With just 60 government regulations costing UK businesses £13 billion a year to administer, it’s time to see if we can cut the cost of compliance and slash unnecessary paperwork.
- Late payments? Sue delinquents in minutes using the Court & Tribunal Service’s online: www.moneyclaim.gov.uk.
- Shares and directors. Don’t waste time filling in 363s, 288s etc. on paper. Do it online with Companies House WebFiling service: http://ewf.companieshouse.gov.uk.
- Check the regs. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of Business Link as an organisation but their website is a good source of information: www.businesslink.gov.uk.
- Self Assessment online. If you’re a director or sole trader, you probably have to do a tax self assessment each year. It’s easier online: www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa/file-online.htm.
- Employing people? Employment tribunals cost businesses an average of £8,500 whether you win or lose and the average settlement is £5,400. So prevention is much cheaper than cure. Get free employment advice from ACAS: www.acas.org.uk.
- Data Protection. Check if you can avoid notification under the Data Protection Act: www.ico.gov.uk/notify/self/.
- Go paperless. Check out these tips for a paperless office from my other blog: http://turbinehq.com/2011/tools-for-a-paperless-office/.
- Upgrade to Office 2010. Microsoft’s latest applications helps you get stuff done quicker and improves team collaboration. See my Top 10 productivity tips.
- Purge your intray, free your mind. Check out this video from David Allen (of ‘Getting Things Done’ fame) and also my advice on 10 ways to get more done.
- Print your own stamps. Franking machines are great for big businesses but they’re expensive. Running to the Post Office for stamps is a pain. So, check out SmartStamp. Print your own stamps directly on labels and envelopes.
