Business News Scotland- 28 March 2022

Business News Scotland- 28 March 2022

Welcome to our round up of the latest business news for our clients. Please contact us if you want to talk about how these updates affect your business. We are here to support you!

 

Spring Statement – The Key Points

With inflation rising and households facing the largest ever recorded cost-of-living squeeze, Chancellor Rishi Sunak delivered the government’s Spring Statement last Wednesday.

Below are some of the key points. As we near the start of the new tax year, please talk to us about any of the changes and how they may affect your business, we are here to support you.

  • Inflation is likely to average 7.4% for the rest of the year, rising from its current level of 6.2%;
  • The economy is forecast to grow by 3.8% this year and then 1.8% in 2023 and 2.1% in 2024;
  • To help the most vulnerable, Local Authorities will receive further government support of £500m for the Household Support Fund from April;
  • Fuel duty was cut by 5p a litre;
  • To counteract some of the impact of the impending 1.25% percentage point increase in National Insurance Contributions (NICs), the income level at which individuals start paying NICs will rise from £9,880 to £12,570 in July;
  • The Employment Allowance, which gives relief against smaller businesses’ employer NICs, will increase from £4,000 to £5,000 from April;

See: Spring Statement 2022 speech – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 

101 Great Marketing Questions!

Below are a few examples of some great questions from our “101 Great Marketing Questions” template we keep for clients to help think about existing marketing activities and how you can improve on them. Not all the questions will be relevant to your business, but it is a valuable exercise and may help you come up with a few ideas for growing your customer base.

  • Why do our customers buy from us now?
  • What new ways of generating customers can we use to build our business?
  • Which of our marketing efforts brought in the bulk of our clients?  What percentage of our business comes from this?
  • How involved are we with our customers at the sales or transaction level?
  • What ongoing sales efforts do we personally perform day to day?  How do these functions differ from those we performed when we first started our business?
  • Where do our customers come from specifically?
  • What do we believe our greatest single advantage is?
  • What aspect of our business, product or service are we most proud of or happy with?
  • If we had a magic wand, would we rather attract more new customers or take more money from our existing customers, and why?
  • Who else benefits from our success; excluding our customers, our employees and our family members?
  • How many of our suppliers would be motivated to help us grow our business more because it will directly benefit them at a very high level?  Who are they?
  • When we create a new customer for our business, who else have we indirectly created a new customer for?
  • Who is our ideal target market and how did we arrive at it?

You never know there may be a hidden gem or two to help your business become even more successful! Please ask us for a copy.

 

Tax Relief for Employee Travel where there is “Hybrid” Working

During the COVID-19 pandemic many employees were required to work from home.  Since restrictions have been lifted, employers have put in place “hybrid” working arrangements whereby employees work from home on certain days and in the office for other days. Some of these arrangements are contractual and others are arranged on a voluntary basis.

HMRC have recently updated their internal guidance in their Employment Income Manual to deal with situations where employees are travelling between home and their office which, in most cases, will continue to be treated as ordinary commuting and not an allowable business journey. The exception is where home is their workplace and the place where the employee lives is dictated by the requirements of the job.

Note that HMRC Guide 490 for employers has yet to be updated.

The legislation in section 337 ITEPA 2003 permits relief for travelling expenses necessarily incurred in travelling in the performance of the duties of the employment. Subject to certain conditions, travel may be considered to be in the performance of the duties of the employment, where:

  • travel is between workplaces,
  • travel is between home and work, where home is the workplace and the place where the employee lives is dictated by the requirements of the job, or
  • a travelling appointment is held.

Section 338 ITEPA 2003 permits relief for the cost of travel for necessary attendance at any place in the performance of the duties of the employment. Travel for necessary attendance includes journeys that employees make to or from a place they must attend in the performance of their duties, but not journeys that are ordinary commuting or private travel.

New HMRC example of hybrid working:

An employee works in his employer’s office for 4 days every week, but the requirements of the job dictate that he must work at home every Friday. It is accepted that his home is a workplace on Friday.

His travel from home to his employer’s office on Monday to Thursday is ordinary commuting because those premises are a permanent workplace.  His travel costs on those days are not deductible.

If he is unexpectedly required to visit the employer’s premises on Friday to carry out the duties of his employment, his travel costs are deductible under Section 337 ITEPA 2003. On that day he is travelling between two workplaces.

Contrast with the following HMRC example:

Elliot’s employer has decided to offer its employees a hybrid way of working which allows a mixture of working at home and working in the Bristol office. This flexible way of working is offered on a voluntary basis.

Elliot decides to split his time between working at home and in the Bristol office. Tax relief is not available for journeys between home and the office because the office remains a permanent workplace.

Elliot using his home as his workplace does not override the fact that it is his home and travel to a permanent workplace from home is ordinary commuting.

See: HMRC updated guidance – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 

What is Unsecured Business Finance?

There are now over 40 lenders willing to lend unsecured small business loans in the UK. Whilst the majority of these will require a personal guarantee (PG) from directors, some do not. The difficulty being they all have different criteria, different application processes and different sectors they prefer lending to. A complex and time consuming task for business owners. Our experts save you time by guiding you through these processes and they will work quickly to understand the business and financial requirements of the applicant, introducing only those lenders who can meet those needs and who are most likely to accept the unsecured business loan application.

The benefits of arranging Unsecured Business Finance are (subject to status):

  • Whilst lenders like to see 1 years’ worth of trading, providers can offer unsecured loans to start ups
  • Borrowers do not always need to be homeowners
  • Options may be available to those with an adverse credit history
  • Funds can be made available within a matter of hours
  • Personal loans can be used by sole traders and directors to put money into their firm.

Typical outcomes would be lenders do not take a legal charge over any specific asset. The lender does, however, seek a personal guarantee from the borrower.

Merchant cash advances means you raise finance based on your credit card turnover. Your proven average monthly turnover is typically the amount you can receive a merchant advance loan for.

Please talk to us about any financing needs you have for your business; we will be delighted to arrange a meeting with one of our experts.

 

ICO Ransomware Guide and Checklist for Businesses

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is recommending that businesses and organisations establish incident response, disaster recovery and business continuity plans to address the heightened risk of ransomware attacks.

The recommendation accompanies ICO’s new guidance, and a checklist of actions businesses should review to assess their preparedness against potential ransomware attacks on their organisation.

Ransomware is an increasingly prevalent form of cyber-attack. Personal data breaches from the ICO’s caseload during 2020/2021 have seen a steady increase in the number and severity caused by ransomware. The guidance presents eight scenarios about the most common ransomware compliance issues the ICO has seen:

  • Scenario 1: Attacker sophistication
  • Scenario 2: Personal data breach
  • Scenario 3: Breach notification
  • Scenario 4: Law enforcement
  • Scenario 5: Attacker tactics, techniques and procedures
  • Scenario 6: Disaster recovery
  • Scenario 7: Ransomware payment
  • Scenario 8: Testing and assessing security controls

Ransomware payment and data protection compliance

In its guidance, the ICO supports the position of law enforcement in not encouraging, endorsing or condoning the payment of ransom demands to criminals by businesses who have lost access to their systems and data. The ICO also does not consider the payment of a ransom as an ‘appropriate measure’ to restore personal data in the event of a disaster.

Businesses that choose to pay the ransom to avoid the data being published should still presume that the data is compromised. They should take actions accordingly to mitigate the risks to individuals even though the ransom fee has been paid and – where necessary – inform the ICO of the breach.

See: Ransomware and data protection compliance | ICO

 

UK Space Agency to Co-host Summit for Space Sustainability

The UK Space Agency will co-host a global summit to agree new ways of ensuring a safe, sustainable and secure space environment, including tackling space debris which threatens the satellites we rely on in our daily lives.

The 4th Summit for Space Sustainability, hosted with the Secure World Foundation in London on the 22 and 23 June, brings together government, industry and academics from around the world to discuss how to ensure the sustainability of space operations.

Orbital congestion created by space debris is one of the biggest global challenges facing the space sector. There are currently around 30,000 pieces of debris in orbit large enough to be tracked from Earth such as old satellites, spent rocket bodies and even tools dropped by astronauts. But there are also an estimated 130 million pieces of smaller debris.

Space debris can stay in orbit for hundreds of years and present a real danger to the rapidly increasing number of new satellites being launched each year which provide vital services, including communications and climate change monitoring.

See: UK Space Agency to co-host Summit for Space Sustainability – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 

EU Trade Tips Updated – Keep your Goods Moving in or out of the EU

Full customs controls are now in place for trading between Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and the European Union (EU).

This means full customs declarations and payment of relevant tariffs will be needed on all goods your clients import from the EU at the time of import.

Moving goods between Ireland and Great Britain 

Current arrangements will continue to apply for non-controlled goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain via Ireland while discussions on the Northern Ireland Protocol are continuing.

This means you can still delay making your customs declarations for up to 175 days, as long as you make an entry in your records at the time of import.

If you have a specific question about importing, exporting or customs reliefs, call the Customs and International Trade helpline on 0300 322 9434. The helpline is open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Friday and from 8am to 4pm at weekends.

You can also send your questions or contact the service by web chat.

The Export Support Service is a helpline for UK businesses to get answers to practical questions about exporting to Europe. The service is a ‘one-stop shop’ and brings together UK government information, making it easier for exporters to access advice and support.

Webinars and video guides

HMRC’s YouTube channel has videos about customs processes and what your clients need to do if they buy from, send or sell goods with the EU.

This includes:

You can also find recorded versions of webinars, covering topics including:

  • Rules of origin
  • How to import
  • Customs Import Declarations: an overview
  • Exporting: what you need to do to keep your goods moving

You can also find webinars and videos from other government departments about trading with the EU.

 

New UK Government Webinars for Importing Meat, Meat Products and Animal By-products from the EU into GB

From July 2022, certification, documentary, ID and physical checks are due to be introduced for animal products from the European Union (EU) into Great Britain (GB). The UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) want to start providing businesses with information ahead of further import controls being introduced from July 2022.

Defra will be running a series of webinars and Q&A sessions that will provide detailed information on the steps you need to take to continue importing animal products from the EU. You have the opportunity to submit up to three questions when you register, and we will aim to cover these in the webinar.

Registration is now open for the following webinars:

Importing meat and meat products from the EU into GB

Importing animal by-products from the EU into GB 

Defra will also be running webinars on other animal product topics such as dairy, fish and composites and will communicate these dates soon. Sign up to Defra’s Imports Newsletter to stay up to date.

 

Omicron Business Support Fund – Tourism Recovery

The application process opened on 23 March and guidance is available now.

This fund supports businesses which were not eligible to receive previous COVID-19 recovery funding through the 6 original tourism funds available in 2021.

It was established to provide support for businesses operating in the 6 sectors identified as having been most affected by Omicron, following feedback from the industry and in recognition of a funding gap for a small number of tourism businesses in Scotland.

The eligible sectors are coach operators, day tour operators, hostels, inbound tour operators, marine/outdoor and visitor attractions.

The Omicron Business Support Fund is delivered by VisitScotland on behalf of the Scottish Government. VisitScotland is supported in this process by industry bodies involved in the development of the original funding rounds for their sectors (ASVA, Sail Scotland, Wild Scotland, CPT, SIGTOA, SITOA, Hostelling Scotland).

See: Tourism Business Omicron Support Fund | VisitScotland.org

 

CodeBase Mentoring Project Highlands and Islands

CodeBase is a Scottish technology incubator with locations across Scotland. Through this mentoring project, 8 organisations based in the Highlands and Islands can receive 4 days of mentoring support from a CodeBase mentor. The mentoring will begin in April 2022 and be complete by March 2023.

Mentors will provide the businesses with one-to-one support and advice on the use of digital technologies within the company.

The programme is delivered by CodeBase on behalf of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

If you are interested in applying, you should contact HIE through the enquiry form below.

If eligible, you will be sent a link to register and complete an online application form. Your application will be considered by HIE and CodeBase, and you will be informed by email if you are successful or not.

If you are successful, CodeBase will contact you to arrange a discussion before you’re matched with a mentor and begin the mentoring sessions.

See: CodeBase Mentoring Project Highlands and Islands (findbusinesssupport.gov.scot)

 

Supply Chain Disruption Advice and Resources

There are key actions you can take now to ensure your business can adapt to the changing business environment. It is important to assess risks and opportunities, and to know your supply chain options. You may want to find different suppliers from Scotland, the UK, or the rest of the world.

Scottish Enterprise has advice on supply chain mapping, to help identify risk points in your supply chain, as well as lists of alternative suppliers in a range of industries to help you fill any gaps in your supply chain.

See: Support for Scottish businesses facing supply chain disruption – Scottish Enterprise (scottish-enterprise.com)

 

Emerging Leaders – Highlands

Ambitious organisations need effective leaders at every level. This programme develops the confidence and ambition of emerging leaders in the Highlands and Islands.

This programme is cohort-based and will run over 6 to 9 months. It consists of a series of workshops, online learning and one-to-one coaching.

This programme will help you:

  • achieve a greater understanding of how effective leadership influences business success
  • have increased ambition and awareness of opportunities for growth in your business
  • gain an enhanced ability to manage, inspire and motivate others
  • gain access to an ongoing business and leadership development plan

See: Emerging Leaders (findbusinesssupport.gov.scot)

 

Strategic Leadership – Highlands and Islands 

The Strategic Leadership programme is designed to equip emerging business leaders in the Highlands and Islands with strong leadership skills. It will provide mentoring and a supportive peer networking environment. The programme is cohort-based and will run over 6 to 9 months. It consists of a series of workshops, on-line learning and one-to-one coaching. This programme introduces leading-edge thinking and provides a stimulating environment for leaders to:

  • explore new thinking
  • learn new approaches
  • test their thinking
  • grow their leadership capability

It will also help leaders to:

  • find ways of leading an organisation that are more innovative, dynamic and open to new ways of working
  • create engaged and innovative teams
  • understand how to tune into emerging markets and the challenging business environment

The programme is aimed at individuals who recognise the need and opportunity for a step change that will accelerate success, increase innovation and broaden the horizons of their organisation.

See: Strategic Leadership (findbusinesssupport.gov.scot)

 

Business Property and Land – Fife

InvestFife’s Business Property Team is responsible for the day-to-day facility and operational management of the business properties owned by Fife Council. InvestFife offers almost 350 industrial and office premises to lease at locations throughout Fife, with a portfolio that includes business centres, terraced industrial space, food production units and headquarter offices.

The team provides comprehensive, free advice and support for businesses, from your initial enquiry to commencing a lease and throughout the lease term. InvestFife aims to provide a quality service to all business tenants. This is done through direct liaison, building management, planned maintenance and facility service provision. Serviced employment land is also available at a number of sites across Fife.

See: Business property and land (findbusinesssupport.gov.scot)

 

Fife Investment Fund

Funded by Fife Council and delivered by Business Gateway Fife, the Fife Investment Fund provides financial support to Fife-based businesses looking to invest in and grow their business or reduce their carbon emissions to reach net zero.

The fund offers a fully repayable grant of up to £10,000, or 70% of the overall costs of the project being undertaken (whichever is lower). The terms and conditions of the fund include:

  • no interest or any other charges
  • an initial payment holiday of 6 months
  • up to 24 months to fully repay the grant following the initial payment holiday

The funding can be used in a number of ways, including:

  • purchasing plants and machinery
  • property improvements
  • product development
  • process improvements
  • training
  • market development

See: Home (investfife.co.uk)

 

Trade Development and Workforce Upskilling Grants – Fife

Fife’s SME Competitiveness Fund provides financial support to Fife-based businesses that wish to exhibit at a trade show, participate in a trade visit or upskill their workforce.

The fund provides a non-repayable grant of up to £2,000, or 100% of the eligible costs (whichever is lower) across 2 strands – trade development and workforce upskilling.

Trade development

The trade development funding provides grants to:

  • assist businesses with the cost of exhibiting at trade shows within the UK or Europe
  • assist businesses with the cost of participating in overseas trade missions
  • support other costs associated with accessing new markets, such as exporting

Workforce upskilling

The funding for workforce upskilling provides grants to help companies improve the productivity and profitability of their business through training and upskilling existing employees.

The SME Competitiveness Fund is funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The Scottish Government is the managing authority for ERDF in Scotland.

See: Home (investfife.co.uk)

 

Coronavirus Guidance for Safer Workplaces

The Scottish Government has updated its guidance for all businesses and workplaces. It provides advice on measures that you should continue to take to reduce risk and support staff and customers.

You should use this guidance to consider the risk within your premises and identify the measures you will need to adopt.

See: Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer businesses and workplaces – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

 

Guidance on International Travel to and from Scotland During the Coronavirus Pandemic

If you plan to travel abroad or enter Scotland from outside the UK, there are currently no coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions to residents of Scotland and visitors.

Many other countries have rules about who can enter and what you can do when you are there. Before you travel, you should read the FCDO travel advice for the countries you will visit.

New coronavirus (COVID-19) travel rules in Scotland, or any other country, may be brought in at short notice. You should always check the latest advice for each country you’re planning to travel to before booking your trip and before you go.

See: Coronavirus (COVID-19): international travel – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

 

Coronavirus High Risk Employees Advice and Support

The Scottish Government has published advice and information on support that’s available for those who are on the highest risk list (previously known as the shielding list) including how to keep yourself safe at work to reduce the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19).

This will help employers ensure that any employees who are on the highest risk list can return to work safely, if required to do so. Where possible, employers should allow a ‘hybrid’ system of in-person and remote working for workers.

This guidance includes information on:

  • returning to work
  • staying safe
  • health and wellbeing

See: Coronavirus high risk employees advice and support (findbusinesssupport.gov.scot)

 

 

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