Business and Other Briefings

BIS: A new report published by the Government shows that around £4m of regulatory burdens will be cut from British businesses between January and June 2012. 

The Third Statement of New Regulation, which measures the success of the One-in, One-out rule, shows that there is a cumulative net reduction of regulation since January 2011.  It also shows that the number of regulations which reduce a cost on business continue to outweigh the number which put a new cost on business.
Press release & links
 
BIS: A recent report calls for universities to be at the heart of the economy to ‘promote growth in the UK and improve the employability of our graduates’.

Professor Sir Tim Wilson was asked by the Government to undertake a review into how universities work with business to ensure graduate skills & employability meet the needs of business, and to maximise the university sector’s capabilities in business-led research & innovation.   His report makes a series of recommendations for universities, business and the Government.
Press release & links
 
TfL: Freight operators and their customers are being targeted with a major new campaign to ensure supplies keep moving during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  The new marketing campaign urges people who make or receive deliveries in Games transport 'hot spot' areas to plan ahead so they can continue to operate effectively and profitably this summer.
 
The campaign is in addition to more than 200 free TfL workshops, both inside & outside the Capital, which have been on offer since January 2012 to help hauliers and their customers (from across all sectors) continue to operate effectively this summer.
Press release & links
 
BIS: A new pilot scheme, launched last week, will provide a boost for growth by helping businesses speed up the processing of patent applications in the UK and Germany. 

The
Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) allows applicants who have been successful in obtaining a patent from either the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) or the German Patent and Trademark Office to request accelerated examination of a corresponding patent application filed in the other country.

The UK-Germany PPH pilot started on 1 March 2012 and will run for an initial period of one year, ending on 1 March 2013.
Press release & links
 
HMRCRevenue & Customs Brief 05/12
This Brief introduces new guidance on the VAT liability of caravan pitch rentals, which reflects minor amendments effective from 1 March 2012.
 
HMRCRevenue & Customs Brief 03/12
This Brief updates on the review of insolvency processes following the Paymex Limited VAT Tribunal decision.
Facing the Future...find out more