ClearSky Accounting, the specialist contractor and small business accountant, is the latest major UK service provider to start the independent Freelancers and Contractors Services Association (FCSA) Code of Conduct Review. Upon successful completion, ClearSky will be a full FCSA member.
The FCSA Code of Conduct review is the only review process governing companies in the contractor and staffing business service provider space that has been developed with support from HMRC. It is also the first review process for service providers that has the support of both REC and APSCo. In addition, the review is conducted by KPMG and HMRC receives copies of the final audit documentation.
The review includes:
- A challenging desk top questionnaire into business practices and performance
- An on-site audit to ratify claims made in the questionnaire
- An review covering aspects such as company directors, company finances, pre-employment checks, employment contracts and processes, expenses processing
Commenting on the process, Derek Kelly, Managing Director of ClearSky Accounting, said: “This is a very exciting time for ClearSky. I believe that the FCSA Code of Conduct represents the highest standards and best practice in our industry and by proactively presenting the results to HMRC it is also the most transparent.
“In the last few months alone we have seen several service providers in our industry go under, leaving thousands of contractors and freelancers out of pocket and facing potential fines from Companies House and this is not acceptable. These individuals and micro-businesses are the bedrock of our economy and they need security and protection. The FCSA membership demonstrates that we are committed to this and can give our clients the peace of mind that comes with that.”
Stuart Davis, Chair of the Freelancer and Contractor Services Association, said: “We’re delighted that ClearSky has opted to make the journey to membership of the FCSA. Our HMRC-recognised Code of Conduct holds companies to the most stringent standards of professionalism and accountability in our industry – so while demonstrating appropriate compliance and becoming a member is not easy, we at FCSA are committed to providing prospective members with all possible support and encouragement.
“FCSA accreditation boosts business, because it proves that a service provider is reliable, responsible and robust. With the flexible workforce growing ever more cautious about the companies they work with, adhering to the sector’s ‘gold standard’ is likely to attract new clients. We hope that in the coming months and years more companies choose to join us, because the Code underlines the credibility and maturity of our young industry.”
Share this content![[del.icio.us]](http://images.del.icio.us/static/img/delicious.small.gif){kind=small}
Loading ...
Thursday, December 15th, 2011Some of Britain’s leading business organisations have thrown their weight behind a campaign calling on the Government to do more to tackle the issue of late payment which it says ‘decimates small firms’ cash flow’.
Amongst the group’s demands are requests for the Government to:
The group have some compelling stats to back up their calls. For example, 51% of small businesses report that the problem of late payment has become worse over the last year, 45% claim that it could threaten their ability to invest in their business and 20% claim that it could prevent them from continuing to trade.
Bacs has recently said SMEs are now owed a total of £33.6bn in outstanding invoice payments – a rise of 10% in the last 12 months and the highest figure since records began in 2007.
Ironically, the same study showed the UK’s SMEs managed to limit their late payment to an average of half a day.
For our clients, we always recommend that the first line of defence against late payment is to make sure that any contract you enter into with a client includes payment terms and that these have been discussed at the outset of the business relationship. Then, make sure that every invoice issued includes a reminder of said terms.
After that, communication is key. It’s vital that you contact the late payer immediately. Let them know straight away that money is due and that they haven’t paid according to your terms and conditions (which you made them aware of earlier). Make sure that you keep this amicable but professional.
After that there are a couple of options depending on whether or not you want to go down the legal or non-legal route. Business Link has a really good guide on their website and, if you are a ClearSky client you can always speak to your personal accountant for some advice.
Share this content