The UK Border Agency is proposing to introduce a new list of shortage jobs in order to better target migration at the needs of British businesses. The proposed list would reinforce the selective approach of the new points based system. The recommended shortage occupation list is designed to introduce a larger set of work categories […]

HMRC are warning taxpayers that they are aware of a high number of emails being sent out offering a tax rebate. The warning confirms that HMRC do not email taxpayers advising them of tax rebates or invite them to complete an online form to receive a rebate. The advice goes on to say that anyone […]

In a move to help the property market and first time buyers, Alistair Darling has introduced a Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) exemption or holiday for purchases of residential property from 3 September 2008 to 2 September 2009 (inclusive). The exemption effectively raises the current nil rate band of £125,000 (£150,000 in disadvantaged areas) to […]

A CBI forecast has predicted a ‘shallow recession’ during the final part of 2008 and that growth in the economy in 2009 will be the lowest since 1992. The CBI’s latest economic forecast has revised its growth predictions for 2008 and 2009 due to the sharper than expected slowdown over the first half of this […]

For many employed individuals who are checking their payslip this month it should include a welcome bonus of a £60 reduction in their income tax deduction. The reason for this is the increase in the personal allowance which finally took effect for paydays from 7 September. Don’t expect the bonus each month as the effect […]

TWP Accounting LLP are the Surrey accountancy firm that represents the national organisation, The Corporate Finance Network, and as such have plenty of experience in dealing with the fallout of the credit crunch for local businesses.  The events in the banking & finance markets over the last seven days has been unprecedented, however this morning’s […]

Press coverage of the so-called ‘credit crunch’ continues unabated, with more and more bad news hitting the headlines every morning.  But how much is it likely to affect the owner-managed or average SME business? The media stories about the banking world, and the economy in general, tend to either be focused upon the effect for […]