Newham Borough Business Update

Letting agents inspection

 

The Private Sector Housing & Standards Team and Trading Standards are carrying out unannounced inspections of letting agents and property management agents in the borough this week.

These inspections are part of the Council's commitment to build greater awareness and understanding of tenancy support. 

The Council also encourages renters and agents to participate in the online consultation on future property licensing schemes here.

For more details regarding the visits please click here.

 

Managing health and disability in the workplace

 

The UK Government is testing a new online service for employers which provides advice and guidance on managing health and disability in the workplace. The tool should help prevent long-term absence and avoidable job loss because of ill health or disability. This will be particularly helpful for smaller businesses in Newham which do not have an in-house HR function or access to an occupational health service.

For more information click here.

 

HMRC gives Self Assessment taxpayers more time 

 

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is waiving late filing and late payment penalties for Self Assessment taxpayers for one month – giving them extra time, if they need it, to complete their 2020-2021 tax return and pay any tax due.

 

Online tax returns need to be completed by 31 January 2022.

 

For more information click here.

 

National Apprenticeship Week

 

The 15th annual National Apprenticeship Week will take place 7-13 February. It provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate apprenticeships, highlight the exceptional work being done by employers and apprentices and bring the whole apprenticeship community together.

 

The week will shine a light on the positive differences that apprenticeships can make to individuals, employers, businesses of all sizes and to the wider economy. Employers are encouraged to promote the outstanding work their apprentices have been involved in over the past year.

 

For more information click here.

National Security and Investment Act

 

The National Security and Investment Act came into force this week. Under the Act, the UK Government is able to scrutinise and intervene in certain acquisitions made by anyone, including businesses and investors, that could harm the UK’s national security.

 

Click here to see guidance on the new rules.

 

Screwfix Foundation

 

The Screwfix Foundation is a registered charity created by trade retailers Screwfix in 2013. The foundation has the clear purpose to support projects that will fix, repair, maintain and improve properties and community facilities for those in need for example decorating the homes of a resident living with sickness and disabilities by a charity or not for profit organisation.

 

The Screwfix Foundation is currently offering funding of up to £5,000 to projects which aim to fix, repair, maintain and improve properties and community facilities specifically for those in need because of financial hardship, sickness, disability or other disadvantage or distress.

 

Free webinars

 

Lunch and Learn: Google My Business

 

Tuesday 18 January – 12:00-12:30

 

Enterprise Nation is hosting daily lunch and learn webinars to provide a boost, offer some advice and become part of your daily business schedule.

 

Register here.

 

Accelerating Business Growth: Systems and Strategies for SMEs

 

Tuesday 25 January – 10:00-11:00

 

Join the Small Business Research and Enterprise Centre to help revitalise and revive a new route to scaling your business.

 

Register here.

 

Making Tax Digital for VAT

 

Thursday 17 February – 15:45-16:45

 

Join HMRC and know some of the basics of Making Tax Digital for VAT, including: what’s changing, using software and keeping digital records, plus an introduction to penalty reform.

 

Register here.

 

Click here to apply.

 

“Making Tax Digital for VAT”

 

Businesses are reminded to take steps to prepare for the government’s “Making Tax Digital for Value Added Tax” before it becomes mandatory for all VAT-registered businesses on 1 April. This government initiative is designed to help businesses eliminate common errors and save time managing their tax affairs.

 

Also, please see the free webinars section below.

 

For more information click here.