On 1st January 2010 the VAT rate will return to 17.5% which will mean upheaval for invoicing processes around the country once again.

Any invoice that is issued to a customer before the change in rate remains chargeable to VAT at 15%. As there is an opportunity for this rule to be exploited in favour of customers who cannot recover VAT, Customs have introduced special rules designed to prevent ‘artificial’ early invoicing distorting the VAT position. These rules do not cover all eventualities though, so some businesses may be able to raise invoices in December in respect of supplies they will make in early 2010.

In addition to the invoicing upheaval, there are some other practical points and consequences to bear in mind for many businesses, including whether to increase your prices to reflect the rate change, how to inform your customers of the changes and over what period of time, changes required to pre-printed or saved price lists and what to do if your business’ normal trading hours start before midnight 31st December 2009 and finish after, such as a pub or club.

For more detailed information and advice, please contact your client manager to discuss matters further.

We will be taking a break from running our weekly seminars over the Christmas period. They will start up again on the 7th January 2010.

In the new year our first seminar is based on the “One Minute Manager” - one of the best selling business books of all time. This one hour breakfast seminar will show you the key messages from the book and how you can use the Key Performance Indicators in your business to truly become a “one minute manager”.

The seminar will take place at our Kings Lodge office near Brands Hatch. Arrival is at 7.45 for an 8am start, with tea / coffee and breakfast rolls provided and aim to finish by 9am. If you would like to attend or require any further information on our seminars please email Jenny at jenny@a4gsolutions.co.uk. Information about other seminars can be found at www.a4gsolutions.co.uk/weekly-seminars

What is your most valuable asset? Your house? Your business? Wrong – it’s you. If you weren’t able to work how would this affect your entire financial situation?

Critical Illness plans are designed to pay out a lump sum of money if you are eligible and diagnosed with one of a number of defined critical illnesses as listed in the product providers plan provisions.  These usually include up to 35 core conditions such as:

Cancer – excluding less advanced cases
Coma – resulting in permanent symptoms
Heart Attack – of specified severity
• Stroke – resulting in permanent symptoms

Critical Illness plans can usually be added to any life or mortgage life insurance policies. If you are interested in a Critical Illness plan please contact nick@a4gwealthmanagement.co.uk to discuss your options further.