Pure has always been strongly committed to supporting local charities and to date, the professional recruitment specialists have raised over £120k for 24 charities in the region. This year the Norwich office has pledged to support The Big C by participating in the charity’s own key events and by organising its own fundraising, donations and volunteering activities.
Joseph O’Sullivan, Manager of Pure’s Norwich Office, said: “As part of our values as an organisation, we believe in supporting and taking part in the communities that surround us. The Big C is an exceptional charity, based on our doorstep, and one we are incredibly proud to support. Our first key fundraising event will be our annual quiz night in April. We’ve been running our annual charity quiz nights for seven years and they always prove popular. It’s a fun filled battle of the brains in which organisations get to pit their wits against each other in aid of a good cause. They are incredibly successful in raising funds and, with help from local businesses taking part, we are hoping to raise £2,000 during this fun evening.”
The Big C provides drop in support and information centres across Norfolk and Waveney. These are used by thousands of people affected by cancer every year and provide valuable information about diagnosis, treatments, side effects and recovery. The support also includes trained staff who can provide emotional help, support and complementary therapies.
Pure’s Norwich Quiz Night in aid of The Big C takes place on Thursday 13 April from 6pm at Sprowston Manor Hotel. Teams consist of 4 players and costs £40 per team with all proceeds being donated to the charity. To book a team place visit www.prs.uk.com or email April Gotts on april.gotts@prs.uk.com
Businesses processing personal data need to keep protection of customer and employee data at the front of continuity planning as they tackle the coronavirus threat.
The increased risk of data security lapses
Staff are likely to be working remotely or under different circumstances which could make customer information more vulnerable to data breaches with cyber-criminals ratcheting up their fraudulent scams. Alongside, data relating to employee health during the pandemic may be subject to special security requirements.
Businesses are implementing contingency planning with staff working from home and using domestic internet and possibly personal devices to access cloud-based software and systems, making it more important than ever to keep data safe and secure.
While data protection law doesn’t stand in the way of homeworking, or the use of personal devices, it demands even greater attention to security measures as the ones that you use in the office will need to be tailored to suit these new circumstances.
The human element is often the reason for most data breaches and without direct supervision and colleagues to consult, these may be more likely to happen. Certainly, there are reports of a steep rise in attempted cyber fraud, with many more phishing emails, malware and social engineering, where fraudsters dupe staff into revealing information or making money transfers.
Handling data belonging to affected people
The other major threat to data security during the crisis is the handling of individual information about staff and visitors, which might include who has travelled to high risk areas, symptoms, test results and when self-isolation has taken place. This is personal data protected by GDPR, but where it concerns health it may be specially categorised data under Article 9 of GDPR, which requires further grounds for processing this kind of data.
Employers will most likely want to rely on the ground in Article 9(2)(b) (“employment, social security and social protection”) to process special category data about their employees. In the UK the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 says that companies must take steps to look after the health, safety and welfare of staff. This means that it is reasonable, and normal, for businesses to collect certain information as part of their general duty to their staff. There is a clear limit to what employers can collect however, just as the new guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19 from the government makes clear that they expect most employers to collect data about coronavirus just for the purposes of assisting their staff, rather than making plans or a strategy for dealing with it, which are to be left to the NHS. There may be other grounds that businesses can rely on – these will depend on the circumstances and the likely impact of doing so.
Employers should also still be very mindful of the overarching data minimisation principle; that they should only collect what is strictly needed for the task in hand. This means applying limits to what they ask and not having a ‘one size fits all’ approach, since what may be relevant for one person could be irrelevant for another, and collecting that irrelevant information would infringe the minimisation principle.
The ICO has published guidance https://www.ashtonslegal.co.uk/your-business/gdpr-and-data-protection/
This information is correct at 10.30am on 25 March 2020.
Northampton, Newcastle and Sheffield South-based TaxAssist Accountants franchises have recently celebrated this landmark anniversary.
The TaxAssist Accountants franchise has been operating successfully in the UK for 24 years. Three of its longest standing franchises, who recognised the potential of the business model in the very early days of the franchise’s inception, are now celebrating a milestone anniversary after becoming firmly established in their local small business communities.
Brother and Sister franchisees Keith and Katherine Loader’s Northampton-based practice has grown into a team of eight and has been operating from a shop in the town since 2008.
“Over the years the business has successfully navigated its way through many changes within the industry” said Keith.
“Recent years have seen the development of many cloud-based bookkeeping software packages, and numerous applications for tablets and smart phones. TaxAssist Accountants has partnered with companies such as QuickBooks Online, to find solutions to prepare its clients for these industry enhancements and for the next big challenge, Making Tax Digital.
“With the industry constantly changing, every small business should have the support and backup of an accountant like TaxAssist Accountants. I would like to thank the Directors and all of the staff at the Support Centre for their help and assistance over the last 20 years.”
Newcastle-based David Ingram is also full of praise for the franchise: “I’ve had a fantastic journey with TaxAssist Accountants since being made redundant and deciding to do something independently and suitable to my skills.
“From the very first moment, I was impressed with the team at TaxAssist and the way they operated the franchise as a kind of family. There have been many changes of personnel over the years, but that family feel has stayed. At all times I have been very happy being a part of the franchise and look forward to many more happy years!”
Karl Sandall, Group Chief Executive, said: “My congratulations go to the three franchises celebrating 20 years of successfully operating their TaxAssist Accountants practices. The franchise and the accountancy industry in general have developed enormously over this time, and it is reassuring to hear that stalwarts of the network remain happy and engaged in continuing to develop their practices with us. More than 1/3 of the network has been with us for 10 years or more, and the longest serving franchisee at present has been with us over 22 years – a testament to our brand presence, training and support.”
The third franchise celebrating 20 years with TaxAssist Accountants is Sheffield South, operated by business partners Tim Cook and Robin Milnes.
This morning Norfolk Chamber of Commerce supported the launch event for the Norfolk Skills and Careers Festival 2018.
The event took place at The Ideas Factory in Norwich on Monday 8 January from 8am with over 40 businesses in attendance.
Attendees were able to hear from the organisers of the region’s largest careers events and learn more about the festival and how they can help to inspire, motivate students.
Mark Nicholas, Show & Programmes Director at Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association steering group leader welcomed all guests to the event and gave an overview of the event.
The guest speaker was none other than our Chief Executive, Chris Sargisson who talked about the challenges with addressing the county’s skills gap.
Business can support this non-for-profit event by taking an exhibition stand, sponsoring or volunteering.
To be part of the largest skills and careers event in Norfolk, with 70 employers, 4,500 students, 100+ careers represented across the two days. The event takes place 7 & 8 March 2018 at Norfolk Showground. For more about the festival visit https://norfolkskills.co.uk
A trade’s person or small business won’t do well if their business acumen isn’t up to scratch. Understanding how to gain and keep happy customers, how to keep the cash flowing for work done and keeping the tax man happy are important to ensure a business is to succeed.
Genix, Norfolk’s business support organisation understands the importance of local businesses, the self-employed and start-ups having access to free business advice and subsidised courses. It’s crucial that people gain the knowledge and information which is key to growing a business and is why Genix provide s their services in North Norfolk as well as in Norwic
Alex Till, chief executive of Genix, a not-for -profit organisation said, “Helping people improve their business knowledge can make a huge difference to both their business decisions and their confidence. I’m pleased we’re holding half day sessions covering both book keeping and understanding accounts in Fakenham and Cromer. We recently held a marketing course which attendees found very useful.”
Genix’s trainers are friendly and experts in their field, and aim to run their courses as informally as possible. By using venues in North Norfolk saves people having to spend time getting into Norwich.
The organisation are also planning a free session for people thinking of being their own boss, to be held in North Walsham during April.
For details and dates regarding Genix’s free advice sessions and business skills courses go to www.genix.org.uk or email info@genix.org.uk
The latest Bank of England Agents’ Summary of business conditions has been published. The key highlights for February 2018 are:
Growth in activity had held steady at a modest pace. Professional services firms had reported a pickup in growth; goods export volumes had strengthened, construction output growth had continued to slow.
Investment intentions had remained positive, but mainly reflected investment to maintain business activity.
Recruitment difficulties had remained at an elevated level, and pay growth had picked up.
Consumer spending growth had changed little. Growth in retail sales values had been broadly steady, but within that there was downward pressure on sales of furniture and homewares. In addition, the market for new cars remained challenging
Manufacturing output growth had remained moderate. Export volumes growth had increased, supported by strong global demand and the fall in sterling. The latter had led to some, albeit still limited, switching from overseas to cheaper, domestically produced goods.
Housing market activity remained subdued with transactions steady at a low level, reflecting weak supply and demand. Within that, the new-build and rental sectors were buoyant, pushing up prices and rents. Housing demand was particularly weak in London and the South East, especially for the most expensive properties. The rise in Bank Rate had little discernible impact on demand as mortgages remained cheap and readily available.
Commenting on the preliminary UK GDP figures for Q4 2017, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“The preliminary estimate of UK GDP growth indicates that the UK economy picked-up pace in the final quarter, with growth at its highest since the second half of 2016. That said, the yearly figure of 1.8% UK GDP growth is below historic trends – a particular disappointment given the rapidly improving global economy.
“Despite the improvement recorded at the end of 2017, UK economic growth is likely to become more sluggish over the coming quarters with household spending, a key determinant of UK growth, likely to remain stifled by falling real wages and weakening consumer confidence.
“Business investment is likely to remain weighed down by Brexit uncertainty and the cost of doing business in the UK. While the outlook for UK exporters is for solid growth this year, the contribution of trade to UK GDP growth is expected to remain limited by similarly solid growth in imports, with little evidence of import substitution despite their rising cost.
“With the UK economy in a more subdued period, more needs done to stimulate economic activity, including addressing the chronic skills shortages, our creaking physical and digital infrastructure and the burden of upfront business costs, that continue to weigh on the UK’s long-term growth prospects.”
The current coronavirus pandemic has truly turned the world on its head with worrying implications for individuals and businesses alike.
One shining light in all of the gloom is the ability of some businesses to adapt. We have seen our local pubs and restaurants, seemingly doomed following the Prime Minister’s address on the 20th March, now setting up as take away and ready meal suppliers. Brewers across the country are turning their production lines over to the production of hand sanitiser, possibly the new liquid gold.
Other manufacturers have got in on the act looking at ways they can turn their production lines to new products. Even a small business in Bury St Edmunds, normally making replica model buildings for model train enthusiasts is turning its hand to PPE equipment for our under pressure NHS. On a larger scale, car and other manufacturers are being asked to make safety equipment, ventilators and new hospital beds.
Turning production to new product lines is not immediately straightforward however. Businesses will have major practical and regulatory issues to overcome, but the desire, demand and skills are there and it is inspiring to see the sector rise to the challenge to meet the new “war effort”.
There are of course many existing product lines out there helping the international effort against the virus. Some manufacturers are producing working on new, stripped down products which can be fabricated quickly and in volume. All of these products can be licensed to other manufacturers, both in and outside of the UK spreading the load and reducing bottlenecks in the supply chain.
These arrangements do require careful documentation though. Intellectual property rights and confidentiality need to be protected and it is vital that the rights and obligations of all the parties are clearly defined along with the methods of remuneration, most likely to be a commission.
Whilst our healthcare professionals and scientists spearhead the effort to beat the virus, our manufacturers have a key role to give them the tools they need to keep us and themselves safe, so hats off to them.
Geoff Hazlewood, Partner
This information is correct at 2.30pm on 26 March 2020.
We are seeing enforced or elected isolation with one’s spouse having a negative effect on the relationship of some married couples. Evidence from China suggests that divorce rates have risen significantly as a direct result of couples spending much more time in each other’s company than otherwise would have been the case.
Undoubtedly, couples can plan to use this new found time together constructively but where there are already significant fractures in the relationship, the added pressure of constant time together might well prove the tipping point which pushes the marriage over the edge.
Police sources have confirmed that they anticipate an increase in domestic violence whilst this pandemic persists which will result in added pressure on the Courts, Women’s Aid and other organisations whose advice and assistance is sought. It is important that whatever the circumstances anyone who experiences any form of domestic violence reports these issues immediately to the Police, seeks legal advice and obtains emotional and practical support. For many it will be the final nail in the marital coffin. So what should you do if you sense that the marriage is now sliding into an abyss?
Those affected need honest and no nonsense advice from an experienced lawyer who can help them chart a course through this difficult period and advise them on any immediate and urgent steps that need to be taken in order to safeguard themselves or their assets. They have to have access to initial free legal advice in order that they can be helped to understand the options that they have, explore the assistance that might be available, understand their rights and decide what form of action best suits their circumstances.
Baroness Shackleton and other divorce experts have, in the light of the pandemic, said that they anticipate increasing numbers of divorces in this country and the need to obtain appropriate and experienced advice will rise.
It is important that any advice sought comes from a source that is very experienced in dealing with all the complexities that divorce situations produce – from lawyers that have many years of experience in helping people through the stress and difficulties of divorce and are able to guide people to achieve a secure financial future. The professional ability that Ashtons are able to bring to bear on a case means that our clients often come to seek our advice not only from East Anglia but also from many other parts of the country and internationally.
If you are starting to think that your marriage may not endure for what may be a significant period of enforced or elected isolation, then please do get in touch with our family team on 0800 915 6037 or go to https://www.ashtonslegal.co.uk/your-life/family-law-solicitors/. We will arrange a completely confidential and no cost telephone discussion with you so that the ending of your marriage might well be the start of a new, secure and happier life.
Stephen Williams, Partner.
This information is correct at 12.30pm on 26 March 2020.
Despite the current lockdown, the help offered by charities and voluntary organisations in Norfolk is needed more than ever. Norfolk Community Foundation is delighted at the generosity of so many people and organisations who have donated to our appeal so far, and here is an update on some of the ways how your donations have been put to use immediately to help people in our local communities.Getting essential supplies to those who are vulnerable We’re continuing to support many charities, community groups and parish councils all across Norfolk who are providing essential supplies such as food and medications to older, vulnerable and self-isolating people in their communities, with help towards the cost of protective equipment that their volunteers need to carry this out safely. One example is the Wellspring Family Centre in Dereham, where a large group of volunteers are working hard to keep the Centre open as a local foodbank, as a place from where to run essential errands for vulnerable and isolated people, and also to provide support via telephone for local people who are experiencing mental health issues. Helping people affected by domestic abuse during the lockdown People experiencing domestic abuse are at greater risk during these difficult times, with rates of abuse soaring due to being confined to homes and with the added stress of health and financial worries. We are supporting the following local domestic abuse charities who are working hard to protect those at risk:
Pandora Project, a charity offering support and advice to those affected by domestic abuse in West Norfolk, is seeing a rise in self-referrals from women experiencing abuse in the home during this challenging time. The funding is helping them to buy 10 mobile phones with credit to give to women should they need to request help urgently from the charity or the police, as abusers often monitor their partner’s phone or take it away from them. They will be able to collect these phones via local collection points where possible. The charity is also being supported to provide one-to-one support to those affected by domestic abuse via telephone and online channels, and is paying for transport for women and children who need to flee to safe accommodation, if they have no access to money and need to leave the property quickly for their own safety.
Norfolk domestic abuse support charity Leeway is currently supporting 72 children who have previously lived in households affected by domestic abuse across their eight refuges in Great Yarmouth, Norwich, North Norfolk, and King’s Lynn and West Norfolk. As these children are now out of school and in self isolation, Leeway is providing them with access to wifi and online learning opportunities that can be accessed from their refuges so that they can continue their learning during this time.
Help for people with special educational needs It is difficult for everyone to be isolated at home at the moment, and especially so for families with children with special educational needs. We’re enabling SENsational Families, a charity supporting these families, to post out packs to families containing resources, activities and sensory toys to help both parents’ and children’s wellbeing during the outbreak, helping to ease the pressures of isolation. Support for organisations to continue helping the vulnerable from a distance Many charities and community groups provide important services which cannot be delivered face-to-face during the current lockdown, although more people are struggling and the need for their services is greater than ever. We’re supporting many organisations so they can continue to provide their vital services remotely via telephone or online, for example:
Volunteering Matters has set up a telephone and online service to provide support to vulnerable adults with special educational needs in West Norfolk
Norfolk Community Law Service is able to offer legal advice remotely via telephone and video conferencing
Holt Youth Project can now continue supporting local young people remotely, particularly those who are more vulnerable such as their young men’s mental health group that cannot currently meet in person.
Help us continue to help others A huge thank you to everyone who has donated to our appeal so far. However, we still need many more funds to ensure that we can support the most vulnerable during these unprecedented times. Donate today to help people in your local community. Anything that you can give will make a real difference.
Well these are unparalleled times never seen or experienced before. We are seeing clients mobilizing working from home who had never anticipated they would have the need to do so.
We have seen clients with businesses freezes and conversely clients who have boomed. We have a government hell bent on supporting business and the economy, but uncertainty still around what that looks and feels like.
And as a result of that many of our clients have turned off the tap in relation to their recruitment activities. The fact that what we are experiencing is brand new means no one knows recovery rates, no one knows when the air will be clear and normality will return…? And we get that, 100%. But that doesn’t mean we will stop being there for you.
Doesn’t mean we will stop chatting to you. Doesn’t mean we will stop offering you our advise, both on things recruitment related, and indeed not. The core thing is for everyone to support each other and for us all to do our bit for each other.
The thing that we can say, from what we have experienced over the past couple of weeks is that our clients who are continuing their recruitment efforts are benefitting from really great candidates who want to be considered.
The market is still buoyant. People are still open-minded to making a move, even more so where the company can showcase their capability to support and offer a certain level of structure in these uncertain times. Likewise, they are understanding of start dates which may not be in the immediate future. For the right move, they are open to wait.
We are seeing job seekers entering the market, through no fault of their own. Job seekers with excellent skills and experience. Job seekers who under “usual circumstances”, you may not ordinarily see within the marketplace. If your business is able to, this could be a fantastic time to secure super people with great skills to join you. Or to meet them, create a dialogue and then keep in touch for when things move forwards.
We’ve been able to support businesses with new technology and guidance in relation to conducting interviews remotely. We’ve supported businesses who are recognizing opportunities within the current climate.
We’re offering specialized payment terms for clients to ensure we can support their cash flow, which is going to be so key and integral to all businesses right now. We are and will continue to do everything we can to help you.
Our brilliant team are working remotely, as are Ruth and I and we are on hand to answer any of your questions and continue to support you in every way possible. So please, do not be shy in reaching out. We are here for you.
I regularly speak to importers and exporters in our region about the issues we’re all facing as Britain moves through the Brexit transition phase. Despite the fast-moving Covid-19 situation, we all need to keep an eye on the medium term. Here is the IES update on the areas I think are important for fellow professionals in the sector
Know your borders
It is vital companies know the customs status and customs origin of your goods when they cross a border as this influences the type and cost of your import or export.
Currently as the UK is still a member of the European Customs Union shipments are only classed as exports when they are being sent to a country that isn’t one of the other 27 EU member states. This is because it is only when the goods leave the EU to a rest of world (ROW) destination that they cross a ‘Customs Border’.
All movements of goods through customs borders requires the submission of customs declarations and possible payment of taxes as they cross the border.
There are currently 28 member states in the EU. Any movement of goods from the UK to one of the other 27 states is classed as an intra EU movement. Note that, as Turkey isn’t a full member of the EU, exports to Turkey require a customs declaration along with an additional document called an Admission Temporaire Roulette (A.TR), needed to support the non-payment of tax.
Understanding origin
One of the biggest issues I encounter for my clients is when they are exporting to countries who have free trade agreements with the EU. They are frequently asked to provide with a long term declaration of Preferential Origin or an EUR1 document.
The issue is that there are two types of origin, Preferential & Non-preferential origin. Non-preferential origin is defined as ‘nationality’ product i.e. where the products is made. Whereas Preferential Origin allows for products that aren’t grown or wholly sourced in the country of supply, comes from establishing whether the product has undergone sufficient processing for it to meet the Origin rules set out in trade agreements between the country of supply and the final destination of the finished goods. The trade agreements which are all different clearly lay out on a product by product basis how much ‘originating components’ must be used in the manufacture of the finished product for it to change origin.
For example: a UK company ‘Widgets are Us’ designs WidgetA made from components sourced from multiple suppliers all over the world which they assemble into WidgetA in their UK warehouse. When they sell WidgetA they can label affix a ‘Made in the UK’ label. However, if they want to sell WidgetA to a country like South Korea, and benefit from the trade agreement in place between the EU & South Korea allowing goods with an EU origin to be imported into South Korea duty free, they will have to perform a calculation to ascertain whether WidgetA has undergone sufficient processing giving it a customs preferential origin of the EU other wise duty will need to be paid when it’s imported into South Korea.
Customs status
The customs status of your goods depends on whether or not import duty and VAT has been paid on the products when they entered the EU/UK. Also, whether you received a reduction under a free trade agreement between the country of supply and the EU.
Other important information exporters must know includes your trading terms with customers, i.e. who will be the importer or exporter of record, and who is liable for transportation costs, duty and VAT. This is vital as there are stringent rules that must be met when zero rating invoices on exports, as the exporter of record is liable for VAT on non-compliant exports.
The accepted trading terms are known as Incoterms® which the ICC have revised and relaunched for 2020. Incoterms guide how the risks and costs associated with international trade should be split between the vendor and customer. They also outline who will be the exporter of record, and who is responsible for and who pays for transportation, insurance and taxes.
Brexit proposals
After the Brexit transition period ends, our borders will shrink from the entire EU to just the UK and Northern Ireland. Currently the UK Government proposes, following the transition period, that companies will apply EU tariffs on import and if goods are released to the UK and there is a duty differential they can submit an adjustment to account for any duty over or underpayment.
There is also a suggestion that for intra EU movements, companies will be required to submit a document similar to the A.TR which they propose calling A.UK/NI.
All of this detail has yet to be agreed.
We can expect further developments during the transition phase, we will endeavour to keep you updated. As always, please call or email me with comments or questions, we’re always happy to discuss individual issues.