Potential clients of company formation agents such as London Registrars will be interested to read the news that on 26 March, Royal Assent was granted to the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act. Now law, the Act incorporates a series of measures designed to boost the United Kingdom’s attractiveness as a place to start and grow a business. Continue reading
A quarter of academy school heads leave their posts over the past year
As if the responsibilities of an academy company secretary were not onerous enough, many academy schools are also now facing a looming leadership crisis, because of the difficulties in attracting a new head teacher. 26 per cent of academy heads left their roles over the last academic year, according to research by UHY Hacker Young, leaving schools with limited replacement options. Continue reading
169 companies fined by regulator due to pensions compliance failures
The Pensions Regulator has released figures confirming that a total of 169 employers have now been fined for failing to comply with their workplace pensions obligations. while this should alert the clients of London Registrars’ business support services to the importance of tending to their own duties in this area, tens of thousands of businesses have nonetheless now complied with their automatic enrolment duties. Continue reading
What companies need to know about Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA)
Those in need of new business support who are interested in analysing and comparing profitability between companies and industries may do so via EBITDA, a measure of profits that eliminates the effects of financing and accounting decisions.
You will find in a company’s income statements its earnings, tax and interest figures, and in the notes, to operating profit or on the cash flow statement the depreciation and amortization figures. EBITDA can be calculated by first establishing the operating profit – also known as earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) – before adding back depreciation and amortization.
However, EBITDA as a non-GAAP measure allows greater discretion to be exercised with regard to what does or doesn’t figure in the calculation. It means that from one reporting period to another, some companies may alter the items included in their EBITDA calculation.
Changes to business names rules
Changes to the rules regarding business names came into effect on 31st January 2015. The changes were outlined after a government consultation, which asked for views on the existing rules relating to names of registered companies that are similar to those of other businesses and words and expressions that were previously deemed ‘sensitive’. Those embarking on new company formations may wish to register several variations on their name to stop their competitors taking advantage of the new rules. Continue reading
Consultation launched on possible ISDX Growth Market rule changes
Companies with an interest in the CREST share registrar services of London Registrars may also read with interest the news of the launch of a market consultation by the London-based stock exchange, ICAP Securities & Derivatives Exchange (ISDX). It concerns potential changes to the ISDX Growth Market Rules for Issuers and the ISDX Corporate Adviser Handbook. Continue reading
Record-breaking number of start-ups hailed
Company formations continued apace throughout 2014 as the economy picked up, as indicated by new figures released by StartUp Britain. They reveal that the UK saw the creation of a record number of new businesses over the past year, with 184,671 Greater London businesses being registered with Companies House.
That predictably made the capital the strongest performer on the ‘entrepreneurial map’ that was also released by the national enterprise campaign, which is run by the Centre for Entrepreneurs think tank. 581,173 businesses were registered across the country overall last year, compared to the previous record of 526,446 businesses the year before, and 2012’s 484,224 figure. Continue reading
Will the FCA’s move to reduce the clutter of quarterly reports be effective?
While the recent Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Policy Statement – Removing the Transparency Directive’s requirement to publish interim management statements will certainly be welcomed by many of the organisations using London Registrars business consultant services, it will not necessarily have much impact on its aim of reducing the clutter of quarterly reports. Continue reading
The Charity Commission promises to make charities more accountable
New regulation requirements for charities has underlined the importance of hiring trusted business consultancy services to keep charities performing as compliantly as possible.
On 23rd October 2014, the Charity Commission, an independent regulator of charities in England and Wales, announced changes to the annual return process, which is intended to ensure that the public can give money to charities in confidence. Regulators reported that new questions to be added to the annual return will improve its ability to identify those charities in risk of financial failure, thereby making them more accountable to the public that supports them. Continue reading
Select tax-efficient dates for increased cash-flow
New companies often experience steady growth during their first months in business, so it is important to properly assess the optimal accounting dates in order to make earnings as tax efficient as possible. Those benefitting from London Registrars’ outstanding support for new businesses can be guided through the most advantageous processes in order to secure the maximum benefit, and ensure their rapid growth and future success.
Incorporated businesses must adhere to a maximum period of twelve months for tax calculations. However, your company’s accounting period does not have to be one year exactly – you have the option of extending up to a period of 18 months, or reducing it as much as you require. Altering your accounting period can serve to extend your Corporation Tax date, which can be especially beneficial for new businesses from a tax point of view. Continue reading