From our point of view there’s one simple, fundamental solution to improve payment performance: make it easy for your clients to pay.
According to a recent publication from the Institute of Credit Management (ICM), only half of all businesses offer their clients the facility to pay by direct debit. This is cashflow madness considering that direct debits are cheaper to process than cheques, and gives the business total control over the payment dates and amounts.
Cashflow is as crucial to your client as it is to you. Enabling your client to budget its payments to you reduces the likelihood of unpaid invoices. Transparency about what costs need to be paid and when, significantly lowers a business’ aged debtors and increases cashflow.
In case they need persuading, another benefit your client may not be aware includes the added protection of the Direct Debit Guarantee which protects them against payment error.
With the future of cheques in the balance (no pun intended), why not use this opportunity to streamline your collection process and eliminate the oldest and well-worn excuse for non payment: “The cheque’s in the post”!
You can contact Lucy Tarrant, Head of our Debt Recovery Team for more information, by email: ltarrant@mayowynnebaxter.co.uk or tel: (01273)223226.
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Friday, 5 March 2010
Private landlords hit by rent arrears
Nearly 75% of landlords have been hit by rent arrears as tenants struggle in the recession, a new report reveals. Figures recently released by The National Landlords Association (NLA) show that more than 40% of the landlord’s lobbied have experienced problems with non payment of rent within the last twelve months.
With the credit-crunch hitting last year, the property market was sent into disarray and unemployment figures soared. Inevitably this has affected the ability of many tenants to meet their rent obligations. As a result many landlords, who are themselves financially reliant upon the receipt of rent payments, simply cannot allow their tenants a prolonged period of leniency before taking action to regain possession.
Steven Holt, a litigation solicitor in Mayo Wynne Baxter’s Eastbourne office, has seen a marked increase in the number of landlords requiring advice on rent arrears and tenancy repossessions. “The problem of rent arrears and regaining possession of a property from a tenant can be a real headache, both in the procedure involved in the eviction process, and the costs involved in taking action,” he said. “Many landlords are naturally nervous of starting legal proceedings against their tenants for fear of incurring a large bill which adds insult to an already injured bank balance!”
“The decision of what to do is a bit easier to make if landlords know in advance what their overall financial commitment will be. We have a fixed price scheme for residential landlords where the total cost of obtaining possession and rent arrears is a maximum of £600 plus court costs. We hope this will help landlords recover lost revenue and keep in the black.”
For further details on the scheme or to speak to one of the Mayo Wynne Baxter team, please email ast@mayowynnebaxter.co.uk or telephone Steven Holt or Carolyn Olive on (01323) 730543 or (01273) 775533. Remember you can call any of our expert and friendly solicitors in Sussex with your legal issues at anytime.
With the credit-crunch hitting last year, the property market was sent into disarray and unemployment figures soared. Inevitably this has affected the ability of many tenants to meet their rent obligations. As a result many landlords, who are themselves financially reliant upon the receipt of rent payments, simply cannot allow their tenants a prolonged period of leniency before taking action to regain possession.
Steven Holt, a litigation solicitor in Mayo Wynne Baxter’s Eastbourne office, has seen a marked increase in the number of landlords requiring advice on rent arrears and tenancy repossessions. “The problem of rent arrears and regaining possession of a property from a tenant can be a real headache, both in the procedure involved in the eviction process, and the costs involved in taking action,” he said. “Many landlords are naturally nervous of starting legal proceedings against their tenants for fear of incurring a large bill which adds insult to an already injured bank balance!”
“The decision of what to do is a bit easier to make if landlords know in advance what their overall financial commitment will be. We have a fixed price scheme for residential landlords where the total cost of obtaining possession and rent arrears is a maximum of £600 plus court costs. We hope this will help landlords recover lost revenue and keep in the black.”
For further details on the scheme or to speak to one of the Mayo Wynne Baxter team, please email ast@mayowynnebaxter.co.uk or telephone Steven Holt or Carolyn Olive on (01323) 730543 or (01273) 775533. Remember you can call any of our expert and friendly solicitors in Sussex with your legal issues at anytime.
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
Mayo Wynne Baxter at the Starting Over Show- “Everything you need to know about breaking up and starting over”
Many of us have experienced a painful and emotional relationship break up, and looking ahead positively can be a difficult thing to do.
Sussex Solicitors Mayo Wynne Baxter are again proud to be attending the Starting Over Show 2010. The event helps thousands of people every year in making life changing decisions after a separation, and Mayo Wynne Baxter will be offering free legal advice to visitors at the show through one to one surgeries.
The show, which was the first event in the UK of its kind, offers a multitude of expert knowledge and insight, including health tips, how to kick start your new business aspirations, financial advice, as well as being a welcoming environment for singletons of all ages and backgrounds.
Over 140,000 couples divorce each year in the UK, with the South coast providing some of the highest statistics in the country.
The separation process is often complex and emotionally draining. The knowledgeable, friendly and approachable lawyers from the Family Team at Mayo Wynne Baxter will provide expert legal advice at our surgeries during the event. Anyone with divorce, civil partnership or co-habitee issues, irrespective of your situation, can come and speak to us confidentially and without obligation or charge.
The show starts in London on the 7th March before making its way to Brighton on Sunday 28tth March. We honestly believe this is a fantastic opportunity to turn over a new leaf, start afresh and establish your personal and business ambitions, all with the support of caring and inspiring people around you.
Contact our Family Team to find out more leading up to the show, or to book your free appointment at our legal surgeries on the day of the show.
For more information visit www.startingovershow.co.uk
Sussex Solicitors Mayo Wynne Baxter are again proud to be attending the Starting Over Show 2010. The event helps thousands of people every year in making life changing decisions after a separation, and Mayo Wynne Baxter will be offering free legal advice to visitors at the show through one to one surgeries.
The show, which was the first event in the UK of its kind, offers a multitude of expert knowledge and insight, including health tips, how to kick start your new business aspirations, financial advice, as well as being a welcoming environment for singletons of all ages and backgrounds.
Over 140,000 couples divorce each year in the UK, with the South coast providing some of the highest statistics in the country.
The separation process is often complex and emotionally draining. The knowledgeable, friendly and approachable lawyers from the Family Team at Mayo Wynne Baxter will provide expert legal advice at our surgeries during the event. Anyone with divorce, civil partnership or co-habitee issues, irrespective of your situation, can come and speak to us confidentially and without obligation or charge.
The show starts in London on the 7th March before making its way to Brighton on Sunday 28tth March. We honestly believe this is a fantastic opportunity to turn over a new leaf, start afresh and establish your personal and business ambitions, all with the support of caring and inspiring people around you.
Contact our Family Team to find out more leading up to the show, or to book your free appointment at our legal surgeries on the day of the show.
For more information visit www.startingovershow.co.uk
Monday, 8 February 2010
The Sussex Food ‘Oscars’ always leave a positive, lasting taste
I’ve been working with the farming community in Sussex for most of my career, so felt more than just a hint of pride as our food and drink producers were celebrated at the Sussex Food and Drink Awards last week.
It was a real red carpet event, attended by the great and the good in their glad rags. I was there to represent Mayo Wynne Baxter Sussex Solicitors as dignified sponsor of the Sussex Drink Producer of the Year. This was deservedly won by Hepworth Brewery in Horsham. They make the delicious Hepworth Sussex, a real ale brewed only from hops and barley grown in this county.
The winners of all seven categories are real champions and have done so much to promote local produce and I applaud them for their passion, integrity and their capacity for sheer hard work.
And hats off to the chefs and staff at the East Sussex National who created a fabulous five course meal almost entirely from Sussex produce. I was amazed at the variety and quality of what we have on our doorstep – cheese, beef, seafood, fruit, vegetables, dairy produce, beer and wine. It seems we can even produce delicious red wine, something I never would have thought possible a few years ago. Now there’s no excuse for not eating local – thank goodness I live in Sussex!
For further information and some fantastic photos visit www.sussexfoodawards.com
It was a real red carpet event, attended by the great and the good in their glad rags. I was there to represent Mayo Wynne Baxter Sussex Solicitors as dignified sponsor of the Sussex Drink Producer of the Year. This was deservedly won by Hepworth Brewery in Horsham. They make the delicious Hepworth Sussex, a real ale brewed only from hops and barley grown in this county.
The winners of all seven categories are real champions and have done so much to promote local produce and I applaud them for their passion, integrity and their capacity for sheer hard work.
And hats off to the chefs and staff at the East Sussex National who created a fabulous five course meal almost entirely from Sussex produce. I was amazed at the variety and quality of what we have on our doorstep – cheese, beef, seafood, fruit, vegetables, dairy produce, beer and wine. It seems we can even produce delicious red wine, something I never would have thought possible a few years ago. Now there’s no excuse for not eating local – thank goodness I live in Sussex!
For further information and some fantastic photos visit www.sussexfoodawards.com
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
VAT and Exports - Prove It or Lose It
Small items of high value have always represented a major problem for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), since they are the favoured means by which criminals commit a simple VAT fraud. In essence, the fraud works by producing evidence that goods have been purchased or imported (which leads to a recoverable VAT charge) and then exported (so they are zero-rated on sale).
The net effect is that the VAT incurred on purchase or import is recovered. Normally there is a chain of businesses involved and, at some point, one of them ‘disappears’ having not paid the VAT due. The net result is that VAT is paid out by HMRC and this is never balanced by VAT paid to HMRC. IT equipment of various sorts and mobile phones are favoured items to use in what are described as ‘missing trader’ or ‘carousel’ frauds (the latter because the same goods can go round and round in circles, being used to commit several frauds).
Needless to say, HMRC are often very picky about the evidence of exportation they will accept as valid. Recently, they brought to court a claim for zero-rating of goods which it had been claimed had been exported. The case illustrates how HMRC can create problems for businesses which appear to be innocent parties in a chain of transactions that HMRC believe to be suspect at some point in the chain, and it sounds a warning bell for businesses that export goods.
HMRC argued that the company’s evidence for export was inadequate. The VAT Tribunal agreed, partly because the company had taken no steps to make sure it was not involved in any fraudulent transactions.
“It is absolutely critical for exporters to make sure their documentation is adequate to support their claim that goods have been exported and thus qualify for zero-rating for VAT purposes,” says David Gordon, Head of the Corporate Team at Mayo Wynne Baxter.
The exporter appealed, arguing that the Tribunal was wrong. The Tribunal had concentrated on the company’s lack of effort to make sure the transactions were not fraudulent. The company also argued that as it held a CMR consignment notice as evidence of export and this had initially been accepted by HMRC as valid, HMRC could not later refuse to accept its validity. Furthermore, HMRC had not accused the company of fraud.
The court sided with HMRC: the Tribunal’s decision that there was inadequate evidence of export of the goods must stand. Case law held that possession of a CMR consignment notice could not be regarded as conclusive proof of export. If you’re looking for expert solicitors who specialise in commercial law services, in particular surrounding VAT and fraud issues, please contact us today.
The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.
The net effect is that the VAT incurred on purchase or import is recovered. Normally there is a chain of businesses involved and, at some point, one of them ‘disappears’ having not paid the VAT due. The net result is that VAT is paid out by HMRC and this is never balanced by VAT paid to HMRC. IT equipment of various sorts and mobile phones are favoured items to use in what are described as ‘missing trader’ or ‘carousel’ frauds (the latter because the same goods can go round and round in circles, being used to commit several frauds).
Needless to say, HMRC are often very picky about the evidence of exportation they will accept as valid. Recently, they brought to court a claim for zero-rating of goods which it had been claimed had been exported. The case illustrates how HMRC can create problems for businesses which appear to be innocent parties in a chain of transactions that HMRC believe to be suspect at some point in the chain, and it sounds a warning bell for businesses that export goods.
HMRC argued that the company’s evidence for export was inadequate. The VAT Tribunal agreed, partly because the company had taken no steps to make sure it was not involved in any fraudulent transactions.
“It is absolutely critical for exporters to make sure their documentation is adequate to support their claim that goods have been exported and thus qualify for zero-rating for VAT purposes,” says David Gordon, Head of the Corporate Team at Mayo Wynne Baxter.
The exporter appealed, arguing that the Tribunal was wrong. The Tribunal had concentrated on the company’s lack of effort to make sure the transactions were not fraudulent. The company also argued that as it held a CMR consignment notice as evidence of export and this had initially been accepted by HMRC as valid, HMRC could not later refuse to accept its validity. Furthermore, HMRC had not accused the company of fraud.
The court sided with HMRC: the Tribunal’s decision that there was inadequate evidence of export of the goods must stand. Case law held that possession of a CMR consignment notice could not be regarded as conclusive proof of export. If you’re looking for expert solicitors who specialise in commercial law services, in particular surrounding VAT and fraud issues, please contact us today.
The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.
Friday, 22 January 2010
Will you be attending our free seminar on Brand Protection?
I’ve been preparing for the next on our schedule of free seminars given by Mayo Wynne Baxter’s Media and Creative Industries Team (MACI). This latest is on Brand Protection and will focus on your business identity, brand and creative output can be some of your most valuable assets.
You may own the building, the stock, the office equipment and know their value, but how do you put a price on your company’s creative or intellectual property copyright? More to the point, how much would it cost if a competitor “borrowed” your innovations, ideas and brands? If you took these away would you still have a business?
We’ve invited Jonathan Hancox, a specialist Patent Attorney at The Patent House, to explain how protections such as trademarks, patent law, copyrights and design rights can be put in place before you launch your idea or product. I will be raising the invaluable issue of what recourse you have, should anyone attempt to infringe your rights.
The seminar commences on Thursday 4th February at the Lighthouse, 28 Kensington Street, Brighton BN1 4AJ from 6.00pm till 8.00pm.
Please join us after the seminar for refreshments, canapés and networking. Spaces at this event are limited, so to secure your place please contact Louise Clasby on lclasby@mayowynnebaxter.co.uk
or call (01273) 477071.
We look forward to seeing you there!
You may own the building, the stock, the office equipment and know their value, but how do you put a price on your company’s creative or intellectual property copyright? More to the point, how much would it cost if a competitor “borrowed” your innovations, ideas and brands? If you took these away would you still have a business?
We’ve invited Jonathan Hancox, a specialist Patent Attorney at The Patent House, to explain how protections such as trademarks, patent law, copyrights and design rights can be put in place before you launch your idea or product. I will be raising the invaluable issue of what recourse you have, should anyone attempt to infringe your rights.
The seminar commences on Thursday 4th February at the Lighthouse, 28 Kensington Street, Brighton BN1 4AJ from 6.00pm till 8.00pm.
Please join us after the seminar for refreshments, canapés and networking. Spaces at this event are limited, so to secure your place please contact Louise Clasby on lclasby@mayowynnebaxter.co.uk
or call (01273) 477071.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Monday, 18 January 2010
Employment Seminar - Managing poor performance: Improve individual productivity and efficiency
Whether you run your own business, are part of a team or are self-employed, performance management is integral to your overall personal productivity and efficiency. You also share the one key goal of sustaining profitability in order to thrive as a business, and with all of us looking to make 2010 a more prosperous year compared to last, knowing how to manage your performance – particularly when it’s on the decline – is more paramount than ever.
Mayo Wynne Baxter’s Employment Team is running a free seminar in conjunction with Icando Limited on the subject of Performance Management.
Join us at the Jury’s Inn, Brighton, for a lively and interactive seminar where Employment Law Specialist, Martin Williams, and Business and Leadership Coach, Janet Pink, discuss practical steps involved in managing individual performance to achieve increased productivity and efficiency.
We will also look at how to manage poor performance and your legal obligations under the new ACAS guidelines. This seminar takes a practical approach and delegates will come away with lots of ideas and tips that you can implement in your own business. Areas we’re covering include:
• What is Performance Management?
• Setting performance expectations
• Managing individual performance to get better productivity and efficiency
• Poor performance? What do I do now?
• The latest ACAS Code of Practice
• Key steps in taking formal action
• Distinguishing capability and conduct issues
• Policies and procedures
• When can you legally dismiss an employee?
If you want to raise the performance of individuals in your company, want to understand the key tools for setting performance expectations as well as getting the confidence to handle poor performance, then this is the seminar for you.
The seminar commences on the 28th January from 2.30pm to 5pm and spaces are limited, so in order to secure your place, please contact Louise Clasby on lclasby@mayowynnebaxter.co.uk or call (01273) 477071 as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. We look forward to seeing you there!
If you are unable to attend this event but would like to learn more about this topic, please email Louise and your enquiry will be forwarded to the relevant speaker.
Mayo Wynne Baxter’s Employment Team is running a free seminar in conjunction with Icando Limited on the subject of Performance Management.
Join us at the Jury’s Inn, Brighton, for a lively and interactive seminar where Employment Law Specialist, Martin Williams, and Business and Leadership Coach, Janet Pink, discuss practical steps involved in managing individual performance to achieve increased productivity and efficiency.
We will also look at how to manage poor performance and your legal obligations under the new ACAS guidelines. This seminar takes a practical approach and delegates will come away with lots of ideas and tips that you can implement in your own business. Areas we’re covering include:
• What is Performance Management?
• Setting performance expectations
• Managing individual performance to get better productivity and efficiency
• Poor performance? What do I do now?
• The latest ACAS Code of Practice
• Key steps in taking formal action
• Distinguishing capability and conduct issues
• Policies and procedures
• When can you legally dismiss an employee?
If you want to raise the performance of individuals in your company, want to understand the key tools for setting performance expectations as well as getting the confidence to handle poor performance, then this is the seminar for you.
The seminar commences on the 28th January from 2.30pm to 5pm and spaces are limited, so in order to secure your place, please contact Louise Clasby on lclasby@mayowynnebaxter.co.uk or call (01273) 477071 as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. We look forward to seeing you there!
If you are unable to attend this event but would like to learn more about this topic, please email Louise and your enquiry will be forwarded to the relevant speaker.
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