News
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland
The output of the Scottish economy contracted by 0.2% during the fourth quarter of 2016, according to statistics announced on 5 April by Scotland’s Chief Statistician. Change in gross domestic product (GDP) is the main indicator of economic growth in Scotland. The...
Late payment: Small firms deserve to be paid on time
Further to our news article on 1 February 'Duty to Report on Payment Practices and Performance', as of 6 April, large companies and Limited Liability Partnerships will be required to start reporting on their payment practices and performance for their next financial...
An Englishman at the American Drywall EXPO
By Steve Coley, FIS president. As I’m sure you are all aware by now, I, as current President of the FIS, took it upon myself as a martyr to the cause to take a week out of my busy schedule and go to the American drywall and suspended ceilings EXPO (completely funded...
JTC April Newsline
April's edition of the Joint Taxation Committee’s Newsline provides information on the Reverse Charge Consultation. Please email your feedback to Liz Bridge: liz@thetaxbridge.com The Newsline is available to read here.
Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI: March
A summary of the data from the Markit/CIPS Construction PMI for March revealed that weaker housing activity growth weighed on the UK construction sector. Other key findings included: Business activity growth eased in March Housing slowdown offset rebound in civil...
Apprenticeship funding guide
CITB has produced an Apprenticeship Funding Guide which provides key points under the following headings: From 1 May 2017 employers with a wage bill of more than £3 million will have to pay the Apprenticeship Levy Selecting an apprenticeship training provider Paying...
Our president in America
FIS president Steve Coley attended the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry's Annual Convention 26-30 March 2017. Steve represented FIS at the American association's event and brought us the latest news, products and systems direct from the convention and...
Building futures with BuildBack
The FIS skills team will be showcasing its flagship BuildBack programme at Tyne Metropolitan College's open day on 10 April. This will provide an opportunity to celebrate the success of the first pilot scheme which has taken place in Newcastle. The demand for a place...
Smart gloves will warn workers of vibration dangers
Smart gloves embedded with tiny sensors have been developed by Nottingham Trent University to help protect workers from exposure to vibration. The technology will warn wearers to stop work when a dangerous level of exposure to vibrations is about to be experienced....