The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire March Edition 2013 | Page 7

FINANCE BREAKFAST SHOWS BANK IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS HSBC in Swindon is launching a series of breakfast forums aimed at putting the bank at the heart of the town’s business community. The first event will be on March 26, from 7.30-9am, and includes short presentations by Action Coach Nigel Scott and HSBC business specialist team leader Ryan Starr, as well as breakfast and an opportunity to network. Further forums are planned for June and October. And to ensure the bank reaches out to business, the breakfasts won’t be held at one of HSBC’s town branches, but instead will be staged at a venue with a proven track record for hosting business events – Banks, Chartered Accountants. Caroline Norrey, business specialist at HSBC’s Canal Walk branch, has devised the forums, aimed at small to medium-sized businesses in and around Swindon. “We want to be able to give added value to our SME business customers, by putting on events which offer both useful presentations and the opportunity to networking with other businesses,” said Caroline. “The events aren’t just open to HSBC business customers, we really want to get out into the business community and let them know that we are here to help. By holding them at nonHSBC premises we hope more people will be encouraged to come along and we’re grateful to Banks, Chartered Accountants for offering their facilities”. Richard Mathews, Banks director, said: “When we moved to our new offices in Stratton, part of the plan was to allow other businesses to use our facilities, so we are delighted to be able to host these breakfasts for HSBC.” The forums are free but pre-booking is required. For more information, or to book a place, email Carol Norry: [email protected]. WESTBURY BASED APG IS GOING FOR GROWTH APG Business Services, based in Westbury began trading 5 years ago with the aim of helping sole traders and small companies organise and grow their business. With over 15 years experience spanning a wide spectrum of industries they are able to offer a range of services covering book-keeping, general administration and payroll geared to suit an individual businesses needs. Alison Gale owner of APG commented “We work closely with our clients to establish a comprehensive understanding of an organisation’s requirements. Building a trusting relationship that enables a business to focus on their business growth.” APG is currently going through a period of growth and Alison believes this is because the company offers a flexible and proactive approach. “We help customers when they require it. People often want evening appointments or for us to work from their premises- all of this is possible. We can also help by offering weekend appointments if necessary.” APG’s location which is close to the A36 and A350 provides easy access to Bath, Devizes, Warminster, Frome, Melksham, Trowbridge, Amesbury and surrounding areas. In a competitive market place impacted by cost APG decided to offer free first consultations, regardless of the distance of travel. “This gives potential clients the opportunity to try us before they buy and I believe this is another factor in our success story.” said Alison. Reforms To Statutory Sick Pay Could Force Micro-Businesses To Close, Warns Baker Tilly From April 6 this year, businesses are to lose the right to reclaim any statutory sick pay (SSP) which could result in some small businesses having to close, warns accountancy firm Baker Tilly. Currently, employers pay a worker who has been signed off as sick £86.70 per week in SSP, and pay a replacement worker to cover the absence. Once the SSP exceeds 13% of the total National Insurance bill for the period, employers can recover it under current rules known as the Percentage Threshold Scheme (PTS). This was designed as a disaster relief scheme for small employers who cannot afford to bear the SSP cost when too many workers are off sick. However, from April 6, employers will have to pay the replacement worker’s wages and the SSP with no right of recovery, as the PTS is being abolished. David Heaton, Tax Partner at Baker Tilly in Bristol said: ‘From April, statutory sick pay will be £87.55 per week, so if one employee is absent for a long period, the bil