Harrison & Co, Chartered Accountants

New fit note scheme could save businesses millions

2010-02-26T08:54:00.000Z

The introduction this April of the ‘fit note’ scheme could save UK businesses £240 million over the next decade, the government has claimed...[more]

Employers get reminder of move to online filing

2010-02-25T09:03:00.000Z

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is sending out letters to employers over the next few weeks alerting them to significant changes to the way that employer annual returns are to be filed...[more]

Small firms need alternative sources of finance

2010-02-24T09:13:00.000Z

Sources of funding, other than those provided by the banks, may be the solution to the squeeze on credit affecting many small firms, a leading business group has argued...[more]

Businesses to get letters about online VAT filing

2010-02-23T09:24:00.000Z

Businesses that meet the new rules for online VAT filing are being sent letters by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) informing them of the changes. ..[more]

Reform the tax regime to help businesses grow

2010-02-22T09:13:00.000Z

A significant number of firms believe that the UK’s business tax regime has hindered their efforts to recruit more staff, a new survey has claimed...[more]

Raise VAT not national insurance, business group urges

2010-02-19T08:48:00.000Z

The government should drop plans to raise national insurance contributions and instead should increase the rate of VAT to 18.5 per cent, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has argued. ..[more]

Health and safety growing in importance to firms

2010-02-18T09:15:00.000Z

Businesses are adopting a more 'hands-on' approach to health and safety issues, a new survey has suggested...[more]

Government training scheme 'helped' during the recession

2010-02-17T09:15:00.000Z

The government’s Train to Gain scheme, which is designed to help employers upgrade skill levels in their workforces, has been praised for its effectiveness in a new survey...[more]

Pay likely to remain under pressure

2010-02-16T09:24:00.000Z

Salary freezes seem set to be a feature of the coming year, new research has suggested...[more]

Flexible working ‘not always’ to employers’ advantage

2010-02-15T09:08:00.000Z

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has said that the introduction of flexible working patterns doesn’t invariably work to the benefit of employers...[more]

Revenue offers guidance on incorrect tax codes

2010-02-12T08:58:00.000Z

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has responded to worries that a proportion of the new tax codes that are currently being issued may be incorrect. ..[more]

Share ownership among individuals sees downward trend

2010-02-11T09:05:00.000Z

Just one in ten shares listed on the London Stock Exchange were owned by individuals at the end of 2008, new figures have revealed. ..[more]

Small firms regard business tax system as 'unfair'

2010-02-10T09:20:00.000Z

Smaller businesses view the current tax system as unfair and want it simplified. ..[more]

Consultation on retirement age closes

2010-02-08T16:48:00.000Z

The government’s consultation into the future of the default retirement age of 65 has closed...[more]

Small firms need to be more aware of European loans

2010-02-08T09:26:00.000Z

More needs to be done to spread the message about the availability of affordable business loans from the European Investment Bank, a minister has conceded...[more]

Fathers to be entitled to six months of paternity leave

2010-02-05T09:08:00.000Z

A new rule will allow mothers to swap a substantial part of their maternity leave with the father. ..[more]

HMRC issues penalties for late PAYE returns

2010-02-04T09:08:00.000Z

HM Revenue and Customs has said that it is sending out penalty notices to those employers who have yet to submit annual PAYE returns (P35 and P14s) that were due by 19 May 2009. ..[more]

Action called for on tax code problems

2010-02-03T09:19:00.000Z

More needs to be done to alert people to the risk that they may have been sent the wrong tax code. ..[more]

Drop the compulsory retirement age, says Equality Commission

2010-02-02T09:10:00.000Z

Employees should be allowed to continue working after the age of 65, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has argued. ..[more]

Small firms offered free course in procuring public contracts

2010-02-01T09:19:00.000Z

The government has launched a free course designed to help smaller firms pitch for the £220 billion of public sector business that is available each year. ..[more]

New agency worker rules could 'hamper' job creation

2010-01-29T09:19:00.000Z

New regulations that will entitle temporary workers to many of the same employment rights as permanent staff have gone before Parliament. ..[more]

HMRC warns of new phishing scam

2010-01-28T09:08:00.000Z

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning about a new email scam aimed at taxpayers. ..[more]

Businesses get chance to voice views on securing finance

2010-01-27T09:07:00.000Z

The Treasury has invited smaller businesses to share their views on how best to improve the availability of finance to firms in the UK...[more]

Advertising budgets look set to rise

2010-01-26T09:00:00.000Z

The amount that businesses spend on advertising will increase this year as the economy recovers from the recession, a new study has indicated. ..[more]

Gender pay reporting proposals outlined

2010-01-25T09:22:00.000Z

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has set out its proposals for closing the pay gap between men and women. ..[more]

New regulations and tax rises could 'risk' recovery

2010-01-22T08:47:00.000Z

The ability of firms to create jobs and to spearhead the economic recovery could be jeopardised by a “blizzard” of new business regulations and tax increases, it has been claimed. ..[more]

Clampdown promised on minimum wage evasion

2010-01-21T08:57:00.000Z

A new HM Revenue and Customs team has been set up to tackle the problem of employers who breach the rules on the national minimum wage. ..[more]

Consultation begins on broadband tax

2010-01-20T09:14:00.000Z

Plans for a proposed new levy aimed at raising funds to boost the UK’s broadband network have gone out to consultation. ..[more]

New VAT rules could be a burden for some UK firms

2010-01-19T08:56:00.000Z

A major change to the way that VAT is charged across the EU could impose extra admin costs on UK firms. ..[more]

Policy shift could signal end of compulsory retirement age

2010-01-18T09:25:00.000Z

Employees could be granted the right to continue working past the age of 65. ..[more]

Small employers question the nation's skills pool

2010-01-15T08:53:00.000Z

Small firms have serious doubts about the quality of training and skills among the general population, a new survey has revealed. ..[more]

Government scheme secures £500 million in business loans

2010-01-14T08:54:00.000Z

Over 5,000 firms have secured loans worth more £580 million under the government’s Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme. ..[more]

Pensions policy requires 'radical' change of approach

2010-01-13T09:07:00.000Z

Workplace pension schemes are in danger of failing to provide adequate retirement incomes, it has been claimed. ..[more]

Taxpayers get self-assessment reminder

2010-01-12T09:11:00.000Z

Self-assessment taxpayers are being reminded that the date for filing their returns is looming. ..[more]

Demand for employees at its highest for over two years

2010-01-11T09:18:00.000Z

The jobs market could be returning to its pre-credit crunch levels. ..[more]

A 'difficult' year ahead for employment

2010-01-08T08:44:00.000Z

Employment conditions are expected to remain difficult throughout 2010 as businesses continue to struggle with weak demand. ..[more]

Capital allowances go green

2010-01-07T09:12:00.000Z

Electric vans are to get a 100 per cent first year capital allowance...[more]

Reduce your utility costs

2010-01-06T10:02:00.000Z

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. Here are some cost-cutting ideas...[more]

VAT dos and don’ts

2010-01-05T08:57:00.000Z

A brief guide to managing your VAT...[more]

Businesses get extra time to update VAT prices

2010-01-04T09:24:00.000Z

Businesses are to get additional time in which to update price labels after the rate of VAT reverts to 17.5 per cent. ..[more]

Consumers spending more on environment friendly goods

2009-12-23T09:04:00.000Z

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

2009-12-22T09:10:00.000Z

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

2009-12-21T09:25:00.000Z

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

2009-12-18T09:03:00.000Z

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

2009-12-17T09:06:00.000Z

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

Pre-Budget Report 2009: VAT

2009-12-16T09:03:00.000Z

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

Pre-Budget Report 2009: business support

2009-12-15T08:57:00.000Z

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

2009-12-14T09:44:00.000Z

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

2009-12-11T09:17:00.000Z

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

Pre-Budget Report 2009: an overview

2009-12-10T09:56:00.001Z

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

2009-12-09T09:14:00.000Z

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

HMRC announces new advisory fuel rates

2009-12-09T09:11:00.000Z

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

2009-12-08T09:00:00.000Z

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

2009-12-07T09:31:00.000Z

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?

2009-12-04T09:10:00.000Z

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

Government to help firms suffering equity gaps

2009-12-03T09:21:00.000Z

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

2009-12-02T09:17:00.000Z

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

2009-11-30T08:56:00.000Z

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

2009-11-30T08:54:00.000Z

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

2009-11-27T08:48:00.000Z

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

2009-11-26T09:09:00.000Z

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

Government launches drive to raise skill levels

2009-11-25T09:13:00.000Z

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

2009-11-24T09:31:00.000Z

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

2009-11-23T08:43:00.000Z

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

2009-11-20T10:38:00.000Z

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

2009-11-19T16:06:00.001Z

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

Workplace stress is costing employers dear

2009-11-19T08:46:00.000Z

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

2009-11-18T16:53:00.000Z

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

2009-11-18T09:08:00.000Z

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

2009-11-17T09:13:00.000Z

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

Job losses predicted to continue into the recovery

2009-11-16T08:51:00.000Z

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'

2009-11-13T08:52:00.000Z

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

2009-11-12T08:54:00.000Z

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

Consumer confidence shows signs of recovery

2009-11-11T09:15:00.000Z

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

Service sector registers strongest performance for two years

2009-11-10T09:27:00.001Z

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

2009-11-09T09:08:00.000Z

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

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

2009-11-06T09:14:00.000Z

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

2009-11-04T16:45:00.000Z

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

2009-11-04T09:01:00.000Z

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

2009-11-03T09:00:00.000Z

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

2009-11-02T08:54:00.000Z

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

2009-10-30T08:49:00.000Z

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

Online advertising and pricing to come under investigation

2009-10-29T09:00:00.000Z

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

2009-10-28T08:52:00.001Z

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

2009-10-27T08:46:00.000Z

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

2009-10-26T08:46:00.000Z

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

2009-10-23T09:09:00.000+01:00

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

2009-10-22T08:41:00.000+01:00

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

2009-10-21T08:43:00.000+01:00

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

Businesses lax about identity fraud

2009-10-20T08:39:00.000+01:00

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

Business waste strategy needs overhaul

2009-10-19T08:20:00.000+01:00

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

2009-10-16T09:01:00.000+01:00

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

2009-10-15T09:16:00.000+01:00

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

2009-10-14T08:57:00.000+01:00

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

2009-10-13T09:14:00.000+01:00

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

2009-10-12T08:58:00.000+01:00

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

2009-10-09T08:52:00.001+01:00

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

2009-10-08T09:10:00.001+01:00

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

2009-10-07T09:01:00.001+01:00

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

2009-10-06T09:30:00.000+01:00

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