News

More businesses across the UK can, from this month, benefit from easier ways to deal with VAT, following changes to one of the schemes aimed at helping small and medium-sized firms to better manage their cashflow.

The Government has published new legislation aimed at encouraging empty shops, offices, factory and warehouse buildings back into commercial use as part of a package to create thriving urban centres, renovate empty buildings and promote greater use of brownfield land.

With Tony Blair due to step down as the UK Prime Minister any day now, succession planning is at the forefront of the country’s mind. In business, effecting a smooth transition from one owner or manager to another is one of the biggest concerns for entrepreneurs in the construction industry it is therefore vital to think carefully about how the changeover will take place and take time to ensure successions run smoothly.

The Federation of Master Builder’s first quarter 2007 State of Trade survey suggests the beginnings of a recovery, going beyond the improved results from the last quarter of 2006, and continues to indicate an end to the decline in workload seen during the second half of 2005 and most of last year.

The new proposed legislation on Managed Service Companies (MSCs) has prompted numerous commentators, experts and companies to release their views and interpretation on what it means and where they feel they fit in this new world.

A small business pressure group has criticised the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) for spending time and money trying to dispel myths, when it should be reviewing the unnecessary red tape being created in its name. The Forum of Private Business (FSB) hit out after the HSE published its first ‘Myth of the Month' cartoon, created to try and get the message home that they haven't banned the use of stepladders.

A new, less flexible tax penalty system will hit businesses that break the rules even harder, warns a specialist adviser.

Following extensive consultation with the construction industry, the new Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM 2007) come in to force on Friday April 6 2007. The Government claims they will make it easier for duty holders to comply with the requirements, they simplify and clarify existing Regulations.

The UK Construction Industry will be the subject of a wide-ranging Parliamentary inquiry by the Trade and Industry Committee.

A leading law firm is warning construction firms that they must ensure eastern European workers are given adequate training in health and safety legislation or face serious punishment.