A new project has been launched to support Lancashire SMEs in increasing the skills and capability of their employees.

The UpSkilling Lancashire project team will help businesses identify, design, develop and implement workforce education training programmes in response to the needs of the company.

WNJ is looking to make its clients aware of the benefits of the programme, which was officially launched last month, and how they can use it to develop the skills of their workers.

Charlotte Duffell (pictured), project manager of UpSkilling Lancashire, says the project, funded by the European Social Fund, will support businesses to become more competitive and to achieve their strategic goals.

She said: “The programme has been launched to support SMEs bridge skills gaps through, among other initiatives, workplace training, an important aspect of workforce development.

“Every business has different needs, which is why the team works closely with the employer to gain an understanding of the business objectives to determine exactly the level and type of support they require.

“It will assist SMEs in gaining the competitive edge required to be able to achieve growth and success, providing a vital boost to Lancashire and helping to promote the county as a place where businesses can thrive.”

UpSkilling Lancashire is led by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), in partnership with Burnley College, Edge Hill University, Forest of Bowland (Area of Outstanding Beauty) Project, Lancaster and Morecambe College, Myerscough College and Preston’s College.

There are many services available through the programme, including
• Suggested pathways to training opportunities, workshops and courses
• Guidance on the Lancashire apprenticeship offer up to degree level
• Utilising current student knowledge and skills via placements and internships
• Connecting businesses who can benefit from working together whilst supporting the local economy

To qualify for free support through Upskilling Lancashire, businesses must be based in Lancashire and employ 250 employees or less.

For more information on the programme, contact 01772 895500.

As figures reveal, HMRC’s investigative work is more focused and better targeted than ever before. In 2017-18 the taxman collected £30.3bn through compliance activity.

There are now many more trained investigation specialists – and they are using the latest technology and information at their disposal to launch campaigns and set up taskforces designed to maximise tax revenues.

HMRC’s ‘Connect System’ currently selects nine out of every ten enquiries. It is designed specifically to identify those who may have paid to little tax.

Even if you have done nothing wrong, you can be selected – and that means that no-one is immune to scrutiny.

No business is too small or too large for HMRC to challenge and those targeted include cash businesses, tradespeople, farmers, medical professionals and solicitors.

There is no doubt that tax investigations can be massively disruptive for businesses. They can also be lengthy affairs, enquires can take years to conclude.

Small businesses in particular may have fewer resources to cope with the exercise. There is the time that needs to be spent managing an inquiry and co-operating with the inspectors, not to mention the potential cost in terms of professional fees.

Here is just one example. HMRC opened a full enquiry into a self-employed caterer. The Inspector requested all of the books and records at the outset and subsequently made further enquiries about the expenses claimed.

The practice managed to close the enquiry through correspondence alone, with no adjustments required to the return. Yet the fees still amounted to £2,000.

In another recent case a law firm was subject to an employer compliance review with the taxman specifically considering the status of self-employed workers.

The accountant challenged HMRC’s view that the workers should have been employees.

After a four year enquiry a successful outcome was achieved. However, accountancy costs in respect of the investigation came to £10,000.

These cases, and many others, highlight why it is as important as ever for you to protect against these costs.

Tax Enquiry Fee Protection Insurance schemes, like the one operated by WNJ, can give people piece of mind and help protect them.

For a small yearly cost, professional fees for defending clients in tax enquiries can be claimed under this insurance policy.

Clients in the scheme are also able to obtain helpful advice about the complex areas of Health and Safety and Employment Law, with access to a team of qualified solicitors and barristers.

We can’t take away the stress and anxiety of being under investigation. But we can remove the cost and work to achieve the best outcome.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of this article, want more information about protection from HMRC investigation, or have any tax queries or concerns please contact me on 01772 430000

It’s that time of year when we look to make resolutions. Filled with good intentions we set off on our New Year exercise regime with vigour, only to stop going to the gym in February.

It can be the same with the resolutions you make for your business. But here are three resolutions that you can keep to help in 2019.

1. Don’t wait until the last minute

Make sure that you start your tax return procedure well in advance. Have the conversation with us early rather than later.

The longer we have to look at your affairs the better we can advise you – and it also pays to talk to us. You may be missing out on tax relief in some areas.

Keep all the key dates for filing and payment in your diary. And aim to keep on top of all your tax issues – it’s one less pressure point in a busy schedule. We’re here to help.

2. Look at your workflow

If you’re becoming bogged down with financial paperwork it may pay to look to outsource your bookkeeping and payroll – freeing you up for other parts of the business.

Keeping your financial records up to date is vital for any business – and not just for tax purposes. Maintaining cash flow and forecasting your business’ performance can go a long way to keeping you on track. Getting experts in can be a big help.

There is no doubt the increasingly complex world of payroll is also causing major headaches for many small and medium sized businesses as they struggle to cope with the growing burden of red tape.

3. Get set for MTD

The countdown to Making Tax Digital (MTD) is now well and truly on – so make sure that you are ready for any changes you might need to make.

As part of MTD, businesses registered for VAT with a taxable turnover above the VAT registration threshold of £85,000 will need to keep VAT records digitally and file their VAT returns using MTD compatible software.

This will start from their first VAT period starting on or after April 1 next year.

Businesses with a taxable turnover below the VAT threshold will not have to operate MTD, but can still choose to do so voluntarily.

VAT Notice 700/22: Making Tax Digital for VAT provides information to customers and adds to amendments to the VAT Regulations made earlier this year.

WNJ also has a dedicated team which we have put together to address MTD issues and to help our clients chose, install and train how to best use the different software on offer.

To discuss any of these issues please contact me on 01772 430000.