New Rules for Commercial Landlords
In April 2018 new legislation increasing the minimum energy efficiency standards for commercial property was implemented, making it unlawful to enter a new lease on a commercial property with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘F’ or ‘G’, the current lowest grades of EPC.
HMRC data reveals the UK’s real gender pay gap
The figures released by the HMRC about the nation’s income and taxation during 2015/16, revealed some fascinating insights into the UK’s finances. But the figures also shed light on the continuing pay gap experienced between men and women. According to HMRC, 57% of all income tax payers were men in 2015/16, contributing almost three quarters (73%) of the total £178 billion income tax bill. These figures are in line with the 2014/15 statistics, suggesting there was little real shift in the gender pay gap between the two years.
What will leaving the Customs Union mean for my business?
When we leave the European Union we will also leave the EU customs union. The question we all want to know the answer to is ‘what does that mean for me?’
Why it pays to retire early
Sound financial planning is not only good for your bank account – it could actually improve your life expectancy. If you’re reading this then you probably don’t need to be convinced of the benefits of looking after your money, but here’s another reason to add to the list.
GDPR – TIPS FOR EMPLOYEES
Complying with GDPR is the responsibility of every employee so we’ve written some tips on how you can help your business stay compliant.
Are Pre-Nups Binding?
Just how binding are Pre-nuptial Agreements in the British Courts? Well a recent ruling of the High Court on a French ‘pre-nuptial agreement’ pretty much spells it out.
Children caring for parents and the impact on everyone’s wealth
Consultation on Domestic Abuse
The government has launched a consultation on domestic abuse, seeking new laws and stronger powers to protect and support survivors.
The Gig Economy
March Market Commentary (archived)
“The first month of 2018 was a good one for the major stock markets which we cover in this Bulletin. We report on 12 markets and 11 of them made gains in January – in some cases, spectacular gains, which many investors would regard as more than adequate for a full year.”
Making the UK safe online!
The Collapse of Carillion – Lessons For Businesses
The collapse of Carillion in January 2018 has already triggered disruption throughout the construction industry. Businesses subcontracted by Carillion will soon feel the effects of the liquidation of the second largest construction company in the UK, with smaller private companies likely to be hit the hardest. The domino effect of the collapse of such a massive company is unfortunately unavoidable at this stage. But what lessons could businesses learn from the fallout of Carillion’s demise?
Help To Buy ISA - How Have They Done?
Recent government statistics have revealed that the Help to Buy ISA scheme is helping first-time buyers to get on the property ladder three years earlier than they otherwise would. The result has been calculated by looking at the average age of first-time buyers both with and without the ISAs. On average, those who use the ISA to buy their first home are three years younger than those who do not, with the median age of those using the Help to Buy ISA being 27.
The General Data Protection Regulations
What do you need to know? The General Data Protection Regulations (‘GDPR’) come in to force on the 25th May 2018 and whilst the Regulations are new, the principles and requirements are not. The GDPR is an overhaul of the Data Protection Act 1998 (‘DPA’), and extends to the processing of personal data of all data subjects in the whole of the EU. Brexit will not prevent businesses from needing to comply with the Regulations. In practice for those businesses that have already been complying fully with the DPA, they should not need to undertake much work to ensure that they are compliant with the GDPR, and will at the very least have the basics in place.
