Infozone – the briefing:18/12/09
NEW YEAR'S EVEN VAT HANGOVER COULD COST BUSINESSES DEARLY
Transaction processing consultant Clarity Commerce has warned operators to plan now for VAT change, which will return to 17.5% at midnight on New Year's Eve, or suffer the resulting headache.
In a Government impact assessment, it estimates that implementing changes to VAT will cost millions in administration fees as businesses align themselves with the old rate of 17.5%.
Justin Hollins, director of business development at Clarity Retail Systems, said: "If you're a 24-hour business, such as a nightclub, hotel or convenience store, you're going to run through the night regardless.
"That said, what you need to decide - and this is true for every business - is whether to change your systems in advance, at midnight, at a given point during the session, the next day or in a couple of days' time. You mustn't forget to do it, or worse, ignore it.
"By asking yourself the questions outlined you'll gain an insight into what will work for you and your business.
"With this understanding you can plan for the change, ensuring you won't get caught short and leaving you to sit back, relax and enjoy the festivities."
FREE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND MARKETING MASTERCLASSES
People 1st and Business Link have announced a series of seven free employer masterclasses to help hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism businesses find out how they can deliver a better customer experience and access Train to Gain Government funding.
The masterclasses comprise two half-day workshops. Delegates will receive a free recruitment package to the industry-dedicated uksp.co.uk website for six months - worth £500 - and entry into a prize draw at each event to win £1,000 of Stonebow training.
Brian Wisdom, chief executive of People 1st, said: "Our aim is to educate small and medium-sized businesses and HR directors in these areas we have identified as crucial to the success of running a business in hospitality and are too often left to run on a back burner or cut out altogether."
The masterclasses will take place in key venues in England in January. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. To register visit www.people1st-events.co.uk
