http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/ neotherbusiness is a business blog where you can share views and opinions about business news and developments in Newcastle and the North-East. en Copyright 2013 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 10:15:11 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Still too few companies are adequately geared up for pension auto-enrolment, warns David Brown, director in the Deloitte Total Rewards and Benefits team in the North East. Auto-enrolment is being phased in gradually for every employer in the UK, and will eventually see every worker enrolled onto a pension scheme automatically. But too few companies have started the necessary preparations and many could be facing an administrative nightmare before their deadline. The scheme was launched by the Government in 2012, with the very largest employers required to comply first. By 1 May 2013, all employers with over 4,100 staff will need to be involved - by 1 November, it's every employer with over 500 staff. By 2017, every employer in the UK will need to offer automatic pension scheme enrolment to its employees. Put simply, not enough employers are putting enough planning into place to ensure they are geared up when their 'staging date' arrives. There was a huge advertising campaign aimed at the individuals, but the message hasn't got through to enough businesses. The sheer complexity of the task at hand is daunting enough for any employer, even those that already offer pension schemes, and we have been working with our clients for some time to ensure they can make the transition smoothly. There have been lessons learned already since the scheme launched last year but there are going to be millions more individual savers in the system. Each has to be looked at and handled individually and it's a huge administrative process that we feel many may have underestimated. We are increasingly hearing of employers that have failed to take any action yet, and, frankly, they are running out of time - it is imperative that they take advice as soon as possible to ensure they are fully geared up to offer these pensions when their deadline arrives. Brown said employers that leave it too late could struggle to find a pension provider able to work with them. Pensions underwriters are hitting the legal capacity of what they can offer because of the increased demand - eventually they could be forced to turn people away. It is an added complication to an already tricky issue. ]]> http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2013/03/deloitte_north_east_firms_unde.html http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2013/03/deloitte_north_east_firms_unde.html Deloitte Auto-enrolment David Brown Deloitte Pensions Tue, 05 Mar 2013 10:15:11 +0000 The North East's exports to rapidly-growing economies such as Brazil are set to continue rising - but 'new' exporters should seek the correct advice first, according to international tax experts at Deloitte. Richard Williams, international tax partner at Deloitte, says North East firms are increasingly taking advantage of the opportunities presented by emerging economies such as Brazil and India. Figures from the ONS show exports from the North East region to Latin America hit new highs in 2012, up to £242m for the first three quarters of 2012, up from £204m for the same period in 2011. Williams said this activity will increase as the eyes of the world shift towards Brazil, which hosts the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. However, as promising as the emerging economies are, Williams warned that companies should seek proper expert advice before heading off to attempt to trade there. "Overseas markets will be increasingly important to the North East's firms' growth prospects in 2013," he said. "Established multi-nationals already have operations in Europe, the US and in recent years have been expanding into India and China. Fierce competition for market share in mature markets means firms are increasingly looking for growth to come from new overseas markets. "More firms are looking to fledgling acquisitions or joint ventures in countries like Brazil, Chile and Peru, as a first step into new markets, with a view to growing a larger, more profitable presence in these overseas territories. "But companies that are new to the idea should be appropriately wary. Working in Brazil, especially, the approach is frequently 'litigate first, ask questions later' - so any approach to these markets needs to be watertight. "The opportunities, though, are incredibly promising for those that are well prepared and willing to put in the work." http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2013/02/deloitte_exports_to_emerging_e.html http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2013/02/deloitte_exports_to_emerging_e.html Deloitte Brazil Deloitte Emerging Markets International Trade Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:22:15 +0000 David Frith, Corporate Finance Partner, Deloitte, Newcastle]]> http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2013/02/north_east_firms_running_out_o.html http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2013/02/north_east_firms_running_out_o.html Deloitte Corporate Finance David Frith Deloitte Regional Growth Fund Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:14:41 +0000 Just a few more days to the official start of our second year of 2020 Vision. The next supplement is out on Monday, with two big-hitting issues tackled in depth. Again - they are two subjects that directly affect what businesses do on Teesside. First we talk to Stephen Catchpole at Tees Valley Unlimited - one of the most influential leaders in the region - about City Deal status and how important it could be for all businesses. Stephen tells us: "The City Deal could help us to transform entire sectors." Being part of Trinity Mirror means we have access to a vast network of regional papers around the country. So we also talk to the Business Editor of the Birmingham Post who tells us about the benefits of City Bid status and how it works there. Then we head for the Commons and talk to Business Secretary Vince Cable. We asked 2020 backers to give us their questions for Mr Cable. We passed them on and now you can see the answers. Mr Cable tells us: "We are reaching out to young people to encourage and inspire them to consider a career in manufacturing." I think that's a strong start to the year - and we have much more planned to bring the 2020 Vision to life. Let me know what you think. ]]> http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2013/02/countdown_to_year_two.html http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2013/02/countdown_to_year_two.html Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:38:51 +0000 Although the final deadline for self-assessment isn't until the end of the month, applying for an online activation code to register with HMRC could take up to 7 days. This could prove to be problematic for the 119,000 people in the North East working for themselves, as some individuals will be caught out by the extra time needed to register for online filing. New rules introduced last year mean that late returns could leave individuals liable to a £100 penalty, even if they have no tax to pay or are owed tax. Interest charges will apply immediately, with further penalties at three, six and 12 months. For many people the January 31 self-assessment deadline will be their first experience of a process that requires attention-to-detail and where simple errors can lead to significant penalties. Entrepreneurs tackle many more challenging issues than their tax returns but anyone completing their self-assessment should make sure they leave enough time. This is the major interaction people will have with the revenue and should know that it is important not to cut corners. At Deloitte, we advise that self-employed people preparing to complete their tax returns need to have their business accounts, along with receipts and invoices relating to their business. They will also need other documents such as P60 or P45 forms if they've been employed in the last year, bank and building society interest details and any dividends they've received. Stephen Hall - Tax Partner, Deloitte Newcastle]]> http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2013/01/self-employed_urged_not_to_mak.html http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2013/01/self-employed_urged_not_to_mak.html Deloitte Deloitte North East self-assessment Stephen Hall tax Tue, 22 Jan 2013 14:39:40 +0000 So the snow is back and predictably has resulted in school closures and travel disruption, bringing much of the country to a standstill. With more snow forecast how are you dealing with it? Has it caused disruption or are you able to operate as usual? Can your staff travel to the office and if not do you have an agreed alternative way to work? Have you had to rearrange meetings? What about deliveries or footfall, which is important if you rely on passing trade? http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2013/01/building_business_resilience.html http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2013/01/building_business_resilience.html ClimateNE climate change climate change business ClimateNE snow Tue, 22 Jan 2013 14:14:17 +0000 Interested in the low-carbon economy? Seeking inspiration and information on becoming green? Want to showcase your work to date? The Big Eco Show can help. And we're bringing it to Newcastle on 18 April. http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2013/01/big_eco_show_comes_to_newcastl.html http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2013/01/big_eco_show_comes_to_newcastl.html ClimateNE Big Eco Show business climate change ClimateNE low-carbon economy resilience Wed, 16 Jan 2013 14:55:58 +0000 What a year it has been for the Gazette's 2020 Vision. It has been exciting and challenging for us all - but my work has only just begun. 2020 Vision is not only a catchy title epitomising the perfect clarity and foresight every business needs on Teesside - from corner shop to conglomerate - it is always a constant reminder to me that this is a very long game we are all involved in. We have laid the foundations in our first year...now we have to keep the energy and belief rising for year after year after year. But as I try to plot out the campaign I look at it not as a daunting wilderness waiting to be filled. I see it as only just about enough time to get it all done. Anyone can launch a campaign like this - put out a few supplements and hope it all hangs together. I genuinely believe this is in a different class - with more potential than any project I have been involved with in the 33 years I have been a journalist. But again I have to keep challenging myself - and all of those companies involved in the project - to take it to another level every year so that it becomes worthy of attention in Downing Street just as much as Borough Road. The Gazette started this with a mission to unite the voices of industry on Teesside into that one mighty roar I have written about so often. And those industry voices joined us and invested their time and money in making the target achievable. It would be a criminal waste if we didn't keep that self-belief and conviction growing. I refuse to be the one who says: 'We tried - but it was never going to happen....'. That's not in my DNA - and I know it isn't in Teesside's DNA either. Bring on Year Two. What should be top of our 'To Do' list in 2013.......? ]]> http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2012/12/are_you_up_for_a_challenge_tee.html http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2012/12/are_you_up_for_a_challenge_tee.html Mike Hughes Sat, 08 Dec 2012 14:05:41 +0000 By Jen Atkinson I've never been one to gush over a car. As long as it gets me safely from point A to point B and doesn't cost the earth (in more ways than one) I'm happy. Even so, the opportunity to take the Nissan Leaf electric car for a weekend held enormous appeal. In principle, I'm a massive fan of electric vehicles, but I had never actually sat in one let alone driven one. ]]> http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2012/12/jennifer_atkinson_climatene_sp.html http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2012/12/jennifer_atkinson_climatene_sp.html ClimateNE ClimateNE electric car Nissan Thu, 06 Dec 2012 17:10:33 +0000 Big Eco Show on 19 September found that while North East England faces significant issues relating to the impacts of a changing climate, businesses have the ability to successfully overcome them. ]]> http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2012/11/climate_challenges_can_be_over.html http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2012/11/climate_challenges_can_be_over.html ClimateNE Big Eco Show climate change climate change business ClimateNE Mon, 05 Nov 2012 14:37:17 +0000 Posted by Jen ConnectFriday, a bi-monthly business networking event that we host in partnership with Daisy Green Media and Events, has become a virtual success on Twitter. ]]> http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2012/11/connectfriday_takes_to_twitter.html http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2012/11/connectfriday_takes_to_twitter.html ClimateNE climate change ClimateNorthEast ConnectFriday networking Twitter Thu, 01 Nov 2012 15:48:25 +0000 Posted by Jen Businesses interested in the low-carbon economy can find out more at a dedicated eco exhibition - part of the North East Expo in Gosforth on 7 November. Eco@Expo is being organised by ClimateNE and Daisy Green Media & Events following the overwhelming success of the region's first ever Big Eco Show, which we jointly held on 19 September in Sunderland.]]> http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2012/10/dedicated_eco_show_at_north_ea.html http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2012/10/dedicated_eco_show_at_north_ea.html ClimateNE eco show; climate change; resilience Mon, 29 Oct 2012 16:18:06 +0000 Posted by Jen Torrential rain has caused widespread flooding and major disruption three times in as many months this summer. Exceptionally heavy rain caused major disruption and damage across North East England with the closure of schools, roads, and affected the Metro network and the East Coast main line. Water-logged premises, destroyed stock, damaged equipment, and struggling to even get to work, are some of the impacts that businesses across the North East have faced during the intense downpours and flooding. ]]> http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2012/10/dont_let_flooding_stop_busines.html http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2012/10/dont_let_flooding_stop_busines.html ClimateNE climate change ClimateNE flooding resilience Tue, 02 Oct 2012 09:46:08 +0000 Nearly 400 businesses descended on the Stadium of Light in Sunderland for the first-ever Big Eco Show. http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2012/09/first-ever_eco_show_for_north.html http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2012/09/first-ever_eco_show_for_north.html ClimateNE Climate change; resilience; big eco show Mon, 24 Sep 2012 13:50:33 +0000 By Jen Atkinson With just over a week left until the region's first-ever Big Eco Show, we're delighted to reveal more details about the show's debate, which will will see the panel discuss how North East England will become the leading green economy across the UK and how to make this ambition become a reality. ]]> http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2012/09/future_of_north_east_green_eco.html http://blog.nebusiness.co.uk/2012/09/future_of_north_east_green_eco.html ClimateNE Big eco show; climate change; Mon, 10 Sep 2012 11:49:44 +0000