Construction

The Supreme Court has delivered its judgment in the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA)’s business interruption insurance test case. The coronavirus pandemic has led to widespread disruption and business closures resulting in substantial financial loss. Many customers have made claims for these losses under their business interruption (BI) insurance policies. The issues surrounding BI policies are complex and it was recognised that they had the potential to create ongoing uncertainty for both customers and firms. The...

Businesses in Wales will have to carry out a specific coronavirus risk assessment under new Welsh Government legislation. These risk assessments will be the starting point for implementing the reasonable measures that are required to be taken to minimise exposure to the coronavirus on premises open to the public and in workplaces. This involves considering issues such as: whether ventilation is adequate hygiene ensuring physical distancing is taking place use of PPE and face coverings...

Do you care about the future of your town centre? Have you visited your town centre to shop for Christmas? COVID-19 has affected the whole of Wales. It has presented real challenges to businesses, retailers, public bodies, elected members and council officers across the country. Audit Wales is conducting research on the future of Welsh towns and want your thoughts and experience on: what makes your local town a great place to visit and shop...

HMRC have launched the ‘Tax avoidance: don’t get caught out’ campaign targeted at contractors who may be approached by people or businesses marketing tax avoidance schemes, or who may be faced with a scheme under third party recommendations or by searching on the Internet. A contractor can be self-employed, a worker or an employee if they work for a client and are employed by an agency. Tax avoidance involves bending the tax rules to try...

We are aware businesses may need assistance with completing the Irish Revenue’s Pre Boarding Notifications (PBN) using their online system. To address this, the Irish Revenue have published a number of guidance notes, including a user-guide for PBN notifications. Please note – if you need help with any PBN related queries you can contact Irish Revenue for support via: their 24/7 National Customs Helpline, on 00 353 1 7383685 the following dedicated mailbox: customsPBN@revenue.ie Please...

How can we be more innovative? What does the future of work look like and how will technology change our lives? How does a good leader manage change? These are just some of the tough questions being asked by global business leaders seeking to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world. Many businesses in Wales continue to deal with the impact of the Covid19 pandemic and are continuing to explore what leaving the EU...

The UK has reached an agreement with the EU on its future relationship. The social security coordination provisions in this agreement ensure workers who move between the UK and the EU only have to pay into one country’s social security scheme at a time. The country you and your employee will pay social security contributions in depends on whether the EU country has agreed to apply the detached worker rules. Where an EU country has...

A programme of webinars designed for Welsh exporters have been produced in recent months by the Welsh Government Trade Team. These webinars are now available on the internet so businesses can view them at their convenience, either via the Business Wales Export Zone - https://businesswales.gov.wales/export/how-we-can-help/webinars or the Business Wales YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/businesswales/videos. The programme provided a selection of guidance and advice topics, delivered by international trade experts, with a number focusing on the end...

The UK Government have announced the rise in the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage from April 2021. For the first time, more younger people will be eligible for the National Living Wage, as the age threshold will be lowered from 25 to 23. In full, the increases are: National Living Wage (23+) to increase from £8.72 to £8.91 National Minimum Wage (21-22) to increase from £8.20 to £8.36 National Minimum Wage (18-20) to...

Rules of Origin: Check your goods comply to trade tariff-free with the EU: With a trade deal in place, UK businesses can trade tariff-free with the EU from 1 January if their products meet agreed Rules of Origin. UK traders need to check if their products comply and how to prove they originate. For more information visit the GOV.UK website. Changes to approved exporter authorisations from 1 January 2021: Guidance has been issued about approved...