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Employer financed retirement benefit schemes: Avoiding pension contribution restrictions

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00 GMT

From 6 April 2010 the top rate of income tax will increase to 50% on earnings above �150,000.

Deal costs: Is VAT recoverable?

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00 GMT

The First-tier Tribunal has held that VAT incurred on payments to accountants for services provided to rescue a business from closure are recoverable.

Running for the door: What do you need to agree upfront about your exit?

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00 GMT

The principal reason for taking either development capital or additional investment into your business is to grow it and so have potential for a successful future exit.

The Companies Act 2006: In the home straight

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00 GMT

1 October 2009 saw the Companies Act 2006 finally put into effect - a process begun in 2007. Key changes brought about by the Act concern the status of the memorandum of association, Table A articles, and shareholder authorities.

Investor angels or demons: do their priorities match your own?

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00 GMT

Securing investment for your business is stressful and difficult in the current economic climate. It is easy to get excited at the prospect of an investment, only to lose sight of who is actually putting the money in.

Shoosmiths' key role in Tesco/Fortis insurance tie-up

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00 GMT

Corporate, commercial and employment lawyers from Shoosmiths have helped client Fortis Insurance forge a new partnership with Tesco Personal Finance to provide insurance products.

VAT cross border supplies: Are you ready for 2010?

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00 GMT

If you supply cross-border services there are important VAT changes coming into force on 1 January 2010 that you must be aware of.

Shareholder derivative actions

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:00 GMT

On 1 October 2007, the Companies Act 2006 (the Act) came into force, putting directors at risk from claims being brought against them by a member on behalf of a company - a derivative action.

Share incentives: Tax at 18%

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00 GMT

The increasing gap between the 18% capital gains tax rate and the proposed increase in income tax rates to 50% - or even 60% in some cases - means companies should consider rewarding employees in a more tax efficient way.

Selling shares bought under employee option? Tax may be more than you think

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00 GMT

If you sell shares bought before 10 April 2003 through employee share options - or you have recently sold such shares - your tax liability may have increased.

Carbon reduction scheme poses risks to business

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00 GMT

Shoosmiths will host a free seminar to ease the fears of Thames Valley businesses concerned about risks posed by the Government's Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC).

Buying commercial property at auction: Avoid the VAT trap

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00 GMT

Buying commercial property at auction may seem an attractive proposition when there is a bargain to be had. But the joy of purchasing a property cheaply can be short-lived if it triggers an unexpected VAT liability.

Finance specialist Chris brings wealth of experience

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00 GMT

Shoosmiths has boosted its corporate team with the recruitment of partner Chris McClure.

Advent of CQC means tougher healthcare regulation

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00 GMT

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) came into effect in April 2009, and with it tougher healthcare regulation.

New Bill introduces corporate bribery offence

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00 GMT

A new offence of corporate bribery is included in the Ministry of Justice's new Bribery Bill. It prompts the question: 'Do you know what your staff are doing when they enter into contracts and business relationships?'

Budget means cost hike for employee accommodation

Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00 GMT

Changes announced in the Budget mean businesses will pay more to provide accommodation for their employees.

Government takes 'big stick' to 20,000 organisations

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00 GMT

The following is a briefing note for finance directors and company secretaries on the Government's forthcoming Carbon Reduction Commitment.

Budget 2009: Tax Summary

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00 GMT

The Chancellor delivered the 2009 Budget on 22 April 2009. The following is a summary of the main points of interest.

HMRC backtracks on VAT bad debt relief claims

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:00 GMT

If one makes supplies of goods or services to a customer and is unfortunately not paid, which is perhaps more likely in the current economic climate, then it may be possible to claim relief from VAT on the bad debt or debts.

Directors urged to protect against liability

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00 GMT

The codification of directors' duties under the Companies Act 2006 has brought directors' exposure to liability into sharp focus.

'Not waving, but drowning': Dealing with 'underwater' options

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 00:00 GMT

The worldwide recession has seen almost three quarters of FTSE 100 companies' employee share options slip 'underwater', according to recent research.

Distressed business buyers: Are there alternatives to asset sales?

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00 GMT

This article discusses the use of a hive-down in the context of a distressed business purchase, and some of the bear traps awaiting the unwary.

Businesses damaged as trade credit insurance is pulled

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00 GMT

The issue of credit insurance remains high on the commercial agenda. And it continues to be reported that the withdrawal of trade credit insurance is disrupting supply chains and causing damage to businesses.

Mother and daughter exit family firm after 23 years

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00 GMT

Shoosmiths has helped the mother and daughter founders of a day care nursery chain sell their shares, 23 years after starting the business.

Pre-packs: So you think it's a TOGC?

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00 GMT

Pre-pack administration sales - pre-packs - is the process by which the assets of a struggling company (Oldco) are transferred to a new company (Newco), before being sold by the administrator to new owners.

Pre-packs must be see-through

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00 GMT

With effect from 1 January 2009, new rules require administrators to provide information to creditors on a range of detailed issues when carrying out a pre-pack sale in an administration.

Shoosmiths' Sean is Dealmaker of the Year

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00 GMT

Sean Wright, head of Shoosmiths Corporate finance team in the South, has been named Dealmaker of the Year at the prestigious Solent Deals Awards.

OFT restates position on merger "failing firm" defence

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00 GMT

As the credit crunch continues to bite and companies suffer the fall-out, the OFT has decided to publish a restatement of its position on the so-called "failing firm" merger defence.

Coke Cola ordered to change its name

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00 GMT

Coke Cola Limited has been ordered to change its name by the Company Names Tribunal (CNT).

Shoosmiths is key ingredient in �3.5m dairy deal

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00 GMT

Shoosmiths has helped an award-winning Midlands cheese maker strengthen its business.