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The government closes the loophole which allows VAT on small goods

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The government have announced plans which will stop retailers avoiding paying VAT by procuring goods from the Channel Island. This oversight has been used more frequently by retailers selling CD’s and DVD’s online. This loophole was costing the government £140 million a year. Low Value Consignment Relief (LVCR) will not apply to goods sent from the Channel Island to the UK from the 1st April. LVCR set up for tax exemption purposes for goods coming from outside the European Union so that they could avoid paying small amounts of tax, as collecting it would cost the more.

Kevin Flood, the CEO of Shopow said, “There has been an unprecedented movement of demand from consumers for cheap goods such as CD’s and DVDs online, fuelled by the downturn in the economy and lagging disposable income. The closing of the VAT loophole could force British consumers to look further afield for cheap deals.”

Kevin adds, “The closing of the VAT loop hole is good news for traditional British high street retailers such as HMV and Waterstones, who have come under fierce pressure from Channel Island registered online retailers, whose sales models have been taking advantage of the loophole in the VAT rules to offer cut price goods to British consumers. The situation is not at all good however for the run of the mill British consumer, who will quite literally pay the price.”

Guide To The Perfect Secret Santa Gift

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It’s that time of the year. Yes, the one where you have to somehow buy people presents that they won’t hate.

This is even harder, and far more treacherous, when buying for someone at work who you don’t really know. Getting Secret Santa gifts can be a minefield. So here are a few tips and tricks.

1) Do your research.

Think about the personality of the person you are buying for. Are they girlie? Sporty? Metrosexual? Don’t buy Shirley, who loves pink and teddy bears, a war DVD.

2) Go edible.

The best presents are usually edible. No re-gifting, no fake thank you’s, just eating. Hmm, what more could you want? Try and find out if anyone has any allergies or dislikes. Chocolate is a good bet. Or bubble bath.

3) Watch out for allergies or religious beliefs.

Rule out anything offensive or jokey. You never know how someone will take it and you need to work with these people all year. If you don’t get fired.

4) Play it safe.

Scented candles, bath oils, chocolate, a good book. Go for things everyone likes.

5) Be generous.

Don’t be known as the cheap person in the office. It’s always worth spending a few extra pounds and showing some class.

6) But not too generous.

You don’t want to embarrass people, or make the feel they have to reciprocate with something equally expensive. Or worse, think that you fancy them!

And more importantly, have fun!

Star Studded Event Honouring our Heroes

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The Inaugural Soldiering On Awards and Unique Charity Auction in Honour of BLESMA (British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association) on Sunday 20 March 2011

In the presence of TRH The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and showbiz stars such as Hayley Mills, Tom Keane, Rick Wakeman and many other stars attending the first ever “Soldiering On Awards” organised by Members of the Armed Forces, BLESMA and friends from the world of Media and Entertainment.The awards will recognise the courage and determination of those servicemen and women severely injured in the line of duty and aim to reward those behind the scenes, who help them on their long and challenging road to recovery.

Hosted by Gloria Hunniford and Paul Martin at the prestigious The Savoy, London, the star-studded event will bring together celebrities, industry professionals, BLESMA supporters and members to show their support for our troops, and the life changing work BLESMA do to better the future for many amputees in the UK.

The awards categories will include: Fundraising Endeavour, Supportive Family, Volunteer of the Year, Sporting Endeavour of the Year, The Bowman Award, Making a Difference, Against All Odds, BLESMA Lifetime Commitment.

In each category, the awards recognise the bravery and professionalism of the men and women working in today’s Armed Forces around the world and honour incredible individuals such as Royal Marine Commado Mark Ormrod, who has fought back despite losing both his legs and right arm. They also celebrate members of the public who in various ways work diligently to support our servicemen and women.

The evening will commence with a champagne reception, presentations by BLESMA and music by the Swinging Blue Jeans band. Guests will also enjoy music from the Brass Quintet of the 1st Battalion The Coldstream Guards Band and a special performance from virtuoso rock violinist, Analiza Ching. There will be an auction including 12 magnificent “Money Can’t Buy” prizes, with the aim of raising much needed funds for BLESMA. The money will continue to help BLESMA provide support to rebuild the lives, confidence and self-belief of our injured servicemen and women, by giving them the opportunity to participate in support networks and rehabilitation programmes.

Jerome Church, BLESMA General Secretary added, “I cannot tell you how moved we have been by the offers of help from all of the armed forces and volunteers from the Soldiering On Awards committee. These awards celebrate our servicemen and women and members of the community who work together to help rebuild their lives. We hope the incredible and unique auction prizes will raise money to improve the lives of people who deserve all the help and support we can offer them”.