Local tax specialist, TaxAssist Accountants said: “Local electricians have been warned to expect a letter in the post after HMRC announced that the tradesmen were to become the next focus in their bid to reduce the tax gap – the difference between tax raised and what they think is owed.

“It is not just those who deliberately don’t tell HMRC about something they should have paid tax on who should be concerned, HMRC will also be looking for electricians who make mistakes in the amount of tax they pay – even though they have taken reasonable care.”

The Electricians Tax Safe Plan is the second part of a campaign aimed at trades people.  The first targeted plumbers and heating engineers and has led to ten arrests and thousands of investigations.

Under the Plan, electricians can come forward at any time between 14 February and 15 May to tell HMRC they want to take part. Once they come forward, they have until 14 August to make their disclosure and arrange for payment. If they make a full disclosure, most face a penalty rate of only 10 per cent, with a maximum of 20 per cent.

After 15 May, using information pulled together from different data sources, HMRC will investigate those who have failed to come forward and have warned that investigations could lead to substantial penalties or even criminal prosecutions.

TaxAssist Accountants have many offices, based all over the UK providing tax and accountancy advice and services purely to small businesses.

ENDS

For more information please contact Katie Hayes on 0113 307 0113 or email katie.hayes@mcgpr.co.uk

Notes to Editor:

• TaxAssist Accountants is the largest national network of independent accountants working specifically for small business

Local tax specialist, TaxAssist Accountants said: “Many start-ups and early-stage small businesses are desperate to raise finance to get their companies established and to fund growth plans.

“The proposed Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) enables qualifying businesses to raise total funds of up to £150,000 in exchange for shares. The scheme will apply to shares in companies issued on or after 6 April 2012, in the first two years following their incorporation. Eligible companies must have 25 or less employees and a maximum of £200,000 of assets.

“Qualifying small businesses will be able to attract investors with the offer of income tax relief of up to 50% on the amount they invest, provided they don’t have more than a 30% stake in the business.”

Directors are also permitted to invest in their own companies within the SEIS programme, but the scheme will not be accessible to employees. Further tax breaks may be available on any capital gains made on the shares when they are sold.

“The SEIS will be welcomed by many local small businesses that are starved of financial support in the current economic climate.”

The plans for SEIS were announced in the 2011 Autumn Statement and legislation should be introduced in the Finance Bill 2012.

TaxAssist Accountants also reminded any small businesses planning to buy plant and equipment this year, such as vans and computer equipment, that the annual investment allowance was to be reduced.

“Consider buying before April if you want to take advantage of 100% tax relief on purchases of plant and machinery of up to £100,000,” said a member from the TaxAssist team. “That figure reduces to £25,000 from April 2012.”

TaxAssist Accountants have many offices, based all over the UK providing tax and accountancy advice and services purely to small businesses.

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For more information please contact Katie Hayes on 0113 307 0113 or email katie.hayes@mcgpr.co.uk

Notes to Editor:

• TaxAssist Accountants is the largest national network of independent accountants working specifically for small business

More than 50 years ago, home-shopping fashion brand Damart developed and patented Thermolactyl, a manmade fibre used in its thermals which is renowned for its ability to provide warmth without chunky layers.

A Thermolactyl piece of clothing works by trapping and then regulating the air between the skin and the cloth of the garment, almost in the same way as a cavity wall works. It also wicks away any moisture so that it keeps you snug and dry as you warm up and cool down.

Damart’s Marketing Director, John Bottomley, said: “Despite the ever-increasing popularity of thermals, for many people mystery shrouds how they actually work. We want to educate consumers on the science behind the warmth so that they can make informed choices on the products they buy.

“Due to an increased awareness of the benefits of thermals, more clothing brands are now making these items and therefore there is a risk that the people buying them, may not be investing in a quality product that actually works. Damart’s Thermolactyl is steeped in scientific knowledge which forms the DNA not only of high quality thermals but of Damart.”

Damart developed four key areas that need to be considered when creating a thermal product, which involves considering conduction, radiation, evaporation and convection. Each piece of thermal clothing is required to have a warm feeling at first touch, good breathability, a superior warmth to thickness ratio and a thermal performance that’s not affected by humidity.

END

Notes to editors:

Damart has been the market leader in thermals for more than 60 years and has a popular following from Arctic explorers like Ranulph Fiennes, the cast of Corrie and Jean Claude Van Damm.

Damart’s thermal range is available in a variety of colours, styles and sizes.

Thermal vests are available in sizes 8-24, from £16.  Thermal leggings are available in sizes 8-24, from £15.

Visit www.damart.co.uk or call 0871 423 0000 to order.

Support a worthy cause this Valentine’s Day with Damart’s ‘Love Your Heart’ vest campaign, raising money for Heart Research UK.

Modelled by gorgeous TV-presenter Nell McAndrew, the money raised from this limited edition vest-top, designed by home-shopping fashion brand Damart, will be used to fund pioneering projects into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease, the biggest killer amongst women in the UK.

Nell said, “I’m really proud to be the face of this campaign and support the fantastic work that Heart Research UK does. By buying this versatile vest top you too will be helping a great cause. Wear it with your jeans, leggings or at the gym. Please help make a difference and buy one today!”

Damart’s Marketing Director John Bottomley said, “We are delighted to be working with Heart Research UK for a fifth year and have the support of Nell McAndrew this year.  The majority of our customers are women and unfortunately don’t seem to realise how at risk they are from heart disease, particularly as they grow older.  We hope to not only raise as much money as possible for the charity, but also increase awareness about the disease in order to help our customers, staff and people around the UK look after their hearts.”

Barbara Harpham, the national director or Heart Research UK said, “To have Damart’s support is fabulous.  Heart disease touches so many lives, some people are born with it and others develop it later in life, often through making unhealthy life choices.  In fact around 270,000 people have heart attacks in the UK every year- that’s one every two minutes- ad 1.6 million people live with heart disease everyday.

The money raised from this campaign will fund pioneering research to improve the treatment for youngsters who have undergone heart surgery or are living with a congenital heart condition.   Pioneering, unique projects will develop specifically-designed exercise and healthy eating programmes to suit their particular problems.  We aim to help them leave hospital with the confidence they need to keep as fit and healthy as they can and with Mums, Dads and carers all given this advice and support as well, they will have the best chance to lead happier, healthier, longer lives.

This fitted black vest top is made from 100% cotton, available in sizes 10/12, 14/16, 18/20 priced at £12- all profits go to the charity.

To order your limited edition Heart Research UK vest top visit www.damart.co.uk or call 0871 423 0000.

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For further information, photography or samples please contact Rachel Husband at MCG PR on 0113 307 0113 or email rachel.husband@mcgpr.co.uk

Thirteen members of staff from Bingley-based home shopping fashion brand, Damart, have raised more than £5,000 for local charity Heart Research UK.

The lucky thirteen decided to take on the challenge of the Bupa Great North Run in a bid to not only improve their fitness levels but also raise as much money as possible for the charity, which funds pioneering research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.

Damart’s Marketing Director, John Bottomley said:  “We’re extremely proud of our running team and the amazing amount of money they have raised.  We enjoy a close working relationship with Heart Research UK and like to support them wherever possible.  This year we have designed a limited edition vest top, modelled by Nell McAndrew, which will not only help fund vital research projects, but also help increase awareness of the disease and encourage our customers, staff and women around the UK look after their hearts.”

Barbara Harpham, National Director at Heart Research UK commented: “We are extremely grateful for Damart’s continuing support and efforts in raising awareness of our work.  Heart disease affects so many lives and the donations we receive from Damart not only helps us to fund medical research but also educates and encourages local communities to lead heart healthy lifestyles.”

A few of the Damart team have caught the running bug and will be taking part in this year’s Virgin London Marathon, again raising money for Heart Research UK.

For more information on how to support Heart Research UK please visit www.heartresearch.org.uk or to buy a limited edition Damart vest top, please visit www.damart.co.uk or call 0871 423 0000.

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Notes to Editors:

Photo caption (from left to right) Top Row– Chris Aitken, Phil Myerscough, Barbara Harpham National Director Heart Research UK, Kaye Leatham, Andy Ingham, Damian Northrop, Andy Hill Managing Director of Damart

Bottom row – Diane Smith, Jeanette Askin, Alex Ryan and David Smith

For further information or photography please contact Rachel or Jess at MCG PR on 0113 307 0113 or email rachel.husband@mcgpr.co.uk

If you’re craving scrummy spaghetti then you’ll love Weight Watchers new Roasted Vegetable Arrabiata. Part of the new Chef’s Specials range, this spicy Mediterranean-inspired dish in bursting with flavour.

Combining a medley of chunky roasted red and yellow peppers, courgettes and aubergine in a spicy, picante tomato sauce on a bed of free-range egg spaghetti, all for only 245 calories, 0.4g of saturated fat and a ProPoints^® value of 6, it even contains two portions of your 5-A-DAY.

Weight Watchers Chef’s Specials range is the perfect option for anyone watching their weight. The new range takes inspiration from restaurants’ specials boards, giving customers a chance to indulge in a varied menu of world-foods in the comfort of their own home and at a fraction of the cost of restaurant prices. This delicious new Roasted Vegetable Arrabiata dish from Weight Watchers could cut out over 15g of fat compared to a full fat supermarket own brand equivalent.

• Sainsbury’s Spaghetti Margherita: – 477 calories, 16.9g fat and 5.4g saturated fat per portion. £2.10 (400g)
• Weight Watchers Roasted Vegetable Arrabiata: – 245 calories, 1.4g fat, 0.4g saturated fat and a ProPoints value of 6 per portion. £2.59 (360g)

-Ends-

For further information contact Katie Hayes, Kyla Flynn or Sharan Sunner at MCG PR on 0113 268 5000 or email sharan.sunner@mcgpr.co.uk

Notes to editors:

• Available from Sainsbury’s, Asda and The Co-operative from September
• RRP £2.59 for 360g

If you like your food hot then you’ll love Weight Watchers new Piri Piri Chicken with Wild Rice. Part of the new Chef’s Specials range, this Portuguese-inspired dish is bursting with Mediterranean flavour.

Combining tender chunks of tasty chicken breast in a Piri Piri sauce with red and yellow peppers, coriander and lemon juice, served with long grain and wild rice, all for only 355 calories, 0.4g of saturated fat and a ProPoints^® value of 9, it even includes one of your 5-A-DAY.

Weight Watchers Chef’s Specials range is the perfect option for anyone watching their weight. The new range takes inspiration from restaurants’ specials boards, giving customers a chance to indulge in a varied menu of world-foods in the comfort of their own home and at a fraction of the cost of restaurant prices. This delicious new Piri Piri Chicken dish from Weight Watchers could save you over 300 calories compared to a full fat supermarket own brand version.

• Tesco Piri Piri Chicken with Rice: – 645 calories, 25g fat and 6g saturated fat per portion. £3.15 (450g)
• Weight Watchers Chef’s Specials Piri Piri Chicken with Wild Rice: – 355 calories, 2g fat, 0.4g saturated fat and a ProPoints value of 9 per portion. £2.59 (400g)

-Ends-

For further information contact Katie Hayes, Kyla Flynn or Sharan Sunner at MCG PR on 0113 268 5000 or email sharan.sunner@mcgpr.co.uk

Notes to editors:

• Available from Sainsbury’s, Asda and The Co-operative from September
• RRP £2.59 for 400g

Hot and Spicy Prawns

Keep warm and indulge yourself this winter with some spicy Thai banquet treats – perfect for adding some spice to the New Year festivities.

Add some zing to your dinner party nibbles with CP Authentic Asia’s Bangkok Firecracker Prawns, which are an authentic taste of Thai cuisine, coated in a hot and spicy batter, accompanied by a sweet chilli plum sauce.

The succulent king prawns are ideal to serve as warming finger food, excellent for some nibbles for visiting guests.

Spend more time with your visitors as the prawns cook straight from frozen in 10-12 minutes.

The CP Authentic Asia Bangkok Firecracker Prawns are part of a selection of dishes developed by Asian-specialist CP Foods including Aromatic Crispy Duck with Pancakes, King Prawn Wonton Soup with Noodles and Red Thai Chicken Curry with Jasmine Rice.

The CP Authentic Asia range is available UK-wide from Morrisons, priced £2 – £6.

CP Authentic Asia’s Bangkok Firecracker Prawns are also available from Costco.

ENDS

For more information, samples or photography please contact Joss at MCG PR 0113 307 0113 or email joss@mcgpr.co.uk

Note to Editors:

CP Foods (UK) Ltd is the UK division of the worldwide CPF Group, which is one of the largest added value food producers in the world, specialising in seafood and poultry.

Five colleagues from CP Foods’ Hartlebury office will be sleeping under the stars in London’s Exchange Square for Centrepoint, a charity which helps provide emergency accommodation, support, information and training to homeless young people and hosts an annual sleepout to help raise vital funds and awareness.

Gloria Blount, Sharon Wakeman, Linda Beresford and John Vincent from the food producer will take to the streets on the chilly November evening trying to get some much needed sleep on cardboard boxes on a hard, cold floor among the bright lights and noise of central London.

Linda Beresford, Senior Commercial Manager comments, “It’s very easy for us to ignore the reality of being homeless in the UK if we are not exposed to it.  The Centrepoint sleepout is a great way to raise funds which can help give young people who, for whatever reason, have lost their way, a chance to get back on track and live a normal life and also remind us how tough it is for people in that situation.”

If you’d like to show your support for the CP team, please visit http://www.justgiving.com/GloriaBlount

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For more information please contact Joss at MCG PR on 0113 307 0113 or email: joss@mcgpr.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

CP Foods (UK) Ltd is the UK division of the worldwide CPF Group, which is one of the largest added value food producers in the world, specialising in poultry and seafood.

For more information on the Centrepoint Sleepout, please visit http://www.centrepoint.org.uk/sleepout

King Prawn Wonton with Noodles

A tasty soup made using the freshest hand-prepared king prawns, each individually wrapped in delicate wonton pastry and served with Chinese egg noodles in a delicious broth that is packed full of flavour and all for just 165 calories and 0.5g of saturated fat per portion.

Store in the freezer until ready to eat, then cook from frozen, perfect for lunch or a snack. SRP (£2) available UK-wide from Morrisons and selected other stores.

Swap and Save: Waitrose Green Thai Chicken Soup / per half pot serving, 230 calories and 8.7g of saturated fat.

For further information, samples or photography please contact Joss or Sarah at MCG PR 0113 307 0113 or email joss@mcgpr.co.uk

The CP Authentic Asia soup is part of a selection of dishes developed by Asian-specialist CP including Aromatic Crispy Duck with Pancakes (SRP £6), Bangkok Firecracker Prawns (SRP £2) and Red Thai Chicken Curry with Jasmine Rice (SRP £2).