The Streisand effect is the phenomenon whereby an attempt to hide, remove, or censor a piece of information has the unintended consequence of publicising the information more widely, usually facilitated by the Internet. … [Read more...]
Do not trade whilst insolvent
The last few years have presented tough trading conditions for a many a business; some businesses have not survived whilst others still teeter on the edge of insolvency. Whatever trading conditions exist there remains the fact that a limited company must not trade whilst insolvent. Director’s Liability As a general principle the directors of a limited company could … [Read more...]
10 commandments of good customer service
On a recent trip to Africa I saw this at the Namibian border check point and thought I would adapt it a little for the UK. (I did ask them if I could take copy of it) 10 commandments of good customer service. Speak to customer, not to your colleagues Smile at customers, it’s good exercise for your face Call customers by their real name, not the name you’d like to … [Read more...]
BBC Radio 4 Money Box Self Assessment Phone In Listen Again
In case anyone missed the Money Box Self Assessment Phone in you can listen again. Just click on the link below.... Click to listen again at the BBC web site And if you have any burning self assessment questions pop them in our comments and I will answer them. Some topics that we covered on the programme and others that we didn’t get around to are: Child Tax Charge – click … [Read more...]
15 January 3pm BBC Radio 4 Money Box Live Self Assessment phone in
The self assessment deadline is almost upon us and I am sure that some of you may have very pressing self assessment questions. Why not call BBC Radio 4 Money Box and the panel of experts could answer your questions on Wednesday 16th January at 3pm. Call 03700 100 444 from 1pm to 3.30pm or e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk. Further details can be found on the Money Box page (click … [Read more...]
URGENT ZIP FILE SCAMS ON INCREASE – PROTECT YOUR PC NOW Please RT
An increasing number of scam / spam emails are being sent from numerous sources including Companies House, Skype, Sage, HMRC, Amazon, various courier companies etc. with zip files attached. Clearly these are all bogus and are NOT from the source claimed. DO NOT OPEN A ZIP FILE UNLESS YOU ARE EXPECTING IT AND KNOW WHO IT IS FROM. Please be vigilante – keep your … [Read more...]
We’re supporting Small Business Saturday on 7th December #SmallBizSatUK @SmallBizSatUK
Have you heard of Small Business Saturday? #SmallBizSatUK @SmallBizSatUK It’s on 7th December 2013. Small Business Saturday is all about encouraging everyone in the UK to support small businesses, both on the day and beyond. Click here to see what we are doing for Small Business Saturday Find out more about Small Business … [Read more...]
A quick guide to employer tax responsibilities
Putting aside the various legal issues associated with taking on staff, such as contracts of employment, sick pay, and holiday entitlement and so on, let’s take a whistle stop tour of your responsibilities as an employer .... What information do you need to give your staff when you pay them? When you pay an employee, as well as reporting the information to HMRC (see … [Read more...]
An ode to Accountex – fun for accountants
A bit of accountancy fun .... A little ode to Accountex. Feel free to continue the ditty in the style of Wordsworth ... I wandered lonely in the Cloud That floats around a busy hall When all at once I saw a crowd A host of accounting suppliers call Those with their spreadsheets, all trying to please Fluttering and dancing in the breeze I gazed—and … [Read more...]
A game of two halves at Accountex
As I was in London at the end of last week I decided to make the trip out east to Excel for the Accountex exhibition. Let me say from the outside that Accountex was a very well organised and executed event with a host of interesting, relevant and exciting talks; we got a mention in a couple of them! Well done to the organisers; a lot of hard work with a brilliant … [Read more...]
The Accountants Terrific Tweet Up
As a regular blog poster at the ICAEW I would be interested to know how many accountants, bookkeeper, financial and taxation professional actively use twitter. So I thought the best way to find out is for us to hold .. The Accountants Terrific Tweet Up So join us as the Accountants Terrific Tweet Up and tell us .... Your Twitter Name Your background - e.g. are … [Read more...]
Essential Check List to make sure you get the right accountant for your business
If you are running a business, doing the accounts is an essential part of your operations. Unless you have a background in accounting or tax, getting and keeping up to speed with all of the necessary accounting and tax laws that you have to comply with can be a drain on your time. Time that you could better spend running your business. So getting an accountant board … [Read more...]