Posts

Has anyone tried OpenOffice?

If you do not have Microsoft Office software you might like to look at OpenOffice

All who appear to fit the criteria laid down by HMRC, turnover for 12 months to 31st December 2009 over

Policy requirement and basic issues understood.

If an employer included a restriction in the policy of say not more than 6 penalty points or discriminated on age, younger drivers being statistically more likely to have accidents, could this be seen as unfair given the statutory regs?

Barry

Hi

How far does it go. Is an employer entitled to rely on driving licence and penalty points system for example?

Barry

The business rates issue does not have a common answer. The position can vary between Districts and most will have information on this subject on their local website. The rule of thumb is that if the main purpose of the property is to provide residential accommodation there is usually no business charge.

On tax relief the HMRC website does give a good guide on issues to consider but remember this is their view and there are often circumstances that do not fit easily with the guidance given. The important things are to ensure that you have a good case/argument before making the claim and avoid falling into the capital gains tax trap associated with exclusive business use although this is often overstated with the availability of current capital gains annual exemptions which are often enough to wipe out the fractional gain.

bjn

Generally I find that Business Link represents a good source for technical information and that aspect has improved quite dramatically since they came under the HMRC umbrella but as already indicated they still attract negative criticism.

Local District and County Councils usually have Business Officers or departments and these can be a useful source of information including grant availability, particularly for grants falling wholly under their control and administration, and access to other business support groups, privately funded or attended by local business people giving their time freely.

Believe it or not there are individuals who have surplus funds who in the current climate are looking for alternative investments. Being quite long in the tooth I can recall the days before the Financial Services industry became regulated when introductions for those with business ideas to those with the spare cash by local professionals was commonplace. Often the objectives for such investors was taking an interest in local activity and pleasure from being part of a success story as opposed to generating huge financial gains and a return to this culture would help enormously. Advertising your needs may help or approaching other businesses where what you have to offer adds value to their operations. Sometimes where the business involves particular products suppliers may see it as in their interest to provide support.

Otherwise obtaining funding is not just about security but making sure that you have the right team around you including mentors and advisers.

bjn

A simple question but not a simple answer.

For those who have prepared a business plan or operate to a particular business model the main issues relevant to this question have already been determined even though some analysis might be needed to work out the answer. For those who do not have a business plan then when this type of question crops up perhaps it should be taken as a prompt to revisit aspects of business objectives and management or perhaps to prepare a business plan. Financially the issues are all about matching income streams, reserves, commitments, replacement policies, confidence and personal exposure.

If leasing is the answer then shopping around will reveal some surprising differences in the deals available.

Don't forget that Mr Darling has extended the Annual Investment Allowance which has provided a 100% write off for plant and machinery costs up to