When hiring, employers need to understand the differences between an employee and a contractor to avoid costly consequences. Many businesses get it wrong when determining if a worker is an employee or contractor because they are not ensuring the arrangements have been set up correctly. It is essential to get the decision right because businesses will face different tax and …

The holidays are a vital time for small businesses to market their brand effectively, or risk being drowned out by the sea of competitors. Despite the vast range of literature and resources on how to be a successful marketer, there are some very common, avoidable mistakes that many small business owners make that may be holding back their business’ marketing …

The new Director Penalty Regime came into place in June 2012. It once and for all clears up any suggestion that a director can have a passive involvement in a company. It provides a stern warning to company directors that this position has great responsibilities. Unless directors closely monitor their company’s activity, they are placing themselves at great risk. Companies, …

Unusually long operating hours, public holidays and demanding customers can be a recipe for disaster. The best way to avoid the holiday period chaos is to have a well thought-out operating plan. The following are a few tips that will ensure your business maximises its potential. Have all staff well prepared for the rush periods, train them extensively where possible …

As the festive season approaches, many businesses may be starting to plan Christmas functions and thinking about offering their staff, clients and suppliers Christmas gifts. Something that is often forgotten at this time is the tax implications these bring. Here are 10 things about providing such benefits to employees that might help make things a little clearer. The costs of …

As employees look forward to celebrating the year gone by, employers should not lose sight of their responsibilities. It is easy for staff to become overly enthusiastic at office functions. However, it is the employer who may be held liable for any injury or misadventure suffered by an employee at or directly after an office function, especially if alcohol is …