2014 -
October
WEB SERVICES - TRANSLATIONS - 30.10.2014
Three top online translation services
Do you need to translate the odd sentence, paragraph or text? Or do you simply want to be able to read a webpage written in a foreign language? Automatic translation services on the Internet can offer the solution. Which are the best?
COMPUTER - BATTERY - 30.10.2014
Beef up your laptop battery
Thanks to the latest generation of highly energy-efficient Intel processors, modern laptops can run for five, six and sometimes even eight hours. However, using the right Windows power plan, you can make even more of your battery.
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE COLLABORATION - 30.10.2014
Show your ideas via a whiteboard
While discussing a concept with a colleague via phone, Skype or web conference, it may be useful to visualise this idea via a drawing or chart. Which simple, free tools can help you?
SECURITY - WINDOWS - 30.10.2014
Working with UAC
User account control (UAC) is a system in Windows Vista, 7 or 8 which notifies you whenever you’re about to perform a risky operation or launch a program subject to administrator rights. Is it useful, and can you make UAC less intrusive?
E-MAIL - E-MAIL USE - 30.10.2014
Keep track of your e-mails
There are important e-mails you’ve sent which you really want to be read. If you would like to know for sure that the recipient has actually read an e-mail, there are various ways of finding out.
BUSINESS - RESTAURANTS - 30.10.2014
Time for a business lunch
There are many apps and websites that can point you to the right places to set up a business lunch. Here’s an overview, plus tips for travelling abroad.
EDUCATION - ONLINE COURSES - 30.10.2014
Online training courses: MOOCs
Are you looking for useful training for yourself or a co-worker? Did you know that you can undertake training online, often free of charge, at many renowned universities?
SOFTWARE - WINDOWS - 30.10.2014
A preview of Windows 10
Microsoft recently announced the arrival of Windows 10. It won’t be released until 2015, but a public test version is available already. What does Windows 10 have to offer, and should you try out the test version?
BUSINESS - WEB SERVICES - 30.10.2014
Tools for contact management
As a professional, you will have plenty of business contacts that you need to keep track of, e.g., customers, suppliers, etc. Which tools can help you manage your follow-up strategy with them?
SOFTWARE - OFFICE - 30.10.2014
Office 2013: handy templates
The look of a report or a presentation is important if you want to make a good impression. Have you considered using the numerous free templates available for Office 2013?
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE OFFICE - 30.10.2014
Creating fusion tables with Google
You will be familiar with Google Docs as a versatile online tool for creating documents, including spreadsheets. The “fusion table” function extends its options even more.
NATIONAL INSURANCE - 28.10.2014
HMRC announces details of NI break
The 2014 Budget included a new NI break for employers with young workers. What steps are needed for your company to take advantage of it?
FINANCE - 28.10.2014
How to maintain a good credit record
These days a good credit rating is vital for small companies to survive. Obviously, paying debts on time is essential, but how you manage your company can also play a big role. What’s the full story?
OVERSEAS TRADE - 28.10.2014
ExploreExport 2014: is it worth it?
From 7-14 November 2014 UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is running ExploreExport 2014 which is aimed at small and medium-sized companies that want to export their products and services overseas. Is it worth attending?
ESTATE PLANNING - 28.10.2014
Intestacy law changes if your assets exceed £250k
On 1 October 2014 intestacy laws - which are the rules that apply when a person dies without leaving a will - underwent some major changes. They affect anybody who has assets exceeding £250,000. What do you need to know?
CIS - 28.10.2014
Deducting tax - client misconceptions
A 2014 case highlights that clients often do not understand when and what they need to deduct from subcontractors. What are the common misconceptions?
EXIT PLANNING - 28.10.2014
Using a multiple completion contract to preserve ER
If a client’s company is looking to buy out a shareholder, you might advise them to purchase the shares in stages for cash-flow reasons. But this could result in the disposal not qualifying for entrepreneurs’ relief (ER). What’s the solution?
CORPORATION TAX - 28.10.2014
Is that company still “associated”?
From April 2015 there will be only one corporation tax rate. As a consequence, the associated companies’ rules are changing too. How will this affect clients?
SCOTTISH TAX - 28.10.2014
Scottish taxes after the “No” vote
Although Scotland decided to remain part of the United Kingdom, significant tax changes are afoot north of the border. Are you aware of the new taxes your Scottish clients will soon start to face?
PROPERTY TAX - 28.10.2014
Maximising deductions for furnishings and equipment
You’re in the process of completing a tax return for a residential landlord and see that his expenses include a new kitchen and replacing the washing machine in the property. Can all these costs be offset against his rental income?
NATIONAL INSURANCE - 28.10.2014
Avoiding NI troubles for new and departing directors
Unlike regular employees, directors have an annual earnings period for NI purposes. However, in some situations, this can result in a director ending up with no NI record for the year. What do your clients need to watch out for?
PAYE - 28.10.2014
Recovering PAYE overpayments
A client has accidentally paid one month of PAYE twice. HMRC is now refusing to refund the overpayment claiming that human error is not a reason for it to repay the money. What should you advise your client to do?
INCOME TAX - 28.10.2014
Errors in HMRC tax statements
HMRC has confirmed that some of its recently issued statements of 2013/14 tax liability contain errors. What steps should you take if you’ve received one?
CAPITAL GAINS TAX - 28.10.2014
How to maximise CGT efficiency with EIS
You have just made a capital gain from selling an asset and intend to invest in an enterprise investment scheme (EIS) to defer paying tax on it. How can you achieve the best tax saving possible?
EMPLOYMENT STATUS - 28.10.2014
Tribunal rules that a consultant is an employee
It’s not uncommon for retired directors to take on the role as a consultant to the company, usually on a self-employed basis. This arrangement nearly backfired for an ex-director when HMRC challenged his status. What’s the full story?
INVESTIGATIONS - 28.10.2014
HMRC shifts the goalposts on penalties
HMRC appears to be taking a tougher line on penalties that are due following a tax investigation. What’s changed and how can you fight penalties where you think they are excessive?
PROFIT EXTRACTION - 28.10.2014
Dividends v benefits in kind
Your company is doing well and so you plan to increase what you take from it. The question is, what’s the most tax-efficient way to do it? Usually dividends are the best option, but might there be a more tax-efficient alternative?
RISK ASSESSMENT - 24.10.2014
How to complete a risk assessment
The HSE has shortened and re-branded its basic “how-to” guide to risk assessment. Are there any significant amendments and do you need to change the way you write them?
regulation - 24.10.2014
Do you have new legal duties?
You’re aware that the HSE brings in new and amended legislation twice each year. What, if anything, was introduced in October 2014 and how might you be affected?
SCAFFOLDING - 24.10.2014
New guidance on scaffolding
The HSE has produced new guidance which identifies the level of information a scaffolding firm will require from its clients. What’s covered and when must you provide it?
SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS - 24.10.2014
Icy path case revisited
In October 2013 we highlighted the case of Kennedy v Cordia (Services) LLP 2013 in which a care worker was awarded damages for a slip whilst walking to a client’s home. What was the outcome when the employer appealed?
FIRE SAFETY - 24.10.2014
Fire enforcement statistics
The fire & rescue service has published statistics detailing which types of business are being inspected and where the problems lie. What’s to know?
WORKPLACE - 24.10.2014
Mind that wall!
An independent structural safety body has issued an alert which covers the risks associated with the collapse of free-standing masonry walls. Why has the warning been published and what practical steps does it advise?
GUARDING - 24.10.2014
Unguarded error for the Environment Agency
Like many employers, it seems that the Environment Agency (EA) finds it hard to keep an eye on all its employees. How did supervision difficulties land the regulator in court?
TIME OFF - 22.10.2014
Acas’ new guidance on managing bereavement
In early 2014 the government confirmed that it is “not feasible” to introduce statutory bereavement leave for employees. However, to help you deal with this sensitive issue, Acas has issued some new guidance. What does it cover?
HARASSMENT - 22.10.2014
References to nationality: OK or unacceptable?
The Employment Appeal Tribunal has ruled that an employee who was called “Polish” when introduced to clients didn’t suffer harassment on the grounds of race. So is it OK to refer to an employee’s nationality?
DEDUCTIONS - 22.10.2014
Loans to employees - what must you do?
An employee is experiencing financial difficulties and has approached you about the possibility of an emergency loan. If you agree to their request, what must you do to protect yourself?
DEPENDANT’S LEAVE - 22.10.2014
Dependant’s leave and contacting the employer
In Ellis v Ratcliff Palfinger Ltd 2014 the employee claimed that he had been unfairly dismissed for exercising his statutory right to take dependant’s leave. But his claim failed because he didn’t do one vital thing. What was it?
DISCIPLINARY MATTERS - 22.10.2014
Minor problems and informal discussions
In cases of minor misconduct or poor performance you should always try to resolve the matter informally rather than launching straight into formal proceedings. But what must you always do at the end of that discussion?
MOTIVATION - 22.10.2014
Motivation: the additional holiday solution
To motivate staff, Richard Branson has announced that employees at Virgin’s parent company can take as much holiday as they want, when they want. This is unrealistic for most smaller employers but what could you do instead?
company PROPERTY - 22.10.2014
That doesn’t belong to you!
The Information Commissioner’s Office has prosecuted an employee who unlawfully removed the personal data of 100 clients. The facts of the case highlight a common misconception, what is it?
SELF-ASSESSMENT - 14.10.2014
First tax return deadline nears
The 2013/14 self-assessment tax return season has arrived. What are the key deadlines you should be watching out for?
PROFIT EXTRACTION - 14.10.2014
How to shift income to your children (successfully)
Giving your children shares in your company can provide them with income for the future. The trouble is anti-avoidance rules mean you’ll have to pick up the tax bill for it. So is it something worth considering?
CAPITAL ALLOWANCES - 14.10.2014
Refurbishment - claim the annual investment allowance
You’ve spent a pile of cash refurbishing parts of your company’s premises. Your bookkeeper is unsure whether to allocate some of the expenditure as fixtures or repairs. There’s a full tax deduction either way, so why does it matter?
NATIONAL INSURANCE - 14.10.2014
Is NI payable on property rental income?
For some time now HMRC has been sending questionnaires to people who own and rent out properties to establish whether or not they should pay NI on their income. What should your response be if you receive one of these?
PENSIONS - 14.10.2014
Are pensions now the best way to avoid IHT?
The government has scrapped the special tax charge on pension funds transferred on death. Some experts are saying that it creates a golden inheritance tax planning opportunity, but is it something you should make use of?
BENEFITS IN KIND - 14.10.2014
Cost-efficient ways to provide a mobile
As an optional benefit, you intend to offer mobile phones to your staff as part of their salary package as you’ve heard that it’s tax efficient. However, what’s the best way to ensure that the costs to you are limited?
VAT - 14.10.2014
VAT troubles when buying or selling a business
Your company is negotiating the purchase of part of a competitor’s business and the deal has reached the contract stage. The seller’s solicitor says that VAT must be added to the price, but your advisors disagree. What’s the right answer?
DIRECTORS’ TAX - 13.10.2014
Tax-free gifts for directors
You’ve heard that HMRC allows employers to make low value, tax-free gifts to staff. However, you want to make a more substantial gift to a director who’s turning 60 at the end of the month. How far will HMRC’s tax-free limit stretch?
PERSONAL GUARANTEES - 13.10.2014
Personal guarantees: first or last on the list?
If your company seeks additional finance from a bank, the directors will probably be asked to provide a personal guarantee. But suppose there’s some form of security in place already? Which one would the bank go after first?
REFERENCES - 13.10.2014
Potential director has no employment references
You’re looking to bring in another director and believe the right person has been identified. However, due to their background, they don’t have a recent employer you can approach for an employment reference. What’s the answer?
INHERITANCE TAX - 13.10.2014
Business loans that could cost you extra IHT
In 2013 new rules were introduced to curb inheritance tax (IHT) avoidance. The trouble is they can also reduce the amount of business property relief (BPR) that director shareholders are entitled to. How can you avoid the problem?
MARKETING - 13.10.2014
Direct Marketing Code of Practice
A fellow director has heard about a new code of practice that’s been issued by the Direct Marketing Association. Are you legally obliged to follow it?
FINANCE - 13.10.2014
Government subsidies for business advice
The government has launched yet another of its initiatives to help companies. This time it’s a subsidy for those who want to grow their business. What’s on offer and how do you go about claiming it?
SECURITY - ONLINE STORAGE - 10.10.2014
Working safely in the cloud
You would like to store your data online. However, after all the frightening reports about services such as iCloud, you’re a bit reticent. How can you work safely in the cloud?
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE OFFICE - 10.10.2014
Office Delve: tailored information
Microsoft Office 365 is an office suite which makes clever use of the advantages of the cloud. The new, free Delve wants to make things even easier for you. Useful for your business?
BUSINESS - CONSUMER - 10.10.2014
Flights at all prices
The AirlineHunter site has been revamped so we decided to check out which flight sites offer the best deals, whatever the reason for travel.
BUSINESS - WEB SERVICES - 10.10.2014
Protime 360° for project monitoring
When you employ staff in your business, you may not always have a clear view of who does what. The new cloud tool Protime 360° helps you to chart all their activities.
SECURITY - PASSWORDS - 10.10.2014
Help - forgotten pasword for Windows or Wi-Fi
What can you do if you’ve forgotten the password for logging in to Windows or to your wireless network? Fortunately, there are solutions for this kind of emergency.
WEBSITE - VIDEO - 10.10.2014
Video on your website? It works!
Your customers watch YouTube as much as their television sets these days. The importance of online video is therefore increasing. Should your business jump on the video bandwagon? How do you do this?
SOFTWARE - WINDOWS - 10.10.2014
Built-in utilities for Windows 7 and 8
Windows 7 and 8 contain a number of handy utilities and tools which aren’t switched on by default. What are they, how do you activate them and what do they allow you to do?
SOFTWARE - SMARTPHONES - 10.10.2014
iOS 8: same look, more features
Unlike version 7 of the iOS operating system, the new iOS 8 version brings nothing different visually, but it does come with various new features. What are they?
E-MAIL - E-MAIL SOFTWARE - 10.10.2014
Postbox with extras
Postbox is an e-mail application based on Thunderbird. What can you do with this program, why would you want to buy it and how can you make the most of its features?
TELEPHONY - SMARTPHONES - 10.10.2014
Clean up your smartphone
Is your smartphone full of old contacts you’re no longer in touch with? Plus, is it cluttered with apps and widgets you’re no longer using? How do you clean up the mess?
SOFTWARE - GRAPHICAL - 10.10.2014
Create your own Adobe Creative Suite
Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc. are excellent programs for creative people. However, their price makes them inaccessible to most non-professional designers. Fortunately, free software allows you to “imitate” their features.
PERMIT TO WORK - WORK AT HEIGHT - 08.10.2014
Specify how to work at height
Just a small loss of concentration when working at height can have serious consequences, not only for the accident victim, but also for those in charge of the work. Use our permit to work to keep workers safe.
ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION - 08.10.2014
Man killed by bad knee
The case of Smith v Scottish Water 2014 highlights some interesting points about effective risk assessment and the potential consequences of what you write on an accident form. What’s the story?
ENFORCEMENT - 08.10.2014
How is health and safety regulated?
If you’ve ever been confused about the role of the HSE or local authority health and safety teams, an information sheet published in July 2014 will help to shed some light on the subject. What does it contain?
NOISE - 08.10.2014
Deafness is the new whiplash
The Association of British Insurers has warned that claims for industrial deafness have surged since 2009. Why has there been such a rise and how can you defend your business?
FIRE SAFETY - 08.10.2014
What to do in the event of a fire
Do you assume that your staff will know how to respond if the fire alarm goes off? If so, you might be deceiving yourself. What do you need to know?
TRAINING - 08.10.2014
Alternative competence cards accepted on sites
At the end of September 2014 the United Kingdom Contractors Group announced that it will accept National Plant Operators Registration Scheme (NPORS) training cards for most construction machinery. How might this affect you?
STORAGE - 08.10.2014
When is a wardrobe a hazard?
In August 2014 a care home operator was fined because a resident managed to pull a wardrobe over and was fatally injured as a result. Does this mean that you must secure all furniture to the walls?
DATA PROTECTION - 07.10.2014
Data protection: what are they really after?
You’ve received a subject access request (SAR) from an individual but it isn’t obvious what personal data is being sought. Can you ignore it on the basis that it’s unclear?
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT - 07.10.2014
A forgetful and menopausal employee
An older female employee is becoming increasingly forgetful. When it’s brought to her attention she blames the menopause. The situation can’t be allowed to continue but what’s the risk if you move straight to capability proceedings?
DISMISSAL - 07.10.2014
Fairly sacked for writing a raunchy novel
In September 2014 there were media reports about a council worker who had been “dismissed for writing a raunchy novel”. However, when it came to bringing an unfair dismissal claim, she didn’t have a leg to stand on. Why?
RECRUITMENT - 07.10.2014
Bound by verbal assurances about pay rises?
Having received your job offer the successful applicant is unhappy about the starting salary. The person they speak to verbally assures them that they’ll be “entitled to automatic pay rises”. Are you obliged to honour this promise?
DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS - 07.10.2014
Witness statements: what’s the answer?
During a disciplinary investigation there’s a good chance that you’ll need to obtain witness statements from certain employees. Who should prepare an employee’s witness statement and what should it include?
TRIBUNALS - 07.10.2014
Tribunal fees under threat again?
Having previously failed in its attempt to have the tribunal fees regime scrapped, UNISON has persuaded the Court of Appeal to let it try again. What’s happened and could it succeed this time around?
