QUALITY ASSURED INDEPENDENT CONSULTANTS (QAIC)
All PCG members should by now have received a brochure inviting them to take part in PCG's groundbreaking ISO9001 scheme tailored for independent consultants.
QAIC has attracted a remarkably high level of interest so far, but there is still a way to go before achieving the "critical mass" required for PCG to launch the scheme confidently. Those currently considering signing up who have not yet completed their application forms should do so as soon as possible.
The proportion of applicants opting for Founder status has also exceeded expectations. By the time the QAIC team starts preparing the first companies for their certificate, the Founder option will have closed, so please think carefully about this one-off opportunity to be a Founder. Only Founders have will have a closer involvement in the running of the scheme.
As you will have seen in the brochure, the QAIC scheme should be applicable to over 90% of PCG members' businesses, so that probably means yours too. For those who want to discuss it further in person before making up their mind, PCG is holding free seminars on the subject, the first being at the Cheshire Cheese, 5 Little Essex Street, London WC2R 3LD (which some may remember as a PCG meeting place during the judicial review). Please register online if you would like to attend. The team would also like to hold a second seminar in Aberdeen, but before finalising the date, needs to have an idea of the number of people who are likely to attend. Please indicate your interest and preferences online. If you have other pressing questions, why not ask them in the dedicated discussion forum?
QAIC has been designed with the potential to transform not only your business prospects but also the environment in which the PCG freelance community operates. You can help make this happen by being part of it!
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING AGENCY OPT-OUT FORMS
PCG's external affairs director Ian Durrant is preparing an FAQ sheet about the new Agency Regulations which will be published shortly. Members should, in the meantime, be aware of a particular issue that has arisen and could cause problems for them in the future:
Q - My agency has sent me an opt out form, or I can opt out using a web based form, but it contains much more than the simple opt-out notice suggested by PCG. What should I do?
A - Exercise great caution! The notice should not incorporate any contractual terms. Remember that you are signing on behalf of the limited company and yourself individually (as required by the Regulations) and as such you could be removing your limited liability and potentially weakening any case you have to be outside IR35. PCG advice is to use agency template opt-outs and web forms only if they are obviously simple opt-outs. You do not have to use any form of words suggested by the agency. If in any doubt whatsoever, create your own letter based on the form of words recommended by PCG.
APPSBG REPORT ON OWNER-MANAGED BUSINESSES AND THEIR TAX
In last week's newsletter it was reported that Ian Durrant and David Ramsden had attended a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Small Business Group (APPSBG) at which Dr Alan Southern, University of Liverpool, had presented his interim report on the findings of an APPSBG survey entitled "Owner-Managed Businesses and their Tax".
Chas Roy-Chowdhury, head of taxation at ACCA and a speaker at the briefing, stated that: "Owner-managed businesses require a simple, certain and fair tax system. At present it is none of them. The Government must look at radical solutions to achieve those goals, including the abolition of the zero rate of corporation tax, the creation of a separate legal structure for self-employment, and the removal of the tax administration barriers that prevent small businesses trading in the EU."
Dr Southern's report is now available online in the Library.
CO-HOSTED REGIONAL EVENTS
Following the success of previous such events, PCG is working with several Affiliate members and other partners to continue its planned programme of co-hosted seminars for freelancers around the regions. The next two events will be at:
- Egham, Wednesday 28 July 2004 18:30 - register online
- Stevenage, Tuesday 3 August 2004 18:30 - register online
CFI MEETING IN MANCHESTER
The next meeting of the Collaborative Freelancing Initiative (CFI) will take place in Manchester on Saturday 18 September 2004. Details are available online.
NEW AFFILIATE MEMBER BAUER & COTTRELL
Bedfordshire-based tax and employment status consultants Bauer & Cottrell recently joined PCG as Affiliate members. Staffed by ex Contributions Agency/Inland Revenue inspectors, Bauer & Cottrell has won every case that it has handled.
It provides a comprehensive contract review service which includes free information sheets covering up to date case law, factors to support being in business and a template to confirm the true terms and conditions with clients. It can also enter into negotiations with agencies and clients to seek amendments to existing contracts in order to bring the contract outside IR35 or simply to strengthen it. Wording for clauses is also provided free of charge.
Other services include contract drafting, status health checks, representation and entering into technical argument with the Inland Revenue, representation at tax Commissioners hearings, review and advice on ongoing disputes, Section 660A and technical NIC/tax issues. It also offers its own seminars and can provide speakers if required.
Professional fee protection and tax insurance products are also available. All services are offered on a fixed fee basis and fees are agreed in advance.
Freelance PCG members can take advantage of a comprehensive contract review service at a discounted price of £130 plus VAT, compared with the normal price of £150 plus VAT. The service includes a contract review with a full written report, free information sheets and free contract clauses. Bauer & Cottrell guarantees a turnaround time of five working days, with a faster service available on request.
COMMERCIAL FORUM PROJECT POSTINGS
For information about the latest job, project, contract
and work opportunities, see PCG's Commercial
forum, and Members'
Commercial forum. The Commercial forum may be accessed
by Affiliate members, and PCG welcomes postings by agencies.
This week's opportunities, selected from both forums,
include:
Project manager - Embedded C - Glasgow
Main or sole contractor for telecommunications system
upgrade for City-based company
REAL LIFE MEETINGS
London
- Saturday 17 July 2004 17:30
North
Kent - Monday 19 July 2004 19:30
North
West - Thursday 29 July 2004 19:30
Central
London - Wednesday 4 August 2004 18:00
Disclaimer - caveat emptor - PCG carries very limited
advertising only from known and reputable Affiliates
and complementary organisations. Even so, publication
of any advertisement carries no implicit or explicit
endorsement by PCG.
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