Keep up with CCD changes

Mar 3 2008 By Suzanne McCreedy, Business Link

APRIL 6, 2008 is an important date in the financial calendar. It represents the Government’s next common commencement date (CCD), when a number of key departments will issue changes to UK business regulations.

CCDs occur twice a year and provide a perfect opportunity to prepare your business for the implementation of any changes needed to comply with any new and changing regulations.

Business Link has a section of its website dedicated to keeping owners up to date with all the latest CCD regulation changes in one place.

Being aware of any upcoming changes can help to save your business money. Your company could be entitled to benefits or, if you fail to comply with new regulations, could end up paying out penalty fines.

For example, the Companies Act 2006 will reduce the burden on private companies in April. It will no longer be a requirement to appoint a company secretary and executing deeds will not need to have the signature of two directors – one director’s signature before a witness will suffice.

Another change will affect business-to-business marketing, which will be regulated on a far tighter scale and misleading advertising will be made unlawful – with comparative advertising placed under increased scrutiny.

The Business Link website contains a regularly updated CCD summary page, with further details on the changes mentioned here and other new business regulations coming into effect next month.

The next CCD after April 6 is on October 1 2008, but if you want Government regulatory news sent direct to your desktop throughout the year you can sign up for Business Link’s regulation email alert service.

If you need any impartial advice about how the forthcoming CCD regulation changes will affect your business you can get in touch with Business Link on 0845 600 9 006.

Business Link’s team of expert brokers operate across the region in local access points and on a mobile basis. For further information visit www.businesslinknortheast.co.uk or call 0845 600-9006.