A slowdown in regulations, a speed up in VAT returns
We have special features, among others, about the latest
business regulations, upcoming changes to the VAT system,
making the most of PR opportunities and the usefulness of
management accounts.
Delay to business regulations
The last month has seen several announcements on business
regulations.
In response to the current, still fragile economic climate, the
government has decided to put back implementing a number
of new business regulations. It has, however, launched a
consultation on extending paid paternity leave.
Meanwhile, the Office of Fair Trading is to conduct an enquiry
into online advertising practices.
http://www.hollandandcompany.co.uk/item/28978/601/160/260
Taxes and allowances: VAT payment system goes electronic
while carbon scheme looms
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has been busy sign posting
its forthcoming overhaul of the VAT payments system.
It means that large numbers of businesses will be expected
to dispense with paper returns next year.
Also due to be introduced in April 2010 is the government's
business Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) scheme,
designed to help the UK achieve its commitment to cut carbon
emissions by at least 80 per cent below 1990 levels by 2050.
http://www.hollandandcompany.co.uk/item/28977/601/160/260
Small employers should recruit with ambition
SMEs tend to undersell themselves to talented young people
who are looking for a rewarding career.
Instead of extolling the many virtues and benefits of working
in a smaller firm, SMEs have a habit of hiding their light under
a bushel.
As a result, they often miss out on the skills and enthusiasm
that graduates and newly qualified job candidates can bring.
http://www.hollandandcompany.co.uk/item/28976/601/160/260
Getting PR to work for your business
The second of two articles looking at the opportunities that
PR can offer a business examines how to approach the press or
broadcasters and how to present a story.
There are tips on putting together a press release and advice
on cultivating media contacts.
Alternative PR tactics, such as sponsorship, events and community
relationships, also come under the spotlight.
http://www.hollandandcompany.co.uk/item/28975/601/160/260
Business Features
Management accounts
Keeping management accounts can help a business.
http://www.hollandandcompany.co.uk/item/28974/601/160/260
Providing employees with stakeholder pension schemes.
How and when employers should provide stakeholder
pensions for their workers.
http://www.hollandandcompany.co.uk/item/28973/601/160/260
Employing part-time staff
Many smaller firms choose to employ staff on a part-time
basis which has the advantage of adding extra flexibility to
the workforce.
http://www.hollandandcompany.co.uk/item/28971/601/160/260
Best practice can have a real and measurable bearing on
the competitiveness and profitability of a business.
http://www.hollandandcompany.co.uk/item/28970/601/160/260
For the month ahead
http://www.hollandandcompany.co.uk/content/calendar/index.html
Personal Corner
Up the retirement age to 70, say think tank and business group
The official pension age may need to climb by five years, the
government has been warned.
http://www.hollandandcompany.co.uk/item/28969/601/160/260
Tax refund frauds show marked increase
The number of scam emails in circulation promising people
bogus tax refunds has reached record levels.
http://www.hollandandcompany.co.uk/item/28967/601/160/260
Big drop in inheritance tax payments
The decline in house prices has had a dramatic impact on
the amount of inheritance tax that is being paid.
http://www.hollandandcompany.co.uk/item/28966/601/160/260
Consumers warned that time is running out on credit-crunch tax breaks
Consumers do not have much time left in which to make good
use of a series of tax breaks introduced by the government to
help tackle the credit crunch.
http://www.hollandandcompany.co.uk/item/28965/601/160/260
News Round-up
Small firms to get extra help on apprenticeships
http://www.hollandandcompany.co.uk/item/28957/601/160/260
Lending service could help smaller firms
http://www.hollandandcompany.co.uk/item/28946/601/160/260
Tax changes would help support economic recovery
http://www.hollandandcompany.co.uk/item/28918/601/160/260
Recession almost over, says BCC
http://www.hollandandcompany.co.uk/item/28851/601/160/260
UK businesses becoming more productive
http://www.hollandandcompany.co.uk/item/28827/601/160/260
