⚡  "Flash Sale" New Year New You 32.5% Discount for New Clients, use code "NY2025"
Call our team
+44 (0) 207 566 3939

Uncategorized

Useful advice, tips and business news.

September 15, 2014
May 5, 2021

read

How to go about making your company dormant

To make a company dormant, you need to pay outstanding bills and cancel others. It may include rental of buildings and equipment, insurance, utilities, etc.

Some companies have been inactive since the day they were formed. Many companies, however, will actively pursue activities for a while, but not the trade side - at least for a period. These businesses may be eligible to become dormant. This is a status where the responsibilities of the current company presentation will be reduced. To become inactive, there are first some things that the company will have to do. First, however, it is worth thinking if it's right to make your company dormant.You should also be sure that the best option is not only to dissolve the company. If you are sure that you will not trade again in the future, there is usually little benefit in keeping the company in existence. While latency can greatly reduce the effort and cost involved in maintaining the business, there will still be some time and expenses required.

What should I do for my business to become dormant?

  • Pay outstanding bills and cancel others. These prospective business contracts may, for example, include the rental of buildings and equipment, insurance, utilities, telephone and Internet services used previously.
  • Reconciling the amounts received as a result of the customers. All payments to be made to customers to deliver products and services.
  • Pay the VAT due to HMRC and (usually) cancel the VAT registration of the company.
  • Reconcile wages owed to employees and close the scheme company payroll.

While sifting through all documents and data can be time consuming, it is important to, because if you choose to continue paying for utilities or insurance, the company is still active in the eyes of HMRC, so be careful what you choose to delete or shred.

How do I tell HMRC my company is now inactive?

To confirm with HMRC, you should contact your Local Tax Office, indicating the date on which the company has been, or will be, inactive.HMRC then go to their head office with a "Notice to a provider of Declaration." This refers to the duration of activity immediately before the company became dormant. You must complete and file the return and pay any tax due.HMRC will normally confirm in writing within three weeks. From the date your company is dormant, HMRC stop treating your business as active - this means that you will not receive a lot of correspondence from them and in most cases, you will not need to, until the re-trading of the company (if you choose to) begins.

Do you need to inform Companies House?

You do not have to tell Companies House that your business is inactive until it is time to establish your accounts to them. Remember, the full accounts for the period must be presented as usual.For the first full year for which the company is inactive, you need to present the simplified accounts within 9 months of the accounting reference date. This can greatly reduce the administration and preservation of the company and is the reason many people make their business inactive.On a continuous basis, dormant companies must remain a number of other Companies House filing requirements, including:

  • The annual return, which differs from the accounts, but must still be submitted.
  • When a new director or secretary of the company was appointed or terminated an appropriate form needs to be sent off.
  • The changes in the registered office of the Company or, if available, a SAIL address should be submitted on the form.

What if the dormant company will be active again?

Most dormant companies will become active again at some point in their lives. If your company is (for example, starting with trade), then you must notify actively within three months. The easiest way is to contact HMRC and inform them that the company is now active. There is also an online registration service of HMRCYour Virtual Office London are leaders in company formation and professional services since 1971.

September 14, 2014
May 5, 2021

read

Does my business need public liability insurance

Public liability insurance claims against your business can be made by members of the public as a result of a range of accidents in a variety of places.

Public liability insurance is crucial for business owners who own or rent retail space to have. This is because customers, suppliers or other people, including members of the public will frequently visit your premise and it is especially important if you or your employees have direct contact with them while on the job.If they are injured or if the property is damaged as a result of your business activities, then claims can be made, even if passers-by are affected.Public liability claims against your business can be made by members of the public as a result of a range of accidents in a variety of places such as:

  • Your business premises;
  • If you operate your business from your home;
  • A customer's home or their place of work;
  • An off-site event or activity organised by your business.

If the insurance for your business is found to be responsible, to which members of the public claim compensation for any damage, injury or death, then you will be covered for certain aspects of your business. These include:

  • Loss of earnings;
  • Correcting any damaged or broken goods;
  • Their medical fees for injuries;
  • Your legal costs.

This more than any claim by you or your business will need to pay the total amount payable by the insurer under the policy, and will be limited to a set amount.Public liability insurance for your employees, such as any death, injury or loss does not cover your business. The premises however, are covered by employers' liability insurance.

Examples of public liability claims that may arise:

Trips, slips and falls are the most common claims for compensation, but such claims may have to factor in other events too. The public liability claims against your business can be witnessed in events from the following examples:

  • A customer in your store trips over a box, which causes injury and they are left lying on the floor;
  • Your employee causes injury to a customer by spilling a drink on them;
  • Someone slips on a handrail and falls down some stairs;
  • Trips from repairs being carried out, such as exposed piping, carpentry work etc.
  • Trip hazards from tiles coming off the floor;
  • Tiles from the roof being unstable and causing injury;
  • Your electrics are wired incorrectly and they cause a fire in a customer's home;
  • A customer suffers from food poisoning after eating at your restaurant.

If you are starting a business Your Virtual Office London can help you get off on the right footing. We provide professional business services to small and start up businesses, our services include mail forwarding, virtual office, telephone answering, company formations and accountancy services. We aim to provide a wide range of diversified services which are vital to most small businesses. Your Virtual Office London have been providing important corporate services for over 40 years and are leaders in the business support industry. If you are interested in finding out more about our services please do get in touch with us today.

September 9, 2014
May 5, 2021

read

Whitbread sees large sales growth

Whitbread has experienced a large sales growth in 2014. Strong figures from Costa Coffee and Premier Inn have helped Whitbread see a huge rise of 12.8%.

Whitbread has experienced a large sales growth in the first half of 2014. Strong figures from Costa Coffee and Premier Inn have helped Whitbread see a huge rise of 12.8% in new sales.Costa Coffee saw a large increase in sales up 7.3%, Premier Inn also saw a large jump to 9.2% increase in the first half of the year.Premier Inn has increased its market share; total occupancy has hit a new record high for the company and is looking to open 4,500 new rooms in the coming year.Costa is also on the expansions radar, it is looking to open 76 new Cota stores inside the UK and a further 300 stores worldwide. Global sales were up 15.3% which in monetary terms is £602.4 million.

September 4, 2014
May 5, 2021

read

Secure your online success with Ideas

The importance of the business plan is that it helps to launch ideas for online success. Ideas are what separate success from failure over time.

Having a online success in business is difficult nowadays, but not impossible. Creating a business plan is one of the best steps that should come first. The importance of the business plan is that it helps to launch ideas into action. Ideas are what separate success from failure much of the time, so rushed ones will not suffice.In difficult times, no one is guaranteed financial success, especially those with poor ideas. To avoid being part of that group of people who set themselves unrealistic targets, who make excused, or those that procrastinate, you need to eliminate thoughts such as:

  • I can not create an online business, it is something only for very smart people
  • I've already tried it and it didn`t work
  • I can`t pay for the product, I'm broke
  • It's too hard for me ... you have done it because you are geniuses!
  • To make money online? It is impossible. ... it may not work
  • This is not for me, I'm happy as I am
  • That's all talk ... tell me how to get rich quickly without working much

The important thing is not to get to retirement age and realise that you have not tried, and lost too much time in your life doing something that didn't allow you to live as you dream.Obviously creating a business online is not the only way to get to get rich, there are many other options, and what really matters is that you work hard and consistently to get it.There is an effective formula for becoming a successful person, for a person to get a windfall throughout his life, and it is therefore necessary to have beneficial and real ideas to achieve good profits.Your Virtual Office London can help your new business flourish and thrive. We provide innovative business services aimed at professionals and business owners. Our wide ranging product portfolio can help your business idea turn into a reality sooner than you may think. We provide company formation services to help get your business idea up and running and we then help to improve the chances of success in the first year by offering complimentary services to enhance your corporate image. Our virtual office services can really boost your companies image, it gives your company a real presence in the heart of London.Our mail forwarding service can help give your business the London look, if you want to impress clients there is no better way then showing them a business card or website address with a prestigious London address. It adds instant prestige to any business and it helps you save costs when compared to renting an address in London for a physical office space. Similarly a registered office address can help make sure your Limited company has an official address in London providing your company with a corporate image in a commercial area of the city.

September 3, 2014
May 5, 2021

read

How to get credibility when starting your business

One concern when you have your own business is how to get credibility and prestige, especially when you’re starting. Find out information this article here.

One concern when you have your own business is how to get credibility and prestige, especially when you're starting. This is because there is much emphasis on the importance of positioning yourself as an expert, to stand out from the others and especially to create credibility online, which always costs more.More than anything, you should not have any limiting beliefs when you've just started. I`m not enough of an expert, I have to be this or do that, I cannot compete with the competition, etc. These are typical negative thoughts that block you and will not let you advance in your profession. Worse, they do not allow you to help others as well as you could.So how do you get that credibility, how do you feel more sure of yourself and offer your services with confidence?

You can get credibility with the four key factors

1: Experience

If you're going to spend on a particular area, your own experience gives you a lot of credibility and helps you to help others going through the same situation. For example, people seek out help from others in their field, thus gaining experience every time.The same goes for those who want a business promoting online services. Your personal history is key to giving you credibility. Another example of a credible path is that of becoming a coach. This is an experience that attracts many people who want to do the same thing, gain knowledge in a field and then pass it on to others. This is a perfect example of how to use your own experience and history to be credible, without the need to invent anything.When you form a strong emphasis on coaching, you do not necessarily need plenty more knowledge or experience than your customers. It is built upon self belief and when it comes to positioning yourself, a person can identify and be interested with your career, meaning they will trust you.

2: Training

Training gives you credibility and builds trust for the simple reason that you learn specific skills that can help your customers. Training is important whenever you have a clear goal and you can use it to increase your credibility. Just do not you fall into the common mistake of talking about yourself and your titles too much, because your customers care about what you can do for them, not how many masters you have.

3: Specialisations

The more you like to specialise in something, the easier it will be to excel, stand out, position yourself and charge more for your services. Being specialised in a topic or a specific group makes people prefer you immediately. Who doesn't want someone skilled in the area they`re interested in?For example, if you are a scientist and want a coach, what catches your eye - a coach for everyone or one who specialises in science? In a world over-saturated with information, expertise is power.

4: Evidence

This is probably the most important point of all, on which all the others hinge on. If you have evidence of customers you have helped and achieved their goals, then this gives you instant credibility. Of course, there are always people who think you can invent testimonials and so it is recommended to have full names, photos, etc. Having helped others who were in the same situation is the final proof that you are a good professional.And how do you get testimonials? First, don`t squander the opportunity to take a testimonial every time. But mostly, by simply being a good professional, because the important thing is that you are good at what you do. It is the real key to everything.Your Virtual Office London can help boost your businesses presence, we provide a wide range of services that are aimed to help improve your companies bottom line. Our professional services have been developed over many years and they offer a cost effective way of ensuring a professioanl commercial image for clients and customer alike. Our virtual office services consist of mail forwarding address, registered office address, and call answering. If you would like to discuss any of the points raised in this article please do contct our expert team today.

September 2, 2014
May 5, 2021

read

The Key for Productive Business: Escalation

How to start a productive business and get the results you want? Here, you will find how to easily apply these aspects with a different approach in business.

Would you like to get better results? To be more productive? To leave less things for later? In this article, you will find how to easily apply these aspects for a productive business with a different approach.Nature is wise and builds its magnificent structures progressively. The seed doesn't become a tree in a day - everything requires a process. In the midst of a fast-paced world, where it is possible to make great leaps from one moment to another, sometimes it is overlooked that the escalation is an important key, especially when we generate sustainable results.

Some applications of progression:

Every great project is divided into small steps. Such is the key to perform these feats: identify the small steps you need to build what you want. Visualise the end result, but only take care of the small, concrete, simple action that you make now.How often do we not know where to start or feel overwhelmed by the enormity of a project? When you face something big, change your approach to escalation and just ask yourself, what is my next move?Train yourself to break down bigger things, as this ensures your growth. Trying something, for which you are not prepared for however, greatly increases the chances of failure. Progression can be about developing and creating learning skills, which will be needed for the next level of growth you attain. Builders know of escalation, because to lift a very tall building, you need to first build an excellent foundation.Increase your self confidence. Personal change processes can take time: conceive of a new way to interact with new rules and meet new environments. To feel secure and comfortable in this scenario, you need to acclimatize.We need to explore, test ourselves and assimilate new ideas about ourselves and others. Moving forward with progression allows this process to gain results naturally and so the changes take root better.Escalation does not mean slow progress. Escalation is instead about fulfilling and evaluating each step when it is time to move to the next. Many times, the attempt to "go faster" just takes longer because you cannot ever start or build results that stand the test of time. Escalation involves being attentive to the process and having a high level of commitment to growth.Your Virtual Office London are expert at helping businesses fill their full potential. Our wide range of business services can help your new start up succeed in even the most difficult of markets. If you are looking for a London presence our virtual office, mail forwarding and registered office services can help take your business to the next level.

September 2, 2014
May 5, 2021

read

5 top tips on how to start a profitable business

Today, thanks largely to the advent of the internet, it is possible to mount a profitable business with little investment. Here are 5 tips you need to know.

Today, thanks largely to the advent of the internet, it is possible to mount a profitable business with little investment. The first aspect to consider before getting started is to have someone to advise you properly.In order to start a profitable and practical business - a successful business it is not to imply that we should invest heavily in order to operate it. It is essential to be informed in advance of all relevant data and information when starting a business, and in this way, you will ensure no mistakes happen, without starting a business completely blind.Before taking any step you must know the amount of money you need to open your business, the products that are sold and the purchase of furniture or equipment, among other possibilities.For many, the experience teaches you that the best investments are the ones you do not act on.More and more people decide to start their own business and become their own bosses. Generally, entrepreneurs often do not have enough investment to create a huge infrastructure in your business capital.It is precisely for this reason that a large majority of freelancers or entrepreneurs choose businesses that require a low investment, but in turn offer high returns. So what are the essential keys when starting a business with low investment and high returns?Key 1: Create a Business Plan: Creating a business plan is a key step for any company which must be perfectly suited to what clients there are, the market you are targeting and the approximate time of a return on investment. Also, the quality of the products, the investment needed etc.Key 2: Small Business: The smartest idea is to definitely start a small business and let the size grow with time. At first, it is appropriate to make an interesting offer to attract new users or customers visiting your business.Key 3: Professional Relationships: Maintain professional relationships with people who are dedicated to the same industry, which are in the same environment as your business, such as experts like Your Virtual office London. Allow yourself to cultivate interesting alliances. Also, you can meet and learn about updates and relevant industry information.Key 4: Licenses required: Opening a business, whether online or offline, involves having all necessary licenses to operate your business that can operate as normal, and most importantly, quite legally. Also, make sure to register your brand and, of course, to pay taxes.Key 5: Trust: Having confidence in yourself is vital to mount any type of business. Never give up; you must have a winning mentality, especially if you put yourself in charge of your own business. Although at first may be difficult to start, remember that success in business is not impossible, and if you have enough confidence in yourself, you will get the successful business of your dreamsNow that you know to mount the 5 key profitable business ideas with little investment, you can no doubt start your own business with little or no money to invest. If you can drive your business ideas and reinforce them, you can surely make a success of your business guaranteed.Your Virtual Office London have helped many businesses become successful. We can help you achieve the goals you have set yourself, we can assist in company formation and taxation services with an affordable business accountant who can help support your business.Your Virtual Office London can also assist in improving the corporate image of your business, we specialise in virtual office services which include a mail forwarding address, registered office service and a director address service. If you would like to discuss any points raised in this article please do get in touch with us today, we are always happy to help.

September 2, 2014
May 5, 2021

read

1Rebel Gym startup raises £1.5m via Crowdcube

1 Rebel gym startup has found 304 investors from Crowdcube that pledged £1.5 million for the new launch of the gym at Shoreditch. Find more information.

1Rebel gym startup raises £1.5 million via Crowdcube. The boutique gym, 1Rebel, found 304 investors from Crowdcube who pledged £1.5 million for the new launch of the gym at Shoreditch. The pitch was very popular and was oversubscribed with a whopping £1,559,370 worth of investment.The pitch reached its target of £1.15 million within 11 days of it first appearing on the crowd funding site Crowdcube. The opportunity eventually attracted 304 investors with a stake of 34.03% in the company.The company was founded by James Balfour and Giles Dean, both have worked on the well-known Fitness First brand.1Rebel is a gym that is contract free which allows members pay for and book classes online, providing a pay as you go service.The first gym is expected to open in Shoreditch later this year.

Your Virtual Office London

We have helped many start-ups become successful brands, many of our successful clients have not needed investment in order to progress into larger businesses. Our services are designed to be affordable, Your Virtual Office London understand that keeping overheads down to a minimum is important in the early stages of a new start up.Your Virtual office London have designed products to help improve the image of your company, our mail forwarding service address is a prime example of how our virtual office services can boost your companies commercial presence without having to drastically increase spending.A registered office address in London is another great way to boost your corporate image within your market sector; the registered office can help your company appear larger by showing clients that your address is one in a prominent area within the heart of London.For many of our customers they have also found our telephone answering service beneficial to their progression. You can read more on our telephone answering services here.

September 1, 2014
May 5, 2021

read

Russia states EU could feel winter gas shortage

Russia has stated there could be gas shortage for the regions including Ukraine, suggesting that Ukraine will need to siphon off gas from Europe’s main supply.

Russia seems to be flexing its power once again. The country has stated there could be a shortage of gas for the region including Ukraine, suggesting that Ukraine will need to siphon off gas supplies from the main supply to Europe in order to avoid gas shortage.Russia has stated that the Ukraine`s reserves have reached a critical point. The country has stated that the Ukraine needs to store more gas underground in order to avoid a shortage. If a shortage did occur then the Ukraine would need to use gas from the transit pipelines in order to meet the shortage, however this would directly affect the EU`s own supply.It is not the fast time the gas supply to the EU and Ukraine has come into the spotlight, in June Russia stopped its supplied to Ukraine over a price dispute. The EU was still able to receive large volumes from Russia even when this dispute was at its peak.Many European countries rely heavily on Russian gas supplies, the main supplier in Russia is Gazprom, a state owned company.Gas supply security is the main priority for the EU, and is probably one of the main reasons why no military action from the EU or UN has really taken place in Ukraine. Russia currently holds the ace card in terms of supply to the EU and with winter rapidly approaching, there seems to be very little the EU and USA can do about the situation.The latest sanctions from the EU will hit the oil industry hard but not the gas sector which is vital for the EU.

August 29, 2014
May 5, 2021

read

Tips to start a successful business

If you want to what key factors are required to start a successful business, follow these steps and apply them briefly to your own business for a good start.

If we analyse the many business ventures that come and go, there always seem to be certain factors that represent failure and others that lead closer to success. If you want to know these factors or steps, here we present them briefly so you can apply them to start a successful business.

The 8 steps to start a successful business:

So you can lay down the path of success in your business, it is essential that from the beginning you take the appropriate steps. These are:1. See what you love: The first step in starting a successful business is to discover what you are passionate about, interested and motivated for, and it is also essential to develop skills and leadership. Many believe that the first thing is to choose the notion of entrepreneurship, but it is actually taking the decision to initiate and realise that idea into something real.2. Select something you're passionate about. Now it's time to think and realise the idea. To do this, choose the business opportunities that really interest you, because you will be willing to fight and work with motivation for these.3. Meet with more entrepreneurs: You can only achieve success, but as a team it is much simpler. So join other entrepreneurs who drive the same passion and energy that you have, and thus have more ideas to come out the project. Find people with complementary skills.4. Find and learn about your idea: To do this, it is essential to investigate successful companies that move in the industry in which you are interested in. Please review its origin and history and analyse its performance. You can learn a lot from them.5. Design your business. Use the data you got from the previous step and complement it with new ideas. Create a profitable model making clear what will be done in your business; how, with whom, for whom, and what resources they will use, etc.6. Make your budget: Now you know how your business works, you will know what needs to go. Now make your budget so you know how much money you need to put the idea in motion. Do not forget the details and get in touch with experts like Your Virtual Office London for more advice.7. Looking for funding: If you do not have enough money to start, look for ways to find it. While this is not so simple, you can choose to seek financing companies, government support programs, campaigns, investors, etc.8. Design a marketing plan: At this point you already have almost everything to start your business successfully. You just need to create your marketing strategy with which you can then promote it. Use different media, online and offline, and focus much of your energy on this.

Key elements to start a successful business:

With the above given steps you can create and secure your venture going on the right track. In any case you should be clear that there are three key elements that you must have to succeed: These are vision, patience and perseverance. It is these that tell you to get where you want and give you strength to do so.

In a hurry and just want some advice?

Our friendly team are on hand to help, get in touch today

Call us at

+44 (0) 207 566 3939

Email us at

info@capital-office.co.uk

×
sales Banner