Latest News

Offshore company formations 'enable ease of operations'

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:17:10 +0100

Incorporating a company in an offshore jurisdiction may have a number of practical benefits for business directors, it has been suggested.

Employees 'can pose a fraud risk to businesses'

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:14:58 +0100

Employers should be aware that risks to their business can emerge internally as well as externally, it has been claimed.

'Life more affordable' for British expatriates

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:14:36 +0100

British expatriates often find a laidback and affordable life waiting for them abroad, free of the money worries prevalent back home, it has been claimed.

UK's business accounting regime comes under fire

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:40:59 +0100

The Accounting Standards Board (ASB) may face opposition in its attempts to extend the use of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).

Increased buy-to-let activity could boost conveyancing

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:41:26 +0100

An increase in activity among buy-to-let investors could potential lead to an upturn in business within the conveyancing sector.

All UK companies now require a natural board member

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:39:59 +0100

Businesses have been reminded of the need to include a natural person on their board of directors.

More Scottish firms claiming small business rate relief

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:01:49 +0100

The number of Scottish companies claiming small business rate relief has increased by almost a fifth.

Cyprus 'an ideal offshore tax planning destination'

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:23:34 +0100

Business owners looking to take advantage of offshore tax planning are being urged to register their company in Cyprus.

Registered office services 'portray professionalism'

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:02:32 +0100

Businesses are increasingly embracing the concept of the virtual office as they bid to reduce the costs associated with company administration, but maintain a professional image, it has been claimed.

Small businesses 'being priced out of market for credit'

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:02:19 +0100

Small and medium-sized businesses are being forced to pay more to borrow from the banks during 2010, it has been claimed.

Offshore tax planning is legitimate, Bahamian judge rules

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:54:11 +0100

Professionals who use offshore tax planning services should not be treated as fraudsters, according to a Bahamian Supreme Court judge.

VAT rise set to impact upon small businesses

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:24:59 +0100

The coming increase in the level of VAT is set to impact negatively upon small businesses, it has been suggested.

Tax increases will 'boost offshore tax planning'

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:13:51 +0100

Increasing levels of tax are already putting pressure on investors, resulting in an increase in the number of people considering offshore tax planning.

Companies House 'can assist, but not lead fraud investigations'

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:41:52 +0100

Companies House is able to advise on issues relating to fraudulently filed statutory documents it receives, but has reminded business owners that it does not have any specific investigative powers.

'Britain catching up' on anti-corruption legislation

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:11:02 +0100

For some years, there have been calls for reform of the UK's criminal anti-bribery and corruption laws, described by some as outdated an unfit for purpose.

Govt urged to take concrete action on business regulation

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:53:55 +0100

The government needs to take affirmative action over the issue of business regulation, according to the Institute of Directors (IoD).

UK sees fall in liquidations during July 2010

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:39:29 +0100

Fewer company liquidations were witnessed in the UK during July 2010 than in the previous month, it has been reported.

Corporate fraud 'must be discouraged'

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:10:47 +0100

There is an urgent need for stronger fraud discouragement mechanisms, providing additional protection for businesses, it has been claimed.

July witnesses rise in UK company numbers

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 13:50:02 +0100

The number of registered companies increased in the UK during July 2010, latest figures have indicated.

High-profile London districts 'shielded from property fluctuations'

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:09:23 +0100

Certain areas in the north of England will be "much more susceptible" than parts of the south to future fluctuations in the property market, it has been claimed.

Q2 sees fewer winding up orders issued in UK

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:43:32 +0100

British companies were subject to fewer winding up orders during the second quarter of 2010, it has been revealed.

Financial reporting to get sustainable overhaul

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 11:04:02 +0100

This month saw the formation of the International Integrated Reporting Committee (IIRC), a group tasked with creating a globally accepted framework for accounting for sustainability. The brainchild of the Prince's Accounting for Sustainability Project (A4S) and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the group will bring together representatives from civil society and the corporate, accounting, securities, regulatory, NGO, IGO and standard-setters. All of the organisations involved agree that current problems with financial reporting on sustainability issues stem from the fact that numerous groups are setting standards, however, as yet no one is coordinating efforts. As a result, the IIRC will work towards a framework which combines financial, environmental, social and governance information in a "clear, concise, consistent and comparable format".

2% of GDP swallowed by public sector fraud

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 11:51:36 +0100

Some two per cent of Britain's gross domestic product is swallowed by public sector fraud, it has been claimed.

Mortgage fraud quadruples in 2010

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 13:17:28 +0100

Mortgage fraud rose sharply in the first six months of the year - reaching a 22-year high.

Property values doubled in last decade

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 17:00:49 +0100

Property values have more than double in the past decade, according to new research from Halifax.