Income tax system 'ill-suited to freelance creatives

The Parliamentary Select Committee of MPs from across the three main political parties has published a recommendation in Support for the Creative Industries that the freelance nature of creative employment should be better recognised in the UK (http://www.sherwincurrid.com) income tax system, and that the government should signal its acknowledgement and response to the problem. It is a development that will interest many creatives making use of a Guildford accountant.

The recommendation was just one of several made by the committee on the creative sector, which heard that tax-induced problems were often encountered by freelancers, of whom so many are creative people. It heard that these issues were not addressed very well by the present income regime. Andrew Chowns, the chief executive of Directors UK, explained in his evidence to the committee how much of an issue HM Revenue & Customs' 'nine-month rule' was for freelance film directors.

The HMRC Film Industry Tax Guidelines state that if a freelance worker in the film and TV industries has a contract ending beyond nine months, they are deemed to have PAYE tax status. However, such workers dependent on a Guildford accountant find that the contracts that they are therefore handed by producers and broadcasters only last for nine months at most, even if the natural life of the project is a year or more. This forces an "artificial" period of unemployment for such workers, including directors.

Mr Chowns added that freelancers hired independently on different projects, with different production teams at the helm but the same umbrella employer, such as a large independent production firm or the BBC, were also adversely affected by the rule. He said: "This measure was originally introduced, we believe, to prevent the avoidance of PAYE by workers who claimed to be self-employed, but in practice now it is having the effect of an additional and unfair penalty on workers who are clearly freelance and have no claim to employed status."

Directors UK added that while greater flexibility had been provided by the taxman making some alterations to the rule, it remained confusing to both employers and freelancers and should no longer be applicable to freelancers working in film and TV. Mr Chowns was asked whether the removal of the rule may result in people simply opting for self-employment as a "bit of a tax fiddle", but played down the likelihood of this, not least on the grounds that self-employed freelance status is already the case for most within the industry.

Doubtless that many a Guildford accountant  and their creative clients would agree with Mr Chowns in declaring that "In my opinion, this tax rule is only having a perverse effect of creating three months' forced unemployment…It would be an easy thing to fix. At the moment it looks like freelance creatives are being discriminated against by this peculiar piece of tax legislation." The committee agreed, too, ultimately calling for an acknowledgement and response to the issue from ministers, ideally in the form of income tax and tax relief reforms.

Editor’s Note: Sherwin Currid (http://www.sherwincurrid.com) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

The substances that do - and don't - protect your hair

Getting up on a morning and finding hair on the pillow or on their brush may be the moment that so many men dread, but perhaps the first thing that such a man should know is that the fate of their hair is largely down to their genes - with hereditary reasons accounting for 99 per cent of prematurely thinning or balding scalps. But that does not mean that there aren't also certain substances that either encourage the balding or combat it, with Gentlemen's Tonic (http://www.gentlemenstonic.com) certainly offering no shortage of male grooming gifts in the latter category.

But some of these substances are easier to address than others, with the male hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone), thought by medical researchers to be the biggest single cause of baldness, often only able to be reduced after discussion of the best course of action with a dermatologist or trichologist. However, recent studies have pointed to the formation of DHT in the scalp being blocked by zinc sulfate, saw palmetto extract and azelaic acid, so there may well be hope for you, beyond the use of Gentlemen's Tonic's traditional male grooming products.

But of course, it's impossible to forget the role that diet can have in slowing or accelerating hair loss, with dryness of the hair and scalp often caused by deficiencies in such important minerals as zinc and iron. In many ways, ensuring hair health is about ensuring all-round body health, with the likes of fresh vegetables and salads more advisable than acid-making foods such as breads, potatoes and milk and dairy products, given how they alter the body's pH value.

The healthier the food you eat, the stronger and more durable your hair should become. But be wary of substances that can both help and harm. For example, recent studies have shown copper to have a very positive effect on the hair, but your hair and scalp can also be unduly dried by high levels in your water. Plus, there are always the usual vices - like smoking and alcohol - to be aware of, plus various drugs that can lead to hair loss in some patients, including certain Parkinson medications, ulcer drugs and cholesterol-lowering drugs.

But there are certain other beneficial substances to be aware of - namely, those in such Gentlemen's Tonic offerings as the Mayfair establishment's Protein Conditioner. A wide range of key ingredients, including yucca vera extracts that help to penetrate the hair shaft, wheat protein that improves hair strength and the moisturising and healing agent that is hydrolyzed silk, assist in detangling, protecting and strengthening male hair, leaving it feeling soft and manageable.

Combine this highly rated product with men's traditional shampoo and Sculpt hair styling products consisting of natural waxes and ingredients, such as beeswax and bentonite, and it's clear that Gentlemen's Tonic's (http://www.gentlemenstonic.com) master barbers know all about the substances that best help hair, rather than hinder it. These have consequently been incorporated into some of the market's highest quality traditional male grooming products.

Editor’s Note: Gentlemen's Tonic (http://www.gentlemenstonic.com) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Oriel Systems - specialising in the most cutting edge SCADA software

If there's any acronym that will be more than familiar to those in such industries as water and waste control, energy, oil and gas, telecommunications and transportation, it is SCADA, referring to supervisory control and data acquisition. This is the term for a computer system that gathers and analyses real time data from industrial processes, as has such fundamental importance in the monitoring and control of a plant or equipment. Certainly, Oriel Systems (http://www.orielsystems.com) is noted for the high standard of its own AWAX SCADA software, which is as cost-effective as it is cutting edge.

SCADA systems are types of industrial control system (ICS) that have been historically distinguished from other such systems by the large scale processes involved, potentially encompassing very large distances and multiple sites. Examples can include industrial processes like manufacturing, fabrication, production, refining and power generation, or public or private infrastructure processes like wastewater collection and treatment, oil and gas pipelines, large communication systems and water treatment and distribution.

Also potentially covered by SCADA systems are facility processes in various public and private buildings, ships, airports and space stations, with the likes of ventilation, heating and air conditioning systems being monitored and controlled. There are various subsystems that tend to make up a SCADA system, including the human-machine interface or HMI that presents the human operator with processed data, which enables the monitoring and control of the process. Other subsystems include a supervisory (computer) system that acquires data and sends demands, as well as the remote terminal units (RTUs) that connect to sensors, converting sensor signals into digital data that is then sent to the supervisory system.

When people talk about SCADA, they are generally referring to centralised systems for the monitoring and control of entire sites, if not complexes of systems of a large geographical spread. So the term could refer to the processes of one industrial plant, or an entire nation. It is the RTU at which the remote monitoring systems begin acquiring data, with the resultant meter readings or equipment status reports being communicated to SCADA as required. This is followed by the compilation and formatting of the data in such a way that supervisory decisions to override or adjust normal RTU controls can be made by a control room operator making use of the HMI.

Those with an interest in the most reliable, scalable and powerful telemetry systems - of which AWAX SCADA software can be a key part - are advised to get in touch with Oriel Systems' (http://www.orielsystems.com) technical team. The company's own SCADA software connects to its own range of remote units, as well as to most programmable logic controllers (PLCs)and various other hardware types, including the remote units of other vendors. Continual program development has seen the introduction of greater functionality to the software, so that it embraces the most recent technological advances and remains absolutely relevant to current needs.

Editor’s Note: Oriel Systems (http://www.orielsystems.com) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Severe rental arrears at lowest level for two years

Amid so many signs of an improving economy and with it, increased financial security for landlords and tenants alike, landlord rent guarantee policyholders have even more reason for cheer with the news of a sharp fall in the number of tenants with severe rental arrears, to the lowest level in two years. That is the headline finding of the latest Tenant Arrears Tracker of LSL Property Services, which might just embolden a few Advanced Rent (http://www.advancedrent.co.uk) clients into investing further in their portfolio.

The third quarter of 2013 saw a 25 per cent decline in the number of tenants behind on their rent by a period exceeding two months. It means that there are now just 69,000 tenants in severe arrears, which is 23,000 lower than the figure recorded in the second quarter. It's the lowest level of severe rental arrears that the Tenant Arrears Tracker has recorded since the third quarter of 2011, which is obviously very good news for rent indemnity policyholders.

Paul Jardine, Templeton LPA director and receiver, described the figure as "an important landmark", adding that "Tenants in these most severe situations could face eviction whereas the majority of arrears cases are resolved much more easily." He said that there was "a qualitative difference which makes this particular improvement so important. Such a dramatic fall in the number of people potentially losing their homes is not just an excellent signal for the private rented sector but for the entire UK economy."

All other relevant figures point to an economic environment that is increasingly conducive to landlord rent insurance policyholders choosing to add to their portfolios. Tenants in severe arrears now account for only 1.7 per cent of all tenancies in England and Wales, compared to the previous quarter's 2.4 per cent. The improvement is even more dramatic when judged on an annual basis, with 34 per cent fewer tenants being in severe arrears in the third quarter of this year compared to the same quarter in 2012.

But there has also been a more general improvement in tenant finances for landlords involved in a rent guarantee scheme to savour,  with LSL's most recent Buy-to-let Index having also revealed a fall in overall tenant arrears in August, in which 7.8 per cent of all rent was late or unpaid - compared to the previous month's 8.2 per cent. Even the number of tenants facing eviction through court order has plummeted, with the 26,759 tenants that faced eviction notices in 2013's second quarter representing a 9.7 per cent improvement on the previous quarter's figure.

With our acclaimed Rent In Advance and Rent Guaranteed products, here at Advanced Rent (http://www.advancedrent.co.uk), we can further assure you of financial security as a landlord, an assurance that goes hand in hand with the real improvements in the state of the buy-to-let sector over the last year or so. Contact us now to find out more.

Editor’s Note: Advanced Rent (http://www.advancedrent.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Why you should care about the Kipling Fall 2013 collection

The fall offers seemingly plenty of reason to be depressed. The daylight hours are pretty much their shortest at this time of year, the rain's pelting down, the skies are grey and you've got way too much Christmas shopping to do. Indeed, perhaps you've visited the RTherapy (http://www.rtherapyclothing.co.uk) website with an eye to securing a bargain Kipling backpack, luggage item or other bag? When it's bags from this highly rated brand that you're looking for, you really can't do better than this long-established authorised retailer.

Certainly, if you fancy treating a relative or friend of yours to a Kipling bag this Yuletide, there are a few sound reasons to buy from the latest collection. Range-topping and cheap Kipling bags alike are very popular, after all. There is at least one Kipling bag in the possession of any one of more than 40 million people across the world, with 23 Kipling bags being sold every minute. So, that person you're purchasing a Kipling bag for may just be a connoisseur of the brand already. They therefore might appreciate the very latest bag that matches their needs.

The freshest additions to the Kipling bag UK range are instantly recognisable, with those iconic monkey key-rings present and correct. But beyond that, there's plenty of new design flair and rugged comfort to please the committed follower of the Antwerp brand. Just consider the Bagsational line, for example, available in such exciting colours as Expresso Brown, Celo Grey, Heather Olive, Port Red and True Blue. Don't worry, this stylish bag isn't merely a pretty face. It's also got all of the functionality for which Kipling bags have become renowned, with features such as dual carry handles, front and back compartments with magnetic stud closure and a zipped middle compartment.

Or if you'd like to buy your friend or relative a prestigious new wallet this festive season, why not get them a Brownie? It's a large organiser wallet complete with snap closure, combining such features as a flap and press button closure, 13 card holders, compartment with three gussets, zipped pocket and two photo sleeves. We reckon that there will also be quite a few admirers this winter of the Kipling Creativity purse, not to mention the Reth across-body shoulder bag. The latter offers astounding functionality thanks to such features as two top zipped main compartments, a front pop out pocket with extra organiser and a zipped pocket on the back.

Alternatively, there's always the option of the Kipling Garan bag. Although by no means a newcomer to the Kipling range, this medium shoulder bag is available in some fabulously eye-catching colours this fall, such as Port Red and Very Berry, and its practicality - thanks to the likes of an adjustable shoulder strap, zipped flap over with Velcro closure and small open front pocket - remains very much intact. It's one more very good reason to do your 2013 Christmas shopping with RTherapy (http://www.rtherapyclothing.co.uk)!   

Editor’s Note: RTherapy (http://www.rtherapyclothing.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.