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Home Blog Page 750

Has investment in fines wines outperformed many other major financial indexes?

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The world of investments is a powerful industry in which the most intuitive, talented and well-prepared investors manage to achieve high financial returns by making smart decisions every step of the way. Apart from traditional asset classes, you also have the option of considering alternative investment options next year and increase your winning rates in the industry.

Among all possible valuable alternatives, fine wine plays an essential role for investors looking to outperform many other major financial indexes and build a real business empire that might bring them financial fortunes next year. Let’s discover more about this type of investments, why you should choose fine wine instead of other possible assets and how you can turn your investments into pure gold in 2017.

FWI versus World Equities in the world of valuable investments

Fine wine has been a valid choice made by serious investors for many years. Why? Because it represents a finite product that increases in quality over time as well as a tangible asset to rely on. Also, a convincing factor of the viability of fine wine as compared to other assets in the investment industry is represented by the fact that it has managed to produce positive absolute returns for a long period. Positive effects in the case of such investments usually come every 5 years since the first period in record.

In comparison to global equities for example, FWI seems to outperform 98%of the time when considered over 5-year investment horizons. Moreover, the FWI offers diversifying benefits to any well-established portfolio of global equities. Such indicators also prove the fact that fine wine becomes less volatile over time thus become the best option to consider when you establish long term business plans.

The secret value of the limited production of fine wine

Another reason why fine wine outperforms other financial indexes in the world of investments is represented by its limited production every year. You will not find endless offers of great wine across the world because it is expensive and its value increases when there is high demand and less available offers to consider.

People have become more and more interested in making valuable purchases in the last few years. Moreover, investors willing to place high bets in the business world focus on tangible assets that are limited in terms of production and which will be high in demand as they reach a certain age or stage. This is exactly the case with fine wine. It gets better as it matures. In addition, as the supply starts diminishing its prices go over the roof and the increase in demand becomes huge in comparison to other financial indexes.

Finite product with long term value for connoisseurs

This is what makes fine wine the wisest asset you could choose for your future investment plans. It is a finite product that always improves its overall quality as it matures, it is a tangible asset which brings high returns and it is always sought for by those willing to spend serious money for making valuable purchases.

Shrewd investors also focus on the fine wine market more than on other options to achieve medium to long term returns in this volatile economic climate featured at a global level. The value of fine wine from top chateaux has increased a lot in the last decade due to the huge increase in demand. Wine connoisseurs want the best when they decide to make a new purchase and investors are looking to offer them what they could not purchase from someone else. This helps them keep their prices high and never lack customers willing to pay big bucks for liquid treasures they love to consume.

Finally, 2017 is the year that is predicted to bring notable changes in the world at an economic level. The global financial crisis has done its worse in the last couple of years and this might be the perfect time for things to get back on their normal track so that the investment world might be revived. Investors looking to hit the jackpot next year have already started focusing on valid investments in fine wine because these have provento outperform many other major financial indexes.

Rely on famous brands with proven results given their valuable wine brands like Chateau Lafite Rothschild and you will win the lottery with your smart investment plan.

How to Take your Domestic SME Overseas

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Despite its obvious advantages, it appears as though SMEs throughout the UK have an inherent reluctance to export their goods (and services) overseas. This is a long-standing issue that defines the British economy, and one that continues to restrict growth within an already challenging financial and political climate.

The precise reasons for this remain a mystery, as any economist worth their salt will testify that expanding a business into international markets in an effective and organic way of achieving growth. Perhaps the biggest issue is the perceived lack of expertise and resources that exist within smaller businesses, as many fear that they will become stretched and ultimately unable to maintain the necessary quality of service to their existing customers.

Business associates shaking hands in office

Despite these challenges, however, ambitious, informed and organised SMEs have a unique opportunity to prosper in the international marketplace. This is so long as they heed the lessons taught by the emergence of remote working within the workplace, which has already enabled small business-owners to expand their infrastructures and tap into a global workforce. With 72% of professionals now of the belief that traditional office culture is no longer relevant, it is time to re-imagine your venture and fulfill your ambition of becoming a globally-renowned brand.

With this in mind, here are some steps that will help you to take your domestic SME and launch it internationally: –

Start Small and Trial Your Products Through an Online Marketplace

In general terms, you should look to start small when taking your first steps in the international marketplace. After all, making a large-scale commitment will require a significant investment, and it is crucial that your trial your unique products and services overseas before spending your business capital.

Instead, it makes far more commercial sense to begin your journey by selling one or two products (or perhaps a small range) through a global, online marketplace. After all, a recent Pitney Bowes study confirmed that roughly half of the world’s consumers do most of their online shopping through outlets like eBay and Amazon, which in turn creates a vast global audience that you are able to target with your brand’s proposition.

Additionally, this strategy also reduces the initial cost to your business, both in terms of manufacturing (as you are minimising the product range that you sell overseas) and distribution. Even though selling through affiliate sites such as Amazon may require you to pay 10% commission on each sale, this is a small sacrifice and one that enables you to determine which (if any) of your products have the potential to generate profit on the international market.

Refine Your Market Choice Over Time

For some products, there is a universal level of demand that barely fluctuates from country to country. Take motorhomes, for example, which are popular throughout the Western world and particularly in regions such as Europe and North America. So as the UK industry reported a huge increase in sales during March of this year, this growth trend was replicated throughout the world.

For most products, however, demand fluctuates wildly across international markets and it is therefore crucial that your SME refines its global strategy over time. Most importantly, you must determine which international markets are likely to optimise your ROI, based on the nature of your product range and the target market that you have identified.

Once you have done this, you can begin to sell your products across a wider range of sites that are specific to selected countries.

While this is all well and good, the question that remains is which international markets should feature heavily in your thinking? Clearly China will spring to mind, given its huge consumer base and the recent success of the region’s Alibaba website. We would also recommend that you consider outlets in nations such as Korea, Canada or even Saudi Arabia, particularly with the former driving significant sales during the last two Cyber Weekends.

The key is to gather data and analytics that enable you to make an informed decision, however, as you look to create a tailored strategy that optimises your conversion rates.

Reduce Risk When You Begin to Trade

SMEs can also struggle with the practicalities of trading internationally, from language and cultural barriers to the risk associated with managing foreign debtors. It is therefore crucial that you simplify this process and manage risk from the outset, using your existing infrastructure and external services to help you achieve these aims.

In terms of the latter, service providers Market Invoice have innovated a trade solution that increases your SMEs working capital while also reducing the risk of dealing with overseas customers. This solution offers funding against foreign debtors, based on completed orders that have been exported and invoiced. These invoices are effectively sold for their full value, creating immediate cash flow and driving real-time growth. The money is repaid when the debtor settles the invoice, creating a simple and efficient process that make international trading more accessible to smaller firms.

This type of service is crucial if you are to replicate your domestic business model overseas, as even the most thoughtful and informed strategy can fall apart without practical assistance.

So there you have it; some insightful tips that will enable you to turn a domestic SME into an international business. Hopefully, these will remove many barrier to growth and enable you to embrace the full potential of a diverse, international marketplace that continues to grow.

The Impact of Fraud and How Forensic Accounting Can Help Combat It

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One of the biggest threats to a businesses and the markets is fraud. All businesses of all sizes are at risk of fraud. The two main types of fraud are misappropriation of assets by employees and fraudulent financial reporting. The latter point being a process whereby the figures are purposely adjusted in order to mislead investors, stakeholders and the public. Typically misappropriation of asset fraud is conducted by employees whereas fraudulent financial reporting fraud is often conducted by those higher up in a company such as senior management or the directors themselves. Both types of fraud can devastate a company and affect the economy on a local, national and international stage.

Financial Losses

The first major effect of fraud is perhaps the most obvious; financial loss. In its most basic form a misappropriation of company assets can be as simple as an employer taking 20 pounds from the till. This type of fraud has embezzled the company of 20 pounds. When we begin to look at fraudulent financial reporting the results are much harder to decipher. The risk of fraudulent financial reporting doesn’t have an exact monetary value. It’s risks become apparent when we take a look at the financial impact of investigation fines, the costs of civil suits to recoup investor and creditor losses as well as the long term impact of banks and companies refusing to extend a line of credit or a loan to you and your business in the future. In the long run these financial restrictions can end many businesses.

Reputation

Someone who steals and lies isn’t to be trusted. This also applies to businesses who steal and lie in order to gain a financial advantage over their competition. Many cases of fraud when investigated by the police will reach the media. Be that the national or international news for major corporations or local news outlets for smaller, local businesses. Either way in the impact is felt the same. Existing customers will lose trust and potential new customers will stay well away. The reality is that businesses lose the trust of their customers when they get involved in fraudulent acts. The impact and drain of an investigation on a taxpayers money is often the stick that the public will use to bash a fraudulent company damaging your reputation well into the future.

Employee Moral

Employees who know their employers are corrupt and fraudulent will often feel a full range of emotions that negatively affects their work production. Some may feel embarrassed to work with a company that acts in this manner Some will begin to distrust their employers, if an employer can lie on their tax returns that why wouldn’t they lie about how much overtime you are owed? Some employees will begin to feel apathetic towards their employers. All of these emotions always lead to the same result; an unhappy and unproductive workforce which in turn will turnover lower profits.

Increased Audit Costs

Come the hour of the dreaded audit most auditors will raise their prices and their attention to a businesses that has a history of fraudulent activity. This inevitably leads to higher fees and tighter restrictions all of which will affect the financial movement of a business.

If you are worried about fraud in your company or you suspect foul play then why not hire a forensic accountant. A forensic account will apply the application of accounting techniques to legal disputes.

Anyone can hire a forensic accountant if they have a financial dispute or if they want to know the potential downside or upside to a financial decision. Forensic accountants are often hired by individuals, companies and lawyers.

 

The January Sales Survival Guide

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If the tag is red, it doesn’t make it a great bargain is just one of the tips from a team of experts on tackling the January sales.

 

The penny pinching gurus at PromotionalCodes.org.uk, say there are plenty of ways to achieve a stress-free sales shop, without coming home overloaded with bags of things you don’t need.

 

Among them is writing yourself a list before you leave, withdrawing cash instead of paying on card and making sure your tummy is full.

 

Taking regular breaks and being cautious of the ‘last chance to buy’ signs are other ways to ensure you make a triumph of your sales shopping.

 

Darren Williams from PromotionalCodes.org.uk said: “Keeping a clear head and avoiding being sucked into all of the price reduction labels can be tricky.

 

“There’s nothing worse than coming home feeling beaten by the sales, exhausted and having spent a fortune on the bargains you thought you simply must have.

 

“Most of the time people don’t end up coming home with what they set out to get, so we’ve compiled a handy list of the best shopping hacks. They’ll have you handling the sales like a boss.”

 

Here are PromotionalCodes.org.uk, top sales shopping tops:

 

  1. Fill up your tummy

Don’t be tempted to skip breakfast and make it to the shops early. No breakfast could have you feeling faint and tired all too soon. You’ll need lots of energy to run like a lean mean shopping machine throughout the day.

 

  1. Make a plan of attack

There’s nothing wrong with doing a little forward planning. Look online, make a wish list of what you really want and get an idea of which shops to head to first. If you have a plan of attack in mind, you’re less likely to waste unnecessary time and energy.

 

  1. Cash NOT card

Withdrawing a maximum spending value is likely to help you avoid impulse buying on the card. Buying on your card is way too easy and can turn into a slippery slope.

 

  1. Bag up

Load yourself with plenty of big sturdy bags. This way you won’t fall into the trap of queuing for a trolley. Plus we’ve all felt the finger-pain of carrying a million little heavy plastic bags.

 

  1. Don’t worry about other shoppers

Don’t pay attention to what everyone else is doing. Keep your list and your rough plan in mind to stop yourself getting carried away with the crowds.

 

  1. Red isn’t always a bargain

It’s not the bargain of the century just because the tag is red. Ask yourself if it is such a great bargain and if you really do need it. We all have those sale items that sit at the back of the wardrobe collecting dust. If you’re not sure if you’ll wear it, don’t buy it.

 

  1. Beware the ‘last chance to buy’ sign

This is not the last chance saloon, no matter how much those ‘last chance to buy’ signs make you feel that way. Most signs are there to encourage you to panic buy, so ignore them.

 

  1. Have a breather

Sales shopping is generally a marathon, not a sprint. So take breaks to collect yourself now and again, stay hydrated and use these little stops to remind yourself of your wish list.

 

  1. Learn the returns

Make sure you have a handle on the returns policy. The queue to the changing rooms is likely to be massive and there’s not always time to try before you buy. Check if you can return before you purchase.

 

  1. Don’t get roped in

Sales are a great opportunity for many shops to rope customers into signing up to their credit card scheme. These encourage over-spending and what they don’t tell you is that you’ll still be paying for the items months after buying them.

 

ENDS

6 big trends property investors must be ready for next year

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The same as in every other business area, investors have started doing their research on big trends in their domain for 2017. Planning in advance allows you to develop effective strategies and schedule every next move for successful investments in the future. Therefore, today we have prepared a general forecast with six big trends you must be ready for next year so that your real estate business might grow and bring you positive financial revenues. Discover more details below.

Playing for advantage:  Big is the keyword in real estate

Every trend for property investors starts with a big word: serious assets, big competition, and a wide capital. 2017 is the year when investors should play for advantage and guard the flank. The same way the game of chess is not one of chance, the real estate industry is not one in which to play games without proper planning and effective strategies to ensure your success. As an investor, you need a master plan and a complex set of skills that can be considered both science and art. You might make a lucky guess once but overall success is always achieved following the big plan that features serious investments and a winning game against powerful competition.

Achieve positive transformation through effective location choice

Another big trend of 2017 as far as property investments are concerned refers to essential transformations achieved through effective choices in terms of location for investment. A new breed of powerful CEOs seems to have turned a widespread economic development process upside down which has led to a serious transformation of perspectives and strategies in the real estate business. Instead of serious negotiations for generous packages of incentives, business leaders turn their attention towards private employers who can benefit their enterprises. This is a trend you should pay attention to if you want to become known in this business and achieve more success than ever through smart choices and investments.

New reality in terms of investments in real estate

As far as Europe is concerned, the big property investment trend to pay attention to is represented by the shift in terms of its center of gravity. The focus that was once given to real estate as a financial asset has now shifted to its value as a product or more importantly, as a service. Despite the numerous discussions and concerns regarding the European real estate market, professionals in the industry still see great value in it. However, there are no great return expectations in the short term. Moreover, the value of active asset management in this industry is being talked up in terms of means to access new income there.

Shift of focus beyond traditional boundaries in real estate

The emerging trends in the property investment industry reveal a market that needs to look beyond traditional boundaries. Investors might not have all the answers to important questions right now but 2017 will definitely be the year of revelations and innovation in this industry. Those who have already studied the market well and have become aware of emerging trends are the ones who will take their business to the next level at the beginning of next year.

More focus on gateway cities

A big trend regarding the European real estate market as well as other similar ones is represented by a shift in focus on gateway cities. The appetite for property has remained as strong as it used to be for investors. However, given latest discoveries in the industry and the new trends, it looks like most of them will consider alternative real estate sectors as well as gateway cities which will lead to return expectations being scaled down.

Focus on the bigger picture in terms of trends

Although emerging trends all come with serious effects on the changes that will occur in the real estate industry, these will not go hand in hand perfectly. Various factors influence their real value so the most important trend is to focus on the bigger picture and be ready for situations in which cross-currents between trends occur. Whereas certain property markets might be struggling with a lack of affordable housing options, a real increase in opposition to potential solutions might be registered.

Finally, these are six of the biggest trends to consider in terms of real estate investments. Whether you are planning to purchase apartments in Istanbul or shift your focus to the European or British market, careful attention needs to be paid to such changes to ensure effectiveness.

Carrying the Torch for a Great British Pastime: Where Technology and Traditional Collide

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Synonymous with Britishness alongside national favourites such as fish and chips, football and a lack of sunshine; Bingo is another great part of the country’s identity.

Unfortunately, the fast-paced innovation of technology means that some of the old ways of life have been transformed dramatically as gadgets improve and enhance our experiences. Traditional bingo has also suffered amid falling levels of disposable income in the UK, with Chancellor Philip Hammond’s autumn budget revealing that we are unlikely to see real wage growth for at least the next decade.

While bingo operators are unable to do anything about the economic climate, however, they have seized the opportunities provided by technology to reach their customer base and many more new players, potentially saving the industry as a whole.

Bingo Halls Lose out to Technology

In the not so distant past, Bingo Halls used to be popular destinations for punters looking to win some money while enjoying the company and a good night out. The halls are now mostly the preserve of an older generation for whom bingo was a big part of their social life, but the pastime is far from dead, however.

The numbers make depressing reading for those who love bingo as up to a third of halls have shut down in the last decade, that’s down to just under 400 from a high of over 600 since 2005. Other factors such as the introduction of the smoking ban are also attributed to this decline, as well as high taxes on gambling operators.

With the ability to provide a bingo experience on the go, online bingo games are carrying the torch for one of the nation’s favourite pastimes. Many UK bingo sites are even attracting new, younger players due to their accessibility and entertainment value that online based models excel at.

The Rise of Online Bingo

Online Bingo’s popularity has risen exponentially as the format benefited from internet connected mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones. This means that players could gamble at their convenience whether while commuting or in the comfort of their homes – hence the reduction in footfall to bingo halls. Not only is online bingo available at the click of a mouse or tap of a screen, the number of available games has also grown. In addition to digital versions of traditional bingo games and casino slots, there are also a variety of themed games including tie-ins with popular TV and Film franchises.

As mentioned above, while physical locations have suffered many operators now also provide online versions of their bingo games. Their ease of access and improved user experiences have actually attracted millions of new and former players. Simply put, today’s bingo players can have instant access to a huge library of games, more than what was ever available in traditional halls, from the comfort of home. That is a hard act to follow for physical buildings that are constrained by their size, cost, and unaltered format.

Looking ahead, physical halls may need to invest in digital focused services to augment the experiences that bingo halls offer. Accessibility is what has helped online bingo grow its user numbers in addition to better variety and number of games.

Therefore, with more technological innovations available or on the way, such as Virtual and Augmented Reality, that will improve players’ experiences of online bingo even further, the online bingo industry will only continue to grow.

Self Storage For Commercial Business Reasons

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Self storage had built a bit of a reputation as simply being a place for homeowners and long term property renters to store all of their unwanted possessions that they just did not have the heart to throw away, with some people associating storage units as just a place to store junk.

And whilst, for some this might still be the case, over the past ten years the demand for self storage facilities across the UK has risen dramatically with new storage units popping up everywhere, meaning that if you need storage, you are often only a very short drive away from your nearest facility, even in the most rural areas. In popular business districts such as Camden and Westminster in London, self storage facilities are a huge help to business owners.

And with the rise in demand and supply, has come a much better understanding about self storage and just how cost effective it is, and when it comes to commercial self storage and businesses making use of a storage facility, more and more now actually make use of this fantastic space giving solution. Whilst self storage is not the option for every business and industry, across the UK, thousands of small to medium sized businesses, charities and organisation will have a long term storage unit (or two), as a way of utilising cost effective space saving.

The team at Bristol based Thornbury Self Storage agreed to an interview to look at why commercial self storage really can be a lifeline for a growing company.

There are many, many reasons why and how commercial self storage can be used and these include:

  • Holding Stock
  • Document Storage
  • Archive Storage
  • Furniture / Production Materials
  • Seasonal Products

And as we say, many more reasons, but if you are a business that is lacking space, then commercial self storage really can be a winning solution for so many reasons.

Operating a business is tough, no matter how successful it is, but when it comes to expansion and getting more room, this is one hurdle that is often too high for many. Whether it’s down to the cost of expansion or the locational difficulties, businesses knowing they need more space to grow can often be left in a horrible situation where they simply cannot make the next step.

Reasons Why Self Storage Works For Business:

Flexibility

Most self storage facilities offer a very flexible approach when it comes to short, medium and long term storage, as you simply rent the unit per month and then give a months’ notice should you want to close the agreement down. And, if you need more or less space they will generally allow you to downsize or upsize, meaning that your storage unit can grow to reflect your business.

Security

When it comes to security, many of the best storage facilities invest thousands in alarms, CCTV, boundary fencing and lighting, meaning that your stored items are often far safer in a self storage unit than they would be at your place of work. Security is such a key aspect, including fire and flood protection as well.

Affordability

Hiring a self storage unit is far more cost effective than building a new warehouse or expanding your office, there is no doubt about that. And, you can grow as and where your business needs to grow, rather than having to spend thousands relocating your business just to find a place big enough to accommodate your needs.


Featured image by Self Storage (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

How do you choose a saving account?

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With so many complicated savings products on the market these days, it is easy to think back to  the days when saving simply meant slipping money under the mattress.

But with interest rates very low, it is more important than ever to make sure your money is working for you as hard as it can be. We look at some of the different types of product available on the market.

Help to buy ISA
The help to buy ISA is available to people saving to buy their first property. You can deposit up to £1,200 in the first month, and up to £200 per month thereafter – and the government will then give you a 25% tax-free bonus on everything you save when you use the money to buy your first home. Although the bonus is so generous, clearly not everyone will qualify for one, and you can’t open a Help to Buy ISA in the same year as a cash ISA.

Cash ISAs
With a cash ISA, you can save up to £15,240 a year tax-free – and you don’t, as many people believe, have to actually tie up your money. While they’ve become much less attractive to some with the introduction of the new personal savings allowance, a rise in interest rates could tip the balance back.

They are good for people paying higher-rate tax – or those who think they might do so in future – and they do have better interest rates than ordinary easy-access savings accounts.
Instant access savings accounts
These accounts offer great flexibility to save and spend your cash when you need to, but they tend to come at the cost of lower interest rates than less flexible alternatives. With interest rates at rock bottom, they are looking extremely disappointing at the moment. However, on a positive note, the new personal savings allowance means basic rate taxpayers don’t pay tax on the first £1,000 of interest on their actual savings (and higher-rate taxpayers do not pay tax on the first £500).

Fixed-rate bonds
If you are prepared to tie your money up for a quite a while, a fixed-rate bond can give better rates of interest. Interest can usually be paid monthly, annually or at the end of the term. However, you need to be able to tie your money up for at least a year and as long as five years, plus there’s always the risk that interest rates will rise while your money is locked away, so you need to think about this and weigh it up against the extra interest.

Current account
It’s probably the last place you’d think of putting your savings, but many current accounts do offer a great rate of interest in turn for a monthly fee. Whether or not these deals make sense for you will depend largely on how much money you are likely to have in the account at any one time, and how much the interest on it is offset by the fee.

Of course, once you’ve decided on the type of savings account you would like, there is a huge number of individual products on the market – and they are changing all the time.

Your best bet is to go to a comparison website such as MoneySupermarket or MoneySavingExpert and compare the rates and terms and conditions.

You’ll need to consider how much you’re likely to be able to save, and whether it will be the same amount every month. You will also need to ask yourself whether or not you can afford to lock the money away, and if so, for how long, this decision needs lots of consideration.

Remember once you don’t have to put all your savings in one place, there  is no reason why you can’t save for say your property deposit in one account, and your next holiday in another.

OECD confirms UK Property Taxes the highest of all countries

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The OECD’s annual revenue statistical publication, which presents a unique set of detailed and internationally comparable tax revenue for all OECD countries, confirms, once again, that the UK has the highest property taxes in the world – both as a percentage of GDP and overall taxation.

In the UK, property taxes include all receipts from Council Tax, Business Rates, SDLT (stamp duty land tax) and LBTT (land and building transaction tax) in Scotland.

In the Autumn Statement it was revealed that during 2016, the Treasury received a £1bn windfall from the business rates yield and, this year, expects revenue to rise by an additional £0.6bn.

Furthermore, over the next 4 years, the yield from business rates will rise by £1.6bn in 2017/18, £1.6bn in 2018/19, £1.4 in 2019/20 and £1.3 in 2020/21. The yield for business rates will smash through the £30bn barrier in 2018/19, yet the Government continue to place focus on lowering corporation tax even further. Business Rates Specialists CVS suggest that the Government have their priorities wrong.

Mark Rigby, CEO of CVS said;

“Theresa May’s Government has the aspiration to cut Corporation Tax to the lowest level in the G20, but what we need more than ever, given the current and future challenges facing the economy post Brexit, is competitive property taxes so as to ensure we are well and truly ‘match fit’.”

It’s a sad story for London in particular.

According to CityAM, with data and insight provided by CVS Surveyors, London has paid an astronomical £15.1bn in property taxes alone. Costs for businesses in London aren’t set to slow down either, as the recent Revaluation suggests that business rates across London are set to rise in April 2017.

Across the 32 boroughs of London and the City, commercial property assessments will rise by 24% confirms CVS.

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax on property is defined as recurrent and non-recurrent taxes on the use, ownership or transfer of property. This includes taxes on immovable property or net wealth, taxes on the change of ownership of property through inheritance or gift and taxes on financial and capital transactions. This indicator relates to Government as a whole (all Government levels) and is measured in percentage both of GDP and of total taxation.

 

Christmas Shopping Do’s and Don’ts

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Setting a budget, making a list (and checking it twice) and doing online comparisons are some of the top tips on how to get the most out of Christmas shopping.

 

The money-saving team at PromotionalCodes.org.uk have come up with the essential do’s and don’ts when buying your presents this festive season.

 

Pointers include tactics on how to save money, like making DIY presents and avoiding taking your credit cards out shopping with you.

 

There are also handy reminders on how to get the best presents for your loved ones, by making sure the shops you are buying from have a good returns policy and avoiding procrastination when buying gifts.

 

They’ve also highlighted the doubts that you might have when doing your shopping, like worrying a gift-card is too ‘easy’ or forgetting to buy impromptu presents.

 

Darren Williams from PromotionalCodes.org.uk said: “Christmas shopping can leave you feeling exhausted, penniless and stressed.

 

“But it doesn’t have to be all bad if you keep yourself organised and learn the important art of budgeting.

 

“By following these top tips, you can not only learn how to save some money but also what you need to be prioritising during the run up to Christmas.”

 

Here are the sites Christmas shopping do’s and don’ts:

 

Do’s

 

  1. Do set a budget

Whilst it might be the season for giving, the most important rule of Christmas shopping is to refrain from over-spending. Set a budget for each person you are buying for and make sure you stick to it. There are some great apps out there that can help you budget as well.

 

  1. Do make a list and check it twice

Write down a rough idea of what you want to buy someone and the budget you have set for them. This will prevent you from wandering around the aisles in a bewildered state and will also stop you over-spending.

 

  1. Do check online for price comparisons

Online shopping is fast, stress-free and also full of amazing deals. So before heading out to the shops, check online to see if it’s cheaper.

 

  1. Do-it-yourself

If you need to save money this Christmas, why not make homemade gifts? These don’t have to be ‘makeshift’ just because they’re homemade. Some great ideas include festive fudge, bath bombs and homemade candles.

 

  1. Do buy from shops with a good returns policy

Whenever you are buying presents remember to get gift receipts at the checkout and also ask what the shops returns policy is. It’s great to get a rough idea of which stores offer the best returns, so that you can ensure your loved ones get the exact gift they want if yours isn’t right.

 

Don’ts

 

  1. Don’t take credit cards shopping

Taking credit cards with you to the shops is a huge mistake. Credit cards only leave you assuming you have more money than you actually do, leaving your mailbox flooded with bills in January. Instead, take your debit card and a bit of cash out with you so you can be cautious about how much you are spending.

 

  1. Don’t forget impromptu presents

Purchase a few bottles of wine and some boxes of chocolates just in case a surprise family member, friend or neighbour shows up unexpectedly at your door this Christmas. There is nothing worse than an embarrassing one-sided gift exchange.

 

  1. Don’t wait until the last minute to buy gifts

Don’t be left with the slim pickings on presents. Get in early and take advantage of all the offers given to you over the next month. The quality of presents dramatically decreases the closer you get to Christmas, so avoid procrastinating and get to it.

 

  1. Don’t worry that your presents are too ‘easy’

Gift cards may seem like easy options, but don’t fret, a lot of the time they are greatly appreciated. Always remember that it’s the thought that counts.

 

  1. Don’t forget where you parked your car after a day of shopping

This may seem like an obvious one, but with the mad dashes around the shops buying all your festive presents, you may just forget where you last left your car.

 

ENDS

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  • tronTRON (TRX) $ 0.241676 0.21%
  • avalanche-2Avalanche (AVAX) $ 36.62 0.34%
  • the-open-networkToncoin (TON) $ 5.28 1.98%
  • bitcoinBitcoin (BTC) $ 94,361.00 1.8%
  • ethereumEthereum (ETH) $ 3,281.85 1.13%
  • tetherTether (USDT) $ 0.999824 0%
  • xrpXRP (XRP) $ 2.30 0.12%
  • bnbBNB (BNB) $ 695.41 1.23%
  • solanaSolana (SOL) $ 187.85 0.11%
  • usd-coinUSDC (USDC) $ 0.999990 0%
  • cardanoCardano (ADA) $ 0.933719 2.27%
  • staked-etherLido Staked Ether (STETH) $ 3,280.46 0.48%
  • tronTRON (TRX) $ 0.241676 0.21%
  • avalanche-2Avalanche (AVAX) $ 36.62 0.34%
  • the-open-networkToncoin (TON) $ 5.28 1.98%