HLAS

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has released joint guidance to help communities balance the cyber security risks involved with creating smart cities. This collaborative guidance has been designed alongside agencies from the US, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand to help ensure connected technologies are integrated into infrastructure in a way which protects systems and data. The guide acknowledges that smart cities, or connected places, have the potential to offer communities cost savings and quality-of-living improvements, but notes these benefits must be balanced with the risks. These risks include an expanded and interconnected attack surface, risks from the supply chain and [...]

Get an Advance Valuation Ruling to give you legal confirmation on the correct method to use when valuing your goods to make an import declaration. When you import goods into the UK, you must work out the correct method to use to work out their customs value. You can apply to HMRC for an Advance Valuation Ruling before you make an import declaration to: check that the valuation method you have identified is correct; and get a legally backed decision that you can use this method before you make your import declaration. It can take up to 90 days to [...]

The new 'Here to Help' hub brings together a range of guides, documentation, and checklists on how to: set up a food business, achieve a good food hygiene rating, and manage allergens to keep customers safe. At a time when new food businesses are facing cost pressures and other challenges, the FSA and local authorities want to make it easier for businesses to do the right thing. The hub aims to encourage businesses to access these free resources and to recognise that the FSA, as well as the Environmental Health Officers within their local councils, are there to help them [...]

Understanding the signs of drug and alcohol misuse (or abuse) will help you manage health and safety risk in your workplace. The Health and Safety Executive website has step-by-step guidance to help you manage drug and alcohol misuse at work. This includes advice on how to develop a drugs and alcohol policy and what you can do to support your employees. See: Managing drug and alcohol misuse at work - Overview - HSE

Violence and aggression at work can have a serious impact on your workers physical and mental health. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has refreshed its guidance on violence at work to help you protect your workers. It has been updated to: simplify the navigation to help you easily find the information you need; remove outdated content and replace it with up-to-date practical guidance; and remind you that HSE’s definition of violence includes aggression, such as verbal abuse or threats – this can be face to face, online or over the phone. The guidance will help you assess the risks, put the right [...]

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) proposes to reform and streamline the listing rules in the UK to help attract a wider range of companies, encourage competition, and improve choice for investors. At present, businesses wanting to list shares on any of the Financial Times Stock Exchange Group (FTSE) indexes - which include some of the largest world-wide firms - have to hold a premium listing and are required to comply with the UK's highest standards of regulation and pay substantial costs. The FCA has said it wants to make the rules companies must follow to be allowed to list their [...]

Withholding tips from staff becomes unlawful as the “Tipping” Bill achieves Royal Assent. More than 2 million workers will have their tips protected and be able to view an employer’s tipping record. An estimated £200 million a year will go back into the pockets of staff by retaining tips that could have otherwise been deducted. The measures are expected to come into force in 2024, following a consultation and secondary legislation. See: Millions to take home more cash as new law on Tipping passes - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched the Advance Valuation Ruling Service (AVRS), a new service that gives importers legal certainty that their chosen customs valuation method is correct. When importing goods into the UK, traders must work out the value of their goods to calculate their Customs Duty and import VAT. Traders will apply online for an Advanced Valuation Ruling where HMRC will confirm the method used to calculate the value is correct. It is legally-binding for 3 years and the trader will use this information to calculate the value of their goods on their import declaration. See: New service launched [...]

Our property finance experts specialise in arranging finance for new build, conversion and refurbishment projects for property developers and investors. Our property finance experts also arrange competitive bridging loans to ‘bridge’ a timing gap between a debt coming due, or the main line of credit becoming available. Our experts can also help you to purchase your business freehold with a Commercial Mortgage tailored for you. The benefits of arranging Property Finance are: Access to highly competitive rates, arranged by a team of experts who will walk with you to completion and beyond, advising you every step of the way; Access [...]

Your employees may be injured at work or they, or your former employees, may become ill as a result of their work while in your employment. They might try to claim compensation from you if they believe you are responsible. The Employers’ Liability (EL) (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 ensures that you have at least a minimum level of insurance cover against any such claims. You may not need EL insurance if you only employ a family member or someone who is based abroad. You can be fined £2,500 every day you are not properly insured. You can also be fined £1,000 [...]