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Small biz MoneySaving

Archives for September 2011

can vol org director be an employee too?
I haven't been able to find the answser by googling so thought somone on here might know the answer. The scenario is this - A member of the board of directors for a medium sized charity who receives no financial wage or benefit for being on the board has been asked if they would like to work p/t on a sessional basis (for…
How much do you pay?
For your paper to be delivered or how much would you be willing to pay Does anyone still have a newspaper delivered on a daily basis? Our home town no longer has this facility as none of the news agents offer it.
Don't forget the VAT deadline
Just in case your not aware via Small Business Forum
Self-Assessment help needed please
Hi, I am a small online retailer and I have always completed my tax return as it was simple. In tax year 10/11 I received an insurance payment and used some money to pay off a business loan. Just wondered how I account for this on my return? Hope someone can help? Thanks in advance.
Legal Advice for Sole Trader
Hi, I'm a freelance photographer and last year I set up an agreement with an estate agent in the NW. I provided them with professional photography and related services. The agreement was that I would be paid £200 per house but only when the house was sold. This was a trial and the thinking was that vendors wouldn't want…
Sending SMS Texts from PC to Mobile?
I wonder if anyone has experience of using a PC to send Text Message to a Customer's mobile phone. Our small firm would want to use this to remind clients of an upcoming Meeting, so sporadic Individual messages - not bulk Marketing I have done a google trawl and found such things as Skype Manager, Gmail to mobile, using…
Advice please
Hi A short back ground. Started worked as a self employed market stall owner back in April of this year (after taking early retirement and feeling that I wasn't ready for the scrap heap just yet), kept all receipts as required. You can probably see what is coming.............I have just returned from a short break with the…
New Cafe - Electric/ Phone companies
I should hear in the next week if my planning application has been approved. Im looking positive so ....... What should I ask or look for in business rates for electric phones etc. Anyone recommend good insurance companies. Thank you for your advice so far x
Loan or Savings?
Sorry if this has been posted elsewhere. I'm looking for £5000 to buy equipment to start a small business self-employed. I have that amount of money in savings. The question is do I use the savings money or get a loan? I can get a loan at 11% over 5 years, which would mean repaying £6,600 ish. Does being able to offset the…
Any ideas on generating more 'visits' to my website?
Hi, I'll begin by saying I know very little about the technicalities of running a website, and of how the internet works generally. I have used a website builder (web eden) to create my own website at a cost of £5.99 per month which I think is very reasonable. I offer spiritual counselling amongst other things and although…
25% off IRIS payroll stationery
If any small business here uses the IRIS payroll software, IRIS are selling their payroll stationery with 25% off at the moment on a few items until the 1st October: * Laser Payslips * Laser Security Payslips * Laser Payslips & Envelopes * Pay Envelopes * Laser Security Payslips May as well stock up!
Taking over existing cafe.....
Hello I wondered if some of you experienced peeps could help? We are in the process of taking over an existing lease on a cafe. I believe its a 13yr lease with a break out clause for 2014. I have called a few solicitors yesterday (after reading some of the potential horror stories on here) and was quoted by one for £250 +…
Tax Inspection Coming and Freelance Workers Concerns
Hello everyone, I have been a long-time lurker on the forums and find all your advice very useful (thank you!) but on this occasion I can't find the info I am searching for so hope someone can help me. We do not have an accountant, and self certify our tax records, accounts etc. sorry for the long post but I wanted to give…
Becoming a LTD Company
I currently run a web design & hosting business with my wife and we are in the process of moving into a commercial office. The business is doing well and although I'm not great with tax returns, etc, we're managing well. Anyway, the subject has come up of whether or not we should consider becoming a limited company and…
Who can write payslips?
Hi I am self employed and a director of a limited company. When I get enough work, I sometimes employ a freelancer to assist me and pay them in cash. I have a dedicated freelancer who has been with me since the beginning. I don't want to take him onboard as a employee due to financial reasons. He recently asked me if I…
Good examples of business plans
Hi all, anyone got one they would be happy to share or know locations of tried and tested plans on the net?
working fulltime! want to go SE! How?
Hi, I work fulltime, and I really hate my job. I have been getting bullied by one of the sales men who thinks he is a hotshot round here. I work in a different city to where I live and also have 2 children, one in school(just started) and one in nursery. My nursery fees were £350 per week and have just gone down to £185 as…
Can They Do This?
I have just spoken to our electric supplier at work about our renewal, which is 29th Nov, and they tell me it has rolled over to 2012, they say they have sent a letter which has not been received, and the rates have nearly doubled, can they do this, they say there is no negotiation and all the companys do this.
Charity wants to do a "meet Santa" - prezzie ideas / red tape / grottos? :)
Hullo! I am organising a meet santa event to take place at a sale of baby items in December. It's not something i have ever done before and i've not taken my kids to one either (too young), so i've not really got any idea of what they are like. Could anyone please tell me... 1. What kind of presents do the kids usually…
Tax and equipment purchases
I'm setting up as a sole trader and have had to purchase lots if equipment which will be re-used. I went on a brief accounting and tax course and was told that any equipment you own gets added to your profits, so it's not technically a loss, but my head is in a spin and I'm trying to do my accounts so far. As a massive…

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MSE News

Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
Ofgem has today launched detailed proposals for a major shake up to its Energy Price Cap that dictates the price over 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
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Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
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Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.

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Small biz MoneySaving

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