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Get to Know the Difference Between Captioning and Transcription

Both captioning and transcription pertain to recording human speech in a way that is accurate to the original source material – whether that is a live speech, recorded word-by-word, or a pre-recorded video. Both represent different processes with different applications across a wide range of industries, although they can and do converge, and work in tandem to ensure authenticity for readers and listeners.

Captioning Explained

Captions are the time-sensitive segments of text we see on videos. Unlike subtitles, they convey speech through the same language that the speaker is using, and may be required for viewers who are hard of hearing, or instances where the audio is difficult to hear. They are, however, being utilised more and more among audiences with no hearing impairments.

In order for captions to be accurate, the words spoken by those in the video must be transcribed…

Transcription Explained

Transcription is, at its simplest, the processing of converting spoken word into written text.

While it forms the basis for captioning videos, transcription is utilised within a wide range of settings beyond video production. For instance, it is necessary during court proceedings, and within interviews, meetings and interrogations – to name just a few.

How are They Done?

While completing a transcription is an entirely different process to creating video captions, they are both incredibly time-consuming – particularly when it is essential that errors and misinterpretation are kept to a minimum.

For this reason, AI transcription and captioning by Verbit has proven to be an incredibly effective tool for improving both processes. By honing and utilising the ability for artificial intelligence to recognise and ‘understand’ human speech, transcriptions can be made in real-time, and reach more than 99% accuracy in just an hour. This is one key difference between the two processes – transcription must be performed as-and-when the participants are speaking, which places even more strain on human reporters and transcribers.

In the realm of captioning, the processes of transcription and timed implementation can be deployed in quick succession, and circumvent the hours it takes for human editors to align accurately recorded speech with the voices themselves. Incorrect captions can ruin even a well-made video, and significantly hinder any ROI a business hoped to gain from it.

For instance, ‘caption frames’ refer to the precise timeslots in which a piece of text should appear and disappear. Even a small discrepancy between the caption frame and the video itself could interrupt viewers’ enjoyment, and make it impossible for deaf or hard of hearing viewers to follow. This is one area where AI is able to achieve a higher degree of accuracy – the level necessary for producing watchable content that is accessible to all.

While transcription and captioning represent two different processes surrounding the depiction of human speech, the former is invariably required to ensure that the latter caters to all audience members.

Both, however, do stand to benefit greatly from the introduction of artificial intelligence into processes that have, until now, required a great deal of time – and placed significant demands on accuracy – in order to ensure that speech is always accurately conveyed.

Why Your Team Needs A Virtual Team Building & Development Kick Off in 2021

It has been a tough year for many companies, from redundancies to furlough. However, looking ahead into 2021, Huxley Events want to help ensure you and your team are ready to start 2021 with a bang!

Following on from a successful end to 2020 helping inspire and engaging more than 40 companies, the experts at Huxley Events are offering even more organisation the opportunity to take part in everything from Virtually Killed (a crime scene investigation experience) to Personalities: You & Your Team development experience.

The experiences range from 1-3 hours and are the perfect way for teams to come together to start the new year stronger than ever. Being socially distant doesn’t mean you can’t come together.

Our Top 3 Reasons Why You Need Virtual Team Building in 2021

  1. Reward your team! We know how hard people have been working, and how they have had to adapt both physically and mentally to the changes that have happened. Reward your team for their hard work with a fun, interactive activity guaranteed to be fun but also improve communication.
  2. Improve team communication, cohesion and team work It might have been challenging for your team to communicate virtually. The huge range of activities we offer will suit teams of all shapes and sizes, giving teams the opportunity to come together in a unique and interesting way.  
  3. Have fun together

Many people are missing the office activities, outings and social activities. Bring the fun to their homes with jolly experiences.

Virtually Killed is Huxley Events flagship team building experience, having been run with companies such as Slack and AirBnB.

The Highlights – Explore a virtual crime scene! – Break into teams, delve into case files and solve the crime – Designed by Ex-Scotland Yard Detectives – Examine fingerprints, blood spatters, DNA & Police Statements.

Immerse your team, push boundaries and open your eyes to the challenges faced by Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators. Killed, created by senior Ex-Detectives and forensic scientists, is the most immersive and thrilling experience there is. CEO Jonathan Buckley has been found murdered in his office… from fingerprinting, Police Statements, DNA and much more your teams will need to solve this crime and catch the perpetrator!

Huxley’s most booked team development experience for 2021 is Personalities: You & Your Team. Personality profiles & how to maximise your potential! There are so many benefits to not only companies but individuals who are striving to be excellent team players.

“The after-effects of unity and trust are priceless. The activities exceeded our requirements and it gave the team a more united feeling” – UKME

January 2021 is the perfect time to arrange an activity for you and your team. Get in touch with the team at Huxley Events to chat about how you can engage your team! 01953 308386 or email team@huxleyevents.com

HOW TO VALUE A BUSINESS: CONSIDERATIONS FOR BUYERS AND SELLERS

Whether you are buying or selling a small business, knowing what the business is worth is a fundamental requirement. And inevitably, the majority of the issues which are likely to arise during the sale transaction are in some way related to the valuation of the business.

So let’s take a look at the process from the perspectives of both buyer and seller.

Preparing to sell

Business experts believe it takes years rather than months to get a business ready for sale.

It’s never too soon to get the process under way. Preparing your business records, for example, is not just a matter of having all the documentation to hand.

Of course, that’s important, but what a prospective buyer will really want to see is an impressive financial track record alongside reliable projections indicating the company’s future prospects are good.

Selling your small business ‘on the up’ takes a lot of careful planning. For instance, you must be able to convince potential buyers that your company’s business performance does not hinge on your presence.

But don’t underestimate the task of putting a good team in place to achieve this. And likewise, you should never leave sale preparation until just before you retire, or even worse, until something forces you to sell in adverse circumstances.

Getting a sale valuation

It can be hard for a business owner to formulate a realistic assessment of an enterprise which may represent a lifetime’s effort and self-sacrifice.

For example, unique equipment and specialist fixtures and fittings may, in the buyer’s opinion, be an important part of the acquisition for which it would be well worth paying a premium.

Equally, the buyer and his team may be able to demonstrate that modern businesses in your sector perform equally well without such ‘quaint’, but ultimately worthless, details and accessories.

So the lessons here are to compare the market to see what a business much like yours actually sells for, and always look at things through the eyes of a buyer.

Furthermore, as with any sale context, your credibility as a seller is central to the whole process. That means your business valuation must not only be accurate, but it must also be convincingly open and honest about every aspect of your business.

A buyer’s valuation

The due diligence process is essentially an opportunity for the buyer to formulate a valuation of their own.

And though it may be informed by common valuation methods used in a particular business sector, it is also heavily influenced by what buyers on average are prepared to pay for similar businesses.

Clearly, no two businesses are the same. A nuanced evaluation of any SME will also consider further aspects, such as the overall aesthetics, fixtures and fittings and other assets which may form part of the deal.

In addition, even though the asking price may compare well with other businesses for sale, are there significant low-spec features which may suggest a lower estimate would be more reasonable? And importantly, does the business come with some outstanding debts which must also be factored into any acceptable final valuation?

Room for negotiation

As deal time approaches, so the seller may signal he is prepared to negotiate an acceptable asking price.

And this is also the point where a buyer may begin to test the water as regards the potential for compromise. Even so, effective haggling must still be based on solid evidence:

As a buyer, if your due diligence should uncover anything which will ultimately devalue the business, then that may allow you to legitimately offer a lower price for the business in return.

And as a seller, if you have valued your business honestly and accurately, then any offers you receive which are well below your asking price should be countered with the reasoning behind your own assessment and supported by appropriate evidence which validates your position.

Whichever valuation technique is used, a business for sale should always be thoroughly prepared in readiness for a sales listing.

Thorough preparation and valuation mean buyer and seller can quickly establish a working relationship and thus negotiate a good deal which meets the realistic expectations of both the buyer and seller.

If you need advice on valuing your own business or that of a business you are looking to acquire then contact EM&F East Anglia who will be delighted to assist you.

The Pitfalls of Buying a Business and the Importance of Having Legal Advice

Buying a business poses less risk than starting a business from scratch but having sound commercial and legal advice is crucial to ensure the deal is watertight. Once you have found the right business for you, there are many points to consider and research to ensure you know everything before parting with your hard-earned cash.

Businesses can be acquired in two ways; buying the assets of the business or acquiring the shares in the selling company which runs the business. The most appropriate deal structure will depend on the circumstances of the Seller and the transaction.  The parties’ choice can be influenced by a variety of legal, commercial and tax considerations.

Asset Purchases

Asset purchases typically include buying the goodwill, equipment, property and stock of the business, but what if the seller is a limited company and wants to dissolve after you complete the deal.  The asset purchase agreement will contain numerous warranties and indemnities from the seller about what has gone on before completion and, potentially, obligations after completion.  If the seller company is dissolved this could leave you with no-one to pursue if a warranty is breached and an indemnity worthless. 

You will be taking over the seller’s existing contracts but what if the contracts cannot be assigned or novated (i.e. transferred to you) and the change of control triggers termination provisions.  This will result in loss of revenue for you.

The transfer of any employees is always an important issue.  It is a common misapprehension that buying assets means that you avoid taking on liability for any employees of the business. This may well not be the case as employees of the seller may be subject to Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 which has the effect of transferring employees’ rights and obligations to a buyer where “the whole or substantially the whole” business is sold.

There will be tax consequences to any business transaction both for your own business (if you already have one) and the new one so it is important to obtain specialist tax advice.  One tax disadvantage for a buyer of assets is where an expensive property interest is transferred and stamp duty land tax or land transaction tax is payable.

What if the seller is only selling due to their own precarious financial situation?  Buying assets requires very careful due diligence, particularly if the seller is possibly insolvent as on liquidation or bankruptcy the assets can be clawed back. It is also imperative to check that any assets being bought are unencumbered and not subject to specific charges over or other claims.

Share Purchases

A share purchase is where the buyer acquires the shares of the company that owns and operates the business. In such a transaction the ownership of the company is transferred to the buyer, but there is no other change in the ownership of the business. This means stepping into the shoes of the seller in taking ownership of the all the assets but also the ongoing liabilities.

The main disadvantage to a share purchase is that all of the liabilities of the company (hidden or otherwise) remain with the company and will become the responsibility of the buyer on completion.  To protect a buyer, the agreement contains extensive warranties and indemnities from the seller which the buyer can enforce and recover any losses. However, even if the seller provides these, if the seller becomes insolvent then the buyer will have little recourse against the seller and may not be able to recover their losses.

Buying a business is a complex process which can have costly consequences if not carried out correctly. Having specialist legal advisors to carry out the necessary due diligence and draft an agreement which adequately protects your interests is imperative. If you require any assistance in this regard then please do not hesitate to contact us.

How much could my business be worth?

You’ve thought long and hard about selling your business and think it may be time to take that step and move on, but of course you need to know… How much is my business worth?

Putting a pounds and pence figure on your business isn’t easy and the biggest imponderable factor is of course, how much a buyer is prepared to pay.

There are many factors to be considered … whilst multiples of earnings can be used as a business valuation method, be aware that there is no standard formula that can be used to value every business.

These multiples are generally based on what businesses have sold for in the past. Different industries have different multiples and within industries the multiples will also vary dependent on numerous factors.

As Business Transfer Agents please see below some of the most important other factors we consider when valuing a business.

Trading Accounts: 

We will always need to see historic and current trading figures, at least the last 3 years, to be able to accurately value.  It is vitally important your accounts/vat returns etc are fully up to date.  Obviously the more profitable the accounts are the more your business will be worth.

REMEMBER:  Most buyers will have to gain finance to purchase a business and banks will need full & up to date accounting information to support any loan/mortgage.

Value of assets:

If there are premises involved in your sale, whether freehold or leasehold, then the condition and presentation of these along with the quality of fixtures & fittings to be included, is also of high importance.  Keeping your property and trading equipment in good condition and working order, should help increase the overall value.

REMEMBER:  Don’t give buyers any cause for concern.  Keep your premises clean and uncluttered.   Regularly maintain equipment and hold all service/guarantee documents on file as appropriate.  

People:  

How many staff and how experienced/loyal are they?  Is the business dependent upon your personal skills and attendance?  Are staff fully trained and capable?  Staffing is a major factor for value.

REMEMBER:  Buyers have a legal requirement to take on your contracted staff (TUPE).  Some may appreciate the assurance of taking over with the help of capable staff in place.  However, excessive staffing can be a serious turn off.  Redundancies can be distracting and costly, so do try and keep your business as lean and productive as possible.

Competitors:

Similar businesses/properties for sale and more importantly recently sold, are also to be taken into consideration when reaching a valuation. 

REMEMBER:  With internet access, potential buyers will find an abundance of information on-line and will no doubt conduct their own research in this way.

General:

There are of course many other factors to take account of, such as the geographical location and position of your trading premises, the local competition levels seen, customer base, lease terms (if appropriate), market conditions/state of the economy, Asset or Limited Company (share) sale etc.

REMEMBER:  The valuation of your business may also fluctuate depending on local and national market conditions, supply and demand, bank lending criteria, etc.

Whilst all the above is not an exhaustive list, it should give you an insight into what we have to take consideration of when valuing any business.

REMEMBER: Our overriding advice to you is … instruct a specialist Business Transfer Agent, get the business valuation right from the outset and your business will transfer and sell well.

As national business transfer agents for over 55 years, we are happy to provide you with a professional, free and no obligation valuation.  Contact your local office and take the next step forward to your future.

What Should You Consider When Buying a Business?

If you are looking to buy a business, you should always look at the process strategically. Just like any other kind of business decision there are factors you should consider which will inform your choice.

There are certain questions you should always ask the seller, some questions you should ask yourself, and certain information you must always check before making any commitment.

So, here is a rundown of the major points you must think about to help you acquire the business you want with the potential you are looking for:

Clearly define your goals

Buying a business is a huge step. So, make sure that you know what kind of business you are looking for, and what you are passionate about. Otherwise, the whole process will just make you more confused.

Do you want a certain location? Or are you flexible about this particular aspect? Remember too that, even if the business is not tied to a specific location, its geographical position may still have an impact.

For instance, it may determine the cost of any raw materials, your own shipping costs, or the available labour pool. In addition, you may also find the location has tax implications you’ll need to explore.

Be clear about the size of your prospective business. Consider whether you’re looking for a small, family-owned enterprise, or something on a much grander scale. If you go big, you’ll not only be looking at higher prices, but you’ll also find that the business of transition may prove to be more complex.

However, you may believe that the higher profits you gain will offset other considerations.

Consider your personal circumstances

Will your work be primarily in a fixed location, or is there lots of travelling involved? And will your new career mostly revolve around a nine-to-five schedule, or do you anticipate working lots of unsocial hours? Many business owners are always on-call. So, are you completely OK with that?

This is, therefore, a lifestyle decision. As such, it may depend on factors like your age, the age of your family, any other dependents, and commitments you may have. Think about how involved your partner will be in the business. In a nutshell, be sure you are in the right place in your life to take on the responsibility of a business.

Consider your financial circumstances

When buying a business, you must be crystal clear that it will be a good match for your acquisition budget and has the potential to meet your ambitions and future financial goals.

This analysis is rarely as straightforward as it may seem. So, you might need to employ someone with the relevant financial expertise to clarify the picture, especially as regards future growth potential.

The current financial health of the business will also determine whether you can obtain favourable terms for any ongoing business finance you may require. At all costs, you must avoid getting into debt pursuing business dreams which just don’t stand up to scrutiny.

Find the right business

Any business you purchase must fit well with your skills and experience, your personal passions, and your lifetime goals. So, what are the sectors in which you already have knowledge and experience? Evaluate whether you have any hobbies which you want to develop into a career. Or there could be a burning ambition you have which may inspire you to develop a new business career.

For example, if you have enjoyed working as a retail manager in a store, that positive experience may be enough to encourage you to take the next step and buy your own shop. You can then use the ideas you had as an employee about how to improve the basic business idea to ensure that your own venture is a success.

Do your due diligence to inform your approach

However attractive the features of any prospective business, it must stack up as a viable commercial project. This procedure is so important to your own future prospects as an entrepreneur that you would be well advised to secure professional help with the task.

While the valuation of any listed business will tell you what it may be worth, only your own due diligence team can confirm whether it is a good business going for the right price. And equally important, your team can also help you to establish that the target business is in good commercial health with no serious flaws.

If you require any assistance with acquiring a business then contact EM&F East Anglia and we will be happy to help.

 

Penetrating The Market With JUMPSEC

The Tudor Lodge Consultants team is pleased to announce that we have started an SEO campaign with JUMPSEC. The company contacted us to help with its search engine optimisation strategy, helping to boost their Google rankings and website traffic for specific terms including cyber security, ethical hackers, security analysts, cyber threat and cyber attacks.

JUMPSEC have been helping organisations overcome the continuously evolving cyber threat landscape since 2012. They have a world-class team of cyber security experts, and are like no other because of their combined experience, passion for knowledge and research driven approach.

JUMPSEC offers a suite of services catering to different needs and risk profile. By working in partnership with an organisation, JUMPSEC is able to help defend against cyber threats, tailoring their services to different organisation’s needs, budgets and desired security posture.

The company does this via their assurance services, where they assist organisations who are testing their IT infrastructure – while their Managed Security Services help to protect organisations continuously around the clock. As well as this, JUMPSEC offers Cyber Strategy and Transform Consultancy Services to help organisations improve their overall cybersecurity position and knowledge.

With our background in SEO, this is how we have approached the JUMPSEC make changes.

What We Are Doing For JUMPSEC

Since 2012, JUMPSEC have been helping companies defend against cyber threats. However, their website needs a clean-up. We will be helping JUMPSEC clean-up their entire website including meta-titles, descriptions, response codes and images.

As well as this, we will be helping JUMPSEC find new areas and niches to rank for through guides. We will do this by using landing pages and considering some of their existing pages, to condense the 20 pages that say the same thing into 1 or 2.

Lastly, we will be helping JUMPSEC receive some strong links specifically from cyber, tech, news and IT websites. We will use these to gain links across multiple pages on the website to have a nice mix.

Once completed, their SEO tidy up will show Google that the site is relevant and with good links from several sources linking to different pages on their website. This will highlight that JUMPSEC is worthy of ranking for its own name as well as different keywords.

Cracking SEO Work with Steamed Egg

The Tudor Lodge Consultants team is pleased to announce that we have started an SEO campaign with Steamed Egg. The company contacted us to help with its search engine optimisation strategy, helping to boost their Google rankings and website traffic for specific terms including virtual team building, team building experience, online team building, and virtual reality.

Steamed Egg is a London based team building and events company with a Virtual reality twist. If you’re in search of something original and innovative that will get people laughing at your business events, you are in luck!

Their mission is to “help companies level-up their culture and create happy, purposeful and sustainable places to work.” Adapting the way they used to work, Steamed Egg have developed a virtual team building experience called Yolking From Home, a fully hosted, online team building event.

This is how we have approached the SEO for Steamed Egg in the early stages:

What We Are Doing For Steamed Egg

Steamed Egg launched back in 2018, focusing on virtual reality. Whilst they have already had big brands as their customers, Steamed Egg have asked for our help. More specifically, we are helping them to tidy up their entire site, help them receive some strong links and lastly reorganize their content. This will mean that each page will be optimised with the correct meta-titles, descriptions, h tags and internal links to maximise SEO results.

Once completed, their SEO tidy up will show Google that the site is relevant and with good links from several sources. This will highlight that Steamed Egg is worthy of ranking for its own name as well as different keywords.

Keyword Research

After gaining Steamed Egg as a client, we conducted keyword research. This is very important in terms of an SEO strategy as once appropriate keywords have been selected, it helps to tailor content to drive traffic to your website. It also helps target you audience in a more effective way. To help with this, we use a tool called Keywords Everywhere which allows us to see the keywords and their monthly search volume on Google. We then transfer these figures to our keyword reporting tool of AWR.

Hatch Brenner Solicitors supports Good Divorce Week 2020 as the number of divorces hits a five year high

As reported by the BBC, more than 100,000 opposite-sex, and 822 same-sex couples divorced in England and Wales in 2019. The rate for opposite-sex couples, 8.9 divorces per 1,000 married people, is the highest level of divorces in five years, according to data from the Office for National Statistics.* The average marriage lasted for 12.3 years.

Good Divorce Week, organised by family justice professional member network Resolution, runs from 30 November – 4 December and aims to positively campaign to raise awareness of policy issues affecting family law.

Richard Dilks, Hatch Brenner Solicitors Divorce Lawyer commented: “Given the rates of divorce shown by these latest figures, there cannot be a better time to use Good Divorce Week to champion ‘a better way’ for couples going through the breakdown of a relationship. During what is inevitably a difficult time for couples, the family justice community can help to provide a measured approach which offers clear information about the legal position of each party, and helps put the best interests of any children involved at the forefront.”

Resolution have lead the campaign for ‘no-fault divorce’ for the last 30 years. Currently in England and Wales, one party to the separation must blame the other to start divorce proceedings or they must have been separated from each other for two years (with consent) or five years. No-fault divorce/ dissolution means it will no longer be necessary for couples to produce evidence of conduct during divorce or dissolution proceedings.

Richard Dilks, Hatch Brenner Solicitors Divorce Lawyer continued: “I have been a long term supporter of the no-fault divorce campaign – spearheaded by Resolution of which I am a member. The no-fault Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill means that, hopefully from the Autumn of 2021, couples who wish to get divorced will no longer have to point the finger of blame. Minimising the ‘blame game’ which has existed for too long in divorce proceedings will save numerous couples from unnecessary stress, acrimony and legal fees expense.

“2020 has been a difficult year for so many, and it does appear that the pandemic, lockdown and the resultant strain on relationships has and will continue to have an impact. By managing the process with compassion, it can be a positive step for many.”

Resolution is using Good Divorce Week 2020 to highlight best practice amongst family justice professionals. Hatch Brenner upholds the Resolution Code of Practice which promotes a constructive approach to family issues and champions:

  • Reducing or managing any conflict and confrontation; for example, by not using inflammatory language.
  • Supporting and encouraging families to put the best interests of any children first.
  • Acting with honesty, integrity and objectivity.
  • Helping clients understand and manage the potential long-term financial and emotional consequences of decisions.
  • Listening to and treating everyone with respect and without judgment.
  • Using our experience and knowledge to guide clients through the options available to them.
  • Continually developing our knowledge and skills.
  • Using the Resolution Guides to Good Practice in our day-to-day work.
  • And working with other Resolution members to uphold this Code and ensure it is at the heart of everything we do.

If you would like to talk to Richard Dilks about your current circumstances, we offer an initial divorce and civil partnership dissolution meeting up to one hour with a letter of advice for a fixed fee price of £120 inclusive of VAT. We also offer a fixed fee divorce package. Contact 01603 660 811 or email richarddilks@hatchbrenner.co.uk

Read more: https://hatchbrenner.co.uk/news/hatch-brenner-welcomes-no-fault-divorce-reform-and-the-end-of-the-blame-game

*107,599 opposite-sex couples divorced in 2019, an increase of 18.4% from 90,871 in 2018. 822 same-sex couples divorced in 2019, compared to 428 in 2018.

Reference: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-54972762

The impact of COVID-19 on the NHS

It has been widely publicised this year that COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the NHS.

With services already under strain at the beginning of 2020 trying to recover from the winter months, additional steps had to be taken in March 2020 to prepare the NHS for the predicted influx of COVID patients, and the prevention of the wider spread of the virus.

These measures included:

  • Cancelling planned operations
  • Patients discharged back into the community as early as possible
  • Remote GP consultations

The impact of these measures, and the change in patient behaviour has seen a huge increase in the number of people who are now waiting for treatment to begin or surgeries to be rearranged.

Patient reluctance to visit the GP, for fear of contracting the virus, or ‘adding to the burden’, has also seen illnesses go undiagnosed, or reach a stage that means the treatment may no longer be as effective.

Cancer services have been particularly affected by the pandemic. Screening, diagnosis and delays in treatment have been put under huge strain, and it has been estimated that over two million people in the UK are now waiting for screening, tests and treatments since the start of lockdown in March 2020.*

Delays in diagnosis

The delay in a diagnosis can have a devastating, and in some cases, a fatal outcome for some patients.

If screening, diagnosis, and treatment is delayed, cancers may become inoperable. A delayed diagnosis can result in extra treatment, unnecessarily prolong a patient’s recovery time or reduce their life expectancy.

Treatments cancelled

Pressures on the NHS and the shortages of staff have resulted in many treatments and procedures being cancelled or postponed as hospitals battled to care for COVID patients and reduce the spread of the virus.

Delays may cause unnecessary harm and suffering to patients, which under normal circumstances would be deemed unacceptable or negligent.

Impact of COVID

The ‘Clap for Carers’ tribute, was a social movement created during the pandemic as a gesture of appreciation for the NHS and medical staff who have worked under intense pressure to manage treatments and care for patients during this unprecedented time, and echoed the sentiments of the country.

As we emerge from the second lockdown, and look ahead to Christmas and the New Year, the full impact that COVID has had on patients and the NHS remains unknown.

Unfortunately, for many people seeking medical treatment for illnesses such as cancer, the overwhelming pressure felt by the NHS has meant they have not received the same standard of care as they would have pre-COVID and the outcomes could be devastating.

Delays only add costs onto the NHS already strained budget. There is also the cost to family and loved ones as well as wider society.

Case Study – delay in diagnosis

Hatch Brenner Solicitors Chartered Legal Executive and Medical Negligence specialist Simon Bransby recently acted on behalf of a family of patient who had received treatment from a local hospital. It was alleged that the hospital did not properly diagnose and treat his cancer, which led to his death.

It was accepted by the hospital that an earlier diagnosis should have been made, but they denied this would have made much difference to the treatment and eventual outcome.

An Inquest took place, following which the hospital was prepared to offer an apology and provide compensation to the family.

Speak to our team of Medical Negligence Solicitors via 01603 660 811, or email info@hatchbrenner.co.uk.

*Cancer Research UK

*British Medical Association (BMA)

Brexit actions part 3: further guidance from Import Export Support

Brexit actions: notes on the IES checklist jobs 6 to 13

Recently we shared the Import Export Support checklist for preparations for Jan. 1. Here is some more detail on the checklist tasks, including compliance, tariffs and handling Import VAT. 6-9. Compliance. From 1 Jan 2021 declarations will increase five-fold. To minimise the risk of HMRC intervention or review, importers and exporters must ensure compliance. Key activities include:     •    Classification review     •    Sample import and export checks for accuracy and correct valuation declared.     •    Import and export process and SOP’s reviewed     •    Export VAT compliance: get alternative proof of export for consignments with a non-compliant status of export

10. Inco Terms. These define who picks up the freight insurance and duty liabilities and are a mandatory requirement on a CDS declaration (currently NI only) and will be required on import into the EU. More on Inco Terms

11,12. UK Global Tariff and Common External Tariff. From Jan 1st UK Global Tariff (UKGT) will be applicable for import into the UK from anywhere.     •    Note that there are changes to duty rates. There are no increases, just reductions. Rates are either simplified, eg from 4.7% to 4%, or to proactively reduce the rate, or in some cases to reduce the rate to 0%     •    The list is downloadable into Excel     •    Where a tariff has only 8 digits, simply prefix it 00 to make the 10-digit code required for import     •    Common External Tariff (WTO Rates). If a trade deal is not agreed, duty rates listed in the first column of the UKGT list will apply to imports into the EU. Review UK trade tariffs

13. Postponed Import VAT Accounting. PIVA will allow importers to account for import VAT on their VAT return, rather than using a deferment account.     •    Traders do not need to be authorised to do this     •    This applies to all imports into the UK, not just those from the EU     •    A deferment account is still required for the payment of duty and for CFSP More on PIVA

Our advice continues to be that businesses should prioritise preparations as the new trade environment starts in just a few weeks.

If you need more insight or advice, please contact me here Or visit the Import Export Support site  

The highlighted numbers refer to the job number on the checklist

Free 60 Minute Coaching Session With Akcela

Whilst Norfolk is set to come out of Lockdown 2.0, businesses are continuing to feel the strain of the ongoing COVID situation, having to navigate the new tier system and what this may mean for them. Whilst many businesses have continued to operate, market conditions have still proved to be difficult for many. Making a clear and focused decision may seem like an impossible task. If you feel you would like another set of eyes on a certain solution, idea, or proposition, Akcela are here to support.

At Akcela, we have always offered a 60 minute introductory session with a business coach for free. However, given the current situation, we have decided to offer a reduced rate for any clients who join Akcela as a client until the end of December 2020.

Business coaching sessions will take place with Akcela business consultant Matt Lawley. Matt has an undergraduate degree in Advertising and Marketing, an MBA and a postgraduate qualification in professional consulting. Working with Akcela, Matt has a wide range of client experience in many sectors and follows the Akcela approach to business coaching and development. All Akcela practices follow the CMI’s institute of consulting guidelines for best practice, with each consultant completing an IOC accredited postgraduate accreditation in professional consulting.

Matt has a wide range of skills that can support you and your business including;

To book a 60 minute session, which can include a focus on one particular issue, contact Akcela today.