When starting up a hospitality business, it is important to factor in that some customers may choose to tip members of staff.
Author Archive: Muhammad Zia
What are the immediate steps to take after someone has died?
Unfortunately, it is likely that we will all experience the loss of a loved one at some point in our lives and it can be easy to get overwhelmed with the practical steps you will need to take.
With emotions running high it can be difficult to consider the administrative duties that you will need to perform however, knowing what to expect during this time can reduce some of the stress of the situation.
For this reason, we will outline the steps that will need to be taken soon after a loved one has passed away.
Firstly, you will need to obtain a medical certificate to confirm the cause of death, along with the exact date and time.
Although this may be challenging, it is important to get this as soon as possible, to proceed with the necessary arrangements.
Following this, you will be able to register the death with the deceased’s local register office.
This is also very time-sensitive and should be done within five days of the death, apart from if a coroner needs to determine the exact cause of death.
To register a death, you will need to attend an appointment with the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Make note that you should take proof of your identity (including proof of address) to the appointment, along with the following documents relating to the person that has died:
- Birth Certificate
- Proof of address
- Driving licence (if applicable)
- Marriage, civil partnership, or divorce certificates (if relevant)
- NHS card
- Passport
- National Insurance number, along with the details of a surviving spouse (if relevant)
Once the death has been registered, you will be able to purchase copies of the death certificate, which you will be required to provide to the relevant parties when unfreezing the individual’s assets and administering the estate.
It is advisable to obtain multiple copies of the death certificate, which cost approximately £8 to £12.
You can also begin to arrange the funeral, as you should receive a Green Certificate to pass on to the Funeral Director.
During this strenuous time, you may wish to appoint an expert to assist with the next steps relating to applying for probate and administering the estate.
In need of support through the process of probate? Contact our experts today.
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Big fall in businesses exporting to EU ‘caused by Brexit red tape’
The number of UK businesses exporting goods to the EU fell 33 per cent to 18,357 in 2021, from 27,321 in 2020, data from HMRC shows.
Industry experts said the fall is due to the extra red tape UK businesses must now comply with when exporting to the EU.
They say they are really worrying numbers and show the scale of the difficulties UK businesses now face in exporting their products to the EU.
Lost opportunities for growth
Sources said that businesses are not getting enough support from the Government to navigate the post-Brexit trading minefield.
They believe a lot of SMEs can’t afford professional advice to cope with Brexit-related red tape. Many are likely to have decided trading with the EU is not worth the cost.
There were warnings that fewer UK companies exporting to the EU will result in lost opportunities for growth and expansion in Europe.
Problems have been continuing at Dover where ‘Brexit scenarios’ had contributed to delays according to the head of the British Ports Association.
Chief executive Richard Ballantyne said the traffic was mainly down to the suspension of P&O ferries sailing after it sacked 800 members of staff, but he pointed to Brexit bureaucracy as another factor.
Ferries suspension a major factor
Speaking to Sky News, he said: “There’s still congestion. P&O Ferries is out of service at the moment, which is probably the main cause of all the congestion – coupled with one or two other little incidents, and other Brexit scenarios.”
Problems with a key IT system for post-Brexit customs checks had contributed to traffic chaos around Dover, where thousands of commercial lorries had been stuck in queues.
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) said the HMRC was “continuing to have issues” with its new GVMS system for customs declarations needed by hauliers following Britain’s exit from the EU.
But an update from HMRC was set to alleviate the problem this week as the tax authority said:
“We can confirm that the continuity plan that was in place over the weekend has now been lifted. The Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) is now fully operational, and you’ll need a Goods Movement References (GMRs) for all movements using GVMS.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused whilst we investigated the issue.”
What has been causing delays?
Hauliers have said it has been taking 15 to 20 minutes for each driver to clear checks needed since full customs controls came into force at the beginning of January.
Last month The Independent news website revealed that the Government is exploring a delay to new controls on imports set to come in July 2022 because of growing alarm over the cost of living crisis.
For help and advice with related matters, please get in touch with our expert team today.
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