It’s early days, but a new European proposal due to be published shortly wants to reduce the amount of red-tape required for any business to gain listing on a stock market and to encourage investment in small business.

This could be a good thing as the current admin and disclosure burden makes it impossible for small businesses to even thinking about listing and trading on a recognised stock exchange.

More information from http://www.euractiv.com/en/enterprise-jobs/eu-plans-stock-market-small-firms-news-497489

It appears there are too many objections to the proposed single European Patent as it is currently proposed.

As with all things European it is often difficult to suspend cynicism about the motives of the few.

More information at http://www.euractiv.com/en/innovation/parliament-and-governments-block-eu-patent-news-497319

Company Directors are legally required to file an Annual Return to Companies House each year. There are criminal penalties for failing to do so.

For full information about Annual Returns there is no better place to go than the Companies House website.

The form 363a (used to be called the Shuttle Return) is now best completed online and it must be filed within 28 days of the anniversary of the date of company incorporation or 28 days of the date of the last annual return.

The purpose of the form is to check that the records of Companies House are up to date. This is separate from, and not to be confused with, the filing of the company accounts.We’ll talk about that another time.

If you insist on submitting a paper annual return the fee is currently (2010) £30. Filing online wins you a discount of 50% reducing the fee to £15.

Sole traders are not required to have any dealings with Companies House and so do not need to worry about annual returns.

If you have any problems or questions regarding the annual return for your company do contact us for assistance. We’re happy to help.

Open Office Hours at Websites for Startups

If you have questions about websites for your business why not join the open office hours session with Websites for Startups on Monday 3rd October at 6pm?

It’s all free, and you will need access to a computer as the consultation takes place over Skype.

These sessions are held at least a couple of times each month so if this date doesn’t work for you there will be other opportunities.

If you can’t cope with Skype contact Websites for Startups to arrange a free 15 minute telephone consultation to get your questions answered.

A bargain!