As concerns over the UK economy continue to grow, it is essential that all businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, are properly prepared for financially-testing times.

Most businesses have a web presence, but by not providing the right information on your company’s website, you can have an adverse impact on customers and other users.

Employers now have to make annual checks on employees with a limited leave to remain in the UK to make sure they are still entitled to work in the UK.

If you want to file your 2007/08 tax return on paper, it will have to reach HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) by 31 October 2008, although you will have until 31 January 2009 if you file online. This is part of HMRC’s move to encourage online filing.

Businesses that under-claimed input VAT for accounting periods ending between 1 April 1973 and 1 May 1997 can now claim it back. The Finance Bill has brought in transitional rules allowing businesses to make VAT repayment claims for periods up to the date the present three-year time limit for claims was introduced.