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Tax Preparation Specialist Offers Recommendations for Making the Most of Tax Allowances before Tax Year End

Tax Preparation Specialist Offers Recommendations for Making the Most of Tax Allowances before Tax Year End

With yet another tax year about to come to a close on 5th April 2019, taxpayers in the UK have been offered expert guidance on maximising their various tax-free allowances before the end of the tax year. Tax preparation specialist David Redfern, Managing Director of DSR Tax Claims Ltd, provided his timely advice in order to assist taxpayers in making the most of the various tax efficiencies available to them in the 2018/19 tax year.

Artline’s EKPR markers to leave indelible impression

Artline’s EKPR markers

Thanks to some expert industry knowledge, Artline believes it has created a product range to make an appropriately bold mark with thousands of professionals across a variety of trades.

Artline’s new EKPR series has been designed with all manner of tradespeople in mind, including builders, plumbers, gardeners, electricians and even odd-job men and women.

Individual markers in the collection are crafted to work on tough surfaces including fencing, piping, metalwork, stone and concrete. Each of the seven markers in the EKPR series also boast a clever, colour-coded barrel to make selection from the tool box simple.

Markers in the range include: 

Specialised Valve Training Centre Created At Pegler

Specialised Valve Training Centre Created At Pegler

The leading manufacturer of Integrated Piping Systems, Pegler, has expanded its training facilities in Doncaster to offer an even greater interactive experience.

The specialised valve centre offers more hands-on training for individuals and companies to facilitate greater understanding and more experience in balancing and commissioning valves.

Glenn Schofield, Technical Training Support Manager, commented:  “We have specifically designed this training facility to simulate real life situations.  The whole room can be used at once or just certain sections to show what could happen in any commercial or domestic setting.”

Tips to Grow Your Plumbing Business Online

Tips to Grow Your Plumbing Business Online

Increasing your business’ online presence is essential if you’re looking to find new customers in 2019.

Why is it so essential? Well, nowadays, when many homeowners have an issue with their plumbing, they’ll pick up their phone and, rather than call a local plumber, head to Google. Appearing above a competitor on Google could be the difference between earning a new customer and missing out. 

With that in mind, here are some simple tips to help grow your business online.

Your company website

A website is the face of your company, a place where potential customers can get more information, find out your location and, most importantly, make a note of contact details. 

Step 1: Do Your Research

Van Drivers Admit To Making Calls Behind The Wheel

Van Drivers Making Calls Behind The Wheel

More than half of van drivers admitted to making calls behind the wheel without using a hands-free device, according to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ research.

Van drivers spend an average of 35 minutes on the phone each day in their vehicles, making an average of seven calls a day. One in 10 spend two hours on the phone while driving during the working day.

The results of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ investigation comes two years on from tougher laws governing the use of mobile phones. Since March 2017, driving while using a device – including making calls, texting, taking selfies or posting on social media – has carried a fine of £200 and a six penalty point endorsement on your licence. Being caught twice is enough to have your licence revoked.

Two thirds of homeowners may be unlawfully installing water fittings in their home

Two thirds of homeowners may be unlawfully installing water fittings in their home

WRAS is urging anyone planning plumbing work to check if they need permission from their water company, before installing certain plumbing fittings

Nearly two thirds of homeowners (60%) are unaware that they must inform their water company if installing specific water fixtures in their home, including large baths and some types of bidets.

To safeguard our drinking water, UK water regulations and byelaws require, for most types plumbing of work, the designer, installer, owner or occupier to obtain their local water supplier’s consent first. In much the same way you must notify building control if extending or altering your property, you also must send notice and details of the proposed work to the water company.

WaterSafe Calls for More Female Plumbers to Take Up Their Tools

Female Plumber working with Watersafe

With less than 1% of UK plumbers being female, WaterSafe is calling for more women to take up the tools.

Despite plumbing being a great career choice that combines instant job satisfaction, a decent wage and skills that are always in demand, the number of women in the trade remains very low.

WaterSafe, the national register for approved plumbers, is calling for more women to help protect public health by pursuing a fulfilling and important career as a qualified plumber.

WaterSafe’s Get Girls Plumbing campaign encourages women not to be put off by the out-dated stereotype that plumbing is a job better suited to men. 

Shower Firm Moves To Cut Plastic Waste

Shower Firm Moves To Cut Plastic Waste

Lakes, a manufacturer of showering spaces, has introduced new fully-recyclable packaging, designed to reduce its impact on the environment. Lakes’ new product packaging is now 100% eco-friendly. It also extends to 100% recycling of all product waste, primarily glass and aluminium, and of all recyclable site and office waste.

The improved packaging alone will remove approximately 2000 kilometres of banding a year from landfill, and nearly two million pieces of polystyrene.

Anti-Money Laundering Guidance for Small Businesses

Anti-Money Laundering Guidance for Small Businesses

As efforts to stamp out money laundering and the financing of terrorist activity are stepped up throughout the UK, tax preparation specialist David Redfern, managing director of DSR Tax Claims Ltd, has issued his guidance to small businesses and sole traders who have business activities which may be at risk of money laundering. Redfern's well-timed guidance follows a recent HMRC crackdown on a number of estate agents across England who have been suspected of money laundering activities or failing to comply with current legislation.

Revealed: The best (and worst) areas for energy efficiency within homes in England and Wales 

Revealed: The best (and worst) areas for energy efficiency within homes in England and Wales 

Everest study analyses 15,623,536 home Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) across the country to reveal the best and worst rated areas for energy efficiency

Despite being the most expensive place to live for property prices – London homes are the most energy efficient and paying the LEAST on bills

Tower Hamlets, Greenwich and City of London top the chart as the three most energy efficient areas in England and Wales with the MOST A- & B-rated EPCs with energy bills costing just £1,650 on average (in 3 years)

The average EPC rating for a dwelling in England and Wales is D

The study reveals the 10 WORST areas with the most F- & G-rated certificates that cost nearly 3.5 X of those in London