Latest News
Keep up to date with the latest news in support services.
March 2023
Corporate Criminal Offense: What should business owners know?
Many countries have legislation in place to combat tax evasion by corporations. In the UK, this piece of legislation is Corporate Criminal Offense (CCO), which mandates companies to prevent their employees, agents, or other associated persons from facilitating tax evasion. CCO is a strict liability offense. Failure to implement the Read More
February 2023
How to Handle and Manage International Global Payroll
Handling payments can be a challenge in any setting. It involves knowing and complying with local laws and regulations, ensuring that deadlines are met and taxes are paid. It is such a crucial task that often, companies have entire departments dedicated to managing payroll or, sometimes, even hire specialized companies Read More
Global PEO (Professional Employer Organization) Explained in Detail
Growing your company can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Getting more work than your team can handle is a sign that your business is doing great and that it might be time to increase the number of people working for you. As companies face the challenge of finding the Read More
EOR (Employer of Record) Explained In Detail
Businesses are becoming increasingly borderless. Thanks to advances in technology and a deeper understanding of different cultures, companies can operate all over the world, enjoying more opportunities for growth and development. However, globalization is not only a matter of selling or offering services worldwide. Employing people outside of your home Read More
A Thorough Guide to Global Business Expansion
In an increasingly globalized world, taking your company, your products, and your goals abroad can be an excellent way of gaining new customers and growing your business. But is global expansion for everyone? What challenges will you face when creating a strategy to take your business abroad, and what are Read More
July 2022
UK Tax Thresholds
Frozen tax thresholds pull more Britons into higher rates As the global recession rumbles on, the UK Government has effectively utilised stealth to increase the group subject to its highest rate of Income Tax, being 45%. The retention of the frozen tax thresholds has led to a 50% increase in Read More
June 2022
UK talent visas
High Potential Individual visa scheme to import new talent to the UK May 2022 saw the introduction of the High Potential Individual visa to the UK. This new route into the UK is a small part of a broader set of global mobility schemes, designed to attract overseas talent. The Read More
Globalaw European Conference 2022
Globalaw European Conference 2022 This month, Briars brought a taste of Scotland to Luxembourg for the Globalaw European Conference (GLERM 2022). Globalaw’s regional meetings are opportunities to exchange expertise, educate one another, and improve what we deliver to clients. They are also essential for building relationships and allowing lawyers and Read More
March 2022
Tax reform for unincorporated businesses
Tax Reform for all Unincorporated Businesses An HMRC tax reform that will change the basis period for all unincorporated businesses to 5th April is delayed but still due. The changes will mean that businesses will be taxed on the profit or loss for the year ended 5th April regardless of the Read More
Founder Supporter
Briars Group recognised as Founder Supporter of The Company of Entrepreneurs The Company of Entrepreneurs of the City of London has commemorated role played by The Briars Group as a Founder Supporter. The Company (formerly the Guild) of Entrepreneurs seeks to promote entrepreneurship within the City of London and beyond Read More
February 2022
Making Tax Digital Extension
Making Tax Digital extended to all VAT-registered businesses HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has confirmed that Making Tax Digital (MTD) will be extended to all VAT-registered businesses from April 2022. Changes will apply to the approximately 1.1m VAT-registered businesses with taxable turnover below the current VAT threshold. The move comes Read More
November 2021
Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) Schemes
How UK companies are using Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) Schemes to grow their business Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) schemes are allowing innovative businesses to reward success in a tax-efficient manner by offering key people in the business a share in the company’s success. EMI schemes have surged in popularity Read More
The Briars Group at 30
Happy Birthday to Briars This year The Briars Group turned 30. The moment was marked with a small party and, over the year, other events will take place to say “thank you” to all those who have been instrumental in helping us reach this milestone. Timing is everything, they say. Read More
The Use of Holding Companies
International Tax Reforms Challenge the Use of Holding Companies Proposals under Base Erosion and Profit Sharing 2.0 (BEPS 2.0) and the Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive 3 (ATAD 3) challenge the use of holding companies. BEPS 2.0 may re-introduce withholding taxes while ATAD 3 brings in prescriptive requirements. Beneficial Ownership from Read More
Tax Authorities Target Tax Avoidance
Tax Authorities Across the World are Coordinating to Reduce Opportunities for Tax Avoidance Transfer pricing continues to be a focus for tax authorities around the world. In order to reduce tax avoidance, changes are being proposed around the world that will impact businesses global tax compliance. Many of these Read More
October 2021
National Insurance Contribution Increase
UK Government announces plans to increase National Insurance Contributions to reduce strain on health and social care National Insurance Contribution [NIC] rates are being increased to support the NHS and social care services. The Government has announced plans to raise National Insurance by 1.25% for one year only for employees, Read More
OECD Tax Accord
OECD accord imposes global minimum corporate tax of 15% Over 130 countries have signed an OECD accord that enables them to raise tax on sales made by multinational enterprises within their borders. The two-pillar package aims to ensure that large Multinationals pay tax where they operate and earn profits, while Read More
September 2021
UK Start-Up Boom
Increase in Registered Companies Indicates a UK Wide Start-Up Boom The largest start-up boom in the UK for the past decade has been one of the unexpected results of the coronavirus pandemic. New businesses have been created in response to necessity, the changes to work and lifestyle, and the opportunity Read More
Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Winding Down: Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended until 30 September 2021 while simultaneously being wound down. The level of grant available to employers under the scheme stayed the same until 30 June 2021 but has now started to reduce. Read More
Understanding the ETIAS
Starting in 2022, travellers to the EU will need to apply to the ETIAS The European Commission has declared plans to introduce the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) by the end of 2022. The ETIAS will be an electronic system that authorizes and keeps track of people entering EU borders. Read More
July 2021
UK Foreign Direct Investment
UK 2nd in the world for foreign direct investment according to UN report Global flows of foreign direct investment have been severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic but the UK is amongst those nations leading the way back. In 2020 foreign direct investment (FDI) fell by one third to $1 Read More
Employees Working Abroad
National Insurance Contributions for Employees Working Abroad UK businesses whose employees are working abroad may now apply to HMRC to find out if they need to continue paying National Insurance Contributions. The service was updated in January 2021 and applies if you’re sending one or more employees to work temporarily Read More
Extended Loss Carry Back
Extended Loss Carry Back – help for businesses In an effort to provide further aid for businesses struggling with the coronavirus pandemic, the government has extended the period in which trading losses can be carried back for tax relief purposes. The Extended Loss Carry Back measure announced at Budget 2021 Read More
June 2021
National Insurance contributions relief
National Insurance contributions relief for employers who hire veterans From April 2022 onwards, employers will be able to apply for National Insurance contributions relief if they hire veterans. The relief will be available in real time through PAYE for 12 consecutive months from the veteran’s first day of civilian employment. Read More
Deferred VAT
Deferred VAT Deadline Looms Businesses that deferred their VAT payments last year have less than a month left to join an online payment scheme. Payments deferred from the early stages of the pandemic which remain outstanding need to be paid by the end of June in order to avoid penalties. Read More
May 2021
Global Business Tax
Biden’s global business tax plan President Joe Biden’s plan for a 21 per cent minimum global business tax rate has been met with resistance from the UK chancellor Rishi Sunak. Though there is considerable opposition pressure on the chancellor to endorse the US plan, Sunak said he would consider a Read More
COVID-19 Litigation
COVID-19 litigation surge awaits UK companies A surge in contract disputes and employment-related litigation may be about to hit UK companies, according to Insurance broker Gallagher. Possible allegations include workplace-related safety violations and negligence, as well as unfair dismissal and discrimination following job losses. The survey, which was conducted last Read More
April 2021
Off-Payroll Working IR35
Changes to off-payroll working (IR35) rules The new off-payroll working (IR35) rules came into force on the 6 April 2021. Though payments relating to work or payments made before 6 April 2021 are not affected, the new rules need to be considered for all payments made on or after 6 Read More
March 2021
US Stimulus Package
Biden’s $1.9tn stimulus set to boost global economy President Biden’s Covid-19 Relief Bill has been sold as a tool to boost the US recovery, but the wider world will also welcome the stimulus package. We know that when America sneezes the world catches a cold, and America has indeed been Read More
UK Corporation Tax
What will the UK Corporation Tax rise mean for my business? The corporation tax rise was one of the most talked about aspects of the UK Spring Budget 2021. The measure is the UK Chancellor’s first step in repairing some of the damage done to the public purse by the Read More
UK Budget 2021
UK Budget 2021: A summary of key announcements Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced his Spring 2021 Budget promising further support for Covid-hit businesses and workers. As well as supporting and boosting industries ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic, the announcement also looked ahead to the difficult process of repairing the public Read More
Uber Supreme Court Ruling
Disrupting a disruptor: The implications of the Supreme Court’s Uber ruling The UK Supreme Court has ruled that Uber must classify its drivers as workers rather than self-employed contractors. The decision could threaten the position of an already unprofitable company and will have far-reaching HR and tax consequences for the Read More
February 2021
Working From Home
Tax relief for working from home Working from home has become the new normal for much of the UK workforce. During the first national lockdown in 2020, the Office for National Statistics recorded that nearly half of those in employment (46.6%[i]) performed some work at home. Not all of that Read More
January 2021
UK Banking
Banking in the UK If you are considering a UK corporate or personal account in the UK, there are a plethora of banking options available. Starting with the ‘retail’ likes of Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds and NatWest, then there are the challenger banks which are digital such as Revolut or Read More
Business Funding Strategy
Funding the journey to ‘the promised land’ Over the course of my twenty-year career as a business school academic, and the co-founder of Cambridge’s largest technology accelerator, I have been fortunate enough to mentor over 250 high growth ventures. I’ve witnessed spectacular success in the form of IPOs and nine-digit Read More
Covid Leadership
Knee Jerk v Big Picture I don’t think I’m the first person to suggest we are living in ‘interesting’ times. What has been described as an old Chinese Curse, has sadly become a daily challenge. After almost a year of the Covid Pandemic around the globe every life has been Read More
Overseas Banking
Land and Expand Part VI - Overseas Banking Brilliantly ebullient, basically brazen – how to open your overseas bank account and remain rational We are often asked: what is the most common complaint when setting up in new territories? Setting up overseas banking facilities. With the ability to make Read More
Filing an FBAR
Filing an FBAR Are you a US Corporate operating non-US resident bank accounts? Are your key people compliant with FBAR? Have you advised your US signatories of their risks? Briars has a simple solution…. Your favourite subject – filing tax returns! What can go wrong?? In 1789, Benjamin Franklin uttered Read More
December 2020
Insurance policies to protect us all
In Utmost Good Faith In these challenging times, we are all looking for surety and stability and of course financial security. The principle of an Insurance policy, be it for your car, your home, your business remains the same in that it can be relied upon to provide financial protection Read More
Resilience and leadership success
Resilience is critical to leadership success “Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient.” ― Steve Maraboli Resilience is foundational to success. One constant in life is the inevitable flow of perpetual changes. In a turbulent environment, including this incredibly challenging year, it becomes challenging Read More
Insurances
Land and Expand part V - Insurances As we walk through the Land & Expand journey, we reach the fifth stage, being Insurances. Often overlooked in the process but necessary to ensure that your overseas trading entity, your board of directors, your employees, your customers and your supply chain are Read More
Risk Management in New York
A Risk Management primer, for a new company landing and expanding in New York Historically a melting pot, New York is a diverse metropolitan area, which translates well for entrepreneurs of all ethnic backgrounds. Of the approximately 8.5 million people living in the city, more than one-third are foreign-born, the Read More
A Scotsman in New York
The city that never sleeps will awaken again Downtown Anyone visiting New York City for the first time is overwhelmed by the sheer size of the skyline and immediately feels the frenetic energy of people living their lives and business getting done. I’m a Brit, having moved to the US Read More
Insurance UK – Companies and Directors
At risk – Companies and Directors The most likely entity that a foreign company establishing itself in the UK will form is a limited liability company. A. Limited Liability company and its shareholders A limited liability company will create a barrier of protection between risk and its shareholders. Shareholders cannot Read More
Business as usual at meetings – I think not!
Virtual Meeting Expert Jon Hammond offers Six Tips to Online Meeting Success I hope you agree, we are all in a new world when it comes to business meetings. The leadership challenge of how to influencing/persuade teams that are likely to be remote has taken on a new dimension. Some Read More
November 2020
Brace for Brexit
Are you really ready for Brexit? Join The Company of Entrepreneurs' sponsors as they host an online Brexit briefing at the end of this week's Global Entrepreneurship Week. Friday 20th at 11am - One Hour, Three Experts and hosted by the talented Jon Hammond. If you've got Brexit questions then Read More
Local Country Incorporation
Land and Expand part IV - Local Country Incorporation As we reach stage 4 of our Land & Expand journey, our attention turns to incorporation and an overview of what should be considered. We have chosen to focus on the UK however, the underlying approach varies little between countries and Read More
California’s Proposition 22
California’s Proposition 22: It Passed, Now What? Paul Mello and William D. Taylor* California, for better or worse, has long been on the leading edge of labor and employment law developments that have broadly impacted business in general and the transportation industry in particular. Often California’s courts are quick to Read More
UK Company Secretaries
Corporate Compliance, Best Practice and Company Secretaries The role and duties of the UK Company Secretary are often overlooked by a board of directors focussed on managing an SME, especially in the current climate. This is heightened by the fact that said SMEs are not required to appoint a company Read More
Expand or Contract
Expand or Contract – Flex or Commit? The global commercial real estate market is reeling. For a market that operates on precedents, a respiratory disease on a global scale has literally ripped the bottom out of the home of many commercial trading entities. Feeling the effects Commercial real estate be Read More
Setting up a business in the UK
Setting up a business in the UK There are a variety of ways for an international investor or company to set up business in the UK. What works best depends on several things, including the appetite to accept direct liability for the actions of the UK entity and its tax Read More
Incorporating in California
Setting up business in California When I was asked to write an article about the practicalities and pitfalls of setting up and doing business in California, I had an immediate negative reaction to the state I have called home for a decade. As a long-time Board Member, COO, CFO and Read More
U.S. Visas: Working in California
California Dreamin’? What to Know About Living and Working in California The U.S. immigration process has become a high-stakes undertaking for many professionals, entrepreneurs, and employers. Still, coming to California to live the life of your dreams remains possible. The key to achieving your dreams is identifying your long-term goals, Read More
Make your online conversations count
Avoiding the new plague: ‘International Zoomitis’! – make your online conversations count Do you remember the days when you could have a chat around the water cooler and exchange stories with colleagues, without having to be two metres apart? When you didn’t have to try and understand what people were Read More
October 2020
Global Mobility and UK Tax
Global Mobility and UK Tax Global mobility remains restrained today. However, despite the current pandemic, some businesses are taking those first tentative steps to place key players overseas, driven by the need to ensure business survival. From the perspective of those on the move, what does this mean to employer Read More
Relocation during COVID
Case Study: Relocation from Germany to Richmond, London during COVID times We were referred these VVIP clients and asked to support their relocation to the UK at what was a very tricky time, both domestically and internationally, due to the COVID outbreak. The UK had recently imposed quarantine measures for Read More
Key currencies at a glance
Key currencies at a glance Since the outbreak of COVID-19, currency market participants have paid less attention to economic data. However, in the wake of several important central bank decisions, we could see a return back to traditional fundamentals moving the market. OFXperts expect the key drivers to be: Central Read More
Global Mobility
Land and Expand part III – Global Mobility – GEO/PEO/EOR Welcome to our 3rd Land and Expand article! So far, we have touched upon planning and good governance as you expand. Today, let’s tackle the confusion that appears to exist when discussing: PEO Professional Employer Organisation GEO Global Employer Organisation Read More
COVID-19 and Foreign national workers
COVID-19 and foreign national workers in The United States Over the last three months, stay-at-home orders have become commonplace around the United States due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For foreign national workers who are employed by multinational corporations and businesses, these orders have practically broadened into “stay-in-country” directives. The visa Read More
How reputations are created, lost, protected and enhanced
What’s in a reputation? The Billionaire and Founder of Amazon.com Jeff Bezos once said, ‘Your Reputation is what people talk about when you leave the room’. They are very difficult to quantify and measure, but we all have one, and hopefully yours is positive and one to be proud of. Read More
International HR management
International HR management There is an increasing move for organisations to go global, particularly today with international trade considered to be the norm and not the exception. This change may be driven by the need to reach out to new territories to increase sales, or to reduce operating costs, or Read More
Corporate Criminal Offence investigations in 2020
Corporate Criminal Offence investigations continue despite pandemic HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has 10 live corporate criminal offence (CCO) investigations according to new statistics. The UK government department also has a further 22 live opportunities currently under review. It has opened one new investigation since December 2019. Wide ranging investigations Read More
August 2020
Work-based UK visas
Investors, innovators, start-ups and talent – UK work-based visas There are currently four UK work-based visas available for investors, business development and talent. Having the correct Visa in place is essential if you are looking to expand your business to the UK. Understanding which is the most appropriate is the Read More
Global leadership and French law
Global leadership: an overview of the qualities French employment law expects from directors and top executives In global companies, as business grows, boards of directors wish to include the most-qualified members to define strategy, nurture innovation, promote sustainability, define scalability and capability as well as lead people. What better place Read More
Global Corporate Structure
Land and Expand part II: Global corporate structure Last month we introduced the first in our series of articles taking a short glimpse into Briars 18-stage roadmap. Our August newsletter focuses upon Global Leadership and in keeping with that theme lets consider the thought process of boards and investors as Read More
Business as unusual
Why manufacturing and tourism fare badly during economic crises Manufacturing and tourism are two key drivers in some of the world’s major economies. They are also sectors hit disproportionately hard during an economic crisis, when discretionary spending declines. During a crisis caused by a pandemic, both supply and demand are Read More
Enhance your online reputation
Are you one of them? (a global Leader who unknowingly may be risking their reputation?) Reputation Coach Jon Hammond spoke to the Briars Group, about how virtual meetings can be enhanced, and business reputations boosted by taking some simple measures. I was talking to a group of influential leaders on Read More
Longer term business plans
Weekly progression toward longer term achievements We are encouraged to produce longer term business plans by orthodox thinking. I used to set business goals based on the long term and agonised over projections virtually all of which turned out to be useless. Any short-term accuracy was soon lost to external Read More
What is a company board for now?
What is a company board for now? By Professor Bob Garratt Published online by the Royal Society of Arts Building Bridges To the Future Post-Covid series. This essay is a provocation to all involved in corporate governance, and a practical response triggered by Bob’s clients, students and colleagues asking him Read More
Redundancy pay for furloughed workers
Redundancy pay paid to furloughed workers based on normal wages From Friday 31st July 2020, furloughed workers losing their jobs became eligible for redundancy pay based on their normal wages and not their furlough rate. The new law ensured that workers now receive their full pay-off, said Business Secretary Alok Read More
July 2020
Back to back meetings, the danger of Zoomitis and what the virtual world can learn from FAT LARRY…
Those of you of a certain age may remember ‘Fat Larry’. If you don’t, you may be thinking we are in danger of being politically incorrect, but the truth is, Fat Larry James was the founder of an American R&B and Funk band from Philadelphia who had a number two Read More
Passport, face-mask, Covid-19 policy – tick!
With the constantly changing picture, and uncertainty surrounding travel plans, quarantine rules and home viewings, relocation support has become even more invaluable to ensure clients are properly looked after and kept safe during the pandemic. New Normal As relocation support services recommence, a new way of working needs be taken Read More
Reduced Costs of Hiring in Belgium
Could your business benefit from reduced employer costs for a first employee in Belgium this year? According to Briars’ Belgium partner Pro-Pay, it is distinctly possible. For a company that has never hired an employee in Belgium before, the cost of labour is reduced due to lower employer social security Read More
Do you have the right talent to execute your post pandemic recovery plans?
Plan for Recovery There are a lot of articles and resources dedicated to helping businesses think differently and adjust post Covid-19. Changing your strategy and business model is inevitable for many businesses, BUT the question as to whether you rebound and survive will all come down to how well you Read More
The Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR) – do you need to file?
Filing US tax returns is a well-known responsibility of American ex-pats, but the Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR) is often forgotten. This can be costly, as failing to file the FBAR can draw the attention of the IRS, and lead to some harsh penalties. A United States person that has Read More
How investor responses impact currency in times of extreme volatility
Crises that affect world markets tend to hit with little warning and major impacts, leaving everyone from traders and investors rushing to find ways to limit their losses while the catastrophe unfolds. The various crises we have seen in the last 50 years have happened for many different reasons, but Read More
Global responses to the Covid 19 crisis
Getting economies back on their feet whilst trying to control the spread of an invisible killer. Those are the general aims of responding to Covid-19 - the world’s most unwelcome recent visitor. All economies that have the resources are more or less following similar practices such as social distancing (at Read More
How best to land and expand? A common question.
Is there a straightforward answer? Irrespective of where in the world you want to open that next office, adherence to a tried and tested roadmap to guide you through the underlying requirements will be essential. This generic map is subsequently anchored by local laws, tailoring your solution to ensure ongoing Read More
A temporary reduction in VAT from 20% to 5% for worst hit sectors
Chancellor's Summer statement A temporary cut in the sales tax from 20% to 5% has been announced by the UK government for attractions, meals and accommodation. Chancellor Rishi Sunak proposed the measure during his Summer Statement in order to provide relief for some of the sectors worst hit by the Read More
Temporary Changes to Companies House Filing Requirements
A Companies House publication has been released explaining how filing requirements will change as a result of the UK government’s coronavirus (Covid-19) support measures. The document has been produced to provide guidance on how the measures introduced by the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act and The Companies etc. (Filing Requirements) Read More
Flexible Furlough: How the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is Changing
The government has proposed a flexible way out of furlough for the millions affected. As of the 14th June, approximately 9.1 million jobs from 1.1 million employers were furloughed in the UK. However, the sheer cost of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) means it will have to change in Read More
June 2020
Options to Help Plan for Currency Exposure
Currency markets don’t like uncertainty. Few of us do. That’s why we want to give you options on how to plan for currency exposure with some level of certainty. Because even in the middle of all this, businesses still need to move money globally. Currency markets have seen some violent Read More
What Do You Need to Consider When Relocating?
If you are considering relocating to the UK, there will always be some apprehension, as well as excitement for the journey ahead. This is true whether you are considering moving yourself or relocating an assignee, and especially if the move involves the whole family - as there will be more Read More
Business as usual – is there a higher opportunity?
No matter where you are in the world, the recent Covid crisis has given us an opportunity. It has given us the time and need to reflect on effectiveness and skillsets of our organisations, our people and indeed ourselves. So what conclusions have you come to? Many of the clients Read More
Bring your business to Italy
Why Italy? Italy has a history of businesses being tied up by bureaucracy and with high cost of employment, these issues are still prevalent, but times are changing…. The government realises that it needs to create the right type of environment to stimulate both business and the employment of skilled Read More
HMRC update guidance on deferral of VAT payments due to Covid-19
All UK VAT registered businesses are eligible to defer payments due between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2020. Business may, should they choose to, continue to pay as usual but have the option of delaying until March 2021. VAT payments you can defer These are the only payments a Read More
HMRC’s crackdown on overseas tax evasion
In a single year, HM Revenue & Customs’ (HMRC) crackdown on overseas tax evasion has seen a massive increase in the number of people admitting to not paying tax. According to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, 867 British expats declared they failed to pay the amount they owed in Read More
May 2020
Working Time (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (Regulations)
Changes to regulations mean that workers will now be able to carry over untaken annual leave into the next two leave years. This applies where they have been unable to take leave due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article Andrew Brierley, Briars Group Chairman, takes a look at the regulations, Read More
April 2020
In an unprecedented and dynamic situation, company directors need to be mindful of the law
Company directors, along with everyone else, are living in a new world. The global response to the coronavirus outbreak has reshaped the business landscape. Even once the immediate Covid-19 crisis has passed, no-one can be certain what the new-normal will be. However, despite the instability, we are all still required Read More
New legislation introduced stipulating what needs to be included in a contract of employment.
What has changed? From 6 April 2020, the requirement to provide a written statement of terms and conditions extends to workers, not just employees. This now includes casual and zero hours workers. Employers must provide their workers and employees with their written statement on or before their first day of employment, no Read More
FCA propose concessions for smaller firms as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic
Under new Financial Conduct Authority proposals published this week, nine out of ten firms will have until the end of 2020 to pay their regulatory fees and levies. The concessions have been made to smaller advice firms in light of the coronavirus pandemic. The proposals published by the FCA stated Read More
Changes to government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme expected to have an immediate impact.
The UK government’s loan scheme to assist businesses hit by the coronavirus outbreak has been overhauled. Initial measures, including government guaranteed loans amounting to £330 bn were announced in response to the disruption caused by COVID-19. However, several problems with the scheme have since been identified and changes have been Read More
Summary of government support available for businesses
The Government have issued a range of measures to assist businesses in the UK following the coronavirus outbreak here. We have produced an initial report and a more detailed look at CBILS, but what follows is a brief summary of the measures being offered: Job Retention Scheme to reduce the Read More
March 2020
Business Support during the COVID-19 disruption
The UK Government has set out a package of temporary interventions to support people and businesses during the period of disruption caused by COVID-19. This package, which has been published in full on the gov.uk website, includes: a Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme deferring VAT and Income Tax payments a Statutory Read More
Symptoms of COVID-19 – what to do
coronavirus flowchart
Covid-19 emergency postpones tax reforms
The UK government has delayed proposed changes to the IR35 tax rules until 2021 in response to the COVID-19 crisis. MP Steve Barclay, the chief secretary to the treasury, unexpectedly announced the move on the evening of March 17th and was keen to stress that it was merely a postponement. Read More
Coronavirus Update
Dear Briars clients, friends and supporters Coronavirus We continue to monitor the spread of this virus across the globe and our thoughts are with all those affected: we hope that they come through and are soon able to put it behind them. We will continue to support and advise our Read More
February 2020
News – Briars Racing – BRKC Report
Briars Racing drivers: Anwar Beroual-Smith, Ed White and Sean Brierley Briars Racing National and international kart racing has been a passion here at Briars Group for a long time. For over 7 years we have sponsored a Briars Racing team and you may recall our medal-filled report from the Kart Read More
IR35 Changes: Risk and Responsibility in the Private Sector
The planned changes to the UK’s Inland Revenue 35 (IR35) Laws are intended to create a clear distinction between independent contractors and full-time employees. By determining employment status, HMRC hopes to ensure that proper tax contributions are obtained. In order to achieve this, IR35 shifts the responsibility for determining the Read More
December 2019
The Fourth Industrial Revolution
The Raleigh Lecture 2019 Adapting to a New Business Landscape The Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4) has changed the way we live and work. It has altered the workplace around us and forced us to adapt. In a business landscape increasingly dominated by technology, we have had to re-evaluate which attributes Read More
News – The Raleigh Lecture 2019
Entrepreneurs look to the future, but they also learn from the past. At times, the past, present, and future seem strung out from one another, but at key moments in time they feel incredibly condensed. We are living through the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a time which Historian Dr. D. Harrup Read More
November 2019
Eastern European Countries Look to Shed Reputation
A Remarkable Transformation Real minimum wages have increased across Europe this year. The increases have been highest in the Southern and Eastern European countries where minimum wages are the lowest. The only exception has been Latvia and perhaps only temporarily, as the three-year agreement between employers, employees and the government Read More
October 2019
The End of Freedom of Movement
A no-deal scenario Freedom of Movement is due to end in the United Kingdom on 31st October 2019. As with everything Brexit related, this is not certain. At the time of writing, no Brexit deal has been reached between the UK and the European Union. The UK’s deadline may be Read More
September 2019
Communicating The New Capital Gains Tax Rules
Through a Time Window, Darkly In April 2020, new rules will be taking effect regarding Capital Gains Tax (CGT). The policy change from HMRC aims ‘to improve collection of CGT by reducing error and increasing compliance; customers will have 30 days following property disposal to file their return and make Read More
Making Tax Digital for VAT
MTD has landed We first examined Making Tax Digital (MTD), and the arguments surrounding it, back in 2017. Now that the dust has settled and MTD has come into force, it seems a good time for another look. From VAT periods commencing 1st April, MTD now applies for most companies Read More
Confirmation of Payee delayed to end of March 2020
Identity and security In March 2019 a Lithuanian man was convicted for stealing over $100 million from Google and Facebook through a wire fraud scam. Evaldas Rimasauskas impersonated an Asian hardware vendor and, over a three-year period, sent fraudulent invoices for items that had never been sold or provided. The Read More
August 2019
Medal Haul for Briars Racing
Briars Racing The screech of tyres, the smell of burning rubber, and the sight of the world’s best indoor racing drivers battling for international glory. These sensations may seem a world away from the business of international expansion, but are still familiar for Briars Group. You may or may not Read More
Ending sexual harassment at work
Shining a spotlight The #MeToo movement has put sexual harassment in the spotlight, initially driven by a surge of allegations against high profile and celebrity figures and the subsequent injunctions that aim to keep allegations out of the public eye. However, the movement has grown beyond Hollywood, found widespread support Read More
Briars Group CEO’s Charity Parachute Jump
This Summer, Kate Jolly jumped out of a perfectly good aeroplane. The CEO of Briars Group had not taken leave of her senses, though. In fact, there were two very good reasons for this act. Firstly, to raise money for the Guild of Entrepreneurs Trust - a charity which is Read More
July 2019
UK open for business
Open All Seasons The sun never stops shining. Businesses that have expanded to the UK will be familiar with the local unpredictable weather. They will also understand that, though you can’t always see it, the sun rises every day. Whether obscured by Atlantic cloud or London fog, the sun still Read More
May 2017
Storing Personal Data Under GDPR
There is now less than a year to go before the UK's Data Protection Act (DPA) is replaced by the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which will have huge implications for any business that stores personal data online. The new regulation will take effect on 25 May Read More
April 2017
Auto-enrolment and the Workforce
Although the groundwork for auto-enrolment was laid in the 2008 Pensions Act, it wasn't officially launched until October 2012 and not all employers have started the process yet, although more than 7.5 million people have already been enrolled. The government's plan is to turn this figure into 10 Read More
March 2017
Not Making Tax Digital
Back in January, we urged readers to prepare for the implementation of Making Tax Digital (MTD), the Government's attempt to digitise tax returns for all business owners and the self-employed. This was due to come into effect for large businesses from next April and for small businesses the Read More
February 2017
Mind the Gender Pay Gap
From April 2017, private and voluntary sector organisations in England, Wales and Scotland with 250 or more employees will have to publish the differences between what they pay men and women in salaries and bonuses. Failure to comply with the new legislation will constitute an "unlawful act", meaning Read More
January 2017
Are you prepared for Making Tax Digital?
Although there has been widespread criticism of the Government's Making Tax Digital (MTD) proposals, business and political groups agree that the only way forward for taxation is for it to go online, so it looks as though, whether next year or by 2020, businesses will have to get Read More
December 2016
How will your business be affected by the apprenticeship levy?
When it was first announced, the apprenticeship levy came under heavy fire from organisations representing British businesses. There were plenty of arguments against its introduction. The CBI warned that the levy would impose huge costs on employers with no improvement in training given. After a period of consultation Read More
November 2016
Watermoo’s Journey
We have really enjoyed sponsoring Watermoo this year, seeing her evolve from a blank canvas to a bright and colourful heifer has been amazing. Watermoo's time in the public eye is coming to an end soon, she will be auctioned on the 17th November at Hampton Court Palace Read More
October 2016
Briars Group partners with the OFX Group to offer clients great foreign exchange rates on international payments.
Commencing October 2016, Briars is delighted to announce its new partnership with UKForex, (USForex and the entire OFX Group) to be the preferred choice for Briars' clients currency exchange and payments needs. Better foreign exchange rates are a big benefit for people and companies Read More
September 2016
Why OUCH(UK) was nominated as our charity of the year
Back in December 2015, employees nominated a charity that they wanted to see the Briars Foundation support during 2016. Two charities were picked at random from those nominated and OUCH(UK) was one of the lucky ones! This year has seen us support OUCH(UK) as Read More
July 2016
Watermoo’s Mooooooving Day
Thank you to everybody at Briars that helped move Watermoo into our office foyer today. Our lovely local artist Stacey Allan has spent the last three weeks painting and creating the lovely cow ready for her debut. Luckily she was in safe hands for her short walk to our Read More
June 2016
Keep Calm, EU’re Still With Us!
A view on Brexit from CEO Kate Jolly They say that change is one of the few certainties in life. On Friday we all woke up to a change on a scale that is unprecedented - at least in my lifetime. At Briars we have built a reputation upon Read More
Tax Implications after ruling on bank fines
UK Chancellor George Osborne has confirmed that payments made by banks to regulators are viewed as "a routine cost of doing business," and are therefore "generally deductible for corporation tax purposes." However, fines are not tax deductible. This ruling has consequences for all UK Read More
Briars Group CEO Kate Jolly addresses Serbian Enterprise Conference
Briars Group CEO Kate Jolly is no stranger to the world of entrepreneurial enterprise. As co-founder of the Company, she is an entrepreneur herself. Briars offers extensive services to entrepreneurial businesses of all sizes, across many countries. Speaking on behalf of the Guild of Read More
May 2016
1st July 2016 – Elstead Marathon
Once again Briars employees will be taking part in the Elstead Marathon (5.5 miles) in aid of charity. This year Briars will be raising money for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. If you would like to support us please visit our Just Giving page. Read More
As UK Unemployment falls and Wages rise, Companies Refocus on Benefits of Outsourcing
The mid-March labour market release from the Office of National Statistics (updated on April 20th 2016) showed that unemployment in the three months to January 2016 fell by 28,000 and the unemployment rate remained steady at 5.1%. This is the lowest level for 10 years, and a rate Read More
March 2016
Data Protection Law Changes to Impact UK Organisations
The era of the stable data protection enjoyed by UK companies that has lasted for two decades is set to change. The EU will address the changes in the technological environment by condensing three drafts of the General Data Protection Regulation into one by Read More
Citywealth Power Women Awards recognises Briars CEO Kate Jolly with Award
Co-founder and CEO of Briars Group, Kate Jolly, has been recognised for her entrepreneurial achievements by Citywealth through their Powerwomen Awards 2016 judging panel and a public vote. Receiving the Entrepreneurial Woman of the Year Bronze award at a ceremony in London, Kate pledged to Read More
Mufti Day Fundraisers
We have dedicated the last Wednesday of each month as a fundraising mufti day for our Charities of the Year, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and OUCH UK.
January 2016
Are you making annual returns of employer share schemes?
Employers need to be aware and prepared for the additional UK compliance burden that now exists in relation to annual returns in respect of the above. Employers have always been required to make a return to HMRC of all shares or options either granted or awarded Read More
HMRC gets tough on businesses ‘failing to file’ new employer share scheme
HMRC has introduced tough new penalties for employers running employee share schemes that fail to file accurate or on-time returns for the UK tax year 2014/2015. Penalties include levies of up to £5,000. Head of Tax at Briars Group, said: "UK employers have always been required Read More
November 2015
Lichtenstein Disclosure Facility approaches final month it’s “last chance saloon”!
The Lichtenstein Disclosure Facility (LDF) is the best 'deal' that HMRC has offered in respect of its various disclosure campaigns announced in recent years. Originally extended to April 2016, the LDF closure was brought forward to December 31st 2015 in this year's budget. In an effort Read More
Briars Group Co-Founder and CEO in the running for major Entrepreneurial Award
Voting has now closed for the prestigious Citywealth Power Women Award 2016 and Kate Jolly, co-founder and CEO of The Briars Group, has been nominated. The awards, now in their third year, help spotlight notable female leadership and celebrate diversity while creating a platform for showcasing best Read More
How to Find the Best Provider for Your HR functions
In my last article I discussed the many and varied benefits of outsourcing HR functions. For the majority of businesses, it's not a question of whether they would benefit from outsourcing non-core functions but which they would benefit from most. Many organisations begin by 'dipping their toes in the water Read More
September 2015
Why Three Quarters of U.S. and European Companies Outsource HR functions
According to research conducted by The Work Foundation, 42% of UK organisations outsource at least a part of their HR functions, while studies by the Conference Boardshow that: Back to main news page
Create a Communication Strategy to Build Real Outsourcing Success
For an outsourcing project to yield maximum benefits, you'll need to ensure that effective processes and procedures of communication between your organisation and the service provider are in place. According to Grant Thornton's International Business Report, communication is the key to outsourcing success with 98% of UK respondents saying Read More
When Outsourcing IT Services, Are You Prepared For the New EU Data Protection Regulations?
In our post about how Deutsche Bank (7th September 2015) is to reap the benefits of outsourcing its IT services, we touched on the upcoming changes to data protection regulations that may impact outsourcing agreements. We've been asked by several readers to expand upon the requirements under the new laws Read More
Reaping the Benefits of Support Services for IT in a World of Innovation
In 2013, an Ernst & Young survey examining outsourcing in eight major European countries concluded that the outsourcing of IT services was an underutilised area with the potential for large growth during the coming years. It also found that nearly three quarters of respondents who use outsourcing services insist Read More
August 2015
10 Steps to Develop a Clear and Effective Outsourcing Strategy
When working with an outsourcing partner, an organisation must have a clear and effective outsourcing strategy. This is particularly important if the outsourcing partner is based abroad. There are certain targets that an outsourcing strategy will identify and detail, and these should be understood by all involved in the outsourcing Read More
July 2015
Deutsche Bank’s Outsourcing Picks Up Pace with Opening of Three Innovation Labs
Shortly after announcing a deal with HP to outsource its data storage, platform, and hosting requirements, Deutsche Bank has announced plans to open three innovation abs and outsource their technology needs. Germany, June 3rd 2015 Coming shortly after its announcement of a ten-year outsourcing deal with HP, Deutsche Bank Read More
Elstead Marathon July 2015
In order to raise money for our corporate charity The Dan Eley Foundation, Briars have managed to once again put together a team for the local fun run. Elstead is a small village about 5 miles from Godalming in Surrey and every year they host the Elstead Marathon. whilst it Read More
June 2015
Grant Thornton Study Shows UK and US Businesses are Most Successful at Outsourcing
A shortened debate on the Digital Single Market Strategy (DSM) at the EU Council Meeting on June 25/ 26 2015, saw the call for rapid adoption of the Telecommunications Single Market Regulation, the Directive on Network and Information Security, and the Data Protection package. However, other objectives of the Read More