Recent Posts by Kate Aird

Katherine has been an online copywriter and editor since 2004, with a focus on UK business news, commercial property, employee rights and office life.
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The Changing Face of Britain’s Cities: Edinburgh

Posted on November 8, 2013

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city and one of the most economically active cities in the United Kingdom. As such, change and transformation are essential elements in the social and economic life of this city. In recent years, Edinburgh has won a number of accolades that have attracted further investment and new residents, such as the European Destination of the Year 2012 award, the Best Large City for Foreign Direct Investment 2012-2013 recognition, and the Best UK City award. In this article we look at the changes that the Scottish capital has gone through in the recent past in terms of … Read More

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Tax Tribunals Explained

Posted on October 25, 2013

Compliance with tax-related matters is one of main concerns of business people, and at the same time, one of the most complex aspects of running a business. In the United Kingdom, tax law and taxation requirements tend to change regularly, so it is always wise to entrust these matters to a professional with ample knowledge of the subject. However, it is also important to be familiar with certain basic aspects of business taxation in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. One of the most common scenarios for individuals and businesses is being subject to mistaken tax decisions. What can you do … Read More

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What is PAYE?

Posted on October 18, 2013

Pay As You Earn (PAYE) is a withholding tax system on income payments made to employees. They system is provided by HM Revenue and Customs whereby Income Tax and National Insurance contributions, or NICs, are collected using deductions throughout the tax year. Deductions are made in each pay period and are based on an employee’s earnings. They are subsequently paid to HM Revenue & Customs by the employee’s employer. Deducted amounts are considered advance payments of income tax due at the end of the tax year. Any excess tax payments are refunded when tax returns are prepared. PAYE may be … Read More

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What are Business Rates?

Posted on October 11, 2013

Business Rates Explained Business rates in the UK are taxes imposed on businesses by the central government for local services and are collected by the local authorities. Typically, business rates are charged on non-domestic properties such as offices, factories, shops, warehouse and pubs. Business rates are calculated based on the value of the property occupied. In the UK, the Valuation Office Agency decides the property (rateable) value, which is multiplied by the business rates multiplier determined by the central government. The multiplier is the number of pence per GBP of the tax that the business owner will have to pay, … Read More

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A Guide to Business Tax in the UK

Posted on October 4, 2013

Knowledge of and compliance with taxation is fundamental to the smooth running of a business. If you run a business or are considering starting one soon, having some basic knowledge about the key elements of the corporate tax system will never go amiss. In this article you will find a brief introduction to the tax system that businesses are subject to in the UK. Self-employment If you run a business on a self-employment basis, you are liable to pay income tax and national insurance of your profits. To find out how much you should pay, you must complete a self-assessment, … Read More

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The Changing Face of Britain’s Cities: London

Posted on September 27, 2013

As the largest city in the United Kingdom and the most populous metropolis in Europe, London is a vibrant city marked by constant change and innovation. These characteristics affect everything in the city, from its economic life to its demographics. Demographic changes in the British capital According to the 2012 census, there are 8.2 million people living in London. In just over ten years, the capital’s population grew by 12 per cent, which is the highest growth rate that the city has experienced since the turn of the century. The city’s population has always been characterised by its ethnic diversity. … Read More

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The Changing Face of Britain’s Cities: Manchester

Posted on September 20, 2013

With a total population of over 2.5 million people, the Greater Manchester Area is the second largest urban municipality in the United Kingdom. At the heart of this metropolis is the city of Manchester, a vibrant urban centre that has been crucial to the development of the UK economy since the late 18th century. Like many other large cities throughout the country, Manchester is experiencing a series of social and economic changes that are transforming its face. In this article we take a detailed look at the changing face of this great British city. Demographics in Manchester Due to its … Read More

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An in depth look at Castle Gate Business Park – Dudley

Posted on August 9, 2013

Dudley’s Castle Gate Business Park in the West Midlands combines leisure activities with business facilities in an integrated site. In addition to commercial space, the purpose-built business park is home to family restaurants, a public house, and entertainment venues. Tenants include accounting and financial services, office suppliers and designers, and chartered surveyors. About Castle Gate Business Park Castle Gate Business Park is situated on a site of approximately 19 hectares, or 47 acres. The business park is adjacent to Dudley’s town centre, the administrative and financial centre of the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley. The site integrates business and leisure activities … Read More

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Chiswick Business Park

Posted on July 29, 2013

Chiswick Park is a sprawling business park with a variety of amenities and state-of-the-art facilities. The environmentally sustainable site provides excellent transportation and public transit connections for visitors and workers, as well as a welcoming environment to work, relax, and do business. Between 2007 and 2011, Chiswick Park was named as one of the top 50 places to work by the Financial Times. About Chiswick Park Several high-profile companies have chosen Chiswick Park as the site of their UK, European and International operations and headquarters. The Park is home to over 40 businesses and organisations, including some of the world’s … Read More

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Higher Education and Construction Activity in 2013

Posted on July 5, 2013

Large-Scale Construction Activity Set to Continue in the Education Sector in 2013 Deloitte’s annual real estate predications report for 2013 shows that the Higher Education sector is currently one of the biggest drivers for the UK’s construction activities. There have been high levels of activity and investment within this sector in recent years, and 2013 looks set to be an even bigger year. This is the result of a number of key factors, and each factor shows no sign of slowing down. Many universities slowed down their construction activities in 2012 to protect themselves against the ‘Olympic Effect’ on construction … Read More

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