Business Advice
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Financial planning for businesses
Financial planning is essential to the success of any business, whichever stage it is at. Having an accurate idea of your current and likely future finances can help reduce the impact of any unforeseen challenges and let you get on… Read more Financial planning for businesses
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Overtime normal for most managers
More than 90% of managers work more than their contracted weekly hours, according to research from the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM). Nearly two thirds (65%) of respondents to the ILM’s survey reported pressure to work overtime, while 44%… Read more Overtime normal for most managers
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A quarter want to be entrepreneurs
More than a quarter of employees dream of running a business, according to a survey from Lloyds Bank Insurance. The report reveals that 26% of workers have entrepreneurial aspirations but the fear of taking a risk is preventing a third… Read more A quarter want to be entrepreneurs
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Loans to employees and directors
This guide looks at the rules regarding loans made to employees or directors by a company. As an employer, you may often be willing to lend company money to a director or employee. This could be to help them pay… Read more Loans to employees and directors
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Employee share schemes
The Government encourages trading companies to offer shares in the company to its employees. These are usually given away free or offered at a discounted rate. Sometimes the employer may not provide shares immediately but provide an option that will… Read more Employee share schemes
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Limited liability partnerships
Limited liability partnerships (LLPs) were introduced in 2001 to provide the flexibility of a partnership with the limited liability of its members. They have proved very popular, particularly for professional entities. A LLP must be distinguished from an ordinary partnership… Read more Limited liability partnerships
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Business groups call for prompt payment reform
Business groups have called for reform of the Prompt Payment Code (PPC) after data showed that more than half of Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) members were not paid by the agreed date. The PPC is a Government-backed scheme to… Read more Business groups call for prompt payment reform
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Mobile phones for employees
Employers may provide many benefits to employees in addition to their salary or wages. Some of these benefits can be tax-effective, in that the employer or employee (or both) may save tax by providing a benefit rather than cash. Normally… Read more Mobile phones for employees
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Crowdfunding guidance for small firms
Guidance about how small firms and start-ups can access finance through crowdfunding has been published as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, which ran from 18-24 November. Crowdfunding involves people pooling their money, usually via an online platform, to invest in… Read more Crowdfunding guidance for small firms
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Improving cashflow
Nobody ever plans a cashflow crisis, yet they occur with alarming frequency – usually due to a failure to plan ahead or to make adequate provision for the unexpected. One day your business could be running smoothly, with new orders… Read more Improving cashflow