Business News

As if the pandemic hadn’t shaken up our lives enough already, it’s now inspired a movement coined The Great Resignation. It’s estimated that over two million people in the UK have recently resigned, denied renewed contracts, or abandoned their previous roles with this in mind. Such change is hugely tech dependent. DRPG suggest that In terms of job search, 85% of vacancies are filled via networking sites rather than traditional advertising or face-to-face routes. After finding a job opening, 64% of candidates said they research a hiring company online and 37% said they will move on to another job opening if they can’t find the information they want. That means embracing omnichannel transparency on company brand, vision, values and workplace culture. In addition to this, 300 million participants and half a million businesses use Zoom as their primary meeting tool, including over half of the Fortune 500. Microsoft Teams launched in 2017 but already has over 145 million users. Audiences are now expecting end-to-end employee solutions. Individual business tools need to be integrated with your established intranets, strategic comms packages and your workplace culture. Sounds costly, but in the long run, integration means keeping up with expectations while making every tool you have work a bit harder.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys exhibiting at 3CDSE

More than 1600 people gathered for the Three Counties Defence and Security Expo, to showcase the latest cutting-edge science and technology advances in military equipment. Among the highlights of the Show, held at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern was the Safescan radar equipment, which allows Special Forces soldiers to ‘see through’ walls, before storming a building, for example to save hostages. The first of the two-day event saw the Ministry of Defence hold its own Special Projects Industry Day, where senior personnel provided classified briefings for future procurement needs. More than 130 exhibitors spent the second day demonstrating the latest technologies being used by the Armed Forces, Special Forces, Intelligence Agencies and Disaster Relief professionals. Richard Morgan, President 3CDSE and 3CDSG said: “This year’s 3CDSE has been fabulously successful. It is focussed on the special user community, which tends to be cutting-edge technology, not used by all of the Armed Forces.”

Management team at GJS Dillon

How is Worcestershire’s commercial property market likely to perform in 2022 and what do we need to be aware of? Amongst other things, the team at GJS Dillon predicts a shortage of industrial property, an increased emphasis on sustainability and a greater need for professional advice during continuing market uncertainty. However the team is confident that Worcestershire will remain a popular business location due its excellent transport connections and more affordable space. The team at GJS Dillon have put together a list of top things to expect in 2022 from the commercial property market. To see the full article scan the QR code.

Helen Davenport, Partner at Gowling WLG

By Helen Davenport, Partner at Gowling WLG

The COVID-19 pandemic and a sudden, nationwide adoption of remote working kick-started huge changes in many aspects of our daily lives, including our use of technology.

While many businesses have now re-opened their offices, a large number are adopting a hybrid way of working, where employees’ time is split between the office and remote working.

Technology will therefore continue to play a huge role in day-to-day working. So which pandemic-driven trends are here to stay over the next 12 months and beyond?

The trends that we expect to continue seeing include the use of the cloud (the future is almost certainly ‘cloud-first’), use of technology-based collaboration tools like Skype, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams, and upgraded, modern cyber security measures and managed IT support that can meet the challenges that the new workplace brings.

Companies that are adopting these trends, while also making sure they have sufficient security measures and IT support in place, will be in a strong position to adapt for the future of working and ensure success.

Significant tax breaks are available for electric company cars, with extremely low benefit-in-kind rates and favourable corporation tax savings. They also carry no road fund license cost and electricity is not treated as fuel for benefit-in-kind purposes.

Capital allowances can be claimed on insulating existing buildings, but insulation of new builds is expected as standard, so no tax relief is given. Solar panels are considered ‘special rate’ assets for capital allowances, so they do generally receive 100% allowances in a year, but don’t qualify for the 130% super-deduction currently available on P&M.

If a scientific or technological advance is required which saves energy, improves yield, or reduces waste, then the project may qualify for generous Research & Development tax savings. However, simple changes which don’t involve an advance will not result in any savings.

A popular option for businesses is to offset carbon – investing in schemes which reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, for example tree planting. HMRC have not specifically allowed costs incurred for carbon offsetting, and generally anything that is not completely for the purpose of trade would not receive a tax deduction. In future it would hopefully be possible to argue that offsetting emissions is for the benefit of the trade as it would allow the business to promote itself to its customers and employees.

Ben Powell, Ballards LLP

Tax breaks are offered to investors who invest in small entrepreneurial companies. However, electricity generation is excluded, meaning investors cannot get tax breaks for investing in businesses generating low carbon or renewable electricity. Please contact ben.powell@ballardsllp.com to discuss any tax queries you may have.

Do you have strong growth potential but limited trading history or lack of security and can’t get support from High Street lenders? Need funds between £15,000 and £50,000 (subject to business status) We are a Worcestershire based lender who have government legacy funds available for lending to businesses in the West Mercia Region (Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire & Telford & Wrekin)

For more information and the link to begin the application process, please visit our website.

email: lending @impetus-marches.co.uk MRRT Ltd, The Garden House, WR10 1PZ

Registered in England 05112041