Businesses that are “going green” are becoming more and more commonplace. Regardless of your political beliefs or opinions regarding the “global warming” concept, few can argue that being environmentally aware will leave the world a better place. Whether a company is simply jumping on the green bandwagon, or are honestly sensitive about environmental issues is really irrelevant. Consumers like green businesses, and shaping your business to promote being “eco-friendly” makes sense from a public relations standpoint.

Not surprisingly, many businesses that have taken the steps to “go green” are also discovering that going green often saves them another kind of green (as in the “money” kind of green). For example, consider hotels that are allowed by long-term guests to only launder sheets and towels every other day rather than every single day. The hotel is presenting an environmentally-friendly face, while at the same time saving money on their bottom line. They save in both staff time and cleaning materials by laundering less frequently, and all while presenting an environmentally-concerned image for their company.

There are a number of steps that almost any business can take to become more environmentally-friendly. Here are just a few…

Power Management And Conservation

Encourage energy conservation throughout the company. Be sure that offices are equipped with energy-efficient light bulbs, and purchase equipment and supplies that conserve power. Encourage staff to turn off lights and equipment in offices and conference rooms when they are not in use.

Telecommuting

Cut travel costs by using virtual conferencing tools. When feasible, allow employees to telecommute (work from home) on certain days or a number of days per week. Statistics show that employees who telecommute are actually more productive, and work longer hours than those who commute to an office each day. Telecommuting can also reduce a company’s “carbon footprint”. A carbon footprint refers to the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses your choices create.

Printing And Recycling

Encourage your staff to recycle. Provide recycling bins for soda and drink containers. Encourage staff to use the back side of old printed materials for notes and scratch paper. Use double-sided printing for reports, and use a digital infrastructure that allows documents to be transferred digitally to reduce printing costs.

Corporate motives can be questioned, but it really doesn’t matter whether a company truly cares about the planet, or if they are “going green” simply for a cost savings…. because no matter what the motives, at the end of the day green businesses will help leave the planet a healthier place for future generations.

When you go camping, the rule is to always leave the campsite in better shape than you found it. The same could be said for the environment, and what a legacy for a generation to leave. Rarely does a business go green as a result of social consciousness, but that does not diminish the fact that being green can also generate green (money). Take tangible steps to make your company more environmentally-friendly.

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Under the Equality Act 2010, employers will be banned from discriminating against employees because of certain physical or mental disabilities, restricted from asking job applicants untargeted questions about their health and banned from discrimination based on perception.

Andrea O’Hare, Head of Personnel and Employment Law said “Employers need to be aware of the changes coming into play at the beginning of October. With the Equality Act covering elements of the interview process, employers must ensure they adhere to theses changes relating to pre-employment health questionnaires or they could find themselves at a tribunal hearing.”

Citation’s Employment Law Compliance Services provide clients with support on all issues relating to the Equality Act to ensure they know how to handle a situation appropriately. If you are worried that your business is not properly conforming to employment law regulations, then a Citation employment law consultant can help.

Operating throughout the UK since 1995, Citation provides professional advice and compliance packages to business clients. Independently endorsed at the highest level its market leading services provide guaranteed protection in the high risk areas of employment law and health & safety regulations.

For more information about Citation and the services they provide, visit the Citation website at http://www.citation.co.uk/ Tel: 0845 844 1111.

Press release produced and promoted by Hit Search. Find out more about us and our services at http://www.hitsearchlimited.com Tel: 0845 643 9289.

CEL-HS-23810

CBEC India has set up offices in all the five different zones of the country for efficient management of goods imported and exported. It deals with various tasks:

• Facilitate the movement of goods out of the country
• Collection of custom and central excise duties.
• Prevention of smuggling
• Prevention of narcotics.

The approach of CBEC is a standard of two measures:

• Operation of Convention.
• Adoption of best practices and reorganization of central excise and customs .

Central board of excise and custom monitors traded goods through receipts of payment, analysis of declarations and returns filed. There are some benefits which CBEC provides in indirect administration of tax like:

• Increased efficiency.
• More accountability.
• More transparency.

In India, Central Board of excise and customs is a major body governing import and exports,    enforcing custom tariffs, anti dumping duty and safeguard duty.

It sends custom duty notification to the traders for every year which can also be received online. It also ensures quick response to grievances, or complaints of traders to decrease the load and to provide full guidance. CBEC attempts to reply to the complaints of the trader’s within 30 days of time.

Some of the benefits of CBEC in aiming at maintenance of good standards are:

• Quick response.
• Close monitoring.
• Standardization of the process.
• Transparency in transactions.

The Mission of CBEC is to realize revenues in an efficient manner, achieve excellence in formulation and implementation in customs and central excise, evasion of frauds and social menace in an effective manner and facilitating trade by helping Indian businesses enhance their competitiveness.

Rules of CBEC in India are as follows:

• Settlement of disputes in 10 days.
• Refunding of amount in any discrepancies within 30 working days of receiving a valid claim.
• Any delay in decision making on any disputed issue, shall promptly communicate with a valid reason.
• Complete excise registration within 48 hours of receiving applications.
• In case of exports, within 8 hours of filing an electronic declaration or within 24 hours of filing a paper declaration.
• In case of imports, within 24 hours of filing an electronic declaration or within 72 hours of filing a paper declaration.

There are some advantages under CBEC for advance ruling:

• 1. Clarity and certainty of tax liability under customs, central excise or service tax laws.
  2. Avoidance of protected litigations.
  3. Speedy decisions.
  4. Inexpensive process.
  5. Transparency.

Here is where the China import export data comes in handy. It is a comprehensive guide for traders with all the requisite information associated with an import export business. It has proved to be a blessing for the traders because of its precise, original and highly informative data.

China import export data houses a multitude of records and gives the traders full access to the existent and past data. Traders can thus obtain valuable insight by referring to this data and eliminate their past mistakes and in turn have a pleasant trading experience. It also offers advisory services to traders about international trade policies of different countries.
The China export data also has a crucial role to play. It contains the name and contact details of the exporters along with the product quantity and their Harmonized Standard (HS) codes, thus making it a strong & helpful medium to locate the country’s most reliable and economical suppliers.

China export data helps the importers in identifying sellers of specific products they wish to procure and analyzing the future consumer trends. As a result, all the importers would have a better view of the different types of manufactures and their product range.
This data is updated month on month and made available to the traders based on their request. Exporters, globally, make use of this data for a better relationship with their customers while being appreciative of their present interest and feature of products.
Today China is the largest manufacturer to the global market. And, in order to be successful in the China import export business, it is imperative for the traders to achieve maximum advantage of the Chinese collaboration. Here the China custom data would be of great help as it would provide a powerful base for establishing the needed affiliation with the Chinese exporters.

China import export data today, with its accurate and updated information, has become a multipurpose manual for traders. Obtained through the China custom data, it consecutively facilitates in growing business in China and has proved to be enormously beneficial to the common businessmen.

The role of Foreign Exchange Dealers Association of India has witnessed a steady change over the past few years largely because of the ongoing integration of the international financial sectors and increase in liberalization. Several amendments have taken place in the foreign exchange after witnessing liberation of the financial sector from government regulations. In such circumstances, FEDAI acts as a catalyst and ensures smooth functioning of the markets while closely co-coordinating with the Reserve Bank of India and other group organizations. It takes maximum advantage from other associate banks through constant improvement in areas such as product customization, market intelligence, risk management, etc.

The topic of Foreign Exchange is very vast and very few bankers have gained mastery over. FEDAI has its own website which announces periodical market-related data which is accessible to the general public and to its members. In the year 2008, the FEDAI has released a treatise and a brochure marking the completion of its 50 years. It talks about the foreign exchange facilities that will be of great assistance to Indian citizens. It also provides an in-depth understanding and self-awareness among the staff members of the Authorized Dealers’ branch whose responsibility is to manage customers concerns and improve the customer service quality.

The Foreign Exchange Dealers Association of India and RBI have shared an unparalleled and close affiliation all these years. While there isn’t any official association with the RBI, FEDAI works under Reserve Bank’s guidelines. FEDAI has been a partner to many since its inception to implement best practices in the Foreign Exchange trade. Furthermore, FEDAI has been instrumental in being a communication channel between the authorized dealers and the Reserve Bank and continues to offer its support and important insights.

A significant reduction in China custom tariff was witnessed after the country’s entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO). China has taken several steps to abide by the WTO trade commitments. Some of these commitments include reducing tariff as well as non-tariff barriers and expanding market access for its international counterparts while increasing transparency. Having executed several progressive reforms, exporters still face difficulty in accessing the Chinese market because some of the non-tariff barriers still exist. China’s custom tariffs are by and large revised every year. Duty prices and tariff items are altered in discharging the policy and statistical needs of the government and China’s WTO commitments.

The rates of import tariff China are different for different products, components and their evident usage. Many a times, foreign exporters face difficulties with unpredictable custom classification application, tariffs and import controls by resident custom officials.

One can calculate China’s import tariff rates with the help of a Harmonized System (HS) tariff code. The creation and administration of these HS codes are done by the World Customs Organization (WCO). The HS tariff classification method is applicable to every product entering or crossing a foreign border and has to be declared to customs with a specific HS code.

Today China has become more open to foreign products, if looked at from an import perspective. Tariffs no longer restrict the number of imported items into the Country. The new improved import tariff revisions will go a long way in helping China make the best use of its exports and economic growth mode. A remarkable progress is thus seen in China’s import tariff and China custom tariffs which would go a long way in establishing a more closer and effective trade relations with the other international countries.

The online import export data made available for traders by various companies serves multiple purposes. It is a must read for traders before venturing into the export import business. There are millions of records available which traders can refer to for learning purposes and acquiring useful knowledge. Reading these records from the exporter’s directory will help the traders to keep in mind and avoid the problems faced in the past trade transactions.

Before starting import export business it is also important for the trader to have a thorough knowledge of the laws and the foreign policies. Thus the online exporters directory must be read as it provides full information on the laws, customs rules and foreign policies. This directory also gives details about the various ports. The full list of ports along with their contact information has been provided. This data gives information about trade transactions of India as well as many other countries. With this information details such as product description and HS codes has also been given. Most importantly new traders need to be aware of all the buyers. The online export import data is am important source for finding new and authentic buyers. The names, address, telephone and fax numbers of all the exporters and buyers has been provided.

Apart from this new traders also need to be aware of the various authorities involved in the import export business. The online import export data provides links to updates and rules laid down by some major authorities like the directorate general of foreign trade and central boards of excise and customs. Information about all the terms and conditions laid down by these authorities can be accessed through this online data easily. This data is also useful in giving new traders an estimation of cost of the transaction as per the exchange rates and customs and excise duties. Names and contact numbers of important people involved in the trade business can also be referred to by the new traders .The online export import data is therefore a complete package on trade that must be read by new traders for acquiring information as well as getting guidelines for establishing efficient trade.

Rebecca Hollinshead and Rob Terrell join the Cheshire-based promotional marketing firm as Account Managers.

Rebecca was previously with Pro Ex, where she specialised in delivering B2C marketing and experiential campaigns. Rob moves over from Photosound Communications, where he gained a wealth of experience in the health arena, with a number of major pharmaceutical clients.

Rebecca will head the EMS specialist team managing an international mobile trailer marketing campaign to raise the profile of US company Infinera in the global telecommunications industry, and will also be working with a major financial services brand.

Rob will focus on developing new client opportunities while ensuring strong project management across other on-going EMS projects.
Also joining EMS as Account Executives are Sally Davies from Lex and Lloyds Autolease, and Jennifer Smith from Practice Plan.

Justin Isles, Client Services Director at EMS comments: “We are delighted to welcome these new members of staff to enhance our existing highly talented team. EMS has gone from strength to strength in 2010, despite the tough economic climate. We continue to win valuable business and build on existing contracts as clients recognise the value of mobile face-to-face communication.”

EMS was recently awarded the coveted Investors in People (IiP) Silver status, and is one of just 36 companies in the North West to hold it – a rare achievement among small to medium sized businesses and more common in large, corporate organisations.

According to data from the Office for National Statistics, 88.7% of enterprises in the UK operate with 10 or fewer employees. Specialist payroll software company 12pay.co.uk has identified this as a gap in the market, finding that small businesses often can’t afford bespoke or high-end software packages designed to deal with large numbers of employees.

To this end, the company developed a payroll software platform perfectly suited to small and medium sized businesses, with the entry-level “Express” edition free to download on the internet – thus reducing overheads for these smaller businesses.

The 12pay software makes dealing with the company payroll a very straightforward process that is easy to set up and maintain. Significant key features also allow businesses to cut down on expenditure; such as the ability to print out payslips on blank A4 paper, as opposed to being obliged to buy stocks of software compatible printable payslips.

Even though the Express edition of 12pay is free, the software is fully accredited by the HM Revenue and Customs department and has been awarded the Payroll Standard.

Clients downloading the software are able to set up their employee and payroll details and print out payslips. A simple online upgrade to the Premium edition will open up extra functionality, including multiple payroll formats, the ability to action, process and print reports, as well as generating end of year reports to be submitted directly online to HMRC, a new move that has become obligatory from the 2009/2010 financial year.

12pay director Mr Tom McClelland commented: After identifying that the vast majority of UK PAYE registered businesses have fewer than 10 employees, we realised we could cut payroll software expenditure to zero by releasing our Express edition on the internet for free download. The confidence we have in our product means we know our satisfied clients will upgrade to the Premium edition, which is still a far less costly exercise than buying a bespoke or large capacity software that small businesses simply don’t need.”

As a 12pay user, Andrew Cunningham, owner of Right Guard Security commented: “For the first six years of trading we used Sage software and this year we switched to 12pay to save money. The wage slips are great and the software is easy to use.”

The Express edition of 12pay payroll software is available to download for free now from the 12pay.co.uk website.

For more information about payroll software from 12Pay Ltd please visit http://www.12pay.co.uk or telephone: 0118 9546817 for more information.

Notes for editors:

12pay.co.uk offers the Express edition of the payroll software “12 pay” for free through a simple online download procedure at http://www.12pay.co.uk/DownloadFreePayrollSoftware.aspx. Once downloaded, clients will be able to run payroll functions for free. For increased functionality or to continue to print payslips after the initial six-month period, clients will need to upgrade to the Premium edition. This paid for edition includes end of year reporting by internet facilities, which has become compulsory from the 2009/2010 financial year.

The Office for National Statistics report identifies the make up of British businesses: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=1238

About 12pay.co.uk:

12pay has specialised in providing software solutions for small to medium size businesses since the mid 1980s, focusing in particular on the three versions of the 12pay payroll software Express, Premium and Bureau.

The company is dedicated to keeping up to date with all the latest news and changes regarding HMRC, income tax and National Insurance, with a company blog to keep clients informed and regular software updates. There is also a user forum on 12pay.co.uk to create an active community feel to facilitate user discussion and online assistance.

12pay.co.uk offers a real alternative to bespoke or expensive payroll software solutions and by providing the Express edition for free, the company is filling a gap in the payroll software market and is confident that client satisfaction will mean companies have the confidence in the product to upgrade to the paid for Premium edition.

One of the most important factors when it comes to the success of any dining establishment is customer service. For those that choose to install restaurant POS software and focus on customer service, they will already be far ahead of the game. It doesn’t take much in this day and age to beat the guy down the road in the customer service department. A friendly smile and fast service will usually be enough to do the trick. But if you’re competing against some of the best—as you will be in any metropolitan area—you’ll need to be at your very best to succeed.

When looking for the right restaurant POS software for your business, find a suite that can handle all aspects of your establishment. If you have a bar, dining area, and delivery service, make sure you find a package that includes options for all of those aspects. Many of these suites also include a time clock feature, which can be helpful if you’re spending too much time looking through time cards and figuring out payroll. The program will do this automatically and save time and money when it comes to getting everyone paid.

Restaurant POS software also eliminates or cuts down on user error. If you’re tired of having customers complain about getting the wrong food or being charged the wrong price, you need a good package installed today. While there’s no way to fully eliminate user error, a good package can cut it down considerably by offering easy to read buttons which are all connected to certain prices and foods. All that’s left is for you to program it so that it works for your dining establishment.