HLAS

Do you agree?  Many of our other clients do. In this uncertain economy, managing your cash flow is more important than ever. If you are concerned about future trading conditions, then take some time to reflect on where you are and what could happen in the next few months. It is important for all businesses to plan ahead for a range of scenarios. Cash flow and business planning in these uncertain times may appear problematic, but there are some practical steps you can take to minimise potential disruption to your business: Review your budgets and set realistic and achievable targets [...]

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advice has recently changed, and employers must now carry out an individual risk assessment for pregnant workers and new mothers. There will be little practical change as you must already consider risks to women of childbearing age in any general health and safety risk assessment. The difference is that you must also carry out an individual risk assessment that covers a worker’s specific needs when they inform you in writing that they: are pregnant; have given birth in the last 6 months; or are breastfeeding. See: Protecting pregnant workers and new mothers - Overview - HSE

The ‘Commercialising Connected and Automated Mobility’ competition, which is run by the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV), will provide grants to help roll out commercial use of self-driving vehicles across the UK from 2025, delivering convenience for consumers and making journeys safer, greener and more reliable. UK-registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £40 million of CCAV competition funding, supporting new automated transport service projects. The competition will help bring together companies and investors so that sustainable business models to be rolled out nationally and exported globally. Types of self-driving vehicles that could be deployed [...]

For most people, driving or riding will be the most dangerous work activity they do. Around one-third of all road traffic collisions (RTCs) in Britain involve someone driving or riding as part of their job and countless other RTCs involve people travelling to or from their workplace. Although the risks cannot be completely controlled, employers or companies (including those in the construction sector) who engage drivers and riders must take all reasonable steps to manage these risks and do everything practicable to protect people from harm. The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) webpages were created following HSE and Department of [...]

Then ask us about our comprehensive guide to the financial, tax and accounting considerations of starting a business, “The New Business Kit” which we offer free to start-ups or those who have recently made the jump into business ownership. The guide helps start-ups think about: Selecting a legal entity; Registering with the tax authorities; Accounting and bookkeeping; Value Added Tax; Payroll taxes and pensions; Income and corporation tax; Cash planning and forecasting; Insurance; Selecting professional advisers; and Digital accounting systems. In addition, there is a section of useful names, addresses and telephone numbers. just ask – it’s free!

The Help to Grow: Management scheme now offers business leaders 50 hours of leadership and management training across 12 weeks, and covers 90% of the costs involved. This means that from £750, business leaders can benefit from one-to-one support from a business mentor, access to a network of like-minded business leaders, and a bespoke growth plan to help the business reach its full potential. The scheme offers development opportunities for leaders and their staff, boosting productivity and growing their companies which can lead to more high-skill, high-wage jobs. Businesses with 10 or more employees are now eligible to have up [...]

Companies House incorporate and dissolve limited companies. They register company information and make it available to the public. They have recently updated their guidance on how to protect your company from fraud and scams and how to report it: Register for online filing Keep your authentication code safe Sign up to our PROOF scheme Use our free Follow service Choose the right correspondence address Check website addresses are genuine Be aware of scam emails and telephone calls Report fraud Unregistered cryptoasset businesses See: Companies House - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

In recent years, HMRC has identified and successfully challenged several false claims for Research and Development (R&D) tax credit relief made by purported R&D Consultants.  Many of these claims have been for projects that did not satisfy the criteria for the tax relief and some included overstated expenditure and consequently have been abusing the scheme. This is a generous tax break. As a Small or Medium-sized Entity (SME), the expenditure qualifies for a tax deduction of 230% of the amount spent which can then be traded in for a tax refund of 14.5% where the company is loss-making. Thus, £100,000 [...]

The talent shortage continues to place a burden on the economy. As companies struggle to find the talent they need, now is the time to invest in new and more strategic approaches to developing an early talent pipeline. One way of bringing in new talent is through traineeships. A traineeship is a work-based skills development programme that includes a work placement. There is a free government scheme (outlined below), although you may have your own business costs. Some employers may choose to pay the wages and expenses such as travel and living costs. The full programme can last from 6 [...]

The UK Government has published guidance for businesses considering making offers of employment to people coming to the UK from Ukraine. If you are offering employment opportunities, you will need to complete the Vacancy information questionnaire. After you have returned the questionnaire to [email protected], your organisation will be contacted by the National Employer and Partnership Team in the Department for Work and Pensions within 5 working days to discuss the roles available. Job opportunities will then be shared across the DWP Jobcentre Plus network and with the Refugee Employment Network (REN), a charity which works with organisations across the UK to support [...]