Because running a business gives rise to 1,001 questions here's a database with more than 12,000 answers!
Search all advice in the Business Database
Category e-zines
Featured advice
EXPENSES
Renewals deduction scrapped
Currently, businesses can opt for a tax deduction from profit instead of claiming capital allowances when replacing plant and machinery, but the Taxman has announced this practice is to end. Will your company be worse off as a result?
ENFORCEMENT
“£124 per hour please...”
The HSE has now published details of how its new charging system will work and when it will be applied. How much could you have to pay?
Most read advice
BONUSES
Annual bonuses: can they sue?
It’s been reported that many employees plan to sue their employers if they don’t get an annual bonus this year. Is this type of payment an automatic right?
DIRECTORS' TAX
How much dividend can you pay tax-free?
The 2011/12 tax year starts in two months. Tax-free allowances are going up, but the point at which you’ll start to pay higher rate tax will come down. How might these changes affect the tax you’ll pay on income from your company?
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
Telling employees that a colleague has died
At some point, every employer will have to communicate sad news to their employees. One such occasion is the death of a member of staff. So whether it’s sudden or expected, how should you handle this sensitive situation?
DISCIPLINARY MATTERS
This is a conduct and a capability issue!
When it comes to disciplinary matters, it’s easy to assume that an employee’s wrongdoing will fit neatly under “conduct” or “capability”. But what happens if it could fall into both categories? How should you proceed?
EMERGENCY LIGHTING
New emergency lighting standard launched
The British Standard for emergency lighting installations recently changed. How has BS5266-1 been altered and is it likely to have any impact on your premises?
Most recent advice
CARBON REPORTING
Reporting on carbon emissions
Thanks to new standards and methodologies, it’s getting easier for large companies to report on indirect emissions from their supply chain. Why should it concern small businesses and what might be expected of you in the future?
UNFAIR DISMISSAL
Dismissed for “refusing to communicate”
Sometimes, employees fall out and then refuse to speak to each other. This unprofessional stand-off can easily cause problems for their employer. So would it be grounds for dismissal? What does the tribunal say?
MATERNITY
Antenatal care: what must you pay for?
An area that often causes much uncertainty for employers is time off to attend antenatal care appointments. So what must you allow and does this type of absence always have to be paid?
BIODIVERSITY
Preventing environmental damage
The Energy Institute has produced new guidance to assist those that have to comply with the Environmental Damage (Prevention and Remediation) Regulations 2009. Who is it aimed at and might you need to read it?
DISCRIMINATION
Anonymous job applications?
To help stamp out discrimination, the government wants employers to accept job applications on an anonymous basis. Is there a new law on the cards?
Calgarth House