2015 -
October
CONSUMER - ONLINE SHOPPING - 29.10.2015
Supermarket shopping online
With supermarkets seeing profits decline due to greater competition and price wars, there’s a lot of activity on the online shopping front.
BUSINESS - COMMERCIAL - 29.10.2015
Selling via the social media
Social media is not only an excellent channel for boosting customer loyalty: you can also use it to actually sell products to customers. How do you do this and what do you need?
SOFTWARE & WEB SERVICES - PDF - 29.10.2015
Working with PDFs
The main advantage of PDF files is that they are reproduced exactly as they are on any device. This format is therefore ideal for sending price offers or invoices to customers. Which tools offer extra features?
SOFTWARE - WINDOWS - 29.10.2015
Tips and trick for Windows 10
If you’ve installed Windows 10, you probably haven’t found your way around yet. Here are some handy tips and tricks to help you work more efficiently with the new Windows.
E-MAIL - E-MAIL SOFTWARE - 29.10.2015
Inbox: a different approach to Gmail
Inbox is a new e-mail app by Gmail which offers a totally new approach to the way you organise and process your e-mail in Gmail. Let’s see how it works and how it can help you.
BUSINESS - WEB SERVICES - 29.10.2015
Tools for successful meetings
If you have to organise meetings with colleagues, suppliers or customers, you will have found that it’s not always easy to make practical arrangements with lots of other people. Which webtools can help you?
SOFTWARE - DOWNLOADING - 29.10.2015
The best program for BitTorrent downloads
The BitTorrent platform has been around for a long time, and it remains hugely popular as a “P2P” network for exchanging files. Which BitTorrent program is best and offers most options?
PERSONAL WEBSITE - SITE DESIGN - 29.10.2015
The best place for your social media buttons
They’re a common sight on blogs or news sites: buttons to share an article or text with your friends on various social networks. How can you make use of such buttons?
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE STORAGE - 29.10.2015
Collaborating in Dropbox
Dropbox lets you save files in the cloud and synchronise them between different devices. This is convenient for personal use, but can you also work with several people?
TRANSPORTS - MAPS & ROUTES - 29.10.2015
Using the Google Maps app efficiently
You probably already use the Google Maps app on your smartphone or tablet. Here are some tips (for iOS, but especially for Android) for making the most of this app.
COMPUTER - NETWORK - 29.10.2015
Network troubleshooting
It’s not easy to resolve problems with your home network as many elements can play a role here (cables, router, wireless access point, etc.). The following tips can help you to diagnose a problem.
WORKPLACE - 29.10.2015
Don’t forget the snagging list
Fashion brand Hugo Boss was heavily fined in connection with the death of a child at one of its stores. How could it get its public safety measures so wrong and what lessons are there for others in the retail trade?
FIRE SAFETY - 29.10.2015
Fire deaths at an all-time low
Fire incident figures show an improving picture for most aspects of fire safety. However, there are areas still in need of attention. What do you need to know?
PPE - 29.10.2015
Turban-wearing Sikhs gain hard hat exemption
You’ve heard that turban-wearing Sikhs are now exempt from wearing a hard hat in all workplaces. If your operations require head protection, how does this affect you and what must you now do?
TRAINING - 29.10.2015
Changes to construction competence cards
The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) has announced planned changes to its Construction Related Occupation (CRO) card. What’s happening and how might you be affected?
COMPETENT ADVICE - 29.10.2015
You’re supposed to be a helpful safety consultant
You have appointed a health and safety consultant to help you keep on top of compliance issues. However, in your eyes he’s being over zealous and stopping you from getting on with the job. How should you deal with him?
COSHH - 29.10.2015
New guidance on soldering
The HSE has issued simplified guidance on the subject of rosin-based solder flux fume. If your staff are involved in soldering work does this apply to you, and if so what’s required?
FORK LIFT TRUCKS - 29.10.2015
Keeping control during business expansion
As a case heard in August 2015 shows, a sudden increase in productivity requires careful management to maintain staff safety. Why did the company end up in court and how can you avoid doing the same?
PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY - 27.10.2015
Your responsibility to meet your legal duties
If you sell via the Internet, you may not think of yourself as a producer or importer. However, as a case in August 2015 proves, the law sees it differently. What do you need to know?
ENFORCEMENT - 27.10.2015
Are penalties getting tougher?
Data suggests that the level of punishment for breaching environmental permits has risen threefold in some sectors. Why is this?
PACKAGING - 27.10.2015
Are biodegradable bags the green option?
The findings of a survey suggest that the public want businesses to use biodegradable bags. But are they better than plastic or compostable ones and should you consider supplying them?
GREENHOUSE GASES - 27.10.2015
Tackling the F-Gas Regulation
The British Refrigeration Association (BRA) has issued guidance designed to help you meet the requirements set out in the EU F-Gas Regulation. What does it say and how can it help you?
ENERGY - 27.10.2015
Gone dark on solar
The government has published proposals for cutting the renewable energy incentives under its feed-in tariff. Some payments for solar energy could be slashed by almost 90%. Should you steer clear?
PESTS AND RODENTS - 27.10.2015
Finding a home for the winter
Pests and rodents can be a major problem in the autumn and it’s unlikely that your council will help deal with it. But if you’re using a private firm, how can you spot the cowboys?
POLLUTION - 27.10.2015
Pub discharged untreated sewage
A case heard in September 2015 concerned a pub company’s failure to properly manage its private sewage treatment plant. What should have been done to prevent the pollution event?
TAX CREDITS - 23.10.2015
New code of practice on overpayments published
HMRC has published a new version of COP26, which gives advice on how to deal with matters when tax credits have been overpaid to your clients. What are the key points?
PENSIONS - 23.10.2015
Alignment of PIPs - an opportunity?
Part of the pension regime overhaul includes making all pension input periods end on 5 April. There are special rules for 2015/16 - do these offer your clients any tax saving-opportunities?
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES - 23.10.2015
The future for travel and subsistence expense claims
The government expects to gain £155 million in additional tax revenue through changes to the travel and subsistence rules. What do the proposals include, and what should you do now to add value and save your clients money?
INHERITANCE TAX - 23.10.2015
New residence nil rate band to be introduced
A new nil rate band will be phased in for individuals who pass away after April 2017. However, this will only apply in certain circumstances and there are some complications. How will the changes benefit your clients, and are there any restrictions?
TAX-EFFICIENT INVESTMENTS - 23.10.2015
Changes to the EIS legislation
A number of changes to the rules surrounding the enterprise investment scheme (EIS) are due before the end of 2015. These will have an impact on which companies and investors can access the tax relief. What do you need to do?
NATIONAL INSURANCE - 23.10.2015
Are contributions payable in respect of rental income?
Whether rental income attracts Class 2 NI contributions has always been a complicated matter. Thankfully a change made in 2015 has brought some clarity to the issue. What do you need to advise your clients to do in respect of NI on their rental income?
DOMICILE - 23.10.2015
Bringing an end to permanent non-UK domicile status
The way in which individuals who are resident but not domiciled in the UK are taxed is set to undergo significant changes. What is happening, how will your clients be affected and what advice can you give them now?
CHILDCARE - 22.10.2015
Where is the new tax-free childcare scheme?
A new government-backed tax-free childcare scheme was set to go live in autumn 2015 but so far it hasn’t materialised. What’s happened and is this new scheme still going ahead or not?
ANNUAL LEAVE - 22.10.2015
When annual leave isn’t taken by choice
Some employees don’t take their full entitlement to statutory annual leave through personal choice. In this situation, what happens to those annual leave days? Must they be carried over or are they lost forever?
WORK AND PARENTS - 22.10.2015
Shared grandparental leave
The government has announced that it intends to extend the existing shared parental leave (SPL) regime to include grandparents. When is this set to happen and should you be worried about it?
JOB SHARING - 22.10.2015
Job shares and their contracts
Sometimes, two part-time employees will carry out one full-time post between them under a job-share arrangement. In this situation what issues should you always cover in their employment contracts?
DRESS CODES - 22.10.2015
Dealing with a visible new tattoo
An employee has turned up for work sporting a large, highly visible tattoo. In your view their new body art presents an unprofessional image. Seeing as they can’t wash it off do you have grounds for dismissal?
RECRUITMENT - 22.10.2015
Flooded with job applications
You need to advertise a job vacancy and suspect that it will attract a large number of applications. However, you don’t want to spend ages trawling through each one unless you absolutely have to. So what’s the answer?
WORKING CONDITIONS - 22.10.2015
Workplace temperatures: it’s too cold in here!
Some weather forecasters are predicting Arctic conditions this winter. But if the worst does happen and temperatures plummet to well below freezing, do your employees have the legal right to go home?
EXPENSES - 20.10.2015
Barter trade - getting something for nothing
When your business pays another for work it can claim the cost as a tax deduction. If, on the other hand, it pays for the work in kind what are the tax implications and is there an advantage to be gained?
CARS - 20.10.2015
Choosing the right car (for capital allowances)
The rate of capital allowances (CAs) you can claim for cars used in your business varies between 8% per year to 100% of their cost. That can make a big difference to your tax bill. What steps can you take to achieve maximum tax efficiency?
PROPERTY - 20.10.2015
The end of wear and tear allowances
The wear and tear deduction allowed against residential letting income is to be scrapped. What will replace it and will landlords be better or worse off?
PROFIT EXTRACTION - 20.10.2015
Pay extra dividends now?
Tax on dividends is set to rise on 6 April 2016, but if the government includes anti-avoidance measures in the 2015 Autumn Statement it could apply sooner in some situations. So should you pay yourself extra dividends now?
PENALTIES - 20.10.2015
When can penalties be suspended?
A simple mistake in your tax return that results in you paying too little tax can trigger a financial penalty. However, in some circumstances it can be suspended and ultimately cancelled. When can you ask HMRC to suspend a penalty?
CAPITAL GAINS TAX - 20.10.2015
Tax-exempt property swaps
If you share ownership of two properties with someone else, you might consider swapping your joint interests for a 100% share of a single property. The trouble is that this can result in a capital gains tax bill. Can you legitimately avoid it?
TRANSPORT - CARS - 19.10.2015
Green driving - questions and answers
The Volkswagen emissions scandal has led to some uncertainty about future car purchases. We look at sites that can help with your decision making.
SOFTWARE & WEB SERVICES - VIDEO - 19.10.2015
Making effective videos
Do you want to showcase your business, products or services? Why not create a company video or promotional film? You can edit your own videos using dedicated software or completely online. Here are your options.
SECURITY - ANTI-MALWARE - 19.10.2015
Make your NAS safer
More and more people are buying an intelligent network drive or network attached storage (NAS) for use at home. Such a device is very useful, but it’s also quite vulnerable in terms of security. How do you ensure its security?
SOFTWARE - OFFICE - 19.10.2015
Office 2016: worth the upgrade?
Microsoft recently launched the latest version of its office suite, Office 2016. What does this new version have to offer, and is it really worth the upgrade?
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE OFFICE - 19.10.2015
Talk to Google Docs
Google Docs, the handy online office suite, was given an update recently. What new features can you expect?
SECURITY - PASSWORDS - 19.10.2015
Manage all your passwords
You are aware that it’s best to use a unique and strong password on every website which requires a login. This is easier said than done: What is the best way to create and remember these passwords? Is a password manager the solution?
SEARCHING - MISCELLANEOUS - 19.10.2015
Your business on Google
Via the free Google My Business service, you can help people find the correct information about your business online. With a bit of luck, they may even turn into new customers.
SOFTWARE & WEB SERVICES - PRINTING - 19.10.2015
Efficient printing
Although more and more documents are saved and shared digitally these days, we’re all still printing a lot of documents. Here are some tips for more efficient printing.
MISCELLANEOUS - SMARTPHONES - 19.10.2015
Smartwatches: something for you?
Are you curious about what the Apple Watch can do? Is a “smartwatch” something you really need?
E-MAIL - E-MAIL USE - 19.10.2015
Avoid morning post
Do you spend the beginning of every working day processing your e-mails? Perhaps there’s a more efficient solution?
COMPUTER - HARDWARE - 19.10.2015
Useful hardware for a perfect presentation
Do you have to give presentations to groups of customers or colleagues but feel constrained by the use of your laptop and a video projector? There are lots of other handy tools around.
TELEPHONY - SMARTPHONES - 19.10.2015
Smartphones: facts or fables?
Lots of things are claimed about the proper use of smartphones but many of them simply aren’t true. For instance, do you still believe the following five smartphone fables?
TAX - 19.10.2015
Tax break for medical treatment
The government scheme which aims to help sick employees back to work sooner is now fully up and running. As an employer you can also make use of a corresponding tax and NI break. How does it work?
PROPERTY - 19.10.2015
Buy-to-let property: some important changes
Many business owners are also landlords in the buy-to-let property market. If you’re one of them, there are some new rules you must comply with from 1 October 2015. What are they?
VAT - 19.10.2015
Don’t get caught for VAT on perks
Most perks your company provides to staff are liable to tax and NI, but less well known is that you may also have to account for VAT. This adds to your company’s cost of providing them. When does VAT apply and when can it be avoided?
PERSONNEL - 19.10.2015
Hearing disciplinaries and appeals
An employee has been accused of misconduct and somebody needs to chair the disciplinary hearing. The managing director is the most obvious choice, but why is it far better for them to wait in the wings?
LEGAL COMPLIANCE - 19.10.2015
Compulsory charges for carrier bags
Since 5 October 2015 compulsory charges for carrier bags apply in England, but there are exceptions. How does the new law affect your business?
WORKPLACE - 19.10.2015
Is your car park barrier a hazard?
North Lincolnshire Council has been ordered to pay fines and costs of over £200,000 after a driver was killed by a faulty car park barrier. Where did it go wrong and if you have similar barriers on your premises, what should you do?
CONTRACTORS - 19.10.2015
Out of the blue rule changes
Some companies change site safety rules seemingly at will. What impact might this have and how can you protect yourself from such moves?
INSURANCE - 19.10.2015
Which type of insurance is compulsory?
Your insurance broker is suggesting that you take up various types of insurance. Which policies are compulsory and which should you consider to protect your health and safety liabilities?
SAFE USE OF MACHINERY - 19.10.2015
Fatal machinery blockages
If you use machinery you must have safety procedures for the full range of tasks which staff undertake. How has this point been underlined in the case against waste firm Gwynn Davies-McTiffin Ltd and what should you do differently?
FIRE SAFETY - 19.10.2015
Set out your fire safety policy
If you don’t currently have a fire safety policy, you may be breaking the law, as employers with five or more employees must have written management arrangements. How can our template document help?
FIRE SAFETY - 19.10.2015
New fire detection regulations
On 1 October 2015 new regulations came into force requiring landlords to fit smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. If you rent out residential property how might you be affected?
WORK AT HEIGHT - 19.10.2015
Walking the plank
Scaffold boards may seem insignificant, but they’re much more than simple planks of wood. There’s even a British Standard specification to be followed. How do you tell the good from the bad?
CONTRACTS - 09.10.2015
But I never read the contract!
Apparently, only 0.6% of employees have read their entire employment contract - the rest either didn’t bother or just skimmed over the important bits. If an employee hasn’t read their contract, are they still bound by all of its terms?
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT - 09.10.2015
Sympathy letter to employee’s next of kin
You’ve been notified of an employee’s death and now need to liaise with their next of kin over final payments. However, you don’t want to appear insensitive at this difficult time. So what’s the answer?
GROSS MISCONDUCT - 09.10.2015
Gross misconduct seen with your own eyes
We’ve always emphasised the importance of carrying out a comprehensive investigation when an allegation of gross misconduct has been made. But is this still necessary where you personally witness an act of gross misconduct?
DRESS AND APPEARANCE - 09.10.2015
Working in fancy dress requests
At certain times of the year, such as Halloween or Christmas, employees may ask if they can work in fancy dress - sometimes this is to raise money for charity. If you agree,what should your rules be?
PAY - 09.10.2015
What’s happening with pay rises?
When it comes to pay rises, it’s useful to know what other employers are planning to give. Research has revealed the middle of the road rate increase in the private sector. So what is it?
TUPE - 09.10.2015
TUPE transfers and absent employees
When a business changes hands its employees will generally transfer to the new owner or service provider under TUPE. But what happens if an employee is absent on long-term sick leave. Do they automatically transfer or not?
DISMISSAL - 09.10.2015
Employer’s £15,000 text message error
An employee who worked for his employer for just six months has been awarded over £15,000 after he was dismissed by text message. What one simple rule would have helped the employer avoid any trouble?
LOSSES - 07.10.2015
Has HMRC short changed you on tax relief?
In April 2013 a general limit on certain tax reliefs was introduced. HMRC now accepts it has applied the limit incorrectly in some situations and as a result may have deprived some taxpayers of tax refunds. What’s the full story?
PAYE - 07.10.2015
Scottish tax and your employees
The Scottish rate of income tax (SRIT) comes into force on 6 April 2016. As an employer how might it affect you?
EXPENSES - 07.10.2015
Claim business expenses tax and NI efficiently
You can reimburse employees for the costs they incur in using personally-owned equipment for work, e.g. a laptop and printer. Calculating how much to pay is fiddly so can you give them a flat rate allowance instead?
CAPITAL GAINS TAX - 07.10.2015
Using deferral relief to cut your tax bill
You’re thinking of selling a rental property to take advantage of the recent growth in the market, but the resulting capital gains tax bill is putting you off. How can investing some of the sale proceeds reduce it?
PENSIONS - 07.10.2015
Last chance to top up your pension
From October 2015 the government is offering some people a limited opportunity to top up their state pension. Who does the offer apply to and is it worth going for?
SHARE SCHEMES - 07.10.2015
Do you understand your employee share scheme?
An employer’s misunderstanding of its staff share scheme nearly cost a former employee a fortune in extra tax. In the end the employee avoided the extra tax, but the employer might not be so lucky. What lessons can be learned?
