Top tips

In the know…

HM Revenue & Customs

For employees or individuals, employers and businesses, the HM Revenue & Customs website is a great information resource for things like VAT, PAYE, tax thresholds and numerous downloadable forms. You can sign up for online filing of company documents and place orders for HMRC guides and booklets.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/index.htm

Department for Business Innovation and Skills

Formerly BERR and before that, the DTI, this website is great for useful information on employment regulations such as statutory holiday entitlement, minimum wage etc. The search facility is pretty good for directing you to other sources of information.

http://www.berr.gov.uk/

Companies House

If you want to check into a company’s background, or just check their status, you can get details on who’s who and copies of annual returns and business accounts for as little as £2, electronically at the click of your mouse.

http://www.companieshouse.gov.uk/

Business Link

Practical support, information and advice for businesses.

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/

Direct Gov

A guide to public services all in one place. Official government information on work and families.

http://www.direct.gov.uk

Small Claims

Claims up to £100,000 can be persued via the Small Claims Court. Visit this site to register a claim.

https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/csmco2/index.jsp

UK Bank Holiday Dates

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/LivingintheUK/DG_073741

Telephone Preference Service

If you’d like to prevent yourself or your business from receiving telesales calls, faxes or mail, register your details free of charge with this service.

http://www.tpsonline.org.uk/tps/