Archive for 'News & Views'

What Is the Difference Between Residence and Domicile?

What Is the Difference Between Residence and Domicile?

One thing that can be clearly seen amid all the arguments over the status of Lord Ashcroft is that neither the press nor the politicians really understand the difference between someone being resident in the UK or being domiciled in the UK. It is rather painful to listen to the claim and counterclaim of so [...]

Full Story

Tax Related Red Tape Costs British Business £20 Billion a Year

Tax Related Red Tape Costs British Business £20 Billion a Year

This is the shocking verdict which the authors of a new report, published by the Institute of Economic Affairs, have come to following an in depth study into tax related compliance and administration costs which fall on UK businesses.
The report also reveals that the average Finance Act in the 2000s has been three times as [...]

Full Story

Who Says Politicians Never Listen to Voters?

Who Says Politicians Never Listen to Voters?

Back in June of 2008 I told readers of this blog about my discussion with Des Browne, who at that time, in addition to being Member of Parliament for Kilmarnock & Loudon had two Westminster jobs; that of Defence Secretary and Secretary of State for Scotland.
A bit odd really to have two part-time jobs, both [...]

Full Story

How to Maximise Your Capital Allowances

How to Maximise Your Capital Allowances

Any business can claim tax allowances, called capital allowances, on certain purchases or investments. This results in a reduction in the business tax bill – which can’t be bad.
In general capital allowances are available on plant and machinery, buildings – including converting space above commercial premises to flats for renting – and research and development. [...]

Full Story

Pouring Cash Down the Toilet – £18 Billion Shortfall in British VAT During 2006

Pouring Cash Down the Toilet – £18 Billion Shortfall in British VAT During 2006

It has long been suspected that there is widespread under collection of VAT throughout the European Union. But until now no one realised just how big the figures were. Talk about pouring cash down the toilet!
There are a number of reasons for the shortfall some relating to systematic fraud (such as “carousel fraud” on mobile [...]

Full Story

Small Business Marketing – Building Relationships is the Key

Small Business Marketing – Building Relationships is the Key

Marketing for small business is different than marketing for national or international brands, which enjoy instant name recognition. By contrast, small business marketing relies heavily on word of mouth and on building and maintaining personal relationships.
This article isn’t about finding new customers, it is about hanging on to the ones you have and building your [...]

Full Story

Running Your Business – How to Present a Professional Image While Working From Home

Running Your Business – How to Present a Professional Image While Working From Home

In the current economic situation and with more people leaving regular employment and setting up as consultants, it has become much more acceptable to run your business from home.
Apart from anything else, running a new business from the spare bedroom removes a whole layer of cost and risk, and makes it a lot more likely [...]

Full Story