Business News

There are serious delays at HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in processing VAT group applications and amendments, and it shows no signs of easing. The lead time is now around 6 months, based on Bishop Fleming’s experience and the feedback around the industry when contacting HMRC for an update. The message from HMRC is that it is working on a large backlog of applications and is currently only at applications received in May 2021. The rules say that where a valid VAT group application is made and received by HMRC on or before the requested date, unless HMRC reject it for revenue protection or VAT avoidance purposes, the VAT grouping should take effect from the requested date. However, this often doesn’t provide sufficient certainty for taxpayers, particularly in particular circumstances. Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be a means to expedite the process, such as an emergency contact at HMRC etc, and calls are met with the same response about the backlog. Tax specialists Bishop Fleming are suggesting to consider alternative solutions such as transfer of a business as a going concern (TOGCs), single online VAT registrations (although these can take a while as well), and to discuss with them practical steps to manage risk on a case-by-case basis. If you are experiencing challenges with HMRC’s VAT processes, get in touch with new specialist VAT Partner at Bishop Fleming, Len Dean ldean@

The new Cyber Quarter – Midlands Centre for Cyber Security building based in Herefordshire has secured two coveted top prizes at the Constructing Excellence West Midlands Awards 2021.

The centre is a joint venture between the University of Wolverhampton and Herefordshire Council and part-funded by the Government’s Local Growth Fund, via the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The project scooped the Building Project of the Year Award as well as being announced joint winners for the Integration & Collaborative Working Award at the ceremony held in Edgbaston recently. The centre, which secured £2.82m of funding via the Marches LEP’s Growth Deal with government in 2017, is part of the new Cyber Quarter at Skylon Park, already home to numerous defence and security sector businesses. The new centre incorporates a full height glass atrium to provide a dual break-out space and function hall, alongside the main three storey building that houses business suites, innovation rooms, IT workshops and a ‘Cyber Range’ – a cutting edge facility that will defend against the global rise of hacking.

DTF (Direct to Film) is here and it will revolutionise garment decoration. Surf Stitched – the garment decoration arm of Surf Works Ltd – has just taken delivery of a brand new DTF printer and finishing unit becoming one of the very first in the UK to possess the revolutionary technology. DTF works by printing fabric ink direct on to a transfer film. A curing powder is then added and baked on to the ink, sealing it to the film. The film can then be easily stored, transported or cut down to the correct size for application. The cured transfer is positioned and applied to the fabric with a heat press. This method is particularly flexible meaning that the design can be pressed on to almost any material including leathers, denims, waterproofs, cottons and polyesters or any fabric item such as bags, umbrellas, aprons as well as clothing. DTF print is perfect for both single colour jobs like logos as well as full colour images and even photos. The resolution produces excellent colour depth and a crisper finish than screen print with far more flexibility than both DTG (direct to garment) and sublimation printing. For more information contact Chris – chris@surfworks.co.uk – 01562 637330

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