by Clair Mooney | 14 Feb, 2019 | Main News Feed
After Brexit on 29 March 2019, UK businesses that manufacture or import chemicals from the EU will have to register those chemicals to the new UK regulatory system – UK REACH – using its associated UK REACH IT system. In support of this new registration system DEFRA has been inviting individual businesses to participate in their Model Office testing programme for the new UK REACH IT system and now wish to extend this an invitation to the FIS membership.
Full details from DEFRA are below including the dates for the testing programme, together with important relevant information concerning the version of IUCLID to be used. If you are wishing to participate please email jessica.durkota@environment-agency.gov.uk or for further information contact REACH-IT@defra.gov.uk
UK REACH IT testing – Invitation to participate
The Model Office will be hosted at Alpha Tower, Birmingham, B1 1TT. We ask that you attend for one day of testing (09:30 arrival for a 10:00 start with wrap-up to complete by 16:00). Although we cannot provide remuneration for travel or subsistence, we will be providing refreshments and lunch on the day. The testing can only be conducted at the Model Office site as this will enable the concurrent testing of all processes from a system user and administrator perspective.
So the testing is as realistic as possible, we ask participants to bring:
• Your own laptops for access to your company email and a web browser (secure internet access is available by Wi-Fi)
• Copies of your REACH information. Any REACH dossiers for the Model Office are required in IUCLID v6.3, please inform us if your dossiers are in an older version of IUCLID as we can provide support in converting these to a more recent version.
The testing will be run on the dates below, please choose a date that is most suitable and let us know by responding to the address below:
Monday 25 February
Tuesday 26 February
Wednesday 27 February
Thursday 28 February
Friday 1 March
Monday 4 March
Tuesday 5 March
Wednesday 6 March
Thursday 7 March
Friday 8 March
We will be providing participants with a full welcome pack and joining instructions prior to the day. If you have any further queries please contact REACH-IT@defra.gov.uk
by Clair Mooney | 14 Feb, 2019 | Main News Feed
Members need to prepare themselves for the upcoming reverse charge VAT. This will see VAT being paid between construction firms ‘reversed charged’ which will have consequences for your cashflow and accounting systems.
The first public guidance has now been released and is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vat-reverse-charge-for-building-and-construction-services-guidance-note/guidance-note We urge all members to download a copy and take the time to read it. There will be lots more literature including example letters for subcontractors and example invoices as we approach the start date. Companies must not start reverse charging before the start date.
Reverse charge VAT will involve some decision making before an invoice is sent to a customer based on the nature of the work done and accounts departments will need to know whether the customer is VAT registered and whether the customer is CIS registered.
JTC has created a flow chart, which is similar to what members will use daily after October 2019.
Think about collecting your customers VAT registration numbers and CIS UTR now for projects that will run over into autumn 2019. There will be far more guidance and help as we get closer to the start – just think and be aware that change is happening.
by Clair Mooney | 14 Feb, 2019 | Main News Feed
Confused by HMRC’s Making Tax Digital (MTD)?
Liz Bridge at the Joint Taxation Committee has prepared an index and timeline to help you understand what Making Tax Digital really means, how it will affect you, quarterly reporting and any exemption rules. Find out more here in the latest edition of JTC Newsline.
by Clair Mooney | 14 Feb, 2019 | Main News Feed
Following the construction industry Brexit Contingency Planning Conference, the agreed actions covered were;
- The construction workforce, including skills and migration
- The import and export of goods
- The future regulatory regime and demonstrating compliance with this
- Communicating with Government regarding the key concerns of the industry about a no deal Brexit.
- In addition, it was also identified that some firms may need to take action to comply with data protection rules, so guidance is also covered.
Below is an update on the actions agreed, and further information on the timeline for taking this forward.
Workforce
The Skills Working Group of the CLC, Chaired by Mark Reynolds, has established a “virtual” Brexit Contingency Group to focus on short, medium- and long-term skills actions. The Group has already met and is in the process of agreeing a report that will include recommendations and actions. This will outline what industry should be doing, and what our asks are of the Government. The Group will meet again next week to refine the recommendations and actions, and will issue an interim draft on the 15 February, with the aim of concluding this work and issuing a final report by Friday 22 February.
Import and Export of Goods
Significant progress has been made on arrangements for import and export of goods since the conference which will reduce the potential impacts of a no-deal scenario, for those firms that have taken action and followed the guidance published by HMRC.
To prepare, both importers and exporters should register for a Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number at www.gov.uk/hmrc/get-eori.
Importers
HMRC announced on the 4 February that in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a withdrawal agreement, Transitional Simplified Procedures (TSP) will be applied to imports. These will apply for at least 15 months (they will be reviewed after 3 and 6 months and there will be a 12 month notice period prior to their removal). Once registered, firms will be able to transport goods into the UK without having to make a full customs declaration at the border, and will be able to postpone paying their import duties.
Importers will be able to register for TSP online from 7 February at www.gov.uk/hmrc/eu-simple-importing. An EORI number is required to do this. For further guidance, including which ports TSP applies to, please go to www.gov.uk/hmrc/eu-simple-importing.
Firms wishing to receive regular updates on developments can register for HMRC’s email update service at www.gov.uk/hmrc/business-support select ‘business help and education emails’, then ‘EU Exit’. Non-VAT registered businesses should also go to www.gov.uk/hmrc/trade-with-the-eu for changes that affect them.
However, there are some controlled goods (e.g. alcohol, tobacco or explosives) regarding which further information will be required before importing, and where licences and other import procedures may apply. Details of these can be accessed through the following link (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-trade-tariff-import-prohibitions-and-restrictions/uk-trade-tariff-import-prohibitions-and-restrictions).
Exporters
After registering for their EORI number, exporters should register for the register for the National Export System at www.gov.uk/guidance/export-declarations-andthe-national-export-system-export-procedures.
Firms should also consider appointing a customs agent to make declarations on their behalf, or if this is not the right solution for the firm, but it is a regular importer and exporter, ensure someone within the firm is trained to make customs declarations, and buy any specialist software required that can link with HMRC’s customs systems.
Tariffs
Firms should also review what tariffs would apply to products in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a withdrawal agreement. Guidance on what tariffs will apply, and information about tariffs on individual products can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/classifying-your-goods-in-the-uk-trade-tariff-if-theres-no-brexit-deal/classifying-your-goods-in-the-uk-trade-tariff-if-theres-a-no-brexit-deal.
Construction Products Regulations
The Construction Products Association (CPA) has worked with other stakeholders to produce technical notes on the Construction Products Regulation and Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation an Restriction of Chemicals Regulation (REACH) in the event of a no deal Brexit. These are attached/can be accessed on the CPA website at https://www.constructionproducts.org.uk/publications/technical-and-regulatory/brexit-and-the-reach-regulation-under-a-no-deal-scenario/.
General Data Protection Regulation
Some firms in the construction sector may need to transfer personal data with other organisations or subsidiaries in the EU after the UK leaves. Rules governing the collection and use of personal data (data which includes personal details of an individual, or which would enable an individual to be identified on the basis of this), are currently set at an EU-level by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Under GDPR rules, organisations are only permitted to transfer personal data outside the EU if there is a legal basis for doing so. Organisations which will need to receive personal data from other organisations in the EU will need to take action to ensure those organisations can send them this information without breaching GDPR rules. Guidance on the action’s firms should take to enable the continued flow of personal data has been published by the Government. Details of this can be accessed at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/data-protection-if-theres-no-brexit-deal/data-protection-if-theres-no-brexit-deal.
Communication with Government
The Chair of the CLC will be writing to the Construction Minister, Richard Harrington, to summarise the conclusions of the Conference and set out the actions that the industry is undertaking to prepare for a no deal Brexit, and the support that we would like from the Government. A copy of the letter will be published on the CLC website.
by Clair Mooney | 7 Feb, 2019 | Main News Feed
The winners of the 2019 Fit-Out Futures Awards were celebrated at the FIS President’s Lunch in London on Tuesday.
The event saw 300 members and their guests come together to see the winners revelaed in the delighful surroundings of Plaisterers’ Hall. Congratulations to all our winners and the shortlisted entrants.
Apprentice of the Year
WINNER: John Taylor – Stortford Interiors
The judges commented that John was clearly a talented tradesman and that he was also changing attitudes internally about the positive benefits that an apprentice can bring to his company. John was also praised for his understanding of the importance of his work and the need to follow guidelines. He continues to develop as a fantastic example of why the modern apprenticeship system will shape our industry for the future.
RUNNER UP: Danny Beadle – Pexhurst Services
Danny was recognised for his commitment to all aspects of the day-to-day site role, as well as his dedication to learning and improving his skill-set.
Future Leader – sponsored by CCF
WINNER: Simon Broggio – Meronden
Simon is an exemplar of how someone can enter the construction sector as a labourer and with the right attitude and work ethic work their way up to take on a Level 6 Construction Site Managers course. He is already a natural leader and an asset to the finishes and interiors sector.
RUNNER UP: Richard Austen – Stortford Interiors
Richard was awarded runner-up due to his enthusiasm to adopt new ways of working and new technologies. He was also recognised for his ability to manage both his peers and his superiors.
Outstanding Employee
WINNER: Matt Taylor – Astins
With more than 18 years’ experience in the industry, Matt was recognised for his never-ending energy and professionalism for design and to the sector.
RUNNER UP: Ed Kelly – ETAG Fixings
Ed was commended for his exceptional reliability, quality of work, initiative and professionalism, as well as his commitment to Etag’s work values.
Lifetime Achievement Award – sponsored by CCF
Ray Deeks – G Cook & Sons
Ray was chosen as the recipient of this award for demonstrating a lifetime’s dedication to his trade. In particular, he was applauded for the amount of his own time he has committed to sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience with the wider industry.
The judges said: “We all owe Ray a vote of thanks for the legacy that he continues to leave.”
by Clair Mooney | 7 Feb, 2019 | Main News Feed
HMRC has announced that businesses will be able to use simplified declarations and postpone payment of duties under Transitional Simplified Procedures (TSP) if there is a no-deal Brexit (although there will be additional information needed for controlled goods). The measures will be reviewed after 3 to 6 months and businesses will be given 12 months’ notice if they are to be withdrawn.
Businesses can sign up for TSP online from 7 February at www.gov.uk/hmrc/eu-simple-importing but they will need an EORI number to do this. Further information, including which ports TSP applies to, is available at www.gov.uk/hmrc/eu-simple-importing. The list does include Hull, Tilbury, Dover, Immingham (Hull) and Felixtowe.
HMRC has written to all VAT registered businesses (copy letter here) so most construction firms and product manufacturers should have received this directly.
