Island Business Online

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has criticised the Government's proposals announced on 5 August which aim to tackle bureaucracy and red tape for business.

The National Audit Office (NAO) has released its latest Business Perceptions Survey 2010 which highlights the regulations that small businesses find most burdensome.

On Tuesday, 20 July, the Chancellor George Osborne and Exchequer Secretary David Gauke established the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS).

Unemployment rates remain high, but the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has reported that more private firms are planning to recruit staff in 2010 than last year, writes Business Link South East.

As part of a Customs Law Modernisation Project, HMRC wish to identify a number of small businesses that would be prepared to be involved with the impact assessment which will form part of their consultative document.

Ofcom has drawn up a draft code of practice relating to the Digital Economy Act and is asking for your feedback.

Although the Bill received cross-party support and was included in the Queen's Speech in the middle of November 2009, most UK businesses are unaware of the new legislation and just how far its areas of influence reach.

Research undertaken earlier this year by the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) revealed that 20 per cent of business owners are worried that they are getting their employment obligations wrong, while a further 34 per cent believe that employment legislation is not relevant to their business.

Small businesses get access to information about public sector contracts, but some may find the process of bidding difficult and daunting with a common concern being the need for insurances to be in place before bidding for a contract, writes Business Link South East.

Since 6 April 2010 businesses can face fines of up to £500,000 if they breach data protection laws, writes Business Link South East.

A report published by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), which compares the UK and EU regulatory systems, argues that Westminster does not do enough to scrutinise legislation originating from Brussels, and too often employs a simple "tick box" mentality rather than robust analysis of its impact.

Business Link South East have provided some useful information about the tax returns and payroll changes which came into force on 1 April 2010.

An Isle of Wight barrister is offering direct access to company directors and sole traders without the need for them to go through a solicitor.

With the 6 April 2010 Common Commencement Date (CCD) for regulations approaching, Business Link is encouraging businesses from every sector to check the Business Link website for any upcoming legislative changes that may affect them.

Changes to align powers, deterrents, and safeguards in the tax system will be introduced by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) from 1 April.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging businesses to get ready for major changes to VAT and PAYE coming in this spring.

Firms which cause nuisance and distress to consumers through silent and abandoned calls will face a new maximum fine of £2 million, Kevin Brennan, Minister for Consumer Affairs has confirmed.

If your business is considering exporting or importing goods, you should check whether you need a licence, advises the UK Trade and Investment Team South East.

In today's information-rich society businesses operate in an era where intellectual property can provide a larger competitive advantage than land or labour; so ensuring you get the correct protection for your intellectual property is essential to avoid time consuming and costly legal disputes.

The 'Know Your Consumer Rights' campaign is a joint initiative by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), Consumer Direct, and Consumer Focus, to make sure shoppers get a fair deal.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched its first ever 'Super Podcast', to alert businesses to major changes in the way they file and pay VAT, PAYE, and corporation tax.

Agents are reminded by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that there is just one month to go before the deadlines for re-claiming tax change.

2010 is a key year for chemicals registration and notification.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued an urgent alert to employers; important PAYE changes are coming this spring, so make sure you're prepared for them.

Businesses are saving nearly three billion pounds a year due to the Government's simplification programme which aims to get rid of unnecessary paperwork, saving firms time, money and hassle, according to the latest report published on 14 January.

Consumer Minister Kevin Brennan has announced that he has accepted the Competition Commission's recommendation for a body to enforce the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP).

HM Revenue and Customs have announced that some 10,000 people have notified their intention to disclose previously undeclared offshore income and gains.

New powers preserving the pint and the mile came into force on 1 January after the Government's success in Europe, with the new legislation also ensuring that any business using imperial units alongside metric can continue with business as usual.

It's now easier to keep up with your legal obligations to staff, thanks to the Department for Business' free Employment Law Organiser, reports Investors in People.