Business Secretary Vince Cable announced last week that no small firm will have to have independently audited accounts any longer, saving 42,000 businesses £40 million per year. He said: “It’s important that we free small firms up so they can grow and drive the economy. The changes I have announced today mean that small firms will be able to concentrate on growing and taking on more people instead of paperwork.†The areas of reform are: • Firstly the small company audit
The Treasury could offer homeowners stamp duty incentives in the Budget to encourage them to retrofit their homes under the Green Deal. The measure would be a victory for the industry, which has been calling for incentives and mandatory regulations to kickstart home improvements. Stamp duty incentives are seen as crucial to ensure take-up of the government’s flagship policy. Andrew Warren, who heads the Department for Energy and Climate Change committee on how to boost Green Deal take-up, said he was
Supplied by The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Homeowners wanting building work done to their homes can have increased confidence when choosing a Federation of Master Builders (FMB) member from today as all new members will be required to have their work inspected. Building companies wishing to join the UK’s largest construction trade association already have to prove they have been trading for 12 months or more, have liability insurance, are VAT registered (if applicable), pass various financial and
Liz Male has 20 years’ experience of building industry standards and consumer image rotection bodies, and a long career as a public relations and marketing consultant in the construction industry. She was head of communications for the NHBC, has advised many clients on campaigns that promote higher standards in building, and was also closely involved in the launch of TrustMark over five years ago. Liz now runs a consultancy specialising in PR and sustainability communications,and works as a facilitator at Board
The FMB Guide to Home Improvement has been written to guide you through the process of your home improvement project. It can make your head ache when you start to wonder how you can actually achieve what you want and what permissions you might need. This guide will steer you in the right direction and will help get all your ideas from doodles on the back of an envelope to an improved home that’s perfect for you. If
Visit the UK’s leading self build and home improvement event at a venue near you. From building systems to roofing and tiling, heating, ventilation and energy efficiency to flooring and finishes. You’ll find all the products, services and expert advice required all under one roof. Click here for free tickets Harrogate – Harrogate International Centre 5 – 7 November 2010 www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/harrogate Somerset – Bath & West Showground 27 – 28 November 2010 www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/somerset National – NEC Birmingham 24
TBS are members of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) The FMB is a member of the ‘Cut the VAT’ Coalition which is campaigning to reduce the rate of VAT to 5 percent for all maintenance and home improvement work. A lower rate of VAT would help underpin the the Government’s Green Deal which aims to make homes more energy efficient and help reduce carbon emissions. It would also benefit millions of UK homeowners by helping to eliminate cowboy builders who plague vulnerable householders as well as helping those
