Business News
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Tenders
Tender – UOW663 AEH, EBB and Ledbury Halls of Residence Flooring
Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Floor-laying work – 45432110 Location of contract WR2 6AJ Value of contract — Published date 25 May 2018 Closing date 20 June 2018 Contract start date 02 July 2018 Contract end date 30 August 2018 Contract is suitable for SMEs? Yes Contract is suitable…
Read More » Advisory Fuel Rates Update
As of 1 June 2018, advisory fuel rates have been updated for employees’ usage of company cars. The following rates are now in place for petrol and LPG-fuelled cars provided by your employer, while the previous rates can be used until 1 July 2018. Engine size Petrol – amount per mile LPG – amount per mile 1400cc or less 11p 7p 1401cc to 2000cc 14p 9p Over 2000cc 22p 14p For diesel cars, the rates…
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Show News
New ‘Contract Flooring Zone’ on offer
The team behind the UK’s largest flooring trade show in Harrogate is launching a new opportunity aimed at contract flooring suppliers. The new ‘Contract Flooring Zone’ will be part of the HOMES 2018 exhibition which runs at Olympia, London on 28 & 29 November 2018. HOMES 2018 is run by Ocean Media Group, the new owners of The Flooring Show, as part of its highly successful portfolio of events and publications for the housing industry.…
Read More » OTS Backs Pension Tax Reform
The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) has called for reform to the tax system for pension fund withdrawals, which it says is not widely understood by most people. The report raised particular concerns with the use of emergency tax codes for lump sum withdrawals from personal pensions. In the majority of cases, over-55s making their first withdrawal from a personal pension do not have access to an up-to-date tax code, so they are usually taxed…
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Business News
Lack Of Financial Protection Puts Households At Risk
Many UK households are under-protected in the event of serious illness, research from Scottish Widows shows. A survey of 5,022 UK adults found that more than a fifth (21%) of households wouldn’t survive financially if they unexpectedly lost their main income. Only 9% of people have a critical illness policy to protect their household should they or their partner be unable to work due to long-term illness, while the number of individuals taking out life…
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Business News
Calls For Apprenticeship Levy Reform Get Louder
Pressure is mounting for the government to reform the apprenticeships system, following recent apprenticeship levy statistics. Business groups, including the Institute of Directors (IoD) and the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), are urging the government to address ongoing problems with the levy. Apprenticeship starts were down 25% for the 7 months to February 2018 compared with the previous year, according to statistics from the Department for Education. Seamus Nevin, head of policy research at the…
Read More » Wage Growth Exceeds Inflation For First Time In A Year
Wages have grown at a higher rate than inflation for the first time in more than a year, figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show. While wages grew at an annual rate of 2.9% in the 3 months to March 2018, the inflation rate was 2.7% over the same period. This marked the end of a pay squeeze that began in February 2017, when the rate of inflation started to overtake salary growth.…
Read More »Retired Tenants Will Need £445,000 Pension Pot
Pension savers who will still be paying rent in retirement will need a pension pot as high as £445,000 to avoid falling living standards, according to research from Royal London. The analysis suggests that savers will need to build up a retirement income equating to two-thirds of their gross wages to maintain their standard of living. Using this guideline, the report found that while an average earner will need a pension pot of around £260,000…
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Business News
Self-Employment Jeopardises State Pension
The growth of self-employment is putting pressure on the sustainability of the state pension, research has found. According to analysis from Aegon, £2.8 billion is lost in national insurance (NI) receipts for every 1 million people who move from employment to self-employment. The challenge has arisen since reforms to the state pension were introduced in 2016, giving self-employed people the same state pension entitlement as employees. Because their NI contributions were not increased at the…
Read More » Hard FM Services – Flooring Tender Plymouth City Council
Plymouth City Council Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Construction work – 45000000 Location of contract South West Value of contract £10.0m Published date 02 May 2018 Closing date 31 May 2018 Contract start date 01 October 2018 Contract end date 30 September 2022 Contract is suitable for SMEs? No…
Read More »SMEs Call For More Government Support
Most entrepreneurs feel the government should do more to support small businesses, research by Aldermore shows. A survey of 1,799 people revealed that 79% of SME owners think the government is not providing enough support for small businesses. The research highlighted demand for finance-related support in particular, with more than half (54%) of the businesses surveyed holding less than £1,000 in cashflow. Despite the apparent need for greater support, many businesses haven’t made use of…
Read More »HMRC Warns Of Tax Refund Scam
HMRC has issued a warning about fraudulent texts and emails, which claim the recipient is due a tax rebate in order to obtain their personal details. The ‘phishing’ scam attempts to take advantage of the fact that HMRC is currently processing income tax for 2017/18, so some individuals could receive a genuine tax refund. However, HMRC says it will never use emails or texts to inform people about a tax rebate or penalty, or to…
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UK Statistics
Economic review: April 2018
– Download as PDF – Introduction This edition of the economic review is the fifth following the introduction of economic statistics theme days in January 2017. Each economic review in this new format will have an overarching analytical theme and follow a quarterly publication timetable. The theme of this edition is the regional economy with analysis covering regional gross value added (GVA) growth in the UK, regional firm-level productivity analysis for the non-financial business economy,…
Read More » MTD (Making Tax Digital) For Individuals Delayed
HMRC has revealed that rolling out MTD (Making Tax Digital) for individuals, such as the simple assessment and real-time tax code changes, have been delayed. The move was announced in an email sent to stakeholders last week, which confirmed the delay was down to a shift in key priorities driven by the need to free up civil servants for Brexit. ‘Simple assessment’ is intended to be used where a taxpayer has a secondary income or…
Read More »More Pension Savers Adopt Prudent Approach
An increasing number of people over 50 are unwilling to take any financial risk with their pension savings, research from Retirement Advantage shows. In a study of 1,003 over-50s who had yet to retire, 39% said they wouldn’t take any financial risk with their pension savings – up from 26% last year. The proportion of retirement savers who would take a reasonable amount of risk for a good chance of a favourable return also decreased…
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UK Statistics
Introducing a new publishing model for GDP – ONS UK GDP Report
– Download Full Report as PDF – Table of contents Introduction Overview of the current and new models The trade-offs of the new model Impact on data Publication schedule of releases Products Revisions policy Information about giving feedback Introduction Office for National Statistics (ONS) will be introducing a new publishing model for gross domestic product (GDP) in July 2018. In summary, this model will give two (rather than three) estimates of quarterly GDP, and…
Read More » Stamp Duty Cut Helps 69,000 First-Time Buyers
Around 69,000 first-time buyers have benefited from the stamp duty exemption since its introduction in November 2017, according to statistics from HMRC. The government abolished stamp duty for most first-time buyers in Autumn Budget 2017 to help aspiring homeowners take their first steps on the property ladder. The relief currently applies in England and Northern Ireland, and can only be claimed on properties worth up to £500,000. Those claiming it are exempt from stamp duty…
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UK Statistics
Retail Sales, Great Britain: March 2018 – UK Statistics
– Download Full Report as PDF – Table of contents Main points Statistician’s comment Things you need to know about this release Main figures for total retail sales Month-on-month sector summary and contributions to growth How has the weather impacted sales? What’s the story in online sales? Links to related statistics Quality and methodology Main points In the three months to March 2018 (Quarter 1), the quantity bought in retail sales fell by 0.5% when…
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Tenders
Refurbishment of Top Lodge Visitor Centre Barn into an Artist Studio – Tender
Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Refurbishment work – 45453100 Location of contract East Midlands Value of contract £30k Published date 20 April 2018 Closing date 11 May 2018 Contract start date 23 May 2018 Contract end date 27 June 2018 Contract is suitable for SMEs? Yes Contract is suitable…
Read More » P60 Deadline Reminder
The P60 deadline for issuing employees for the 2017/18 tax year is 31 May 2018. Employers must give a P60 form to all employees who were working for them on the last day of the tax year (5 April). This could be on paper or online, through payroll software. Alternatively, P60 forms can be ordered through HMRC. A P60 will summarise an employee’s total pay and deductions on their salary for the tax year. Employees…
Read More »State Pension Gender Gap Narrows In 2017
Men receive an average of £28,995.20 more than women from the state pension over a 20-year retirement, analysis shows. Consumer watchdog Which? analysed data from the Department for Work and Pensions, and found the average man gets £27.88 more a week in the state pension than the average woman. While the gap in pension income persists, the data suggests it has narrowed gradually in recent years. In August 2013, the average payment received by women…
Read More »Self-Employed Concerned About Pensions
Saving for retirement is one of the biggest concerns facing self-employed workers, according to research. A survey of 1,000 self-employed workers by Demos on behalf of the Independent Professionals and the Self Employed found that 46% were “very” or “fairly” concerned about not having enough savings for retirement. Additionally, 38% were worried about how the current pension system works for the self-employed. Although the vast majority (80%) described themselves as happy with their form of…
Read More »Falmouth School – Walling, Roof, Sports Flooring Tender, Playground Replacement
Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Construction work – 45000000 Location of contract South West Value of contract £1.5m Published date 25 April 2018 Closing date 29 May 2018 Contract start date 25 July 2018 Contract end date 03 September 2019 Contract is suitable for SMEs? No Contract is suitable…
Read More »UOW648 Edward Elgar Building Flooring Replacement Tender
Flooring Replacement Tender – Open opportunity This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Floor laying and covering work – 45432100 Location of contract WR2 6AJ Value of contract — Published date 25 April 2018 Closing date 21 May 2018 Contract start date 06 August 2018 Contract end date 30 August 2018 Contract is suitable…
Read More »Most SME Bosses Face Staff Challenges
The majority (67%) of SME business leaders find it difficult to hire qualified members of staff or retain existing talent, research by Aldermore reveals. A survey of 1,008 decision-makers found that 26% were concerned with keeping good members of staff, while 20% reported problems with high turnover. Employee retention has become a greater concern over the past year for some business owners, as 29% reported an increase in staff leaving their business compared to 12…
Read More »Retirees ‘To Spend £4,300 A Year Supporting Family’
Around 1 in 3 parents and grandparents entering retirement this year plan to spend more than £4,300 a year supporting family members, according to research by Prudential. In a survey of 9,896 adults, 31% of those planning to retire in 2018 said they expect to use their retirement income to provide financial support to their families. Those planning to offer support expected to give £360 a month to 3 people on average, coming to £4,320…
Read More »Apprenticeship Starts Down By 24%
A year on from the introduction of the apprenticeship levy, official statistics show the number of people starting an apprenticeship has fallen by almost a quarter. Figures published by the Department for Education reveal that from August 2017 to January 2018, the number of apprenticeship starts decreased by around 24% compared to the same time last year. According to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), the complexity of the system is hindering its effectiveness for…
Read More »Tender – Replacement School Hall Flooring at Franche Primary School Kidderminster
Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Floor and wall covering work – 45430000 Location of contract WR5 2NP Value of contract £20k – £26k Published date 17 April 2018 Closing date 10 May 2018 Contract start date 25 July 2018 Contract end date 24 August 2018 Contract is suitable for SMEs?…
Read More »Tender for Supply, Lay and Maintain Flooring to Council Properties
Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Floor coverings – 44112200 Solid flooring – 44112210 Floor-screed works – 45262321 Location of contract B69 3DB Published date 16 April 2018 Closing date 11 May 2018 Contract start date 01 August 2018 Contract end date 31 July 2021 Contract is suitable for SMEs?…
Read More »Smaller Landlords Feel The Sting Of Tax Changes
The number of landlords with smaller portfolios has decreased, following tax changes in the buy-to-let sector. Research by Paragon found that the proportion of landlords with 3 to 5 properties down from 26% to 24% at the end of 2017. This contrasted with rising figures for those with slightly larger portfolios, as landlords with 6 to 20 properties increased from 35% to 39% in Q1 2018. According to John Heron, managing director of mortgages at…
Read More »OTS Calls For Business Tax Simplification
The Office for Tax Simplification (OTS) is calling on the government to reform the tax system for businesses at the key stages of their growth. A report published on 16 April 2018 outlines several areas where the taxation of businesses could be simplified and reliefs made more accessible. While various reliefs available to businesses in the UK have encouraged entrepreneurship, the report claimed many SMEs either misunderstand or are unaware of them. Such reliefs include the…
Read More »Over-55s Worried About Running Out Of Retirement Income
Nearly half of people aged over 55 fear the prospect of running out of money in retirement, research shows. SunLife polled 50,000 individuals and found that 2 in 5 over-55s worry about whether their pension will cover retirement, while 43% are concerned they might run out of money before they die. This strain on retirement income was also shown to impact living standards, as a fifth of respondents felt they were financially worse off than…
Read More »Directors Positive About UK Economy
Business leaders’ optimism about the UK economy has turned positive for the first time in almost a year, a survey by the Institute of Directors (IoD) shows. The IoD polled 693 company directors and found that confidence in the economy reached 1% in March 2018, having been reported in negative figures every month since May 2017. Directors’ optimism about their own companies was much higher, at 47%, and had risen by 11% over the same…
Read More »SMEs Could Save £17,000 With Digital Accounting
Small and medium-sized businesses that use digital software to help with their accounting process could save 27.6 days a year, analysis by Sage shows. According to Sage’s research, 59% of SMEs use digital software for accounting, while 18% continue to use manual methods. On average, those using digital methods estimated that they save 2.3 days a month on accounting processes – worth around £17,000 a year in saved time. According to Sage, the main barriers…
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Resin News
RCR Flooring Products Ltd appoints David Collins
RCR Flooring Products Ltd has appointed David Collins to the post of Business Development Manager, based in the UK, with specific responsibility for resin product sales. David brings a 10-year track record of work in the construction industry both in the UK and Australia, during which he has focused on the construction chemicals marketplace. This experience makes him ideally placed to develop sales of RCR’s RINOL resin systems brand in the UK. RCR Flooring Products…
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Show News
The Flooring Show gets set for 2018!
The UK’s national flooring event, The Flooring Show is in top gear getting ready for its 56th show in Harrogate September 16th – 18th 2018. Stand sales are running 16% ahead of 2017, with some long-term supporters of the show increasing their stand sizes and being joined by companies returning to exhibit at the show after a break. In total 83% of 2017 exhibitors have rebooked for 2018, with more to confirm. Karndean, Furlong Flooring,…
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Business News
UK contract floorcoverings market worth in excess of £1bn – AMA Contract Floorcoverings Market Report
After achieving strong growth of 4% in 2015, growth rates in the contract floorcoverings market were slightly disappointing in 2016 and 2017. A number of factors had a negative impact on the market, including increasing inflation towards the end of the period and adverse currency movements as an indirect result of the Brexit vote, affecting imports. However, despite reduced growth rates, the value of the contract flooring market exceeded £1bn in 2017. The contract sector…
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Jobs
Retail Sales Representative – C.A.T. – London
Retail Sales Representative – Specialist Flooring Accessories Retail Sales Representative Greater London and Home Counties Established in 1986 C.A.T. are a leading manufacturer of quality profiles and accessories. The Role You will be promoting and selling C.A.T. product ranges to flooring retailers and related businesses and will need to be self motivated with a background in sales. This is a sales and marketing role for which training will be provided to the successful applicant. We…
Read More » Most Brits Face Working Into Mid-60s
Most workers in the UK expect to be working part-time after reaching the age of 65, according to a retirement study. Scottish Widows polled 3,535 people and found 51% expect to be working into their mid-60s, while 18% of those claim it’s more out of necessity than choice. With minimum auto-enrolment contributions increasing on 6 April 2018, 44% are failing to save the recommended 12% of their salary towards retirement each year. Only 24% of…
Read More »5 Of The Main Tax Changes 2018/19
The 2018/19 tax year is upon us and a raft of new changes have come into force. Here’s what to expect. Income tax The personal allowance has increased to £11,850 across the UK, and the higher rate threshold is increasing to £46,350 for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, 5 income tax bands now apply with 2 new thresholds. The personal allowance is the same but the first £2,000 earned after that is taxed…
Read More »Tender – Refurbishment and Remodelling Works
Blackburn with Darwen Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Construction work – 45000000 Location of contract North West Value of contract £115k Published date 21 March 2018 Closing date 20 April 2018 Contract start date 29 May 2018 Contract end date 03 August 2018 Contract is suitable for SMEs?…
Read More »Late Payments Affect Half Of Businesses
Almost half of small and medium-sized businesses have struggled with late payments in the last year, according to research by the Institute of Directors (IoD). Of the 787 business leaders surveyed, 48% have faced issues with late payments since April 2017. About 3 in 10 (31%) said this was the result of an “excessively bureaucratic payments system” in the company being invoiced. Others noted a disparity between the practices of smaller and larger businesses, with…
Read More »Tender Artificial Turf Pitch Replacement – St Neots Town FC 3G
Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Works for complete or part construction and civil engineering work – 45200000 Location of contract East of England Value of contract £200k Published date 28 March 2018 Closing date 09 April 2018 Contract start date 01 May 2018 Contract end date 02 July 2018…
Read More »Tender – Supply of Flooring Services – Oxford City Council
Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Construction materials – 44110000 Building completion work – 45400000 Location of contract South East Value of contract £240k Published date 29 March 2018 Closing date 02 May 2018 Contract start date 01 June 2018 Contract end date 31 May 2022 Contract is suitable…
Read More »TENDER – Flooring (Supply, Fit and Refurbishment) ESPO
Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Carpets, mats and rugs – 39530000 Knotted carpeting – 39531100 Woven carpeting – 39531200 Show additional CPV codes for this notice Location of contract Any region Value of contract £8.0m Published date 03 April 2018 Closing date 06 April 2018 Contract start date 01…
Read More »Wales Begins Collection Of Devolved Property Tax
Property taxes have changed in Wales, as land transaction tax (LTT) came into effect as of 1 April 2018. This replaced stamp duty land tax, which applied to properties worth more than £125,000 or £300,000 for first-time buyers in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. Instead, all homes in Wales worth up to £180,000 are now exempt from tax under the new rates. Above this threshold, the following rates apply: Price threshold LTT rate £180,001 to…
Read More »Disincorporation Relief Set To Expire
Businesses will no longer be able to claim disincorporation relief from 31 March 2018. The relief is being withdrawn after fewer than 50 businesses attempted to access the scheme 3 years after its launch, despite more than 610,000 UK businesses being eligible. Disincorporation relief was introduced in April 2013 with the aim of reducing tax barriers faced by small businesses when downsizing from a limited company to a sole trader or partnership. It was introduced…
Read More »Reduced Dividend Allowance Edges Closer
From 6 April 2018, the tax-free allowance on dividends will be reduced from £5,000 to £2,000. Owner-directors have used the dividend allowance to extract profits from their business, but changes over recent years have seen the advantage of this tax-efficient strategy reduce. The reduction will almost certainly result in business owners, directors and shareholders paying more tax on dividends worth more than £2,000 in 2018/19. Under the new allowance, the first £2,000 taken in dividends…
Read More »TENDER – Balcony Flooring Replacement Oaktree Gardens 2018
Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Builders’ joinery – 44220000 Balcony work – 45262900 Joinery and carpentry installation work – 45420000 Location of contract L11 2SF Value of contract £40k – £50k Published date 27 March 2018 Closing date 11 April 2018 Contract start date 08 May 2018 Contract end…
Read More »Most Retirees Do Not Shop Around For Pension Products
The majority of UK adults do not shop around when accessing their pension through either drawdown or annuity. Data from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) shows that 58% of drawdown customers and 57% of annuity customers used their existing provider. The report also revealed a lack of advice on pensions, as 32% of drawdown sales since October 2015 had been entered into without any financial advice. In addition, Retirement Advantage polled 1,000 over-55s and found…
Read More »Firms Face Fines For Failing To Report Gender Pay Gap
Employers could face unlimited fines if they fail to comply with gender pay gap reporting regulations, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has warned. After the deadlines pass – 30 March 2018 for public sector organisations and 4 April 2018 for businesses and charities – the EHRC has said it will give employers 28 days to become compliant. Failure to meet requirements beyond this point could ultimately lead to a fine decided by courts,…
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Jobs
Opportunity For A New Area Manager – Ball & Young Limited
Ball & Young Limited have an opportunity for a new area manager covering the following areas: West Midlands, Gloucestershire, Hereford & Worcester, Northamptonshire, Oxford and Warwickshire Ball & Young Ltd – a leading manufacturer of a wide range of carpet and wood floor underlays and accessories, including CLOUD 9 – the Brand Leader. As an ambitious professional, you will welcome this outstanding opportunity to further your career with a high profile company. Experience of working…
Read More » Freelancers Drive Self-Employment Growth
Freelancers in highly-skilled occupations have driven growth in the UK self-employment sector over the past decade, according to a report. Drawing on data from the Office for National Statistics, the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE) found that 4.4 million of the 4.8 million people in the UK who are self-employed work completely alone, and do not have any employees. Around 2 million of these workers are freelancers in highly-skilled managerial, professional and…
Read More »Tender – Replacement of flooring and floorcoverings tender
UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON ENTERPRISE LIMITED TENDER Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Floor coverings – 44112200 Floor-laying work – 45432110 Floor-covering work – 45432130 Location of contract West Midlands Value of contract — Published date 19 March 2018 Closing date 20 April 2018 Contract start date 01 August 2018 Contract…
Read More »TENDER – Flooring works tender responsive repairs Swindon Council
Swindon Borough Council Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Floor and wall covering work – 45430000 Location of contract South West Value of contract £42k Published date 20 March 2018 Closing date 12 April 2018 Contract start date 01 June 2018 Contract end date 31 March 2019 Contract is suitable…
Read More »New Rules To Tackle VAT Evasion
Online marketplaces that provide a platform for businesses to sell to UK-based consumers may be held liable by HMRC if those traders are not paying the correct amount of VAT. The joint-and-several liability (JSL) for online marketplaces, which was first announced in Autumn Budget 2017, came into force on 15 March 2018 in a bid to crack down on tax evasion. The new powers put the onus on online marketplaces to ensure their sellers are…
Read More »MTD Pilot Opens To Self-Employed Businesses
Self-employed businesses can voluntarily use software to manage their business records digitally and send income tax updates to HMRC, following the opening of its Making Tax Digital (MTD) pilot. The pilot became available to sole traders with income from one business from 15 March 2018. This means those who participate in the pilot can also see an estimate of how much tax may be owed as they go, instead of waiting until the end of…
Read More »National Minimum Wage Rates From April 2018
The national minimum wage and national living wage rates will rise from 1 April 2018. Eligible workers aged 25 and over who are not in their first year of an apprenticeship will be entitled to the new national living wage rate of £7.83. Those aged 21-24 will see their hourly wage rise to £7.38. Apprentices will benefit from a record rise of 5.7%, according to the government, with the hourly apprentice rate increasing to £3.70.…
Read More »Savings Rates Cut On Growth And Income Bonds
National Savings & Investments (NS&I) has reduced the interest rate it pays on Guaranteed Growth and Income Bonds for new customers. Interest on the 3-year Growth Bond has been reduced from 2.2% to 1.95%, while interest was also lowered from 2.15% to 1.9% for the 3-year Income Bond with effect from 6 March 2018. However, the rate on the 1-year version of both bonds has remained unchanged. Guaranteed Growth and Guaranteed Income Bond accounts can…
Read More »Tender – 16-18 Flooring (Supply, Fit and Refurbishment)
ESPO Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Materials and Products, Technology and Equipment, Mining and Ores, Construction and Real Estate Location of contract Any region Value of contract £8.0m Published date 05 March 2018 Closing date 05 April 2018 Contract start date 01 June 2018 Contract end date 31 May…
Read More »Mothers Lack Financial Protection
Many mothers in the UK are failing to protect themselves financially, according to research published ahead of Mother’s Day on 11 March 2018. Scottish Widows surveyed 5,077 adults, and revealed that 3 in 5 women with dependent children have no life cover, and only 13% have a critical illness policy. Almost a quarter (24%) of mums say they have not taken out life insurance because they don’t consider it a financial priority or don’t think…
Read More »New Laws To Protect Company Directors
Limited company directors are set to receive new laws to protect their identities from fraudsters later this year. Coming into effect by the end of summer 2018, the regulations will allow company directors to remove their personal addresses from the official Companies House register. The measure was introduced following research by fraud prevention organisation Cifas, which found that directors were “disproportionately targeted” by identity fraudsters. Company directors are the victims of 1 in 5 identity…
Read More »Advisory Fuel Rates Update
As of 1 March 2018, advisory fuel rates have been updated for employees’ usage of company cars. The following rates are now in place for petrol and LPG-fuelled cars provided by your employer, while the previous rates can be used until 1 April 2018. Engine size Petrol – amount per mile LPG – amount per mile 1400cc or less 11p 7p 1401cc to 2000cc 14p 8p Over 2000cc 22p 13p The following rates also apply…
Read More »Tender – Supply and Fit Of Slip Resistant Flooring
Published By: Hillcrest HA Ltd Publication Date: 02/03/2018 Deadline Date: 03/04/2018 Abstract: Hillcrest Housing Association Ltd part of the Hillcrest Group of Companies are inviting to tender for the our upcoming framework for the supply and fit of slip resistant flooring in our properties in various areas Section I: Contracting authority I.1) Name and addresses Hillcrest HA Ltd 1 Explorer Road Dundee DD2 1EG UK Telephone: +44 382564700 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: +44 382564705 NUTS: UKM…
Read More »Chill on the UK high street continues
Carpetright warned on profits for a second time today in just two months, slashing full year profit expectations whilst also confirming that it was in talks with its lenders to ensure that it complies with the terms of its banking facilities. The brutal winter hanging over the UK retail sector is showing no signs of letting up, as it moves further down the British high street. Consumers reining in their spending, in addition to an…
Read More »Productivity Growth ‘Strongest Since 2008’
UK productivity showed the strongest successive quarters of growth in the second half of last year, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In the 6 months to December 2017, productivity growth saw higher levels than any 2 consecutive quarters since the recession struck in 2008. Hourly output – the ONS’ main measure of labour productivity – increased 0.8% between October and December 2017, following growth of 0.9% in the previous quarter.…
Read More »More Workers Aim To Become Self-Employed
The number of workers in the UK who plan to become their own boss has almost doubled in the past year, according to research. Aldermore polled 2,003 adults and found that 29% aim to start their own business in the future, up from 15% in 2017. Some 18% of those intend to make the switch in the next 12 months, while 28% believe they will give up full-time work to become their own boss within…
Read More »Tender for the Fit Out of the Estates Mezzanine
Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Construction and Real Estate Location of contract BA1 3NG Value of contract — Published date 19 February 2018 Closing date 02 March 2018 Contract start date 12 March 2018 Contract end date 23 April 2018 Contract is suitable for SMEs? Yes Contract is…
Read More »Provision of Refurbishment of Squash Court Tender
Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Construction and Real Estate, Other Services Location of contract Any region Value of contract £15k Published date 20 February 2018 Closing date 08 March 2018 Contract start date 01 April 2018 Contract end date 15 May 2018 Contract is suitable for SMEs? Yes Contract…
Read More »Cash ISA Rates Begin To Rise
Interest rates on cash ISAs are finally starting to increase after years of low rates, according to a report by data provider Moneyfacts. The report showed that average rates for instant access ISAs went up from 0.68% in December 2017 to 0.78% in February 2018. Long-term fixed-rate ISAs also increased from 1.38% to 1.46% over the same time. Over the last decade, low interest rates have seen ISAs lose popularity among savers. In the 2016/17…
Read More »Cleaning and Supply of Materials Tender – Wellington House
Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Construction and Real Estate, Environment and Sanitation Location of contract LS1 2DE Value of contract — Published date 19 February 2018 Closing date 05 March 2018 Contract start date 01 April 2018 Contract end date 31 March 2021 Contract is suitable for SMEs?…
Read More »Carpets Tender for Government Hubs
Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Materials and Products, Technology and Equipment Location of contract Any region Value of contract – Published date 19 February 2018 Closing date 26 March 2018 Contract start date 27 March 2018 Contract end date 18 March 2022 Contract is suitable for SMEs? Yes Contract…
Read More »SMEs Spend 15 Days A Year On Tax Compliance
The average small business in the UK spends £5,000 and 15 working days a year on tax compliance, a report claims. A study of 1,017 SMEs by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) found that businesses spent a total of 126 hours on tax administration. The most time-consuming taxes were VAT, PAYE and employer national insurance contributions, taking 95 hours a year combined. Around a quarter say the taxes they pay are difficult to understand.…
Read More »Management Contract Tender
Manchester City Council Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Construction and Real Estate Location of contract North West Value of contract £150.0m – £190.0m Published date 13 February 2018 Closing date 19 March 2018 Contract start date 30 November 2018 Contract end date 30 April 2023 Contract is suitable…
Read More »Retail Sales Statistics – Great Britain – January 2018
Download as PDF Table of contents Main points Statistician’s comment Things you need to know about this release Main figures for total retail sales Retail sales by store type Month-on-month contributions to growth by four main sectors Year-on-year contributions to growth by four main retail sectors A focus on food and non-food stores What is happening in other non-food stores as the main contribution to non-food stores? What’s the story in online sales? Links to…
Read More »LPS CAS – Construction Partnering – RFQ 15189208 – Tender
Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Construction and Real Estate Location of contract North West Value of contract £80.0m Published date 15 February 2018 Closing date 09 March 2018 Contract start date 02 July 2018 Contract end date 01 July 2022 Contract is suitable for SMEs? Yes Contract is suitable…
Read More »Tender Refurbishment Works, Oldmachar Academy
Publication Date: 15/01/2018 Section I: Contracting authority I.1) Name and addresses The Keegans Group The Centrum Building, 38 Queen Street Glasgow G1 3DX UK Telephone: +44 1412047855 E-mail: [email protected] NUTS: UKM82 Internet address(es) Main address: http://thekeegansgroup.com I.4) Type of the contracting authority Regional or local authority I.5) Main activity General public services Section II: Object II.1) Scope of the procurement II.1.1) Title Refurbishment Works, Oldmachar Academy II.1.2) Main CPV code 45453100 II.1.3) Type of contract…
Read More »Tender Approved Contractor List – Harrogate – Application
Harrogate Borough Council Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Construction and Real Estate Location of contract Yorkshire and The Humber Value of contract — Published date 12 February 2018 Closing date 12 March 2018 Contract start date 02 April 2018 Contract end date 01 April 2021 Contract is suitable for…
Read More »Economic review: January 2018
Download Economic Review as PDF Table of contents Authors Main points Introduction Import intensity CPIH-consistent inflation rates for UK household groups Economic Statistics Transformation Programme: a flow of funds approach to understanding quantitative easing Recent releases Appendix 1: CPIH import intensities References Main points Import intensity It is possible to use data from supply and use input-output tables to generate estimates of import intensities for household consumption, capturing both goods imported directly for household consumption…
Read More »State Pension ‘Worst In The Developed World’
The state pension in the UK falls behind all other developed countries, according to data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The UK government pays 29% of average earnings, the lowest of all 24 countries in the OECD. This falls well below the average of 62.9% across these countries. Mexico joined the UK at the bottom of the list, with a slightly higher state pension of 29.6%. In contrast, the Netherlands has…
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Jobs
Technical Sales Representative wanted – CAT
Location: The North of England and Scotland. Established in 1986 Carpet Accessory Trims are a leading manufacturer of quality flooring profiles and accessories. JOB DESCRIPTION Your role will be to promote and sell C.A.T. product ranges to flooring contractors, retailers, wholesalers, architects, designers and related businesses. You will need to be self motivated with a background in sales and good organizational skills managing multiple projects and working closely with colleagues in our sales team. This…
Read More » First-Time Buyers Soar To 11-Year High
More first-time buyers took out mortgages in 2017 than any time over the last decade, according to research. A report by UK Finance showed that a total of 365,000 first-time buyer mortgages were completed last year – up 7.4% on 2016 and the highest number since 2006. However, mortgages for first-time buyers, home movers and buy-to-let purchases all fell in the final month of last year, compared to the same time in 2016. Around 30,800…
Read More »Firms Urged Into Agency Worker Rethink
The majority of firms that use agency workers have maintained or increased their use in the last 5 years, according to research. A survey by the Resolution Foundation of 500 firms found that 43% had increased their share of agency workers since 2012, and 46% had kept it the same. In comparison, only 9% decreased their use of agency workers during that time. Construction firms were the most likely to have increased their agency worker…
Read More »Floor tiling tender – Kitchen contract 2018/19
Lancaster City Council Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Other Services Location of contract North West Value of contract £95k Published date 09 February 2018 Closing date 28 February 2018 Contract start date 02 April 2018 Contract end date 31 March 2019 Contract is suitable for SMEs? No Contract is…
Read More »3 In 4 SME Owners Plan To Work Past Retirement Age
Most leaders of small and medium-sized businesses plan to work past the age of 65, according to research. A survey by Aldermore of 1,008 senior SME decision-makers revealed that 73% of business owners are planning to work past their state pension age. Almost two-thirds (63%) of business owners would like to retire by 65, but only 37% think they will be able to. In fact, more than a third (35%) plan to work into their…
Read More »A cautionary tale for the UK construction industry
Over the last twelve months two of my clients involved in the construction industry have suffered joint visits by the HMRC VAT and Construction Industry Team. With the demise of local HMRC offices, this approach represents a change from previous HMRC practice. These visits were ostensibly to ensure that the clients had complied with VAT and CIS rules but turned out to be more in depth than was expected. It is beneficial to share some…
Read More »Record Number Of Tax Returns Submitted On Time
A record 10.7 million self-assessment tax returns were filed before the 31 January 2018 deadline, according to figures published by HMRC. Of around 11.4 million people who were required to submit tax returns for the year 2016/17, 93.5% successfully met the midnight deadline. However, many returns were left late, with over 4.8 million people submitting their returns online in January alone. More than a quarter of these were filed during the last 2 days of…
Read More »Subcontractor Available – Huntsville Alabama USA
Subcontractor and four-man crew avaiable – 6 years experience installing hard surfaces. Available immediately. Please contact Herman McIntire on email: [email protected] Click here to connect with me on LinkedIn.
Read More »Carpet and Laminate Installation Services 2018 – 22 Tender
Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Materials and Products, Technology and Equipment, Mining and Ores, Construction and Real Estate Location of contract L11 2SF Value of contract £130k – £150k Published date 02 February 2018 Closing date 22 February 2018 Contract start date 02 April 2018 Contract end date 31…
Read More »Tender – renewal of the existing Sports Floor at Wirksworth Leisure Centre
CP2850 – Renewal of the Existing Sports Floor at Wirksworth Leisure Centre, Hannage Way, Wirksworth, Matlock Derbyshire DE4 4EU. Derbyshire County Council Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Construction and Real Estate Location of contract East Midlands Value of contract £50k Published date 30 January 2018 Closing date 01 March…
Read More »Taxpayers Reclaim £493m From HMRC
HMRC has had to return nearly half-a-billion pounds to taxpayers since April 2015, according to analysis of government statistics. Royal London claims the Revenue is overcharging on two areas of the tax system, and has had to refund £493 million to taxpayers as a result. Savers using the new pension freedoms are among the hardest hit, as income tax on pension withdrawals is taken on an emergency tax basis. Taxpayers have had to claim back…
Read More »Chancellor Calls For IHT Review
Chancellor Philip Hammond has called for a review of inheritance tax (IHT), to make it “fit for purpose”. In a letter to the Office for Tax Simplification on 19 January 2018, he asked for proposals to be put forward to improve the “particularly complex” system. The chancellor suggested a focus on several areas of the system, including technical and administrative issues such as the tax returns process. He also recommended that the review should look…
Read More »DPS for Construction Trades
CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Construction and Real Estate Location of contract East of England Value of contract £10.0m Published date 19 January 2018 Closing date 29 December 2023 Contract start date 30 December 2023 Contract end date 31 December 2023 Contract is suitable for SMEs?…
Read More »Startup Numbers Fall After IR35 Clampdown
The formation of new companies incorporated in the UK dropped in 2017, according to data published by Companies House. Some 622,713 new companies were launched last year, down from 646,703 in 2016, representing a drop of around 4%. Commenting on the figures, the Centre for Entrepreneurs (CFE) claimed the decline is a result of the government’s tax clampdown on public sector contractors. Changes to rules surrounding IR35 came into effect in April 2017, which were…
Read More »Tender – Planned Asset Maintenance & Investment Works
Hanover Housing Association Open future opportunity – This means that the buyer is not yet ready to invite bid applications but early notification has been provided and some dialogue may be possible. Contract summary Industry Construction and Real Estate Location of contract North East, North West, Yorkshire and The Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, London, South East, South West, Isle of Man, Channel Islands Value of contract £80.0m Published date 15 January 2018 Approach to…
Read More »Tender Proposed Replacement Swimming Pool Tiling & Associated Works
Embassy Pool, Skegness, Lincs – East Lindsey District Council Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Construction and Real Estate Location of contract East Midlands Value of contract £90k – £115k Published date 16 January 2018 Closing date 02 March 2018 Contract start date 23 July 2018 Contract end date 31 August…
Read More »Tender to supply Non Slip Absorbent Floor Mats for Theatre Use
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust Open opportunity – This means that the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications. Contract summary Industry Materials and Products, Technology and Equipment Location of contract West Midlands Value of contract £24k Published date 29 January 2018 Closing date 06 February 2018 Contract start date 01 May 2018 Contract end date 30 April 2021…
Read More »Economy Growth Exceeds Forecasts
The UK economy grew by 0.5% from October to December 2017, according to figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). This surpassed the Office for Budget Responsibility’s prediction of 0.4% growth for the quarter. Growth was particularly strong in the services sector, which expanded by 0.6% – a greater increase than its 0.4% rise in quarter Q3 2017. Production also grew by 0.6% in quarter Q4 2017, reaching an annual growth of 2%, largely…
Read More »Government Reforms Funeral Payments Scheme
The government is going ahead with its proposed changes to the Funeral Expenses Payment scheme, following a consultation in 2017. The scheme offers a contribution towards funeral costs for individuals in receipt of qualifying benefits. In a written statement posted on 22 January 2018, the government confirmed that it will be changing the eligibility conditions, to make the scheme easier to access and more widely available. From 2 April 2018, when the changes come into…
Read More »1 In 3 Tax Returns Still Outstanding
A third of online tax returns are still outstanding, with less than a week to go before the 31 January deadline for online submissions, according to the latest HMRC figures. HMRC announced on 24 January 2018 that just over 3 million self-assessment tax returns have yet to be submitted. Around 8 million people have already filed their return for 2016/17. Self-assessment customers can submit their returns through their personal tax account. If you’re submitting it…
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