2014 -
July
E-MAIL - WEBMAIL - 08.07.2014
More functions for Gmail
Gmail is an excellent webmail service which constantly extends its functions. And yet you can add even more options yourself. Here’s an update of useful Gmail extensions for the Google Chrome browser.
SECURITY - PASSWORDS - 08.07.2014
Secure signing in through an existing account
Many websites, web shops or apps let you log in using your Google or Facebook account without you having to register first. This is convenient, as you don’t have to remember yet another set of login details. How does it work and is it safe?
SECURITY - BACKUP - 08.07.2014
The easy way: Windows’ own backup function
Most people don’t get around to making a backup of important files - which is crucial operation. And yet it can be very simple: Windows 7 and 8 have a number of integrated tools which offer basic backup protection.
SECURITY - SMARTPHONE - 08.07.2014
Don’ts for your smartphone
When talking about security, people mainly think of their computer and not so much about their smartphone. But this mobile device contains important personal information. So what should you avoid doing on your smartphone?
EDUCATION - LANGUAGES - 08.07.2014
Businesses demand language skills
The latest CBI/Pearson survey says businesses need staff with language skills to break into new markets. We look at the options for firms and individuals.
SOFTWARE - COMPUTER MANAGEMENT - 08.07.2014
How to customise your keyboard
Would you like to change the function of one or more infrequently used keys on the keyboard of your computer or laptop? Which tools help you to “remap” your keyboard?
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE STORAGE - 08.07.2014
Apps by and for Dropbox
The number of Dropbox users increased from 200 to 300 million worldwide in just six months. Two mobile apps which Dropbox released recently make this cloud service even more useful.
LEISURE - DO-IT-YOURSELF - 08.07.2014
Do you need to fix something? Here’s online help!
Has something broken down in your business, shop, office or house? You can, of course, call in a specialist. But to save time or money you could also search for help via the Internet.
SOFTWARE - WINDOWS - 08.07.2014
OneDrive and Windows 8.1: good friends
Online storage service OneDrive is deeply integrated in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. What does OneDrive have to offer and how do you use it? Plus, can you disable OneDrive in Windows 8/8.1?
SOFTWARE - COMPUTER MANAGEMENT - 08.07.2014
Tools for keeping your computer fit
Computers have become indispensable instruments, especially professionally speaking. This means that you have to keep your computer or laptop in top shape at all times. Here are five free must-haves that can help you.
BROWSER - SMARTPHONE - 08.07.2014
Alternative browsers for your mobile device
Your mobile device (smartphone or tablet) is not equipped with its own web browser by default. So why not visit the app stores and look for a free alternative browser?
INCOME TAX - 08.07.2014
Deadline for payments and tax credits
Deadlines for self-assessment and tax credits are approaching. If you’re away on holiday at the time how can you ensure you don’t miss them?
CAPITAL ALLOWANCES - 08.07.2014
Avoiding an annual investment allowance trap
The annual investment allowance currently stands at £500,000, which should be more than enough for most companies. But those owned by entrepreneurs with interests in other businesses might see that figure slashed. Why?
VAT - 08.07.2014
Reducing VAT on construction costs
You’re planning to extend your company’s premises and have been quoted £150,000 plus VAT of £30,000 by a contractor. He says he can’t trim anything off the price, but can you save some money by reducing the VAT?
BENEFITS - 08.07.2014
Tax on benefits in kind to change radically
The government intends to overhaul several major aspects of the benefits in kind tax rules. What changes can employers expect and when are they likely to take effect?
COMPANY CARS - 08.07.2014
When is a company car not a perk?
A pooled company car doesn’t trigger a tax or NI charge when it’s used by either directors or employees. However, to count as a pool car tough conditions must be met. What essential steps are needed to meet them?
PENSIONS - 08.07.2014
Take advantage of pension input periods
The new generous rules are tempting you to pay this year’s bonus into a pension for the first time. However, anything you invest above £40,000 will result in tax relief being clawed back. How can you legitimately avoid this trap?
MARKETING - 08.07.2014
Using the .UK domain extension
In early 2014 ICANN started rolling out over 1,000 new domain name extensions. Its descriptive ones are particularly useful for marketing purposes, but should you bother buying one ending in .UK?
COMPANY LAW - 08.07.2014
Are company secretarial services worth bothering with?
These days most companies aren’t required to appoint a company secretary. Nevertheless, some of their duties still need to be carried out. What’s the most cost-efficient way of getting them done?
SHAREHOLDINGS - 08.07.2014
Company shareholdings and divorce
In the event of a divorce it would be highly unusual for the courts to award a former spouse any company-owned assets, e.g. a car. But what about a director’s shareholdings? Can they be forcibly redistributed?
DIRECTORS’ STATUS - 08.07.2014
No director’s salary: what’s the employee status?
In May 2014 the Employment Appeal Tribunal found that a director who had waived her right to a contractual salary was an employee. But what is its view if a director has never been paid at all?
INSURANCE - 08.07.2014
Insurance: are you properly protected?
Although directors are responsible for ensuring that their companies have adequate insurance cover, research suggests that many aren’t meeting the minimum legal requirements. What insurance must you have by law?
COMPANY TAX - 08.07.2014
Tax deductions - are you getting them soon enough?
Your company has ordered some new machinery but it will take a couple of months to arrive and be installed. How can you ensure that your company gets a tax deduction for the cost at the earliest date?
BENEFITS - 08.07.2014
Going on holiday? Take your company credit card
If you use your company credit card for personal purchases it counts as a benefit in kind on which you’ll be taxed and might have to pay NI. So how can using your company credit card for, say, a holiday purchase, save you money?
FIRST AID AT WORK POLICY - 08.07.2014
Update your first aid policy
In October 2013 amendments were made to the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 and guidance. How should these, and the latest insurance advice, affect the contents of your first aid at work policy?
WORK AT HEIGHT - 08.07.2014
Should you upgrade your mobile platform guarding?
In 2013 the HSE published research into the risk of entrapment for those using mobile elevating work platforms. The regulator now advises caution before installing additional guarding on machines. What’s the story?
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH - 08.07.2014
Stone masons’ health should have been protected
Although the risks of silica dust exposure have become a high priority for the HSE, to date, prosecutions have been quite rare. What does the Stonyhurst College case tell us about the measures employers are expected to take?
ASBESTOS - 08.07.2014
Jailed director illegally supplied asbestos sheets
A property developer who sought to profit from an illegal activity failed to foresee the consequences to himself and others. What happened and how can you avoid becoming involved in similar incidents?
PPE - 08.07.2014
Noise issues under scrutiny
As part of its focus on occupational health issues, the HSE is targeting the management of noise in the workplace. What’s expected of you?
CONSTRUCTION - 08.07.2014
Do construction regulations apply to the events industry?
You’ve heard that the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM) apply to exhibitions and stage sets. But despite being involved in the sector you haven’t been affected to date. Why is this and will it change?
SEASONAL ISSUES - 08.07.2014
Summer safety issues
During the months of July and August many of your staff take annual leave. Does this introduce any potential health and safety issues? If so, how can you manage them effectively?
