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Small biz MoneySaving

Archives for December 2012

Keeping minutes for a limited company
Hi I know we are legally required to keep minutes but the company is very informally run by my friend and me, both directors with 50% shares. What is the minimum requirement and is their a set format? Thanks in advance Bob
Business Loans - Barclays Rates
Official MSE Insert: If you've arrived from Google, our Business MoneySaving guide, including Business banking tips may be helpful. Back to the original post... :mad:I am a new business owner. I set the business up 2 years ago, and can be defined as a SME. I funded the business myself, and last month decided it was time to…
Daughter wants to start own business on finishing college
I'm asking this on behalf of my 18 year old daughter who hasn't got an account on here. She finishes college on 19th June 2013 and then she will be a fully qualified animal carer. She wants to start her own business as a pet sitter for small animals rather than dogs and cats. She will need premises to do this from. So my…
just wishing everyone a Happy New Year
but main intention is to move the spam from the first page
Small shops..viability?
I do wonder how small businesses can be viable. In recent weeks i have been in an empty shop that was being refitted as a fas food outlet. Complete redecoration/rewiring/outfitted with cooking and food processing equipment etc. The other day i was in an equally empty shell being refitted as some kind of ladies beauty…
Bulgarian company establishing a UK presence
Hi All:) A lawyer friend experienced a great deal of hassle organising a UK business account for his UK registered business, without a UK permanent home address - like me he is living in BG (Bulgaria), and is a BG citizen. Although, I have residence in BG, I am a British citizen, though not quite sure that will make any…
Recycling Christmas cards for charity
Does anybody know which organisations/charities will be offering collection bins for Christmas cards to be recycled once Twelfth Night comes?
Tax return for small business?
I started up a business a month ago, which was to provide a service for which we'd be paid for next summer. Unfortunately my partner turned out to be completely unreliable and not trained to do his part of the deal, and the whole deal has gone down the plughole. So I want to close the company and cut all ties with him. I…
Business Phone and Broadband
Hi, Having explored Business phone and broadband packages I've opted to go with Talk Talk, primarily because the cost was half hat of BT, and they were able to confirm an installation date. Before I come to the end of the 7 day cooling off period, I wanted to see if anyone had any experience with there business packages.…
Vat question, selling to America
I think this is a stupid question but just want to check. I belive its right to charge VAT to UK and Europe customers. But no VAT on goods outside the EU. But can I claim the VAT back on the products puchased for sale, when shipped outside the EU? Or it is wrong to claim the VAT back on products I am paying no VAT on ie…
Worldpay pay as you go
Hey all First time poster long time reader here. I am just about to sign up to worldpay pay as you go but wondered if there is anything else i need to know first. Is there a contract as such? is there any penalty if in 3 months time i dont require it i can cancel the service? It says they give a card reader free then it…
Free Business competitor analysis tools?
Hi all, Can anyone point me in the direction of a free user friendly tool to analyse competitors? Merry xmas :A
bein fined for website name
Looking for a bit of advice I set up a website last month and yesterday received a letter from a solicitor saying that because it had two words in it the same as another company I have to shut it down immediately and pay a cheque for £500 in damages in fourteen days or be taken to court. I couldn't get hold of this…
expenses 'lost' in the post.
Hello, I need some advice. My job involves buying items from shops for clients and I have run into a tricky one! I made £1000 worth of purchases which the client has, but I posted them the receipts. Stupidly I didn't send them recorded delivery and my copier was broken so I didn't make copies. I won't make that mistake…
Boosting website views/sales
Looking for some advice/ideas on how to drive traffic to my site and improve sales next year Currently running fb competition to win a voucher to use on website I've already set up a sale to start in Jan Already launched 2 new ranges ready for new year Am active on dog forums and use those to promote as well as interact…
Can I legally save the VAT on this
I need to purchase a car part from Germany....In the description it says All prices shown on in our online-shop include 19% German VAT. The 19% VAT will be deducted from the price, when you order outside of Europe or within the EU with a valid VAT-ID-Number (only companies do have one). My sons pals own a garage(repairs…
Ideas for self employment - mature couple
In 10 years time, my partner and I want to semi retire and work together in a self employed capacity on a part time basis. We will be from ex IT and admin backgrounds. What kind of things would you suggest as business ideas? I think we might enjoy something like dog walking & pet sitting but there must be other occupations…
stuck on commitee of local pre school
Hello I was asked to help out at my daughters local pre-school and found myself on the committee. Now it seems that we as committee member are financially responsible for Pre-school as it is a uncorporated charity! i have not signed anything but apparently the chair signed the Constitution on our behalf!!! Now Pre-school…
Becoming a company director and claiming benefits? Advice please??
Hello all, I am currently, quite newly self employed. I earn about £250 per month profit and receive housing benefit. I am too young to receive WC credits and do not want to claim any other benefits anyway. My concern is that I will often have a random client that will come full time for a month, that will bump the profit…
New Small Business - Crafting - lots of Questions
Hi I started a new business in September with some handmade crafting items. It has been unbelievably successful and I really want to develop it further next year with lots of new ideas. So I have a few questions and need help and advice please: 1. How do I set up a website? I need a "tag-line" and logo as well I think -…

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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
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
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 low-income 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.
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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