Welcome to our round up of the latest business news for our clients. Please contact us if you want to talk about how these updates affect your business. We are here to support you.

Implementing Circular Economy Principles in Business Operations

Embracing a Circular Economy (CE) is a paradigm shift in how we produce and consume, advocating for sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling materials and products to their fullest extent. This transformative model directly addresses pressing global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. At its core, CE hinges on three fundamental principles: the elimination of waste and pollution through innovative design, prolonging the lifespan of products and materials, and revitalising natural systems.

CE’s ascent in popularity stems from its multi-faceted benefits. Notably, it curtails emissions and conserves raw materials, unlocking fresh market potential and bolstering the sustainability of consumption. Moreover, it enhances resource efficiency, underlining its critical role in fostering economic and environmental resilience.

Incorporating CE principles into your business strategy ushers in a host of advantages that can substantially influence your bottom line, brand image, and long-term viability:

  1. Cost Savings: Streamline resource utilisation and extend product lifecycles via strategies such as repair, refurbishment, and remanufacturing, ultimately reducing the demand for raw materials and cutting production costs.
  2. Competitive Advantage: Stand out from the competition by showcasing your commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, thereby bolstering your brand’s reputation and appeal.
  3. Growth Opportunities: Foster innovative product design and alternative business models, paving the way for new revenue streams and organic business expansion.
  4. Regulatory Compliance: Stay ahead of evolving laws and regulations surrounding waste management, resource consumption, and emissions reduction, ensuring your business remains compliant and future-proof.
  5. Enhanced Supply Chain Resilience: Strengthen the resilience of your supply chain by embracing innovation and resource efficiency, especially in the face of resource scarcity, geopolitical uncertainty, and escalating climate-related challenges.

Transitioning towards a Circular Economy necessitates a fundamental shift in mindset and business strategies. Equipping yourself with increased knowledge and innovative skills forms a crucial part of any comprehensive business strategy.

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Just as a blueprint guides the construction of a building, a strategic plan outlines the path to achieving your business vision. Take time to reflect on your personal objectives, as your business should serve as a means to realise your life’s aspirations. Conduct a thorough assessment of your current standing, evaluating strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Seek external insights for a comprehensive understanding of your market position, competition, and operational systems.

Focus on envisioning where you want to be in the next five years, envisaging your business in its optimal state, fully aligned with CE principles. This vision forms the bedrock of your strategic plan, setting the stage for your priorities and key focus areas.

To put your plan into action, articulate your vision, define your objectives, and outline the necessary steps to realise them. Regularly monitor your progress, celebrating completed milestones and addressing any outstanding tasks that keep you on track.

Assign responsibility for executing these actions, and consistently review and adjust your day-to-day operations to stay aligned with your strategic plan. The long-term benefits, including enhanced sustainability, significant cost savings, and robust business growth, make this endeavor a highly valuable pursuit for forward-thinking businesses.

If you’re seeking guidance on how to achieve your objectives, we have a wealth of experience in elevating businesses to new heights. Book a free consultation with our experts for more guidance.

The UK government’s policy statement on CE can be seen here: Circular Economy Package policy statement – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

UK Enterprises Rally Behind Britain’s Digital Trade Border Initiative

UK enterprises enthusiastically welcome the impending transition towards digitising Britain’s trade borders. The UK is poised to become the third country globally to embrace electronic trade documents, marking a significant leap toward a digital border system. This transformation holds immense promise for enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of international trade for current and future generations.

A recent survey, conducted by The Institute of Export and International Trade (IOE&IT), underscores widespread support among UK businesses for this pivotal shift toward digital trade. Impressively, 75% of respondents who participated in the IOE&IT event focused on the Electronic Trade Documents Act (ETDA) expressed optimism about its potential positive impact on their operations. Among them, 29% anticipate a ‘very positive impact,’ while a quarter expect a neutral effect. Notably, not a single respondent foresees a negative impact on their business.

The ETDA, which officially took effect on September 20th, now allows critical trade documents, including bills of lading and bills of exchange, to be recognised in both paper and electronic forms at the border. This forward-looking legislation streamlines the movement of goods, offering businesses a more efficient and seamless trading experience.

To learn more about how your business can leverage this digital transformation, book a free meeting with our experts today. Let’s pave the way for a more efficient and sustainable future in global trade.

See: Electronic Trade Document Act enters into force with backing of UK businesses – The Institute of Export and International Trade

Unlocking Right-to-Work Verification and Minimum Wage Compliance

In the UK, it is imperative for all employers to take measures to prevent illegal working. This involves conducting thorough right-to-work checks prior to hiring, ensuring that the individual’s immigration status does not disqualify them from the intended employment.
While most employees and workers are entitled to receive the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, it’s essential to understand how to verify their eligibility.


Stay informed and ensure your business remains in full compliance with these essential regulatory measures by booking a meeting with our expert accountants to understand:

  • When an employer must conduct a right-to-work check.
  • The specific type of right-to-work check required.
  • How to effectively utilise the Home Office Employer Checking Service.
  • Civil penalties and legal repercussions for non-compliance with right-to-work legislation.
  • Reporting procedures for immigration-related offenses.
  • Defining ‘worker’ status for NMW purposes.
  • Distinguishing between employed and self-employed individuals.
  • Exemptions to minimum wage eligibility.
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Remote Work and the £6 Weekly Allowance: Navigating Tax Impact

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the government introduced temporary measures allowing individuals working from home to receive a tax-free payment of £6 per week from their employer. If this payment wasn’t provided, employees had the option to claim a £6 per week relief against their employment income for a potential tax refund from HMRC. These relaxed regulations were applicable for the tax years 2020/21 and 2021/22.

It’s important to note that as of April 6, 2022, the rules have reverted to their original strict statutory stance. Employees are eligible for tax relief only if they are required to work from home under a formal agreement, which may be the case if:

  • Their job necessitates residing far from the office.
  • Their employer lacks a physical office space.
  • The office remains closed on Fridays, mandating employees to work from home on that day.

However, it’s crucial to understand that tax relief cannot be claimed if the employee chooses to work from home voluntarily.

Looking for more information on tax-related matters or have specific questions about working from home? Book a free consultation with our team of experts at Naseems Accountants for tailored advice and guidance on your unique situation.

See: Claim tax relief for your job expenses: Working from home – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Latest UK Export Academy webinars

For business owners and entrepreneurs seeking to expand their horizons, the UK Export Academy offers a series of dynamic webinars designed to enhance your exporting prowess and tap into global markets.

Tailored to cater to different proficiency levels, the UK Export Academy unfolds in distinct stages. These encompass:

Essentials:

Ideal for those new to international sales or looking to embark on this journey, these webinars serve as a comprehensive guide, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence needed to kickstart your exporting venture.

20 Oct – Understanding export controls

24 Oct – How to sell your services overseas (Part 1 of 2)

26 Oct – How to sell your services overseas (Part 2 of 2)

27 Oct – Intensive series: An introduction to exporting (part 1 of 2)

31 Oct – Intensive series: Getting your exports from A to B (part 2)

Masterclasses

If you’ve already mastered the export fundamentals, these masterclasses are the perfect opportunity to deepen your understanding and expand your expertise.

23 Oct – Fuel your vision: Grantify’s guide to grant funding for innovators

25 Oct – Say it just right: the importance of translation!

30 Oct – Ask an exporter: Round table with DBT Export Champions

31 Oct – Top tips for understanding VAT in Europe

See: UK Export Academy — Great.gov.uk

Regional Talent Engines programme

Calling all innovative mid-late career engineers! The Royal Academy of Engineering is excited to announce a new application round for its Regional Talent Engines programme, a six-month pre-accelerator initiative tailored for early-stage founders eager to bring their cutting-edge concepts to market.

This opportunity is extended to individuals based in Northern Ireland, Northern England, and Wales. The programme offers a comprehensive startup accelerator package, including:

  • An equity-free grant of £20,000 to support living expenses.
  • Engaging hybrid training workshops, roundtables, and speaker events.
  • Personalised business coaching and mentoring.
  • Access to co-working spaces in London and Belfast for collaborative work environments.

In addition, successful participants will receive a lifetime membership to the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Enterprise Hub, granting them access to top-notch facilities, training resources, and a supportive network of fellow entrepreneurs.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Applicants must possess technical expertise in their respective field of innovation.
  • Typically, applicants should have a background as experienced engineers or skilled tech professionals.
  • Residency and a commitment to establishing a new startup in the region of application are essential.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Applications are open until 4 pm on October 30, 2023. Book a free consultation today and let our experts guide you towards success. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to optimise your financial strategies.

See: Regional Talent Engines – Pre-Accelerator Programme (raeng.org.uk)

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