'Disappointing' take-up of new Junior ISAs

Take-up of the new Junior Individual Savings Account (JISA) has proved ‘disappointing’, with the number of accounts opened falling far below HMRC’s initial predictions.  To find out more, read the article on our website.

Pension auto-enrolment 'will stop the savings slump'

The new pension auto-enrolment regulations will act to reverse the current slump in pension savings, according to Pensions Minister Steve Webb.  Find out more on our website.

2012 Olympics will showcase 'the best of Britain'

As the London 2012 Olympics get underway, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has highlighted the Games as an opportunity to showcase the ‘best of Britain’ and provide a much-needed boost for British business.  Read the rest of the article here.  Bourner Bullock are open as usual during the Olympics.  Click here to find out more.

Business groups give mixed reactions to latest fall in GDP

Business groups have given mixed initial reactions to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which suggest that the UK economy contracted by 0.7% in the second quarter of 2012.  Find out more on our website.

‘Steady fall’ in sickness absence levels

The number of days lost to sickness absence in the UK has fallen over the past five years, according to a new report.  To find out more, read the article here.

Government sets out new strategy for UK payments

The Government has launched a consultation on the future regulation and governance of the payments industry after the Payments Council failed to find a suitable alternative to cheques.  Find out more on our website.

Businesses enjoy extended Sunday trading hours

Sunday trading laws have been suspended for the duration of the Olympic and Paralympic games, in a bid to boost businesses across England and Wales.  Find out more and read the article on our website.  Bourner Bullock will be open as usual during the Olympic and Paralympic games.  For more information about travelling to our office during this time, visit our Olympics page.

Government plans to cut red tape to revive UK High Streets

The Government has announced plans to cut red tape in a bid to revitalise the UK’s troubled High Streets.  Find out more and read the article here.

UK unemployment falls to 2.58 million

The number of people out of work fell by 65,000 to 2.58 million in the three months to May, latest statistics have shown.  Click here to read the article.

Scrap plans to charge small firms for health and safety inspections, urges FPB

One of the UK’s leading business groups is urging the Government to consider scrapping plans to force small businesses to pay for their own health and safety inspections.  Find out more on our website.

Mixed response to new employment tribunal fees

Plans to charge individuals a fee of up to £1,200 for taking a claim to an employment tribunal have sparked a mixed reaction from trade union and business groups.  Read the article here to find out more.

Government 'flouting one-in, one-out policy on red tape', says BCC

A leading business group has called on the Government to review its policy on deregulation after it found that a number of new regulations are bypassing the so-called ‘one-in, one-out’ policy.  To find out more, read the article here.

Government launches employee ownership drive

The Government has launched a call for evidence on employee ownership, following confirmation that it will be acting to promote the benefits of employee ownership in the private sector.  Find out more on our website.

Thousands more employers to join Real Time Information pilot

More than 1,300 employers are expected to join HMRC’s Real Time Information (RTI) pilot for PAYE between now and September 2012, the tax authority has confirmed.  Find out more and read the article on our website.

Pension auto-enrolment regulations 'could lead to pay freezes'

The new pension auto-enrolment regulations could lead to pay freezes and cuts for employees, a new report suggests. Read the article here to find out more.

Small businesses 'worried about dealing with tax authority'

Small business owners are plagued by worries over dealing with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), a new study suggests.  Find out more on our website.

HMRC unveils latest tranche of tax taskforces

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has launched its latest tranche of taskforces in an attempt to recoup millions of pounds in unpaid tax.  Find out more on our website.

New business lease aims to 'make life simpler' for small firms

The Government has launched a new business lease which aims to make it easier and less costly for small businesses to move into new premises.  Find out more on our website.

SMEs are 'driving force behind Olympic economic growth'

The Olympic and Paralympic Games look set to boost the UK economy by an estimated £16.5 billion by 2017, according to a new report from the Lloyds Banking Group.  To find out more, read the article here.  Bourner Bullock will be open as usual during the Olympics, click here for details of how travel to our office may be affected during the Games.

New Revenue initiative targets self assessment defaulters

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is offering taxpayers who have failed to submit their self assessment tax returns for the 2009/10 tax year or earlier the chance to bring their tax affairs up to date.  To find out more, read the article here.

Exporting on the rise but pace of economic growth 'too slow', says BCC

Small and medium-sized businesses are growing but the pace of activity remains weak, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has said.  Find out more and read the article here.

SMEs 'benefit from recession-busting measures'

Despite the challenges posed by the tough economic climate, over a third of SMEs have reaped the benefits of cost-cutting measures introduced in a bid to combat the recession, a new report suggests.  Find out more and read the article here.

Summer 2012 newsletter

Click here to read our latest newsletter. This issue of our newsletter includes advice on how to maximise tax relief on your pension contributions, as well as guidance for those contemplating an employee share scheme.  If you would like to talk to us about any of the issues in this edition of our newsletter, please contact us.  If you would like to receive our newsletter straight into your inbox, click here to sign up.

Banks to redress mis-selling of specialist insurance to small businesses

Four of the UK’s main high street banks will be forced to provide compensation for the mis-selling of interest rate protection products to small businesses, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) has announced.  To find out more, read the full article on our website.