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GDPR – What It Means For The Self-Employed, Sole Traders And Small Businesses

Posted on 19th April 201822nd March 2021 by Nova Blogger

What Exactly Is The GDPR?

GDPR stands for General Data Protection Regulation. It is a new European-wide data protection law that is due to come into effect on the 25th of May 2018. It applies to all businesses in the UK, including the self-employed that are currently affected by the Data Protection Act of 1998.

If you are dealing with data from individuals from the European Union then it will apply to you as well. There are some exemptions for businesses with less than 250 employees. Since 1998 there have been so many technological changes, the amount of data we use has gone up exponentially, and continues to grow.

The new law came about to improve the existing Data Protection Act, making it relevant to current times so our data can be safer and we can have more control over it. It also aims to establish a unified set of data protection rules across the member states of European Union.

GDPR aims to protect individuals information, by making companies more responsible for how they handle the data they collect. This includes data about employees, clients, and suppliers as well. There are fines of up to £17 million or 4% of turnover (whichever is greater) for those who fail to comply with the new regulations.

Even though the UK is due to leave the European Union in 2019, UK businesses will still have to comply with the new laws from when they are implemented in May. It is widely believed that the GDPR law will become UK law after the transition period.

So What Steps Can You Take To Ensure That You Are Compliant?

If you are self-employed or run a small business, here are a few things you can do to get ready for GDPR:

1. Go to the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) website.

On the site, you can get an overview of what GDPR is an how it will affect you and your business going forward. Here is the link:

https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr/

2. Put a system in place.

If you are self-employed, you are likely to be the point of contact for all GDPR activities, including compliance, monitoring and answering any related queries. Try to put a plan together that is based on the GDPR’s directives. Make sure to include a way to find out if your data has been compromised, so you can notify the relevant authorities within the required time span. You can reduce the chances of data breaches by having adequate data security measures in place, on and offline.

3. Get any necessary consent

One of the key requirements of the new law is that of consent. In certain situations, you are required to have clear and specific consent from individuals that shows that they are ok with how you intend to handle their data.

With about a month to go before the new law comes into place, it makes sense to go through the process of making sure your business is compliant now. Many of the laws from the GDPR are similar to the current Data Protection Act, so there is a good chance you are already following some of the processes, but there might be a few changes that you will need to make so as to be fully compliant.

If you are not already managing your data according to the Data Protection Act 1998 standards then it may be a good idea to seek professional advice from an expert who knows about GDPR, to help you get compliant before the deadline.

Should A Tradesman Hire An Apprentice?

Posted on 19th January 201822nd March 2021 by Nova Blogger

Traditionally apprenticeships were the norm for hiring tradesmen. Currently, many tradesmen choose to hire an apprentice as a way to fill the skills gap that exists in the construction industry. Also, there are more and more people choosing to become apprentices in a particular trade instead of going to university.

Here’s a quick look at what it entails, and why many businesses are also choosing to take this route.

What Is It?

An apprenticeship is a government created work and study programme to help employers get skilled staff. It allows participants the opportunity to gain a recognized qualification and relevant work experience while earning a salary. They can be either a new or current employee but they must be over the age of 16.

There are currently 4 types of apprenticeships available. There is the intermediate level, then the Advanced level, then the higher level, and finally the degree level. Apprenticeship can last between 1 and 5 years depending on the level of qualification.

What Are The Pros and Cons?

As with any business decision, hiring an apprentice as a tradesman has both advantages and disadvantages, here’s a quick look at a few of them.

Pros

They are hard working and productive.
They tend to be long-term employees. You have a motivated and dedicated employee that has decided to take this specific route, which will mean they are less likely to leave.
Hiring apprentices can be a cheaper and lower risk way of hiring staff.
The government offers plenty of support, both financial and nonfinancial
You can train them the specific way you require.
It allows you to build a workforce with industry-relevant skills and qualifications at a lower cost than usual.
You are giving someone an opportunity.

Cons

It can be time-consuming. Due to their lack of experience, they often require close mentorship throughout the whole process.
You must commit to it for a minimum of 1 year, but depending on the level it can be up to 5 years.
There is both an initial cost and an ongoing one for taking on an apprentice.
There is the risk of them not liking the programme and deciding to drop out before the allotted time period.

How Do You Do It?

Before you hire an apprentice your business must be sure that your business is in a good position to take on another member of staff. It can be a good idea to seek both financial and legal advice to make sure you’re ready.

Once you know you are ready to hire an apprentice, then here are a few of the steps to take:

First of all, you need to choose the right apprenticeship framework for your industry and the type of apprenticeship. Then you need to find an organization that offers training to your chosen frameworks standard.

Next, you should check what government funding is available to help towards the cost of training and assessing the apprentice. Once this is done you can then advertise your apprenticeship. Then select your chosen candidate, get them to sign the necessary agreements and then they can begin.

If you don’t want to run the apprenticeship scheme, there is the option of using an apprenticeship training agency to do it for you.

For the majority of tradesmen taking on an apprentice turns out to be a good decision. However, it is important that it is done at the right time because your business has to be ready to handle the commitments that come with it. It is a good idea is to ask other tradesmen that have already hired an apprentice for feedback about it before doing it.

How Can Tradesmen Keep Their Tools Safer?

Posted on 18th July 201722nd March 2021 by Nova Blogger

Tool theft in the UK has been on the increase in the last year, with a value of approximately £30,000,000 in equipment stolen. Thieves have become more sophisticated, stealing anything from a few tools to a whole van. Many of the tools are usually stolen from construction sites, equipment lock ups and tradesmen’s vans.

Apart form trade skills and experience, tools are one of the most important asset a tradesman owns. To begin with they cost a lot to buy, and without them a tradesman can’t earn any income. Replacing them can be very expensive so keeping them safe is a must. Even if you are in a position financially to replace stolen tools, the time taken to do so is inconvenient and may result in loss of income. So here are a few ideas to help protect your tools from theft.

Van:

Most of the time your tools will be in your van, so the first step is to make your van secure. You can increase your vans security by investing in additional safety locks to make it harder for potential thieves – these can range from deadlocks to slam-locks to plate locks.

It also goes without saying that the van should be fitted with an immobiliser if it does not come with one installed. Make sure you have a fully functional alarm installed, preferably one that is wireless, and remember to install a small CCTV camera in the van to keep watch.

On Site:

When you are on-site, try to make sure that you keep your van parked in a busy area. Only take out the tools you need for a particular task, keeping the rest of your tools in your van. If you have to store tools on site, make sure they are kept in a secure toolbox and placed in a safe designated place.

At Home:

Don’t leave your tools in your van overnight, because they will be vulnerable. Try to take them out when you arrive home and put them in a secure place till you need them. If you have to leave them in the van overnight, then make sure they are locked up in a secure tool storage box and kept out of sight.

Place a warning sticker on the van to deter potential thieves that says “no tools stored in van overnight”. You can also cover all the van windows so no one can see what’s inside the van. Be sure to check that all your van doors and windows are locked before you leave it, and try to keep it parked in a secured garage overnight. If that’s not possible, then make sure it is parked in a well lit busy area.

Other Ways To Protect Your Tools & Equipment From Tool Theft:

There are a few other things that can be done to protect your tools and equipment. First of all, mark all your tools with a UV pen or have them engraved. This can help in two ways, by serving as a deterrent, and by helping to identify any tools. Another way is to put a list of all your tools on a national valuables and property register, and also mark them as registered.

Finally take out motor insurance to cover your van, and tool insurance to cover your tools. Get to know the terms of your policies, so that you know you are storing your van and tools in line with what is expected. Keep an inventory list of all your tools including photos, and receipts, in case you need to make a claim.

By becoming a bit more proactive, you can take steps to reduce the chances of your equipment getting stolen. Many of thefts are opportunistic, in that they tend to go for the easy targets, so any thing you can do to make your tools less attractive to thieves will help keep them safer.

How and Why Networking Can Help Your Business Grow

Posted on 16th June 201712th March 2021 by Nova Blogger

Networking has many benefits for any business. When it is done correctly it can lead to many long lasting and mutually beneficial relationships. It can open the door to new opportunities that you may not have been aware of, such as joint ventures, partnerships or referrals.

Also, it is a brilliant way to get your business known by others in your industry, and to build a solid reputation in your chosen niche.

Commonly Used Forms Of Networking

There are two commonly used forms of networking: face to face and online. For most businesses face to face networking is traditionally the chosen method. Both types are effective, and have their pro’s and cons.

For example with face to face networking, you will need to travel, which will requires time and some money. Online networking is usually free, but even though you can chat with other businesses, it is not the same as meeting them in person. It is usually a good idea to use both types.

Face To Face

Lets take a look how to use both methods, starting with face to face networking.

Be sure to attend regular trade industry events and more general business events, both local and national throughout the year. Try to make it a habit to attend at least one a month. Be sure to attend regular trade industry events and more general business events, both local and national throughout the year.

Consider joining groups that have a large cross section of members and host regular networking events, like your local chamber of commerce. It is also worth checking with any organisations that you are already a member of to see if they have any future events planned.

It is often a good idea to prepare before attending network events by getting your promotional brochures and business cards in order. Try to decide before hand what your business has to offer those you might be interested in building a relationship with. If at all possible, make sure you create a list of the businesses you would like to meet, and do some research on these potential contacts, so that when you meet them you can ask relevant questions.

When at the event try to meet as many of these businesses as possible, and make sure that you stay focused on speaking to those on your list first. While it is important to talk about your business and ask questions, it is just as important to listen to what others have to say. Remember to ask if you can exchange details with a view to getting in touch in the coming week.

Online

When it comes to networking online, it does not have to be complex. To begin with you can create a basic social media plan. It should include a list of all the social networking sites that are relevant to your business, together with a list of the types of businesses you would like to contact.

Then set aside a specific time every week to use these social media platforms to interact with your chosen businesses. Be helpful, try and offer advice or solutions to problems they might have.

Nurture The Relationship

Having done the initial work to get new contacts, you must take care to nurture the relationship. Make sure to follow up on any pre-arranged meetings or phone calls, and maintain regular contact by using email or instant messaging.

It may take some time for you to build rapport with your ideal contacts, but it usually worth it in the long run, because businesses feel more comfortable working with someone they know.

Networking has the potential to deliver a lot of value for a relatively small investment in time and money, so go ahead and give it a try, it could give your business a good chance of becoming more successful.

9 Steps For Starting Up A Bricklaying Business

Posted on 18th January 201714th April 2021 by Nova Blogger

Running your own bricklaying business will provide you the opportunity to be your own boss and set your own hours, but there are a few things you’ll need to get your business on the right track to success from the start.

Here are 9 steps to help you launch your business:

Step 1: Create a business plan

Writing a business plan will help you determine your business goals and the resources you need in order to meet those goals. The process of writing a plan will also give you a chance to see if your idea is feasible or not. Your plan will act as a working document for your business, as well as a tool for getting any required finance.

Step 2: Get the right training and qualifications

Once you decide that your idea is feasible, the next step is to get qualified. If you have no formal training in the construction industry, then you should consider taking one of the many accredited bricklaying courses that are available. It would also be a good idea to find some kind of temporary or part-time bricklaying work so as to practice your skills. If on the other hand you have experience in the industry, then put together a list of your current skills/experience and determine what additional training and qualifications you need to get.

Step 3: Get the necessary finance

With your business plan written, you can now begin the process of looking for money to fund your start-up. Check to see if there are any available government funded schemes that offer financial assistance to your industry. It is also worth approaching your bank and the many alternative lending providers including crowd funders.

Step 4: Find a suitable business location

You now have to decide where you will operate your business from. With a bricklaying business you will need a suitable place, because you will have equipment and materials to store. You may choose to work from home to begin with, in which case you should set-up a designated area for that. However if you decide that you want to work from away from your home, it is best to look for a location that is easily accessible, so that potential customers will be able to reach you.

Step 5: Register your business

Now it is time to decide whether to operate as a sole trader or a limited company. Both have their pro’s and con’s. It is easier to set up as a sole trader, but a limited liability company will offer more legal protection. If you decide to incorporate, then you have to choose a name and register it with Companies House so no one else can use that name. Regardless of which structure you choose, you have to notify HMRC of your decision, so you can apply for the necessary tax/ national insurance documents before you begin.

Step 6: Get equipped

It is time to equip your business with any tools you need to perform your bricklaying tasks. This will also involve choosing a vehicle to transport you and your kit. Depending on your finances you may decide to buy these items outright or to lease them until your business grows. If you already have equipment, then this is the time to get them cleaned and serviced.

Step 7: Apply for licenses and permits

You need to contact your local council in order to find out what licenses and permits are legally required for you to operate as a bricklayer. This is also a great time to join any relevant trade associations.

Step 8: Get Insured

This is one of the most important steps that you must complete. In bricklaying as in many construction related jobs, accidents can and will happen. Therefore it is essential that you protect yourself, and your business from any legal action that may follow. To begin with you would need some type of public liability insurance coverage, this is is great for things like customer and staff injuries as well as any mistakes or damage to your customers properties. Then you need some form of coverage for your all equipment including vehicles if you have them to protect them for loss, damage or theft. Finally you may want to consider some form of income protection so you are covered in times when you are unable to work due to personal illness or other unforeseen events.

Step 9: Promote your business

Once you are financially and legally ready to start operations, you focus should now be on getting customers. A great way to do so is by having an online presence via a company website. This will make it easy for potential customers to find out about your business and the services you offer. Couple this with the many social media channels and you can reach a large audience of potential customers quickly. Offline you can take out ads in local papers and business directories. It is also worth networking with other tradesmen, to find out if there is any work you can do together.

Once you have completed all these steps, you will be ready to launch you new bricklaying business, knowing that you are adequately prepared for the journey ahead.

Making The Switch From A Sole Trader To A Limited Company

Posted on 18th November 201617th March 2021 by Nova Blogger

You can choose to change your businesses status from sole trader to limited company at any time. Both formats have their pros and cons, the best choice will depend on a combination of your current situation and future plans. However there may be an optimal time to make the switch and that is when the benefits of being a limited company outweigh those of begin a sole trader.

So when might this be? Well here are a few possible situations in which it might be the right time to make the switch, but it is important to make sure you calculate the potential benefits and savings first before making the switch.

You may decide its time to make the switch if:

Your salary is increasing:

As a sole trader you have only one way to take your salary, and that is as a salary, plus you must pay both income tax and national insurance contributions on it. A company director on the other hand can choose to take their wages by a combination of salary and dividends. Dividends are free from national insurance contributions. So as a company director you can reduce your taxes by taking a small salary and the rest from dividends, making it a more tax efficient way.

You are looking for investment:

If you are looking for investors, then setting up as a limited company means that you can sell shares to investors. Also there is the added perception that a company has more credibility than an individual, and so many companies prefer only to do business with a limited company. Due to this, potential investors are likely to be more open to investing in a limited company as opposed to a sole trader.

You are concerned about liability protection:

As a sole trader you and your business are considered one and its debts are yours, so if your company fails then you are liable for it’s debts. A limited company on the other hand is legally a separate entity from its owners, and so if your company is fails then your personal assets are not at risk, because as a share holder you are not liable for its debts.

Your company profits start to grow:

When you are trading as a sole trader, you are taxed via the annual self assessment system and you and your business are considered one entity. A company, however is taxed via the corporation tax system. There are some potential tax savings that can be made by switching to a limited company.

For example, for the 2016 -2017 tax year, as a sole trader your tax free allowance is £11,000, you the pay 20% tax on any amount between £11000 and £43,000, after which you are taxed a higher rate of 40%. However for a limited company, the annual small profits tax rate is currently 20% on any amount up to £300,000. So switching to a limited company may be more tax efficient because even though it is taxed at the same tax rate, it has a much higher maximum amount.

You want to protect your intellectual property:

By registering your company name with companies house, you prevent any other person or business from using the name, it is now protected by law. However as a sole trader you don’t have this protection, and so it can be a lot harder to protect your name.

So there are some scenarios in which you might consider changing from a sole trader to a limited company, because to do so will result in some form of savings and other tangible benefits. If you do make the decision to switch, you then need to notify the HMRC that you are becoming a limited company, and then de-register as self employed. From there it is a simple process of registering your business with Companies House and then you can start trading as a limited company.

What Are The Allowable Business Expenses For The Self Employed?

Posted on 16th September 201617th March 2021 by Nova Blogger

Every year the majority of self employed people in the UK are required to file a self assessment tax return. For those that do it online, the submission deadline is January the 31^st each year and the 31^st of October for those that file paper returns. Here is a look at the subject of business expenses and how they are included in annual returns.

What are allowable business expenses?

They are defined as costs that are incurred “wholly and exclusively” for the purposes of the business.

Who is entitled to claim them?

Any one who is registered as self employed with HMRC. Theses expenses can be written off against any income you earn in the tax year, thereby reducing the final amount of tax you pay.

What can you claim for?

Not all expenses are allowed, you can’t claim for personal expenses, and there are some business expenses that you can’t claim for. It is very important to separate business expenses from personal ones, and if there is something you use for both, you can only claim for the business use.

For example if you work from home you can claim for costs such as heating, electricity, council tax, mortgage interest, rent, internet & phone. However you have to calculate them, based on how much time you spend working at home and how much space you use when you are working. Then you have to figure out what proportion of your total house costs they account for.

Here are some of the business costs that you can claim as tax deductible expenses:

The cost of goods that you are going to sell or use in providing a service.
If you are in the construction industry, you can claim payments to subcontractors.
Staff costs such as wages, salaries and any other staff costs.
Travel cost including car, public transport, taxi’s and other travel expenses.
Premises costs such as rent, rates, power and insurance.
Office costs such as phone, fax, stationery and other office costs.
Advertising and business entertainment costs such as websites, social media.
Finance costs such as interest on bank and other business loans, bank and credit card charges.
Professional fees such as accounting, legal and other professional fees.

Here are some of the costs you cannot claim as tax deductible expenses:

The cost of goods or materials bought for private use.
Your own wages, drawings, pension payments, national insurance contributions.
The costs of buying, improving or altering premises.
Cost for entertaining clients, suppliers and customers.
Repayment of the loans or overdrafts, or other finance arrangements.
The costs of buying premises for your business.
Any payments to clubs, charities, political parties and so on.

How and when can you claim them?

When you complete your annual self assessment tax return, you are required inform the HMRC of your deductible expenses for the accounting period in question. This is when you make your claim.

If you are self employed, you have to keep records of your business income and expenses for your tax return, so throughout the tax year you should keep all your receipts. It can also be very helpful to record them as they occur in some form of bookkeeping / accounting software, or on a simple spreadsheet. This will save a lot of time and make your final calculations easier when it comes time to file your annual taxes.

If however you don’t want to work out your actual costs, you can use the simplified expenses table provided by the HMRC for that tax year. It has flat rates for expenses like like vehicles, working from home, or living on your business premises. Also you can check out the HMRC’s site for other tools and calculators to help with you self assessment submission.

Safety Tips For Roofers and Scaffolders Working At Heights

Posted on 17th March 201617th March 2021 by Nova Blogger

As a roofer and or scaffolder the majority of your work involves working at high elevations, and working from heights represents one of the biggest safety challenges in the construction industry. Slipping and falling from heights or objects falling from heights cause serious and fatal injuries every year. So it is very important to follow a strict code of practice with regards to health and safety, in order to minimise the chances of workplace accidents.

All roofers and scaffolders in the UK are required by law to hold a valid CSCS card as proof that you have obtained the required training. This involves passing the CITB Health, safety & environment (HS&E) test, which demonstrates that you have a minimum level of health, safety and environmental awareness before going onto any site.

Risk Assessment:

Before undertaking any work at height, a proper risk assessment must be carried out to highlight measures that need to be taken in order to prevent any potential accidents. The recommended health and safety risk management approach involves five steps, first check for any potential hazards that are commonly associated with falls, then decide who could be injured and how. Next consider whether there are already measures in place to deal with the risks, then record your findings. Finally perform a regular review to account for any significant changes that may take place, and ensure that precautions are in place to deal with any new risks.

Basic Safety Tips:

In addition to performing risk assessments, there are some basic safety tips that can be adopted to prevent injuries on the job. All Roofers and scaffolders must use the required PPE equipment when on site, and this equipment should be kept in good working order at all times. Hard hats must be worn at all times when working on site, and non slip shoes should be used when working on ladders or scaffolds to improve grip. When the weather is not good, such as when it is very windy, or raining or snowing, it can be dangerous to work at heights, and so it should be avoided at these times.

To stop objects falling onto people below, heavy equipment should be hoisted up as opposed to being carried by hand. Ladders and scaffolds should always be secured to prevent them moving. Don’t move scaffolds or ladders when others are working on it. Scaffolds should be fitted with guard rails to protect from falls, and toe boards to prevent falling debris, tools or building materials.

Scaffolding & Roofs:

Scaffolds and roofs should be cleaned at the end of shifts so as to remove any debris that might cause slipping. Also, it is essential to remove any equipment that is not in use from working surfaces so as to prevent people tripping on it. Loads on scaffolding and ladders should be kept well below the maximum weight capacity. When working on fragile roofs, safe access must be provided and a platform combined with safety nets should be used beneath the roof. Some form of safety harness should be worn so as to protect in the event of any falls.

Health & Safety Regulations:

It is your duty to protect yourself, your employees and members of the public from potential hazards. Therefore it is important to understand and practice the regulatory requirements that apply to your industry. The ‘Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations’ (1992) covers all aspect of the workplace while the ‘Work at Height Regulations’ (2005) covers all aspect of working at heights. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to fines and charges.

For roofers and scaffolders, working at height and the risks that come with it are a part of the job. However many of the situations that lead to accidents can be avoided by following the appropriate health and safety practices. In the end it comes down to assessing the workplace for potential hazards, and using the appropriate safety equipment and practices.

Creative Ways To Market Your Services As A Tradesman

Posted on 18th November 201517th March 2021 by Nova Blogger

Once you have the necessary qualifications and experience to become a self employed tradesman, the next step is to get the word out. OK that said, here are some strategies that should give you maximum bang for your money.

Traditional Marketing Strategies

Promotional Materials:
Even though this strategy is not new, it can still be used as part of a portfolio of strategies. You can have branded stationary such as business cards, pens, or notepads, printed and handed out to prospective customers by hand. Combined with this you can have leaflets printed to be distributed by direct mail.
Another tried and tested method is that of taking out adverts in local newspapers, local directories or listings. This will also allow you to target a particular catchment area at a time.

Joint Ventures:
Teaming up with other trades people that offer complimentary but different services can be mutually beneficial. It will allow you to access their customer base, providing them services that they can’t get from their existing trades person. In turn they will have access to your customer base. This way you don’t compete with each other, instead you cooperate to offer a wider range of trades services which will benefit both your customer bases.

Word of Mouth:
It is often said that the best form of advertising is word of mouth. With this in mind you can make use of your existing customer base to get referrals from them. This can be done by offering them either a discount or a small gift for recommending you to their friends or family.

Online Marketing Strategies

Website:
Currently most people look for products or services using the internet. So it is essential that you have a website that showcases your business and the services it offers. It does not have to an expensive custom designed site, it can be a simple do it yourself one. The main thing is to have an internet presence that is informative and well maintained. This will give prospective customers a feel for the sort of work you do. If you have the time you could add a blog that gives them relevant tips and news about your industry.

Social Media:
Having a presence on social media sites is also a must. You can do this by joining the likes of Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. These sites will allow you to get your business noticed by large numbers of people. By providing regular content that you either create yourself, or have created on your behalf, you can engage potential and existing customers and in so doing create a community around your brand. It is this ability to communicate directly with your target market that makes social media so powerful for businesses.

Marketing yourself as a tradesman doesn’t have to be challenging. You can do this by combining traditional marketing techniques with new online marketing techniques, and it need not cost a lot. The key is to choose a few strategies and apply them consistently.

Becoming a self-employed beauty therapist

Posted on 28th November 201417th March 2021 by Nova Blogger

Everyone dreams of being able to work when they want and have flexible working hours and if you become a self-employed mobile beauty therapist you will be able to do this! As a job it is rewarding because you are helping people to look their best so what more could you wish for? In a previous blog we gave 4 tips for self-employed hair and beauty therapists and now we will tell you all you need to know about how to become self-employed. Continue reading “Becoming a self-employed beauty therapist”

Tag: self-employed