Individuals will be able to legally ask businesses to delete certain personal data under new proposals outlined in the Data Protection Bill. The Bill forms part of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which is due to come into effect on 25 May 2018. The legislation will allow individuals greater control over their personal … Continued
Company car advisory fuel rates from 1 September 2017
HMRC has published revised advisory fuel rates for company cars, applying from 1 September 2017. The rates are to be used only where employers either reimburse employees for business travel in their company cars, or require employees to repay the cost of fuel used for private travel. These rates apply from 1 September 2017. You … Continued
Businesses approve Prompt Payment Code
Businesses have backed the Prompt Payment Code (PPC) to support SMEs who are dealing with late payments. The PPC sets the standards for best practice for businesses and suppliers chasing overdue payments and invoices, ensuring everyone is paid on time and offered clear guidance on procedures. Suppliers to the government have willingly committed to pay … Continued
Important changes to PSC reporting
Changes to the people with significant control (PSC) register have come into force. All companies and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) are required to identify and record the people with ‘significant control’ over their company. Previously, a company or LLP would make any changes to the PSC register as part of its annual confirmation statement submitted … Continued
Lack of funds holding back start-ups
Almost half (40%) of aspiring entrepreneurs cited lack of funds as the main barrier to starting a business, according to research. Out of 1,500 people surveyed by Yell Business, 51% thought about starting their own business but barriers such as risk of failure (25%) and not knowing where to start (23%) were preventing them from … Continued
Businesses prepare for data protection changes
Businesses are preparing for the General Data Protection Regulation, which comes into force from 25 May 2018. All businesses holding personal data will need to ensure their procedures are fit for purpose and compliant when the new rules take effect next year. Those businesses found non-compliant may face fines of up to €20 million – … Continued
Rejected contracts hit SMEs in the pocket
47% of small businesses lost out on up to £10,000 in the last year due to turning down work contracts and orders, according to a study. Out of 501 companies surveyed by Hitachi Capital Invoice Finance, 26% rejected contracts worth up to £5,000 while 21% snubbed deals worth between £5,001 and £10,000. Almost one in … Continued
Change to Persons of Significant Control (PSC) Notifications
From April 2016, the vast majority of UK limited companies have been required to create and maintain a register of people with significant control. Commonly known as the PSC register, this includes details of who ultimately controls or exercises significant influence upon the company. From 30 June 2016, every company has also needed to submit … Continued
Firms plan to offset rising costs
More than half of businesses are planning to offset rising prices, according to a study by ICAEW. 53% of firms have seen input prices increase over the past year but less than half are willing to absorb the costs. Businesses cited the following reasons for rising prices: rise in raw materials (35%) cost of services … Continued
New Data Protection rules – General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
On 15 December 2015, the European Parliament, Council and Commission reached agreement on new data protection rules, establishing a modern and harmonised data protection framework across the EU. The Regulation was adopted by the European Parliament on 14 April 2016 with the new rules becoming applicable after two years to all members of the EU. … Continued