New to business , it is a limited company , I had some stock that wasn’t compliant with law at the back of the shop until it could be safely disposed of . Member of staff also brought some items in the shop which I was unaware of as used one of the boxes as they were sending off again an item ( which was tobacco ) they bought . Trading standards took these items and I was asked to go into the office under caution , I got legal representation however TS are not replying to them. Solicitor has said they not going away but how long does this normally take I believe I havnt done anything wrong but this is all taking a long time to get any answers

I'm looking for recommendations for a business advice support service in Hertfordshire please.

For advice on business plan, trademark, intellectual property, licensing.

Thank you for any suggestions.

Hi everyone

Hope all is well. I've been selling online from the last 25 years on different platforms including ebay.
From the last 3 months, I've been receiving extraordinary number of customers claims for missing items. So I guess I made around 20-25 royal mail claims. As we all aware, we cant wait till royal mail investigation so as a reputated business seller I always offer a full refund or a replacement to the claimant.

Now since I made the claims with Royal mail, they have asked me different supporting docs which included, statement of customer asking for missing item, proof of my purchase price. Then they asked for the payment proof of purchasing goods. After submitting all the evidences, they have now written to my customers.

I do get many repeat customers just because of my quality, price and customer service. When I received emails from a few customers yesterday telling me about receiving an investigation letter from Royal mail it was quite embarrassing for me. I rang Royal mail just to ask them why they are writing letters after gathering all the evidences from me. I was been told that my claims have been sent to their security dept for fraud interrogation! Absolutely ridiculous statement!

One of the Customer was asking me why has he been dragged into this? I'm feeling a risk of losing my repeat customers after these letters.

The Royal mail should fix their system so they can prove their deliveries rather than ruining our business on the name of fraud! People aren't comfortable to get involved into their investigation mess.

So my questions, is this normal kind of thing to happen? I'm more concerned for those who have received the replacements rather than a refund. So if they don't mention about replacement will I lose my claim? I think there is a chance of few customers who won't answer so will those affect my investigation? Can RM accuse me even after providing all the supporting documents? I'm happy to challenge so what will be my options? Is it worth to challenge as most of the claims are for under 20 quid...

Just to add, after receiving notice from ebay twice for high number of claims within a specific time-frame we have now switched to Yodel with a better hope. So far it's going good but we are in stress due to Royal mail's action.

I shall look forward to hear any experiences...

Many thanks

Hi

It has come to my attention that a separate, unaffiliated business overseas in Lagos, Nigeria has been established under the same name as mine on Google.

Who can I contact to stop the company to use the same name as mine. I have been in touch with companies house and they cant help.

Any advice will be welcomed, thanks for your time and help

Nicky

Hopefully, a discussion on this is timely and useful for people.

The analogue switchoff has prompted me to move us to VOIP and in doing so I have switched to subscribing to separate cloud VOIP and Broadband contracts, a policy which annoys the telecom sales people but give us better flexibility. (incidentally, I believe VOIP intrinsically should be cheaper than the old phone system but I've noticed the big telecom companies are using the transition to fool their unsuspecting customers into paying way over the odds and in many cases more than you used to pay...). I now want to switch our broadband-only subscription and for redundancy, only a setup with a 4G/5G backup will do. Currently we use Virgin Media but their O2 4G backup has never worked for us and we find Virgin's reliability not very good.

BT do this and probably EE has the best signal in our area so that's the obvious choice. Their website currently gives me 2 deals that include the backup:
Standard Fibre 76 Essential £27.95 pm + £8 Hybrid backup add-on = £35.95pm. 2 year contract.
Standard Fibre 76 Enhanced £37.95pm [it's worth paying the extra £2 for to get the other benefits/add-ons]. 2 year contract.
BT sales people regularly ring and I asked one of them for any better deals and got this:
£33.95 Free install / £9.95 Hub delivery – 5 year contract. SOEGA enhanced - Single order Generic Ethernet Access
£39.95 Free install / £9.95 Hub delivery – 3 year contract

I'm not keen to be tied in for 3+ years and anyway the 3 year is more expensive than the default Enhanced. Salesman was not clear about what the difference/benefit of the SOEGA thing is over the Enhanced package [anyone know?]. I also rang EE who offer the same and can do it a bit cheaper if you already have an EE contract in the business name but this does not apply to us.

Does anyone know of any other options with decent 4G backup? Thanks for any advice/input.

Hi all, wondering if someone might be able to advise me on the issues I am having.
Close to the end of first big covid lockdown I setup a new company (small cafe)
Myself and my business partner signed the lease in our own names and not the company name. The lease was for 4 years. The company did not make it through the lockdowns and cost of living and we closed the business after sinking thousands of pounds trying to keep it afloat.
We surrendered the keys back which were not accepted by the landlord however they had the keys and we have never gone back to the premises. At the start the landlord tried to chase us for the remaining lease but after sending them proof we could not pay they seemed to have backed off. We applied to have the company struck off and that is currently with company house and we will know very soon if anyone objects.
However, main issue is we are both receiving rate bills and threat of court action from the local council. The rates are past years right through to the end 2024/2025 even though our lease was surrendered and even if not accepted would legally terminate October 2024.

Sorry for the long winded question but looking any advice as we just cannot afford anything towards paying the rates. Everything we had we put into the business and since closing it down we have both been unemployed.

Hi all, we plan on starting a scrap metal export buiseness, where we export scrap to India; however we are having difficulties finding suppliers of large amounts of scrap metal here in the UK

Does anyone know of where the best place to purchase quantities of scrap would be

Thanks for your help in advance

There is a block of 100 flats where each flat owner has one share in the freehold company (FC Ltd, total share capital 100 shares). FC Ltd owns the freehold and is responsible for service charges, maintenance etc. The directors want to propose a resolution at the next AGM so that only owner-occupiers can be directors.

1) Would this be an Ordinary or a Special resolution?
2) Are there any legal issues in doing this (as in, would any resolution actually be legal)?

The company Articles don't say anything relevant.

Hi

Yep I can use Google... but there doesn't seem to be anyone in the UK who provides / sells decent retail space furniture for an apparel boutique?

I've only found Mandai Design in Germany which I like but is expensive

Which I like. Anyone know any more?

Hi hope you're all well, Im looking for guidance and mentorship regarding starting a domiciliary care agency. I worked as a healthcare assistant during the pandemic and I fell in love with the job. I became a senior shortly after, but throughout my time working i identified a lot of issues that seemed like they could easily be resolved with care compassion and better management. Still, i guess not everyone sees the job the same way as i did and just need advice regarding how do I go about things. So far I'm enrolled on a required level 5 diploma course. I need to establish the business while I'm on this course but I genuinely don't know what steps to take, if anyone can please provide me with mentorship and guidance I would really appreciate it, thank you.

I am the sole director of a Ltd Co which has not traded since 2019 and has around £90k of retained profit. The company hasn't been made dormant or been wound up/struck off, and I have been submitting annual returns on time each year.
I would now like to start taking a salary out of the retained profits - up to the NIC threshold - which would be my sole source of income (until the pensions start to kick in, anyway!).
Would there be any issues in taking a salary even though there is no new income coming in to the business?

Good afternoon.I'm interested in the issue of investing business from the state,can the state allocate a loan to start a business or not?Where can I ask for help?Thank you.

Hi, I need to buy a flat soon to live. My budget is £240K. Looking around Lewisham and Ruislip area and they are all £250K-£300 for a 1 bed. I have no idea if this is the right price. Estate agent tells me that there are more sellers than buyers so surely that means its a buyer market. How much discount should I ask for - I saw one today that I like - its £275K with 116K year lease; should I make an offer for £240K? - I haven't got a clue what is a correct price and what isn't but whatever it maybe I will probably live there for the next 15 years.

Hello Everyone I am new to internet marketing/affiliate marketing please I want someone to tell me the best site or way to share my affiliate link.

A company has not preformed on an agreement.
I can document where I tried to get the agreement in writing and signed.
The agreement was to get the company on to a preferred suppliers list and they would pay my company 5% of each tender they won.
They paid my company 5% of the tender award on 6 occasions
They then won two jobs both around 2M and say that the earlier payments where discretionary and have brought in the big gun lawyers. Below is a statement from their lawyer in a small claims action

Whilst the Defendant agrees that the Claimant helped to facilitate an introduction, the Defendant denies that there was ever any agreement between the parties that would establish an enforceable right to commission (both in relation to Shannon Grove and any other projects). The Defendant's position is that any payment that was discussed was always strictly on the basis that payments would be in the Defendant's sole discretion (to be exercised based on, for example, the profitability of the scheme). The Defendant points to other speculative claims made by the Claimant to support the notion that the Claimant's claim is opportunistic


I have a good handle on this but it was agreed in a meeting and the defendant paid all the invoices consecutively and paid the agreed 5% of the award value..

With the elements that form a contract I understand whether verbal or written. Their conduct makes them complicit of forming a contract

On all my company’s invoices is written ;
As agreed 5% payment on ongoing invoiced work carried out on behalf of the contracting company ( I have left the name out)

On one of the awards of 5% the defendant did some work at a property I own and deducted the following amount and asked me to invoice the rest
Invoices amounted to
3500 +vat
1078 + vat
=
2974 was billed for works carried out
The contract award was £150,000.00
In a witness statement to the court they are saying that the agreed figure was 3 % based on discretion.
Please someone could they tell me am I going mad and how they can stand in a court and say that this breaks the chain of causation?
My company’s claim is confirm that there is an existence of a contract for 5% and for damages an owed sum left on the contract that being £1881 plus interest @ 8%
My claim has to be enforceable on the above basis of what was damaged and the sum amount left to pay on the contract… right?
I am trying to establish a contract then once I have the Precedence then I can sort a winding up petition on the company without fear of incurring, a cost order in the Insolvency courts..
an obvious cheaper route …
An interesting case of greed and enrichment …

Hello I am new to this forum and in need of some advice please. I helped a family member who runs a very successful company abroad, set up a limited company here by providing a UK address and contact details. I was appointed as a director in name only with no control. Apparently I am a shareholder. Although the company files an annual report to HMRC the company has made no money and since 2021 when I was appointed as a director, has had almost no running costs and I’d all but forgotten about it. Last tax statement I researched there was some sort of balance of less than £2000 and limited activity. The family member is the only other director and shareholder with complete control and the majority of shares. I received an email out of the blue alerting me that as the other shareholder even though the company hasnt made any money, to expect a bill for running costs and goods and services rendered even though I didn’t authorise any expenses. Am I liable for this and if so how much can they charge me? I’m a widow in part time employment and can barely make ends meet. Im so worried. Any advice is greatfully received. Thank you

If both directors of a company came to a decision to separate from the company and only one of the directors has taken a salary from the company and the other director decided not to take a salary, is that director legally entitled to the total salary i've accumulated over the amount of time that I started to take out a salary for myself as well as half of the profit that the company has generated?

I recently registered in trustpilot to collect customer reviews for my new business. I recieved my first 2 ratings both 5 stars. But I am dumbfounded to see the total calculations is 3.8??
Can anyone tell what's happening? Thanks in advance.

I've just been approached by someone who is wanting to start a limited company business (a cafe) and wishes to use my services.

They have found a business and are finally due to sign for it at the end of the month - no money to buy the business just a new tenancy agreement with the landlord.

My question is: the accountant of the current limited company who has left the property set her up as a director thinking she was taking over their limited company and hence it's debts which is obviously not the case. He resigned her so on companies house it shows as being a director and resigning on the same day. No shareholder just director.

How does she sit if debt collectors come calling if they can see she is on companies house as a director of one company and the owner of the new one? She'll have a new lease etc in place but will that be enough to show the genuine error and that she isn't connected with both companies and therefore not responsible for any money due out on the old limited company? Or does she need to set up her company using someone else as the front person for a period of time? I'm just worried she'll get hit and the stress of the old companies paye, electric bills etc that are undoubtedly unpaid

Hi,

I am a sole trader and I have recently bought a commercial vehicle and I am struggling to get to grips with how to enter it on my account software and looking forward, to include it on my tax return. If I run through how I have purchased it, maybe someone would be kind enough to point me in the right direction, as I thought I knew what I was doing until I over thought it!

I introduced capital to my business account with personal money (£19000 personal loan), and with that I purchased a van for £19000. The van will be used solely for business and not for personal use, and I shall keep mileage records to support this. My accounts package records this as a vehicle purchase and one presumes that the amount spent will be reflected in my tax return, as the van is a company purchase. My problem is then how do I reclaim that introduced capital monthly? How do I record it? And presumably I should be charging interest on the capital introduced to pay the correct monthly charge?

This may be more simple than I am making it, which is why I’m throwing it out there as I seemed to have got myself in a bit of a knot!

Many thanks in advance

Hi everyone,


I’m reaching out to gather some insights on improving accounting practices for small businesses. Our company, R&A Burns Accountants, is dedicated to providing tailored accounting solutions to help businesses like ours streamline their financial processes.


We are exploring ways to enhance our services and better support our clients with their accounting needs. Specifically, we are interested in:

1. Effective Strategies: What strategies have worked for you in improving accounting efficiency and accuracy?
2. Technology Integration: How have you leveraged technology to simplify accounting tasks and reporting?
3. Client Communication: Any tips on maintaining clear and effective communication with clients regarding their financial matters?

We appreciate any advice or experiences you can share. If you have any recommendations for tools or best practices that have benefitted your business, we would love to hear them.

Hi Everyone,
I am in the process of starting up a Bookkeeping Practice. Can anyone tell me where i can find templates for company polices and risk assessments?

Also, i'm thinking of starting with a partner, i have a licence but she doesn't. Would she need to go through HMRC for supervision or can we both work under my licence?

Thanks in advance.

Hi,


Can I pay myself salary as a director up to the tax free allowance, even if the company profits are very low proportionally to the 12k allowance? Do this each year until its making more profit then 12k and starts recovering by it self?

But from the point of HMRC, is this reasonable expense? I would say yes. Reasons: It uses the allowances and legal methods to reduce tax liability. Evidence of work, will be passed easily. What ever salary I assign, its my effort that has to be expensed. While later taking all salary to Director loan, has nothing to do with the expense actually.

Any opinions on my judgement? I will soon be a accountant, so it should be a good understanding or am I a tax avoider


Thanks to all.

I am looking for any information that could help me navigate what might be a tricky situation.
I am from NZ and am currently residing and working in Ireland. My Auntie (my deceased Uncles wife) owns properties and 2 businesses in London. Since my Uncles passing management and general running of businesses is falling behind a bit.
There has been discussions about taking me into the fold in London and helping with the management and running of her affairs. But legally I can't just move there and help.
However looking into the gifting laws of the UK it seems that she could gift me one of the businesses.
This would then allow me to move to London take over the business and operate as I see fit.
My queries around this pertain to
1: Is this a legal way of transferring a business
2: Can I, as a non resident, receive the business and live in the UK legally
3: Could I alter the structure of the business and offer my services to other businesses (eg. sub contract/hands on work/consultancy)
4: Would the business that is gifted bring with it any debts business or personal
5: Has anyone seen or dealt with a situation like this before

Any information about any of the points above will be greatly appreciated as will any advice about this matter that I am overlooking.

Hello, I am looking to register a new trade mark within the UK and EU and wondered if any of you had any suggestions as to the best company to use? There are many out there, some of which I have had quotes from however the searches performed by them did not inspire confidence in me due to not identifying possible objections or conflicts from other businesses I am aware of who have part of the name within the name I want to register - if that makes sense ;-D

Thank you in advance