Much has happened since our last newsletter, starting with the final implementation of the Companies Act 2006 on 1st October, which encompasses a change in the way Companies House operates as well as variations in the law that will affect you whether you are a private or public company.
Key changes include an easier approach to the forming and administration of new companies, the abolition of the authorised share capital concept, and the fact that directors may now file a service rather than a residential address in the public record.
Find out more about the changes and how they will affect your business by clicking here to read this month's article on our website.
Some of you may have seen the Mail on Sunday headline article about the work of the Court Protection. Gail Donaldson of our Private Client department has posted an informative piece reviewing the article and providing some of her own observations. To read Gail's article click here.
The Mortgage Store reflect this month upon the Nationwide's report that house prices are now at the same level they were a year ago and with the Stamp Duty threshold returning from £125,000 to £175,000 from 31st December 2009, now is a good time for first time buyers to get onto the property ladder, especially with the planned VAT rate increase from 1st January 2010, which will automatically add an additional 2.5% to the cost of moving home.
And finally, November will see the start of the next Will Aid campaign, which we at Neves are proud to support once again this year. The idea behind Will Aid is that we will prepare a basic will free of charge and you will instead make a recommended donation to Will Aid which then supports charities such as the British Red Cross, Help the Aged and the NSPCC. For more information contact us or view the Will Aid website. If you think that you do not need a will then read Gail Donaldson's short article "Make that Will" which details the potential consequences if you do not, or book to attend at the seminar detailed below to find out the tax consequences of not having a properly prepared will.
Neves News
 The Partners of Neves are very pleased to announce the arrival of Gail Donaldson who has joined our Private Client department at our Milton Keynes office. Gail comes to Neves with a wealth of experience and all at Neves are very excited to have Gail on board. To find out more about Gail view her profile on our website.
We are very pleased to confirm that the second in the series of seminars being hosted by Neves in association with Luton based accountants Keens Shay Keens will take place on Tuesday 4th November. This follows the very successful first instalment which took place in September where those attending received some very useful information on the topics of property investment, pensions and wills. The topic of the next seminar will be "Who Inherits Your Wealth - Could it be the Taxman?". To book your free place or for more information click here.
Staying with the theme of seminars, Stewart Matthews of our commercial department has been asked to guest speak at the regular Business Builder Forum hosted by Toddington based Landers the Accountants. The event, which is called "How to Sell (or buy) a Business in Turbulent Times" will take place on Thursday 19th November and is free to attend, but prior booking is essential so for more information click here.
Legal News
New Minimum Wage Rates: Be Aware
 As of 1 October, new National Minimum Wage rates apply and news of this comes with a reminder of the New Enforcement Policy that came in on 6 April this year; both covered on our website this month. Workers aged 22+ are now entitled to earn £5.80 an hour; 8-21 year olds £4.83 per hour and 16-17-year-olds £3.57 per hour. It has also been announced that tips and service charges may no longer constitute a part of staff salaries. For advice on Minimum Wage issues or any other employee related matters, contact us.
No More House of Lords
 1 October 2009 sees a new Supreme Court for the United Kingdom replace the House of Lords as the highest appeal court in the land to act on points of law across the entire United Kingdom in civil cases; and for England, Wales and Northern Ireland in criminal cases. You can read the full story on our website.
Data Protection Act: Do you Comply?
 A new code of practice issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) offers guidance to anyone that collects personal information to help them comply with best practice under the Data Protection Act. Individuals should be given as much control as possible over how their personal information is used and disclosed and it should be made straightforward for customers to opt in or out of receiving marketing material as well as being made clearly aware of their rights in this concern. Our website carries the full story but please contact us immediately if you are in any doubt as to your duties under the Data Protection Act because failure to comply could lead to imprisonment.
Asbestos: Know your Duties
 Asbestos is the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in the UK according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and every year 1,000 people involved in building maintenance and repair work die as a result of past exposure. As many half a million commercial buildings could still contain asbestos and it is when repairs or maintenance are undertaken that the dangerous fibres can be released and inhaled. New guidance recently published by the HSE explains obligations concerning the management of asbestos and provides a useful checklist of steps that must be taken as well as an asbestos management plan. If you are responsible for maintenance and repairs of premises covered by the Regulations, you have a duty to manage asbestos so take a look at this month’s article on our website and contact us should you need further guidance.
Age Discrimination Checklist
 Much ado about retirement age over the past few weeks and on this subject, the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 aim to eradicate discrimination in the workplace on the grounds of age, in any form. Under the Regulations, making employment decisions based on a person’s age is unlawful and currently retirement ages below 65 are unlawful unless they can be objectively justified. Upper age limits for unfair dismissal rights and statutory redundancy payments are also removed by the Regulations. Our Employment Library offers a useful, comprehensive check list to help you ensure your business complies with the law and of course we are on hand to provide advice and guidance should you need it.
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