6 minute read
Q & A
with Alan Grant
Subject of this issue’s Q& A is new BiKBBI Ambassador Alan Grant. Alan has recently joined the team and where better for him to start than letting us all know about himself …
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Tell us a little more about yourself Alan? I am married to Caroline and have two sons Kieran and Rian. We have a cat called Bell and a dog called Scottie. I love reading books and studying to improve myself to give my family a better future. I have studied and trained with both my boys and we are all 1st Dan taekwondo practitioners. Both my boys are keen football players and have played with local teams winning numerous awards.
So how has your career evolved to the point of becoming a BiKBBI brand ambassador? I completed my apprenticeship with a large construction firm covering the South West where I trained as a Carpenter/joiner, before leaving the industry and moving into computers where I eventually set up my own company supplying computer systems and training to various international organisations, travelling all over the UK..
I resettled back into the KBB industry when I met my wife to start a family, where I have been for the last 21 years. I started my early career working for Sharps bedrooms then MFI & Magnet installing kitchens all over the South of the UK from Penzance to London. During this period I studied at college to become an electrician and gas installer. Today as a company we are an Installation service provider for a major flat pack company and employ 11 people and work with 5 other companies in the south west supplying installation services to our customers.
I recently studied and completed a Master’s degree in facilities management. And you’re happy with your appointment? I was very emotional when offered the role of regional ambassador. I believe we are in an exciting period in the KBB industry, where we have an obligation to train and support the next group of new installers to the industry. I believe the industry is changing for the better and this is down to the tireless effort Damian and all the team from the BiKBBI have channelled into the industry so far.
As an existing BiKBBI inspector I have witnessed the positive effect this change is having within the industry and look forward to working closer with installers, retailers, manufacturers and suppliers to bring value to the services we offer all our customers and clients.
Have you had any industry frustrations? In order to support the retail market we need more installers who are passionate about service standards, and by supporting these installers we can give them the best opportunity to grow their businesses and providing new opportunities by promoting the value of taking on and help to train new apprentices to the industry.
How can you effect change? Working with the stakeholders I believe we can look at value creation, and create more awareness to better understand the customer journey, to be in a position to provide greater service delivery and customer satisfaction.
Causes for optimism? The new training platform created in partnership with the BiKBBI and Procat is going to revolutionise the industry and
set new installation standards for the future generation. We need to encourage new entrants into this kbb industry. I believe the BIKBBI is the best vehicle for this delivery.
On the lighter side, who or what makes you laugh? Billy Connelly
Name 3 people past or present that you would invite to a dinner party? Jackie Chan Mark knopfler Billy Connelly Favourite sport and team or sports person? Anthony Joshua
Favourite movie? Avatar
Name your 3 Desert Island discs? Ian Brown ACDC ColdPlay
Name one possession you could never do without? IPhone
What animal do you most resemble at work?
Eagle
And at home? Bear
Name your first car? Vauxhall Magnum
Favourite quote (business or otherwise)?
Never stop learning
TAX & ACCOUNTANCY TIPS
At the time of drafting this review, the sun is shining and England are still in the World Cup. I wonder if both will remain by the time you read this quarter’s report.
MAKING TAX DIGITAL (MTD) – CLARIFICATION
I must start this edition with a clarification. In the last edition I noted the requirements of MTD for VAT registered businesses and the possible implications of that legislation. I did highlight that deregistration from VAT may be an option to consider if your turnover is below the deregistration threshold. I should clarify on that point, insofar as HMR&C are currently waiving the requirement to file VAT returns under MTD for those businesses that are voluntarily registered. It is not clear whether HMR&C will retain that exemption indefinitely but it may remove an immediate concern for some smaller businesses.
P11D DEADLINES
The deadline to report untaxed benefits in kind via P11ds is looming. These forms must be completed and submitted to HMR&C by the 6th July otherwise late filing penalties will be levied against employers. Any Class 1 National insurance Contributions assessed on these benefits must be paid by the 19th July or 22nd July for cleared electronic payments.
TAX REFUND SCAMS
It is around this time of year that many self-employed tax payers may be expecting some good news from the tax man in terms of tax refunds. This is particularly likely for those engaged in the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) where on account tax deductions have exceeded their tax liability. HMR&C are issuing additional warnings at this time of year to advise taxpayers, that fraudsters are issuing scam email and text messages concerning tax refunds to extract bank details and other secure information from taxpayers. HMR&C have asserted that they will never advise of, or confirm, a tax refund by email or by text and that these matters are normally communicated via post, employers or via tax agents where used.
IR35 UPDATE
The legislation known as IR35 was introduced in 2000 to combat the use of Limited Company arrangements where the primary purpose of the company was to host the personal services of the shareholder or the person who had a material interest in the company. By using this arrangement, the individual could see large reductions in their tax payments and IR35 was designed to combat businesses with that profile.
The practical application of IR35 and its enforcement by HMR&C, has been seen by some to have been ineffective. As a consequence HMR&C have modified their approach and as from April 2017, all public bodies that engaged contractors (in any industry) were required to assess their subcontractor engagements and deduct tax and national insurance at source where the arrangement was deemed to contravene IR35 legislation. HMR&C estimate this has raised £410m in additional tax and national insurance. The relative success of this approach has led many to believe that this project will be extended to contractors operating for private sector companies/businesses. HMR&C have not indicated that this will definitely happen in the near future but should you feel that your business arrangement may be affected, it may be worth discussing your position with your advisors as soon as possible.
