecting this type of personal protective equipment and what are the limitations, if any?
H&S MANAGEMENT - 24.03.2014
Is the Red Tape Challenge achieving its aims?
Back in 2011, the government promised to slash red tape and make compliance with health and safety regulations much easier. So, more than two years on, has it made good on its promises?
FIRST AID - 24.03.2014
Site first aid requirements
You’ve heard that sub-contractors in the construction sector are obliged to provide their own first aider if they have five or more workers. Is this true and are there any other rules affecting site first aid arrangements?
SCAFFOLDING - 24.03.2014
New standards for scaffolding
The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has recently published TG20:2013. What is the status and purpose of this document and what changes have been introduced by the updated version?
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES - 24.03.2014
Lead poisoning is still an issue
Exposure to lead at work may not be as common as it once was but, as a recent case shows, if your staff are at risk you can’t ignore it. What happened and how can you avoid the same outcome?
RISK ASSESSMENT - 24.03.2014
Drawing the line on risk assessment
The HSE has highlighted that some businesses are still getting risk assessments wrong. What are they doing and how can you avoid the same problems?
PAYE - 20.03.2014
New employer end-of-year procedures
The first full year of RTI is coming to an end. What special steps must you take when submitting your final end-of-year report?
VAT - 20.03.2014
Getting VAT back on mobiles and tablets
HMRC’s policy on reclaiming VAT on the cost of company paid-for mobiles and IT equipment used by directors and employees at home is potentially generous. What are the rules and how can you take best advantage of them?
INHERITANCE TAX - 20.03.2014
IHT-exempt gifts
You want to maximise your inheritance tax gifts-out-of-income exemption before the tax year ends in a couple of weeks. How much can you give away and must you make the gift by 5 April?
EXPENSES - 20.03.2014
Uncertainty on mileage claims for homeworkers
The Upper Tribunal has confirmed the ruling made last year that the cost of travel to and from a home office to visit clients or customers is often not tax deductible. In what situations will the judgment apply and how can you work around it?
CAPITAL ALLOWANCES - 20.03.2014
Planning for the change in AIA
The annual investment allowance (AIA) will be slashed during 2014/15. As the new tax year starts in just a few weeks, should you be taking steps now to maximise the current allowance?
INVESTMENTS - 20.03.2014
HMRC sets out rules for digital money
The growing use of cyber money has forced HMRC to issue a statement regarding the tax effects for businesses and individuals. If you make a transaction in a currency other than sterling, what are the tax consequences?
OVERSEAS TRADE - 19.03.2014
Help on exports and trading abroad
If you’re looking to grow your company by exporting or trading abroad, professional advisors from UK Trade & Investment are keen to help. So what services are they offering?
DIRECTORS’ LIABILITY - 19.03.2014
How to avoid penalties for late accounts
The deadline for filing your accounts with Companies House is just days away and your accountant has fallen ill. There’s no chance of the figures being finalised in time so how can you avoid being fined?
PERSONAL GUARANTEES - 19.03.2014
Personal guarantees and the family home
If you seek a loan on the company’s behalf, you’ll almost certainly be asked to provide a personal guarantee in the form of a charge against your home. But what if it’s owned jointly with your spouse? Will it apply equally to their share?
DIRECTORS’ TAX - 19.03.2014
Can you spread the cost of last year’s tax bill?
Your 2012/13 tax return showed that you owed tax. You expected HMRC to follow its usual procedure and collect it by adjusting your tax code for 2014/15, but instead it’s sent you a bill. Are you within your rights to refuse to pay?
PROPERTY - 19.03.2014
Buy-to-let investments: evicting tenants
Many directors invest in buy-to-let properties. Historically, it’s been difficult to recover them from tenants as they’ve been able to use simple errors in the paperwork to their advantage. Thankfully, this has changed. What’s to know?
DIRECTORS’ TAX - 19.03.2014
Dividends - year-end tax planning
2013 was a pretty good year for your company and the directors intend to approve a dividend in the next couple of weeks. However, it would suit you for it to be taxed in 2014/15 rather than the current year. How can that be achieved?
MISCELLANEOUS - HOME AUTOMATION - 14.03.2014
Your devices in the cloud
You will have probably already heard about “smart thermostats”. It’s not only thermostats; other devices can be connected to the Internet too so that you can control them remotely. Which devices is this useful for?
SOFTWARE - BROWSER - 14.03.2014
Synchronise your browser
Modern browsers allow you to synchronise all your browser data (favourites, settings, usernames, etc.) on different computers and devices. How exactly is this done, and are there any better alternatives?
E-MAIL - SECURITY - 14.03.2014
How to recognise suspicious e-mails?
You (or your spam filter) can usually tell real spam messages immediately. However, some phishing e-mails are so cleverly designed that you might have doubts. How can you find out whether a message is suspicious?
SECURITY - PRIVACY - 14.03.2014
Privacy on your smartphone
We previously detailed some basic measures you can take to protect your smartphone: set up an access code and automatic locking, activate the “Find my device” function, etc. What else is needed to protect your information?
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE OFFICE - 14.03.2014
The new iWork: useful?
Apple has been offering an online version of iWork for a while, but the possibilities of this office suite were rather limited. However, it was recently updated. Here are some of the new features.
BUSINESS - WEB SERVICES - 14.03.2014
Project management from within Google Calendar
Project management often relies on visual representations via so-called Gantt charts. A new web tool, Ganttify, claims it can even create such charts from your Google Calendar. How does it work?
PERSONAL WEBSITE - SITE DESIGN - 14.03.2014
Tips for creating a good web form
Web forms allow people to request information about your products or services, or to put their names down for an offer or place an order. Here are some handy tips.
BUSINESS - COMMUNITIES - 14.03.2014
Social media - help is at hand
The majority of the UKs SMEs are making use of social media but not all have a strategy in place. We look at sites and blogs that can help businesses.
BUSINESS - WEB SERVICES - 14.03.2014
Monitor your online customers
The web service Intercom keeps track of who uses your website and when. In addition, this cloud tool also enables you to communicate with your website visitors. Could this be useful for you?
SOFTWARE - VIDEO - 14.03.2014
A media centre for managing your videos
Do you have loads of films or home videos sitting on your hard drive? A good media-centre program not only lets you manage them, it also makes it easier to watch them on your computer or TV. How does it work?
COMPUTER - PRINTERS - 14.03.2014
Wireless printing via iOS or Android devices
With lots of mobile devices around (smartphones, tablets), it may be useful to be able to print wirelessly. What are the possibilities for iOS and Android devices?
WORKING AT HEIGHT - 12.03.2014
Makeshift barriers don’t cut it
If you need to protect those working at height, it might be tempting to make up some barriers out of wood, especially for a short job. But as recent cases show, this may not be the best option. What can be learned from these incidents?
FORK LIFT TRUCKS - 12.03.2014
In-house repairs to fork lift trucks
Warnings have recently been issued concerning the need for the proper repair of damaged fork arms on fork lift trucks. So what is the HSE worried about and what’s required of those in charge of the equipment?
CLAIM MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST - 12.03.2014
Pull accident information together
After an accident it’s often only a matter of time before a compensation claim letter arrives on your desk. To help your insurer, use our new claim management checklist.
WORKING WITH CHEMICALS - 12.03.2014
Paint spraying in small doses
If you want to make the occasional patch repair with isocyanate-based spray paints, you need to put in place a few simple precautions. What does the latest official guidance recommend?
CONTRACTOR SELECTION - 12.03.2014
Contractor scheme solution?
In 2009, the Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) scheme was introduced to make the contractor selection process cheaper and simpler for all parties. What impact has it had?
FIRE DOORS - 12.03.2014
How to secure your fire exits
You’ve noticed that fire exit doors vary from one building to another. Some open outwards, and some don’t. There is also a bemusing array of opening and security devices. What are the rules?
LEGIONELLA - 12.03.2014
Hard sell on legionella assessments
High pressure tactics have recently been employed regarding the requirement to complete a legionella risk assessment. Why is this and does it apply to your business?
EMPLOYERS’ LIABILITY - 06.03.2014
Violent acts by employees - are they your fault?
If, out of the blue, one of your employees flies off the handle and ends up punching a member of the public, could you be held legally responsible for their actions?
UNFAIR DISMISSAL - 06.03.2014
Unfairly dismissed for two years’ sickness absence
In a recent case an employee who had been off sick for nearly two years was sacked due to his ongoing incapacity. However, despite his long-term absence, the dismissal was found to be unfair. Where did the employer go wrong?
RACE DISCRIMINATION - 06.03.2014
Same first names: don’t be black or white
A popular TV series has two people with the same first name. To tell them apart, others refer to them as “White Dee” and “Black Dee”. Why must you never allow similar practices in your workplace?
RESIGNATIONS - 06.03.2014
Announcing staff departures to third parties
Whether a key employee has resigned amicably or not, it can make sense to advise any affected clients, customers or other third parties about their departure. What’s the best way to do this?
RECRUITMENT - 06.03.2014
Disclosing criminal convictions: some new rules
As a general rule, job applicants don’t have to tell you about any criminal convictions that are “spent”. On 10 March 2014, there were some important changes to the disclosure periods. What do you need to know?
working time - 06.03.2014
Shift workers: no swapping without permission
If your employees work shifts, you may turn a blind eye to the odd day off being swapped about. However, if you’re not careful, this type of informal arrangement can get out of hand. Should this occur, what’s the answer?
TRIBUNAL PROCEDURE - 06.03.2014
Early conciliation is good for you!
On 6 April 2014 Acas will launch its free early conciliation service. Why is this latest offering such good news for employers?
TAX/NI - 06.03.2014
Saving with part-timers
Did you know that hiring more part-time staff might actually cut your NI bill whilst also introducing greater flexibility and diversity? How might the savings add up?
PERSONNEL COSTS - 06.03.2014
Time to pay for sight tests?
A high street optician has claimed that more employers should be offering their staff eye tests by law. Of course, you would expect them to say this but if it’s true how can you do so cost effectively?
BUDGETING - 06.03.2014
Budgeting for conditional bonuses
The board of directors has agreed a new bonus scheme which is linked to the company’s year-end profits. How should you calculate and allocate the budget amount for any bonuses that might become payable under the new scheme?
INSURANCE - 06.03.2014
Child’s play insurance savings
Car insurance premiums are at their lowest level since 2011, according to new research. But the cost to insure a driver under 22 is still over £1,000 on average. Could your company help save your kids, i.e. you, money?
INTERNAL CONTROLS - 06.03.2014
Purchase ledger internal audit
You’ve noticed some errors cropping up in the purchase ledger and suspect that your new clerk may be responsible. How can you quickly audit the purchase ledger for input errors?
WASTE - 06.03.2014
Separate waste savings
Scotland has introduced a new regime under which businesses must separate their waste. With landfill tax about to rise again in April, should firms in England voluntarily follow their lead to save money?
SPREADSHEETS - 06.03.2014
A better depreciation method for forecasts
You’re in the process of creating long-term quarterly profit forecasts and need to include an amount for depreciation on the estimated capital expenditure each quarter. One solution is to use the OFFSET function but is there a better one?
ASSET FINANCE - 06.03.2014
The dos and don’ts of leasing photocopiers
The current lease on the office photocopier has another two years to run but the salesperson has just suggested leasing a brand new machine for less money per quarter. This sounds too good to be true, so what’s the catch?
RAISING FINANCE - 06.03.2014
£2,000 of advice for free?
In January, the government launched a new scheme offering subsidised advice to small businesses. Is there anything in it for your company?
ACCOUNTING - 06.03.2014
Intercompany reconciliations
Your company is part of a group and you’ve noticed that the intercompany transactions and balances don’t match. What should you do next to resolve the differences and straighten out the books?
