Latest All Business Questions & Answers
What insurance do I need for an online jewellery business?
I am starting an online jewellery business. The jewellery I sell will be handmade. And it's run at home. What type of insurance would I need for this?
Another company is using our name
Another company has started up using our name. We are an online shop and have been in business since 2003. We let a domain name slide, a company has bought it, and is selling similar products under the same name. We have had three calls from their unhappy customers thinking it was us. Please help!
Can I make long-standing staff member redundant?
Can I legally make redundant staff who have been employed longer on the books and who do the same hours as subcontractors, while keeping the subcontractors employed?
Can I classify a holiday home as a small business?
I own three holiday properties. Can these be placed under the umbrella of a 'small business' or European small business? Are there any specific requirements and what advantages would it bring, such as tax, inheritance tax, or Capital Gains Tax on sale of assets?
Deregistering for VAT
I registered for VAT voluntarily when setting up my business and would like to deregister as it is highly unlikely my turnover will exceed £75,000, I have stock at the moment of around £3,500 in cost value. What are the implications of this?
Employee wants to convert SSP to annual leave
I've paid an employee statutory sick pay as he's been off for two weeks and it’s ongoing. However now he wants to take some of it as annual leave. Do I have to agree this as I have already run payroll, paid him and printed his payslip?
Will my past insolvency affect business insurance?
Some 23 years ago my company took voluntary insolvency. I entered into an IVA with the bank and paid what was due. I now have a new business and insurance companies want to know if I was ever insolvent. Will this stop me being insured?
Can we sue for restraint of trade?
We have a retail shop of 200m squared plus forecourt. The council has refused us class 6 categorisation, saying railings are excluded and signs thereon pointing outwards. They tell us to apply for planning permission for a sign which will take more than three months. We cannot be invisible, can we sue for restraint of trade?
Casual worker asking for p45
I had a casual worker (no contract) working two hours a day for one or two days a week. She is now asking for p45 and wage slips. This person has some property that belongs to my company and she will not return it until I produce the p45. What is my move?
How do I approach someone who I believe has infringed my copyright?
How do I approach someone who I believe has infringed my copyright?
Hiring youth workers
The local council is no longer paying for our two youth workers and we propose to do this ourselves. They work three hours each Tuesday evening. Is there anything legally we need to know in employing them?
Should I take legal action?
Our business works on commission paid by venues. We have a venue refusing to pay enhanced commission of £1,000 agreed via email (we have a copy) stating it was not a mutual agreement. On receipt of said email they issued contracts to our client.
Salesperson trying to limit tax
I have a successful salesperson trying to limit tax. He wants me to reduce his PAYE outgoings by either paying (a) half of his salary to his wife or (b) setting up a company so that his sales commission is paid into that company. Can this be done?
How do I protect my idea?
I have developed and researched a new idea that I think has the potential to be commercially successful. How do I protect my idea?
Is employee entitled to holiday pay?
An employee worked 14 weeks, booked a weeks' holiday then gave a week’s notice while on holiday and never came back. Is she entitled to any holiday pay? She worked 17 hours a week.
Hiring a friend as director
I want to hire a friend as director to help me in my business for no salary. He is working for another company. How can we can do it so his obligations (Tax, NI, SSP) and benefits (pensions) as an employee at his current job will not change?
Registering home as company address
I want to register my home address as my company address (it will be a limited company). Do I have to inform the landlord and do I have to pay any extra tax?
What tech for remote employees?
With the Olympics coming up, I am planning to allow my employees to work remotely. What technology will I need to make this possible?
What is the legal number of hours between shifts?
What is the legal number of hours between shifts?
What can I claim as a mileage allowance?
I have a limited, VAT-registered company. The car I use is my own. What am I allowed to claim as a mileage allowance and what are the VAT implications?
How will the delay of auto-enrolment affect my company?
How will the delay of auto-enrolment affect my company?
Protection against competitors
We will have a business opening in direct competition with us very soon. They contacted all our suppliers. Is there anything we can do to protect ourselves? They are going to be 100 yards away and stocking exactly the same goods.
What steps can I take to protect my data?
What steps can I take to protect my data?
How can I reduce corporation tax?
My company is doing well and it looks like we 'll enjoy a profit of £450,000 for our financial year. This will result in a significant corporation tax bill. Is there any way that this can be reduced legitimately?
What is the simplest way to employ on a casual basis?
I am a one-man consultant/product developer and currently have more work that I can cover. What is the simplest way that I can employ a student or other person on a casual/part time basis to help out when required?
Business Insurance required for selling support bandages
I'm starting a business selling support bandages from home. I will be a sole trader with no employees. Can you advise me what insurance I may need?
How can I spice up my social media campaign?
I sell products that might be classed as dull. How can I spice up my social media marketing campaign?
What are my contract rights?
I have a 12-month contract with the UK branch of a multinational to fulfil certain tasks at intervals throughout the year for a fixed annual fee, to be paid in twelve equal monthly payments. The company announced closure of the UK operation. What are my contract rights?
How can I make my website easy to navigate?
I run a small business and am about to launch a new retail website. Can you give me some tips on making my website easy to navigate?
Can I exchange my incorporation for sole trader status?
My business is now incorporated with Companies House. If I have not started the business yet can I just fill out the DS01 and pay £10 to remove and close the company and start as a sole trader?
