Building an online presence
You spent a fortune on your website. So why are your user statistics so dismal?...
War Paint
What happens when a rough-and-tumble businessman enters the refined world of fine art? EN speaks...
Theme Park
Is running a theme park child’s play or a financial rollercoaster ride? EN examines the...
Business Events »
All the best training, business and networking events throughout the UK - call us now to add yours!
Venue Finder »
Looking for somewhere to host your event? EN's Venue Finder lets you search by location, capacity and event style, across the best venues in the UK.
Edward De Bono
The word “guru” is one of the most overused in the English language. From PR to plumbing, it seems to be applied to anyone with a big enough mouth and a modicum of achievement to back it up.
Stephen Critchlow reveals...
It took him ten years to write a business plan for the IT firm that was a sideline to his Pharmacy career but both interests eventually led to the deal of his life. Elizabeth Donevan waits for the men in white coats as Ascribe boss Stephen Critchlow reveals...
| Freelancers worry over IR35 |
| Thursday, 06 November 2008 | |
|
Survey results by the Professional Contractors Group (PCG) show confidence plummeting among the UK’s freelancers, and highlight the need for the Government to scrap the punitive tax measures it has imposed on them.
The results of PCG’s annual membership survey show an index of business confidence on numerous key measures, including the overall economic climate and new business opportunities, falling sharply for the year 2008-9. The top problem facing PCG members remains IR35, the law that tries to tax freelancers like employees and makes it impossible for them to self-assess their tax bills. 65 per cent of members identify it as a problem, and for 40 per cent it is the top problem they face. The proposals for a Family Business Tax on what the government calls "income shifting" is the next biggest threat: 41 per cent of PCG members see it as a problem, while for 21 per cent it is the biggest problem they face. Commenting on the research, PCG’s managing director John Brazier said: "These results show a significant drop in freelancers’ confidence about the economic outlook. If it is as serious about assisting small businesses as it claims to be, the Government must act now by abolishing IR35."       |
Columnists |
Technology
Soft targets
Disgruntled staff are increasingly shopping their employers to the Business Software Alliance, in return for a hefty cash reward. Paul Gershlick, commercial, intellectual property and IT solicitor at Matthew Arnold & Baldwin explains how to protect your business.
Marketing
Marketing
A number of its practitioners might be insufferable, but you can’t hope to grow your business without some form of marketing. Our latest SME Toolkit explores the basics.
General
Avoiding libel
Since the advent of the internet ordinary entrepreneurs have faced the same risk of being sued for libel as journalists and publishers. Michael Vincent and Alan Vincent of Vincents Solicitors set out some basic steps to avoid being hauled before the courts.
Growth
Trading with Europe
You might not be able to afford a fortnight in the South of France anymore but the strength of the Euro has some advantages. EN investigates the options for exporters.
