NEWS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Audit reforms to reduce small business reporting burden
FSB has welcomed the Government's response to its audit reform consultation, which proposes to reduce the accounting and reporting burden for small businesses. Martin McTague, FSB's National Chair, said: "In order for [these] measures to work, there must be inclusion of payment practices within Audit Committees' remits. This reform would ensure a whole board awareness of payment practices."
FSB highlights 'cost of doing business' crisis
FSB has highlighted the cost pressures small firms are under and the need for the Government to intervene in order to help businesses survive. Martin McTague told the Daily Mail: "The cost-of-living crisis starts with a cost-of-doing-business crisis. We need targeted interventions from Government to reduce the need for firms to pass on surging input prices."
Questions for Chris Whitty, chief medical officer on COVID-19 and small businesses
FSB is inviting members to submit advance questions for Professor Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer, for a forthcoming webinar and Q&A hosted by FSB on 27 June. Small businesses are still facing the impacts of COVID, often in their workplaces and among their staff. The prospect of future variants is a key concern, especially as we look beyond the summer. Professor Chris Whitty will be joined by Dr Susan Hopkins of UKHSA and FSB's own Tina McKenzie and Craig Beaumont to take your questions around COVID-19, the latest public health advice, and the impact of COVID on small businesses.
FSB signs menopause workplace pledge
FSB has become the latest employer to sign the Menopause Workplace Pledge, run by Wellbeing of Women, which aims to redress the lack of awareness of and support for women in the workplace who are experiencing menopause. Julie Lilley, FSB CEO, said: "I'm pleased that we've signed the Pledge; women over 50 are the fastest growing section of the workforce and it's important that women get the support they need."
Women's health focus group seeks members
The health charity behind the Menopause Workplace Place campaign, Wellbeing of Women, is looking for representatives from small and medium-sized businesses to join focus groups on 15 June on how women's health can be improved in the workplace.
Metric or imperial (or both)?
The Government is seeking views from a range of stakeholders, including businesses, about whether the current system of weights and measures for consumer transactions should be changed to allow imperial measures to be used by themselves, without the need for metric to be included alongside them. You can respond online here.
MTD readiness reminder
HMRC is reminding all VAT-registered businesses which have not yet signed up for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT to take action now to avoid penalties. All VAT-registered businesses, regardless of turnover, must now follow MTD rules. HMRC has published a guide on how to start the process, and is running a series of webinars for businesses who need help and support on signing up for MTD. FSB also offers its members support for MTD.
MTD awareness
HMRC commissioned research from Yonder into awareness of Making Tax Digital (MTD) among businesses below the VAT threshold, which found that while overall awareness of MTD had increased, there were still significant levels of confusion among respondents around what requirements would apply to them.
New customs arrangements - guidance
The "new simplified rules for customs transit arrangements and declarations of imported goods under a free zone" have been set out in a tax information and impact note from HMRC.
Russian trade sanctions
The Department for International Trade has brought together on one page all the import and export restrictions which apply due to sanctions for UK companies when trading with Russia.
Mobile ecosystems competition report
The Competition and Markets Authority has published a final report on mobile ecosystems, which finds that the current situation does not allow small businesses to compete on a level playing field. It will now look into mobile browsers and cloud gaming, and is investigating the Google app store for Android phone users, "in particular Google's Play Store rules which oblige certain app developers to use Google's own payment system (Google Play Billing) for in-app purchases".
Skills campaign videos
The Department for Education has produced a number of videos on the benefits for employers of apprenticeships, traineeships, T Levels and HTQs as part of the Join the Skills Revolution campaign. There are also a webinar next week on How might industry placements work for your management and administration roles? (14 Jun), and a workshop on How do industry placements contribute to workforce development and what are the practical steps you need to take? (16 Jun).
Guidance on pregnant workers and new mothers
The Health and Safety Executive has updated its guidance on protecting pregnant workers and new mothers, which can be found here.
Cyber security webinars
The National Cyber Security Centre is holding a free webinar for sole traders and micro-businesses on how to improve their cybersecurity on Monday 13 June, and a session for small organisations on Thursday 16 June.
Customs agent hiring guidance
HMRC has published a guide for businesses which are considering hiring a customs agent, with a list of things to consider when looking for someone to help when dealing with red tape.
FSB webinars - pitching and networking
FSB is running a webinar on how to perfect pitches and presentations on 14 June, and networking sessions for anyone working in engineering, manufacturing or transport on 15 June, and a Let's Grow Business Together LGBT+ led session on 17 June which is open to everyone.
CIC webinar
Companies House is offering a free, interactive webinar on Wednesday (15 Jun) for Community Interest Companies to set out the support it can provide via the Business Support Helpline - register here.
Ethical sourcing webinar
The Good Business Charter is holding a webinar on 22 June on ethical sourcing - sign up here. From the UK's Modern Slavery Act to news stories about factory disasters in Bangladesh, concern for vulnerable workers in supply chains has never been higher. Understanding how to operate as a good business in this complex world can seem like a daunting task for many small businesses, particularly those with few resources to take on new projects. FSB worked with the Good Business Charter to develop a scheme that works for small businesses.
Clean maritime tech funding
UK Research and Innovation has announced £12 million of funding from the Department for Transport for innovative clean maritime technologies, with collaborations led by a UK business invited to apply for shares of the pot.
Royal Mail expands Sunday service
The Royal Mail has said its Sunday delivery service has been expanded to 12,000 of its online retail partners; previously, only its 75 largest customers had access to next-day delivery for items ordered on a Saturday.
Compulsory purchase consultation
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is seeking views on how to amend the "compensation provisions for assessing prospective planning permission where land is compulsorily acquired" in England and Wales, via a new consultation.
FSB SUPPORT AND INFORMATION
- Our Sustainability Hub has everything you need to help you on your journey to net zero.
- If you are a UK business which trades with Europe, keep track of the latest changes and developments via FSB's Transition Hub.
- Our #BusinessWithoutBarriers hub on disability and health conditions has free guidance and resources to help small businesses make their workplaces more inclusive, and to help disabled entrepreneurs identify opportunities and support.
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