TDA Businesses monthly Business Blog
Every month TDA Business will bring you the latest in business news, opportunities and events:
Ban on card payment surcharges comes into force
From 13 January 2018, business operators will no longer be able to charge customers a fee for using their debit or credit card to pay for goods or services. Currently, a trader can apply a surcharge when taking payment by debit or credit card to cover the cost of accepting card payments. Under the new rules, all surcharges on card payments will be banned. However, business operators can continue to refuse card payments or to require a minimum spend for card transactions. The changes are being introduced as part of the EU Revised Payment Services Directive.
Click here for further information
HMRC launches free mobile app for taxpayers
HMRC has launched a free mobile app that allows taxpayers to view their tax code, see an estimate of tax to be paid, check their National Insurance number and view their tax credits payments schedule and apply for renewals. Information for self-assessment taxpayers is not currently available and HMRC is not planning to launch an app for Making Tax Digital. Using the app requires a Government Gateway ID. The app can be downloaded from Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
Tax return deadlines
The clock is ticking if you have to submit a self-assessment tax return, as the deadline expires at midnight on Wednesday, January 31.
Do not leave it until the last minute because gathering the necessary information could take several weeks.
Around 11 million people need to submit a return for the 2016/17 tax year, covering the period between April 6, 2016 and April 5, 2017.
The deadline for submitting a paper application expired on October 31, 2017, so you must do it online at Hmrc.gov.uk.
Give yourself even more time if you have not done this before. Last year 840,000 people missed the deadline and were slapped with an automatic £100 fine, with penalties for any further delays.
See these helpful notes on filling out your tax return from the .gov site
Mendip business awards
The Mendip Business Awards are open to all businesses, social enterprises, CIC’s and professional organisations with at least one business location within the Mendip District Council area – including home-based and start-up businesses.
If you are unsure whether your premises are in the area, you can check by entering your postcode here.
Find more info and enter the awards here:
Herald Express Business Excellence Awards
The annual Herald Express Business Excellence awards are now open for entries!
Enter your business in to one of the 14 categories for a chance to be shortlisted or even win.
The award ceremony will take place at the Riviera International Conference Centre on March 16th.
Entries close on Feb 9th
For more info and to enter the awards click here
Natwest Boost event
Come and join us for this #NatWestBoost event and give 2018 a great start!
We are delighted to introduce Owen Richards, Managing Director from Air Marketing Group.
Owen has been involved in three start-up businesses over the last 10 years and has taken Air Marketing from zero to 35 staff in the last 20 months. The business continues to thrive with a global client base and is developing a strong reputation for delivering excellent customer service and results.
In this candid session Owen will share the highs and lows he has experienced on his journey (so far) covering the failures and successes along the way and sharing key learning points.
We will see and hear first hand what it takes to build a successful business and the mindset needed to carry you through your own business journey
Please come and network over coffee, tea and meet other local business owners and professionals for what promises to be an inspirational event.
We look forward to welcoming you! Please register for your free place here
South Devon Jobs Fair
South Devon employers, who are actively recruiting, will be able to exhibit at the South Devon Jobs Fair in Torquay on Friday 16 March.
Delivered by TDA, Torbay Council and in partnership with Jobcentre Plus, this free event will take place in Torquay’s Town Hall Assembly Rooms from 9.30am to 1pm, providing anyone looking for a job the opportunity to meet with over 60 local employers.
In October, over 700 candidates met with 67 employers from across Torbay and South Devon, who shared seasonal and permanent employment opportunities with their company.
For more information or to book a stand click here