Consumers spending more on environment friendly goods

UK households are upping their spend on green goods and services, albeit slowly, a new report has revealed. ..[more]

EU businesses should not bear 'extra' climate change costs

Business groups attending the United Nations Climate Change conference in Copenhagen have warned that European firms should not be burdened with additional cuts in carbon emissions. ..[more]

'Uncertainty' over personal accounts pensions

The low profile given to plans for the introduction of personal accounts pensions, the government-backed workplace savings scheme, in the pre-Budget Report has created an element of confusion, the Commons Treasury Select Committee has heard. ..[more]

Simplified regulations cutting business costs

Measures aimed at reducing the administrative burden of complying with business regulations are now saving UK firms significant sums each year. ..[more]

Increase in national insurance contributions

The Chancellor's plan for an additional rise in national insurance contributions was one of his major announcements...[more]

Pre-Budget Report 2009: VAT

Changes to the flat rate VAT scheme have been announced in the pre-Budget Report. ..[more]

Pre-Budget Report 2009: business support

The Chancellor used the opportunity of the pre-Budget Report to commit the government to providing support for businesses during the economic recovery. ..[more]

Pre-Budget Report 2009: business tax

To the relief of smaller firms, the Chancellor has deferred the planned rise in the rate of small companies’ corporation tax. ..[more]

Pre-Budget Report 2009: an outline summary

Pre-Budget Report 2009: an outline summary ..[more]

Pre-Budget Report 2009: an overview

The Chancellor, Alistair Darling introduced a pre-election pre-Budget Report to the Commons that would, he said, “build a strong economy and a fair society”...[more]

Prompt payment will help smaller businesses

The government is urging very large companies to make sure that smaller suppliers are paid on time. ..[more]

HMRC announces new advisory fuel rates

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has published the advisory fuel rates that apply as from 1 December. ..[more]

Tax incentives and better regulation 'help' green policies

Tax breaks and a simplification of both regulations and information can help encourage more small firms to embrace environment friendly policies, a new survey has revealed. ..[more]

Business groups' wish lists for the pre-Budget Report

Over the past weeks, business organisations have been submitting their recommendations to the Chancellor ahead of the pre-Budget Report. ..[more]

What could the pre-Budget Report include?

A brief look at the options open to the Chancellor in his pre-Budget Report. ..[more]

Government to help firms suffering equity gaps

Large numbers of SMEs are being denied access to the finance they need to grow because they fall between the funding levels that venture capital firms and the banks are prepared to offer. ..[more]

More employees than ever planning to work longer

The effect of the recession on pensions, savings, investments and property values has pushed up the number of people who are contemplating longer working lives, a new study has revealed. ..[more]

More employees than ever planning to work longer

The effect of the recession on pensions, savings, investments and property values has pushed up the number of people who are contemplating longer working lives, a new study has revealed. ..[more]

VAT online service gets update

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has said that its VAT online service has been updated in preparation for the new rules coming into force next April. ..[more]

Recession could herald major changes in the business landscape

The ramifications of the credit crunch and the recession could have a profound impact on how UK businesses operate in the future. ..[more]

HMRC publishes tax charter

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched its taxpayers’ charter. ..[more]

Government launches drive to raise skill levels

The government has set out details of a new drive to improve skills in the UK workforce. ..[more]

Firms finding it harder than ever to secure finance

Increasing numbers of small and medium-sized businesses are struggling to access the finance they need in order to grow. ..[more]

Concerns over cap on business rate increases

Business groups have expressed disappointment over the government’s scheme for dampening the impact of the business rates increase set for next April...[more]

Keep new business regulations on hold and review red tape

There should be a freeze on new business legislation until the government has had the chance to assess the effects of red tape on smaller firms...[more]

HMRC publishes tax charter

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched its taxpayers’ charter...[more]

Workplace stress is costing employers dear

A new report has called on employers to devote more resources to combating stress and anxiety at work...[more]

HMRC announces 'light touch' approach to VAT rate change

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has said that it will apply a ‘light touch’ if businesses make mistakes on their returns following the forthcoming change in the standard rate of VAT. ..[more]

New EU rules on refunds could 'affect' consumer confidence

The rules that allow consumers to get their money back on faulty goods could be at risk because of proposed European changes, it has been claimed, and any change may harm consumer confidence. ..[more]

Chancellor called on to drop IR35 rules

Alistair Darling has been urged to scrap the IR35 regime. ..[more]

Job losses predicted to continue into the recovery

Employers look set to shed more jobs in the final quarter of the year, suggesting that the UK labour market will remain under pressure even as the economy emerges from the downturn. ..[more]

Employee training system needs 'reform'

There needs to be a redirection of government-funded training programmes, the CBI has argued, if the UK economy is both to recover and thrive. ..[more]

Apprentices ‘deserve’ minimum wage

All apprentices should be paid an hourly national minimum wage, the TUC has said. ..[more]

Consumer confidence shows signs of recovery

Confidence among UK consumers, although still fragile, is at its highest for some 18 months. ..[more]

Service sector registers strongest performance for two years

The UK’s services industry has posted its best growth figures since the end of the summer of 2007, a new survey has claimed. ..[more]

Job vacancies on the increase

Both permanent and temporary job vacancies showed a rise last month. ..[more]

Don't cut spending at expense of business support, says FPB

The government should not reduce its support for businesses when it comes to deciding where public spending cuts must be made but should do more to ease the tax burden on smaller firms. ..[more]

Businesses may get extra time for VAT repricing

The government is considering whether to allow businesses more time to update price labels in shops once the rate of VAT reverts to 17.5 per cent at the end of the year. ..[more]

More part-time jobs needed

Employers that advertise full-time vacancies in job centres may be encouraged to allow part-time workers and job sharers to apply for them. ..[more]

Regulations still ‘burdensome’, say businesses

Firms believe that complying with business regulations has not become any easier or any less time-consuming, a new survey has revealed. ..[more]

Think-tank proposes green taxes to combat climate change

The UK’s tax system requires £150 billion worth of green taxes if the country is to play its part in curbing carbon emissions, it has been argued. ..[more]

Business tax rises will ‘push up’ unemployment

The government has been urged not to impose additional taxes on smaller businesses. ..[more]

Online advertising and pricing to come under investigation

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has said that it intends to monitor the pricing and advertising policies of firms that sell on the internet. ..[more]

Government delays introduction of employment regulations

The government has chosen to put back the implementation of the EU temporary worker’s directive until the last possible date in an effort to maintain labour market flexibility. ..[more]

Put retirement age up to 70, argue employers

A leading employers’ group, the Institute of Directors (IoD), has called for a radical overhaul and simplification of the pensions system. ..[more]

Lending service could help smaller firms

The banks have been urged to engage with a special intermediary lending service aimed at securing the flow of credit to viable small businesses. ..[more]

Tax changes would help support economic recovery

The Chancellor has been urged ahead of his pre-Budget Report to introduce changes to the tax system as a way of helping to stimulate economic growth. ..[more]

UK businesses becoming more productive

British businesses are showing signs of improvement in an area where they have long and traditionally lagged behind the international competition: worker productivity.
..[more]

Consultation launched on new paternity leave plans

The government has published its consultation document on plans to extend paid paternity leave. ..[more]

Businesses lax about identity fraud

Firms are not paying sufficient attention to safeguarding information they hold on their customers, it has been claimed. ..[more]

Business waste strategy needs overhaul

The government has been urged to carry out a radical review of its strategy for dealing with waste so businesses can benefit from the opportunities that resource management has to offer. ..[more]

Recession almost over, says BCC

The UK economy is on the verge of coming out of recession, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has said. ..[more]

A third of firms keep wages on hold

One out of three firms have imposed wage freezes on their employees this year, a new study has found. ..[more]

New tax-free savings limits for the over-50s

Savers aged over 50 now have the chance to invest more in tax-free ISA savings accounts. ..[more]

More funds going into workplace pension schemes

Both employers and employees have stepped up their level of investment in defined contribution pension schemes over the past two years. ..[more]

Firms get VAT payment change reminder

Businesses are being reminded that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has changed its account details for VAT payments. ..[more]

Freeze business regulation to create jobs

Putting a stop to new business regulation and simplifying existing rules would help boost job creation, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has claimed. ..[more]

HMRC announces harmonised interest rates

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced the new interest rates that will be charged for and paid on late and overpaid taxes...[more]

Jobcentres failing to help small businesses

The Jobcentre Plus network needs urgent reform if it is to combat rising unemployment and to help small firms recruit new employees...[more]

Let business fuel the recovery, government told

Businesses must be given the freedom to create jobs and to drive the economy, a leading business group has said.
..[more]

More needs to be done to soften impact of business rates rise

Plans for curbing the effects of increases in business rates, due next April, are not sufficiently far-reaching, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has said...[more]

Employers given more time to prepare for pension reforms

The government’s pension scheme for lower income employees is not to be introduced fully until 2016, a year later than originally planned.
..[more]

HMRC announces harmonised interest rates

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced the new interest rates that will be charged for and paid on late and overpaid taxes.
..[more]

Jobcentres failing to help small businesses

The Jobcentre Plus network needs urgent reform if it is to combat rising unemployment and to help small firms recruit new employees.
..[more]

Let business fuel the recovery, government told

Businesses must be given the freedom to create jobs and to drive the economy, a leading business group has said...[more]

More needs to be done to soften impact of business rates rise

Plans for curbing the effects of increases in business rates, due next April, are not sufficiently far-reaching, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has said...[more]

Keep apprenticeships affordable, says CBI

Apprenticeship wages should not be set at such a level that they price people out of training, it has been argued.
..[more]

Government proposes extension to paternity leave

Fathers are to be given the right to take up to six months of paternity leave in order to look after their children, the government has announced...[more]

Imminent rise in the minimum wage

Employers are being reminded that 1 October sees increases in the hourly rates for the national minimum wage...[more]

Safeguard post offices by making them business hubs

The future of hundreds of post offices around the country could be safeguarded by transforming them into small business hubs.

..[more]

Road to recovery fraught with risks, says BCC

The UK economy has begun the journey towards recovery but still faces many risks, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has said.

..[more]

Companies Act 2006: the final push (III)

Changes that affect those details about directors and company secretaries that are made public. ..[more]

Companies Act 2006: the final push (II)

Changes to the way that share capital and shares are managed.

..[more]

Companies Act 2006: the final push (I)

Changes to the roles played by a company’s memorandum and articles of association.

..[more]

Pay rises slip to record low

Average pay increases offered by UK firms have dipped to just 1 per cent, the lowest figure since records began.

..[more]

Firms advised against employment law ‘complacency’

The recent rise in the number of tribunals, fuelled by recession-lead redundancies, should alert firms to the importance of complying with employment law.

..[more]

Fuel duty rises

The latest rise in fuel duty, which sees 2p added to the cost of a litre, has come into effect.

..[more]

HMRC and Companies House team up on online filing

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and Companies House have announced that they have adopted a common approach to the online filing of company tax returns.

..[more]

Businesses split over question of environmental taxes

Small businesses are divided over how effective green taxes are at promoting good environmental practices, a new survey has revealed. ..[more]

Government broadens its trade credit insurance scheme

The government has amended its trade credit insurance top-up scheme so that more businesses can take advantage of it.

http://www.harrison-co.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=28181&d=601&h=160&f=260&u=270c2E60&m=6180..[more]

Fall in tax receipts means VAT to rise as planned

There seems no prospect that the cut in VAT will be extended beyond the planned end of the year reversion to the old rate after it was revealed that tax revenues have fallen sharply.

..[more]

Tax breaks would boost 'value' of operating leases

Tax breaks that are available to profitable businesses when buying equipment should be extended to those SMEs that take out new operating leases.

..[more]

Upturn in business confidence heralds ‘end’ of recession

A surge in confidence among business professionals could suggest that UK is about to emerge from the recession.

..[more]

Timetable for tax refund claims is changing

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a reminder that the dates for claiming back overpaid tax are changing.
..[more]

Tax plans would help high streets recover

The Chancellor has been urged to drop VAT on energy efficient domestic appliances in a scheme that would mirror the car scrappage programme. ..[more]

Recession pushes green policies down the business agenda

Smaller businesses are devoting less attention to green policies as they cope with the economic downturn, a new survey has revealed.

..[more]

Drop National Insurance increase to save jobs

The government has been urged to scrap plans to increase National Insurance payments in response to rising unemployment figures...[more]

Fraudsters target online tax returns

Criminals are making fraudulent claims for refunds in a new scam aimed at online self-assessment tax returns...[more]

Firms say jobs still under pressure

Jobs continue to be at risk during the economic downturn, with a significant proportion of employers contemplating redundancies over the next six months...[more]

Lending ‘monopoly’ is hitting smaller firms

Mergers between big financial high street institutions and government measures aimed at stimulating lending amongst the larger banks in the aftermath of the credit crunch are having the effect of suffocating competition and limiting the choices of finance open to small firms, it has been claimed...[more]

Credit conditions remain tough for SMEs

Larger businesses are experiencing a greater availability of credit for the first time this year, but smaller firms are continuing to struggle to access capital, the CBI has reported...[more]

Small businesses get free access to government contracts site

Every small business in the UK is to have free access to thousands of lower value government contracts, it has been announced...[more]

Disclosure offer should cover more taxpayers

The latest campaign by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) designed to encourage people with undeclared funds in offshore accounts to disclose their tax liabilities should be extended...[more]

Workplace parking tax scheme given go-ahead

The government has given the green light to a scheme that will see businesses paying tax on staff parking spaces...[more]

Keep new temporary worker regulations simple

Employment groups have called on the government to ensure that new rules giving temporary workers the right to equal treatment do not add to the administrative burdens of employers..[more]

Easier rates payment scheme could be hit by admin problems

A scheme aimed at helping firms pay their business rates may face delays because of problems in implementing it...[more]

New minimum pay rate for apprentices

The minimum weekly wage for apprentices has increased as from 1 August...[more]

Small firms will need help to thrive after the recession

The government has been called on to provide SMEs with help once the economy emerges from the downturn...[more]

HMRC warns taxpayers of increase in email scams

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has alerted taxpayers to the risk posed by thousands of bogus emails offering people tax refunds...[more]

Plans mooted to extend self-certification sick note period

Proposals are being discussed to allow employees to self-certify sick leave for a longer period during any swine flu pandemic...[more]

Savers to benefit from improved compensation rules

Savers will get better protection in the event of their bank or building society collapsing...[more]

Last ‘amnesty’ for unpaid taxes on offshore accounts

People who have money in offshore accounts but have not disclosed the tax that may be owing are being given a second and final chance to settle their bills at a reduced penalty rate...[more]

Pay apprentices more, urges business group

Apprenticeships should be rewarded with a pay rise and should be given more government support, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has argued...[more]

Banks get warning on small business lending

The UK’s major banks could be faced with a competition enquiry if they do not step up the level of lending to SMEs and reduce its cost. ..[more]

High Court hearing for retirement age case

A case contesting the right of employers to force workers to retire at 65 has reached the High Court. ..[more]

Review urges firms to engage with their employees

An independent review has said that involving employees fully in the future of their firms will help businesses to innovate and take advantage of new opportunities...[more]

Small business internships would help graduate employment

The government has been urged to create 5,000 graduate internships in smaller businesses as a way of combating rising unemployment among those leaving university...[more]

Billions earmarked for VAT overpayment claims

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is facing £8.5 billion in claims for overpaid VAT...[more]

Incorrect tax codes affect millions of employees

There has been a rise in the number of queries that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has received concerning incorrect employee tax codes...[more]

Drop in sick leave at private sector firms

Employees working for private firms are taking less time off sick, a new report has revealed...[more]

Government asks for views on business rates relief scheme

A consultation has been launched on a £2 billion relief scheme aimed at helping businesses cope with rises in their rates bills. ..[more]

New tax measures could harm business

Increases in business and personal tax pose a risk to the health of the UK economy, a survey has suggested...[more]

Small firms warned to prepare for rise in flu numbers

Small employers have been offered a series of tips on how best to cope with any large increase in swine flu cases...[more]

New accountancy rules on leasing may hit small firms

Many thousands of smaller businesses could see an increase in their administrative burdens if new accounting rules on leasing come into effect, it has been claimed...[more]

‘Inconsistent’ lending policies hampering small business borrowing

Small firms are failing to secure finance because banks are not being consistent in their lending policies...[more]

Review could signal end of compulsory retirement age

The government’s announcement that it is to bring forward a planned review of the default retirement age could mean that employers may lose the right to force staff to retire at 65...[more]

VAT dos and don’ts

Tips on managing your VAT...[more]

Increasing your cashflow

There is a lot more to cashflow management than simply avoiding crises...[more]

New tax raising powers for local authorities ‘worrying’

A leading business group has described new powers that will enable local authorities to charge additional rates as “deeply worrying”...[more]

Consumer advocate should be truly ‘independent’

Government plans to create the post of a consumer advocate tasked with co-ordinating efforts to educate consumers on their rights have been given a cautious welcome...[more]

Employment rules most ‘expensive’ for small firms

Complying with employment law is the costliest bureaucratic burden faced by small firms, a new survey has claimed...[more]

Trade credit insurance claims on the rise

There has been a significant rise in the value of trade insurance claims compared with a year ago...[more]

Worst of recession over but recovery will be tough

The economy may be emerging from the depths of the recession but firms will still encounter difficulties on the road to recovery, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has said...[more]

CBI proposes alternative to redundancy

A radical alternative to laying off staff could see workers, whose firms are suffering a fall in demand, paid to remain at home...[more]

Managing your most valuable assets – your employees

No matter how much cash you have in the bank or how large your stock is, your company’s most valuable assets will always be your employees...[more]

Equal pay ruling in favour of male employees

An Employment Appeal Tribunal has made a landmark ruling in the case of 300 male employees claiming equal pay with women...[more]

Employers give backing to training scheme

Train to Gain, the government’s flagship skills programme, has won the support of employers, according to a new survey...[more]

Scrap right to enforce retirement at 65, says Committee

Employers should lose the entitlement to force employees to retire at 65, the House of Commons Work and Pensions Select Committee has argued...[more]

Government plans capital fund for small hi-tech firms

The government has announced details of a venture capital fund designed to support small technology businesses...[more]

Manufacturing needs more direct state support

A manifesto has called on the government to place the manufacturing sector at the centre of a better balanced and more diverse UK economy...[more]

Ease tax burdens to boost recovery, government urged

The UK’s small business sector is experiencing tentative signs of a recovery, according to a new survey...[more]

Extra tax relief would encourage private business investment

An increase in tax incentives would act as a spur to business angels who are thinking of investing in start-up businesses, it has been claimed...[more]

Business lending sees record drop

Many firms are still experiencing the effects of the credit crunch, with business lending suffering its biggest drop in nine years...[more]

Proposed broadband speeds too slow for businesses

The government’s targets for future broadband speeds lack ambition and will not benefit businesses, it has been claimed...[more]

Employers looking to freeze pay

Over a half of employers are planning to keep wages on hold during the next round of pay talks, a new survey has indicated. ..[more]

Regulations taking their ‘toll’ on small businesses

The government has been urged to do more to reduce the adverse impact of regulation compliance on smaller firms following a study that claims red tape costs employers some £12 billion a year...[more]

Business rates legislation will hit local economies, says CBI

A decision by MPs to throw out amendments to the Business Rates Supplements Bill could harm regional economies, the CBI has argued...[more]

Minimum wage mooted for apprentices

The government has asked the Low Pay Commission to look at the case for introducing a national minimum wage for apprentices...[more]

New pension rules could adversely affect temporary employment

The government has been advised to give serious consideration to the impact that new pension rules may have on temporary workers, employers and the flexibility of the labour market...[more]

Raising finance for your business

If you are thinking of developing your business, you will need to raise finance. This requires careful planning and good professional advice...[more]

Small businesses less expensive to run

The cost of running a small business has fallen for the second successive quarter...[more]

Fraudsters turn to takeover scams

Scams in which criminals take control of someone else’s bank account or credit card are on the increase, the UK’s fraud prevention service has said...[more]

Businesses asked for their views on access to finance

The government wants to hear from SMEs about the difficulties they are facing when it comes to securing growth capital...[more]

PAYE system upgrade may lead to some delays, HMRC warns

Plans by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to upgrade the IT system that is used to handle PAYE tax and national insurance details could result in temporary interruptions to the service...[more]

Benefits in kind and expenses payments

A brief guide to benefits and expenses...[more]

Publicly funded small business scheme under review

The government has set up a review to examine whether a publicly backed venture capital fund is needed to help small, high growth firms with their financing...[more]

Businesses reschedule £2.5 billion in tax payments

The amount of tax which small firms have asked to delay paying under the government’s Business Payment Support Service has risen to £2.5 billion...[more]

SMEs encouraged to consider export markets

Smaller firms should look seriously at exporting as a way of combating the economic downturn...[more]

Feedback wanted on possible changes to expenses and benefits

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has said that it is looking at making changes to the way that expenses and benefits provided by employers are handled for tax purposes...[more]

Government extends trade credit insurance scheme

The government has made changes to its trade credit insurance top-up scheme so that more firms can take advantage of it...[more]

Health and safety guidance to be made free online

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced that it is to give away its guides on workplace safety for free as from the autumn...[more]

Skills funding described as ‘untenable’

Government plans for funding workplace skills programmes need urgent clarification, a leading business organisation has said...[more]

Sick notes to be replaced with ‘fit notes’

The government has unveiled the introduction of a new ‘fit note’ scheme aimed at encouraging employees to stay in work rather than join the long-term sick...[more]

Micro businesses need more help with training

The UK’s smallest businesses are losing out on government-backed training schemes and should have a dedicated skills body that more effectively represents their needs...[more]

VAT bad debt relief

Dealing with the problem of VAT on bad debts...[more]

Paternity leave plans may be reviewed

Reports suggesting that the government may look again at plans to extend paternity leave have received a welcome from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)...[more]

Changes to advisory fuel rates for company cars

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced changes to the advisory fuel rates for company cars as of 1 July...[more]

Late payment a problem, VAT cut of little help, say businesses

A new survey has revealed that for many firms delays in invoice settlement are on the increase, while the reduction of the VAT rate has not been effective in tackling the downturn in business...[more]

IR35 comes under fire for its negligible tax take

Figures have been released showing that the IR35 tax regulations are producing an average of just £1.5 million a year in tax revenues...[more]

Finding the money to develop your business

For business owners in need of capital to expand, we look at a number of options other than bank funding...[more]

Business lending still in a trough

Lending to both large and small firms remains weak, the Bank of England has said...[more]

Default retirement age should be dropped

Laws that allow employers to oblige employees to retire at 65 should be scrapped...[more]

Firms need extra time to deal with pension deficits

The CBI has urged a change to the pension system in order to allow businesses extra breathing space in which to make good the shortfalls in their final salary schemes...[more]

Inefficient scrutiny of EU regulations hurting UK firms

The lack of a proper relationship between the UK’s regulatory system and that of the EU is compromising the competitiveness of British businesses, it has been claimed...[more]

Long term savings accounts offer improved rates

Savers might have to be willing to tie their money into long term deals in order to enjoy reasonable returns on their investments...[more]

Late payment culture a ‘barrier’ to economic recovery

Problems with late payments and unilateral changes to payment terms and conditions have been described by a business group as one of the main barriers to a return to economic growth...[more]

Europe should suspend introducing new employment regulations

Ahead of the forthcoming European elections, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has called on the European Commission to place a moratorium on all new employment laws...[more]

More and more firms are keeping wages on hold

One in three of the businesses included in a recent survey froze their wages in April...[more]

Pensions tax relief measures need to be reconsidered

Pension industry groups are warning that government plans to cut the tax relief available to higher earners on their pension contributions could have an adverse impact on the whole savings and retirement system. ..[more]

Employers urged to avoid late-filing penalties for annual returns

Firms have been reminded by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that the date for submitting their 2008-09 employer annual returns has passed but that they could still avoid late-filing penalties...[more]

Essential record keeping

How to reduce the time taken in accounts preparation...[more]

Fall in job vacancies beginning to slow

The rate of decline in the numbers of new job appointments and vacancies has slowed down, according to a new report...[more]

Tips to be banned from making up the minimum wage

The practice of using tips to bring workers’ pay up to the minimum wage is to be made illegal as from October...[more]

Government consults on temporary worker rights

Regulations that will see agency workers given the same rights on pay and conditions as permanent staff have gone out to consultation...[more]

Caps to be imposed on training funding

The amount of government money that goes into funding apprenticeships and training schemes is to be limited following the unprecedented level of take-up among...[more]

Pension changes could hamper employment flexibility

Reforms to the pension system, planned for 2012, run the risk of adversely affecting the flexibility of the UK’s labour market, it has been argued...[more]

Protecting your business against identity fraud

Identity fraud is an ever-increasing problem in the UK, particularly now that the recession is biting hard...[more]

How to survive a PAYE and NIC inspection

However confident you are that your records are complete and well maintained, a PAYE/NIC inspection might still catch you unawares. Here are some pointers to help you...[more]

Minimum wage set to rise this October

The national minimum wage for adults is to rise to £5.80 an hour as from October...[more]

Wages decline at record rate

Average weekly earnings fell by 5.8 per cent in February, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has reported...[more]

Taxpayers warned over refund email scams

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has warned taxpayers to be on their guard against fraudulent emails promising them a tax rebate...[more]

Change back to old VAT rate should be ‘delayed'

The government should consider switching the date on which the standard rate of VAT moves from 15 per cent to its former level of 17.5 per cent...[more]

Employers reminded of looming annual returns date

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has reminded employers that the date for filing their annual employer returns is imminent...[more]

Capital allowances will ‘benefit relatively few’ firms

The increase in capital allowances announced in the Budget is unlikely to help large numbers of smaller firms, according to two trade and business organisations...[more]

Trade credit insurance scheme starts up

Businesses that are facing cuts in the level of available credit insurance cover can begin to make use of a new government support scheme from 1 May...[more]

More tax help for struggling businesses

Businesses that believe they will make a trading loss in the current tax year can ask HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to take the anticipated loss into account as part of any rescheduling of their corporation tax or income tax payments...[more]

Moratorium urged on new employment law

The UK’s smallest firms find it difficult to cope with the demands of employment law, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has said, prompting a call for a three-year moratorium on new legislation...[more]

Equalities Bill pushes for gender pay transparency

Firms that employ more than 250 staff will be obliged to make public figures showing average hourly rates paid to male and female employees under the terms of the new Equalities Bill...[more]

UK to retain working time opt-out

The collapse of conciliation talks in Brussels mean that the UK will keep its opt-out from the EU Working Time Directive...[more]

Reduce your utility costs

Utilities can account for a sizeable chunk of your firm’s costs, but you might find that you can make considerable savings in this area...[more]

Business reaction to the Budget

The general consensus among the business community is that, while the 2009 Budget contained some useful measures, it did not do enough to tackle the problems facing both the economy and individual firms...[more]

Individual savings accounts

The ISA limit will be raised to £10,200, up to £5,100 of which
can be saved in cash..[more]

Extension of trading loss carry back for businesses

The government has given some relief to businesses suffering from the effects of the recession by allowing current losses to be carried back against profits of the previous three accounting periods...[more]

Small businesses ‘to get Budget help’ on credit risk

The Chancellor will use next week’s Budget to announce plans to help smaller firms deal with the problems of credit risk, it has been reported...[more]

Capital allowances

The Chancellor has announced a new temporary rate of first year
allowance on plant and machinery of 40 per cent...[more]

Comprehensive Budget Coverage

Our website contains comprehensive coverage of the key measures
contained in the 2009 Budget. This is based on the press releases
published immediately after the Chancellor's speech...[more]

Tax charter fails to meet needs of taxpayers

The draft of the taxpayers’ charter, which sets out the rights and responsibilities of HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and taxpayers, has been described as “inadequate”...[more]

Call for SME asset finance tax support

The Chancellor should use the Budget to provide small firms with greater scope for offsetting profits against money spent on equipment...[more]

VAT cut has ‘boosted’ spending

Last December’s reduction in VAT from 17.5 per cent to 15 per cent has had a measurable effect on consumer spending, a think tank has claimed...[more]

Small business lending needs greater ‘scrutiny’

The government has been urged to clarify the levels of lending that banks are making to small businesses...[more]

Small businesses ‘to get Budget help’ on credit risk

The Chancellor will use next week’s Budget to announce plans to help smaller firms deal with the problems of credit risk, it has been reported...[more]

Business group urges automatic rates relief

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called on the government to make the rates relief to which small firms are entitled automatic...[more]

Temporary savings deposits may get more protection

Savers who deposit large sums into their accounts could get a short-term increase in the level of protection guaranteed their money should the bank or building society get into difficulty...[more]

Minimum wage should be ‘frozen’ to save jobs

With the national minimum wage marking its tenth anniversary this week, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has called for a freeze in any increase this year...[more]

VAT flat rate scheme

This scheme is designed to reduce the cost of complying with VAT obligations by simplifying the way small businesses calculate their VAT...[more]

Business concerned by regulatory budgets decision

Plans that would have seen government departments limited by budgetary scrutiny in the amount of regulation they could produce each year have been put on hold, disappointing business groups...[more]

Raising finance for your business

Raising finance for businesses following the credit crunch and the recession is challenging to say the least. It requires careful planning and good professional advice...[more]

Tax breaks 'needed' to boost business investment

The Chancellor is being urged to use the forthcoming Budget to introduce tax measures that will encourage business investment...[more]

Action required to enable firms to retain staff

More needs to be done by the government to help smaller employers hold on to their staff during the recession...[more]

No progress in EU working time opt-out talks

Talks between government officials and MEPs at a meeting of the EU’s conciliation committee have failed to find a solution to differences over proposed changes to the Working Time Directive...[more]

Make the most of staff appraisals

It is important to hold regular staff appraisals even if you have just one employee...[more]

Essential record keeping

How to reduce the time taken in accounts preparation...[more]

Government announces simplified business support service

Businesses will find it easier and quicker to gain access to government support schemes under a new simplified system...[more]

Major overhaul proposed for rules on parental leave

Radical changes to the regulations on maternity and paternity leave have been put forward that could see new fathers getting more paid time off work...[more]

Business and personal tax changes introduced

As well as changes to the rules governing employers and businesses, this April's common commencement date also introduces some amendments to the tax system...[more]

New business regulations come into effect

The arrival of April marks one of the year’s two common commencement dates and, with it, a raft of changes to business rules and regulations...[more]

Fuel tax increase ups the cost of petrol

The deferred increase in fuel duty has finally reached the petrol pumps...[more]

Business rates rise to be staggered over three years

Businesses have been given a reprieve from the 5 per cent rates rise due this month...[more]

National Insurance planning

Useful tips on managing your National Insurance payments...[more]

Measuring employee effectiveness

If you want to improve your profitability you need to measure employee performance regularly...[more]

EU discussions begin on UK working time opt-out

Talks have started in Brussels on whether the UK is to retain its opt-out from the EU’s Working Time Directive...[more]

Budget must 'address' small business confidence

The 2009 Budget, which will be delivered on 22 April, must focus on improving business confidence, the Forum of Private Business (FPB) has said...[more]

VAT decision will be a ‘tax on jobs’

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has expressed its dismay at learning that the government intends to go ahead with plans to drop the VAT staff hire concession as from 1 April...[more]

Small employers urged to claim £75 online filing bonus

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has reminded firms employing fewer than fifty people that they can pick up a tax-free £75 bonus if they file their 2008/09 Employer Annual Returns online this year...[more]

Businesses failing to tap into workers’ skills

Firms are not making full use of the skills and talents of their workforces, a new study has claimed...[more]

Government should ‘scrap’ double business rates hit

The government must act to reduce the burden that planned increases in business rates are likely to impose on smaller firms...[more]

VAT Dos and Don’ts

Tips on managing your VAT...[more]

Improve your debt collections

We look at ways to improve debt collections and, hopefully, to ease cash flow difficulties...[more]

Pensions deficit hits record levels

Final salary pension schemes in the private sector were underfunded by £219 billion last month, new figures have revealed...[more]

HMRC sending out penalty notices for late P11D(b) returns

Employers are being advised that, as from 16 March, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is sending out penalty notices to those firms yet to file their 2007-08 form P11D(b) Class 1A National Insurance contributions annual returns...[more]

Little time left to claim special VAT refunds

Businesses are being reminded that the date by which they can claim a special, one-off refund on past VAT payments is 31 March 2009...[more]

New code of practice for workplace discipline agreed

The draft code of practice from Acas on the new rules governing discipline and grievance procedures at work has been approved by Parliament...[more]

Recession to rule out compulsory equal pay reviews

The government is to be advised not to push ahead with the planned introduction of compulsory equal pay reviews in the forthcoming Equalities Bill...[more]

Businesses unaware of government loan scheme

Nine out of ten businesses do not realise that their banks offer access to the government’s Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme, a new survey has revealed...[more]

How to stay competitive

Tips on keeping ahead of your competitors...[more]

ISAs are ‘underfunded’

Too few people are taking advantage of the savings opportunities afforded by ISAs, it has been claimed. [more]

Old P45 forms to be replaced soon

Employers need to remember that the old A5 version of the P45 form will no longer be valid as from 6 April 2009...[more]

Chancellor urged to delay date set for VAT increase

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has said that the planned date for the restoration of the old rate of VAT will come at the worst possible time for businesses. [more]

Achieving financial security in retirement

How to plan for the time you stop working...[more]

Government should ‘drop’ parking tax law

A leading business group has petitioned the government to scrap legislation which allows local authorities to charge a tax on business car parking spaces...[more]

European court rules in favour of UK retirement age

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has judged that the UK’s retirement age of 65 does not contravene EU regulations...[more]

Bonus rates fall again for employee share schemes

The Treasury has announced another reduction in the bonus rates for the Save As You Earn (SAYE) sharesave scheme...[more]

Automatic rate relief bill wins MPs’ support

A business group is pushing for automatic rate relief for small firms to become law...[more]

Larger employers get important PAYE reminder

Firms with 50 or more staff have been urged to get ready for important changes to the PAYE system that are due to come into effect this April...[more]

Business recovery plan launched by BCC

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has published its strategy for helping businesses recover from the recession...[more]

Taxpayers urged to prepare for new compliance rules

Taxpayers and businesses need to be aware that a new regime on how tax compliance checks are carried out will soon be in force, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has warned...[more]

Wage subsidies could help employers save ‘thousands of jobs’

The government is being urged to set up a wage subsidy scheme in order to help hard-pressed employers weather the economic downturn...[more]

Employment guide to help firms handle the recession

Employers are being urged to plan for the longer term during the economic downturn and to take an innovative approach to avoiding job cuts...[more]

Small firms’ loan scheme ‘making a difference’

Lord Mandelson, the Business Secretary, has said that more than £1 million worth of loans are being made each day to small businesses as a result of a government guarantee scheme...[more]

Small company tax changes would ‘complicate not simplify’

Changes intended to simplify corporate tax for smaller companies will have the opposite effect and will add to the burden of tax compliance, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) has argued...[more]

Better savings rates around the corner

It has been predicted that savers could soon be seeing much improved rates of interest...[more]

Small firms suffer fraud to tune of ‘£800 a year’

Small businesses could be losing up to £800 annually as the result of fraud, it has been claimed...[more]

Harrison & Co starts to Twitter

You can now get regular updates by following our Twitter feed here.

Companies warned of increased late filing penalties

Companies House has stepped up its efforts to warn firms that they face more punitive penalties for the late filing of annual accounts...[more]

Delay new business laws, says FSB

The government should look at postponing the introduction of new business laws that could cost small firms up to £800 million...[more]

Review recommends action on small business regulation

An independent review of the regulations affecting small businesses has made a number of recommendations aimed at helping firms comply with the law...[more]

Recommendation on new minimum wage delayed

The government has accepted a request from the Low Pay Commission to delay an announcement of its recommendations on this year’s rise in the national minimum wage...[more]

Holiday rights for employees on long-term sick leave

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that employees who have been on long-term sick leave can take all the paid annual holiday they have accumulated while off work...[more]

Government lending package to support small businesses

The government has unveiled details of plans designed to provide SMEs with easier access to credit and to help with the cash flow problems afflicting many firms as the economic downturn deepens...[more]

Credit card rates cap would help small firms

Credit card interest rates should be capped as a way of helping small businesses deal with the economic downturn, a leading business group has argued...[more]