Internet fraudsters are using ever more intricate messages to trick you to part with private information. For example: your bank details and passwords. They may also hide viruses in email attachments that will give them access to your personal computer files. The viruses will usually be activated if you open the attached files. The best […]
Business rates exemptions
Certain property, whether occupied or out of use for a period, may be eligible for exemption from payment of business rates. The GOV.UK website lists the following as potentially eligible: Exempted buildings – certain properties are exempt from business rates. Exemptions include: agricultural land and buildings, including fish farms buildings used for training or welfare […]
Managing your Inbox
A never-ending inbox of emails is the cause of long working hours, stressed out managers and procrastination. It is also the reason why many people feel that they are so ‘busy’ when in fact they are often busy doing the wrong things. A full, un-manageable inbox can distract you from what you should be doing. […]
Creating the right culture
Corporate culture is essentially the way you and your team do things day to day in your business. Some businesses focus on creating a culture that is high performance, while others focus on being people-friendly. Generally speaking, people leave a firm because of the people in the business, rather than the firm itself. Getting the […]
Hunger Marketing
A hunger marketing strategy is simple to operate. The business brings products to market with an attractive price to lure potential customers then restricts the supply, resulting in an imaginary shortage that can raise prices and therefore generate higher profits. “Branding” is a factor that runs through the whole hunger marketing operation and the strategy […]
Google Wallet – What’s it all about?
With a full launch of the Google Wallet app due in the UK soon, many businesses are starting to consider how they might use the technology to attract new customers and make life more convenient for existing ones. So what is it and how does it work? The technology essentially allows your smartphone to take […]
Do you need to fill in a tax return?
HMRC have determined that you must complete a self assessment tax return if any of the following circumstances apply to your personal, financial circumstances: 1. You're a company director, minister, Lloyd's name or member. Your annual income is £100,000 or more. You have income from savings, investment or property. If you are an […]
Construction Industry and tax
All active building contractors and building subcontractors are subject to HMRC regulation. The rules they have to abide by are set out in the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). Essentially, contractors cannot pay their subcontractors without stopping tax. Only in specific circumstances can payments be made without deduction of tax. The scheme operates a little like […]
European Commission ventures opinion on UK economy
In March 2014 the European Commission published a report entitled Macroeconomic Imbalances United Kingdom 2014. The text includes a few observations on the UK property market that have been greeted with less than enthusiasm by the UK Government. The report includes the following introduction: “The United Kingdom continues to experience macroeconomic imbalances, which require monitoring […]