28/02/2011 by Geoff.

Many years ago I relocated a business. This went quite successfully - we didn’t let our customers down - but it came with a Union recognition claim! Something to do with forgetting to communicate with our employees!

Most serious small businesses will grow and so will come the time they run out of space. Key concerns include:

• Fear that attention will diverted from the business
• Disruption for staff
• Uncertainty that the business will be able to sustain higher costs

So how to prevent these becoming reality:

• Appoint a project manager - in a small business this may not be possible but it is essential that someone oversees every aspect of the move and is seen as reposible for it along with their day job
• Start planning several months in advance
• If possible stay local to minimise loss of staff and customers
• Move during a weekend to reduce disruption
• Ensure all data is backed up before the move
• Involve staff in the dicision making wherever possible - COMMUNICATE
• Have a contingency plan if something goes wrong or isn’t ready

If you need any further help contact us enquiries@emseff.co.uk  

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28/02/2011 by Geoff.

The Taxman could be coming to an SME near you. Santa may have been, but the taxman might be coming as well.It is reported that HMRC believes that up to 40% of the 4.9M SME companies keeps poor records and thereby may have unpaid tax liabilities.HMRC says it intends to investigate up to 50,000 SMEs and heavily fine those caught out.Whoops – you can insure with your auditor for their investigation fees, BUT NOT for any fine

Happy New Year

Written by John Hill - Financial Specialist

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