Board effectiveness under the spotlight

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:28:27 +0100

Is your board fit enough to drive sustained growth, asks Neville Bain

We are facing challenging but in many ways exciting times. The UK economic recovery remains fragile, however, many commentators feel that confidence is returning and that things will continue to improve.

The commercial sector has been and will continue to be the chief driver of the recovery, which effectively means that company boards will be shouldering much of the responsibility for taking this country forward into sustained growth.

Pensions "haves and have nots" dominates FD agenda

admin — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:39:17 +0100

The issue of pensions has never been one that has tended to set FDs on fire. But with the pensions crisis an issue that is unlikely to disappear for a long time, the funding of pension funds is starting to dominate the agenda – albeit begrudgingly.

Two new surveys out this week have added yet more fuel to the pension’s fire, with both suggesting that workers may need to pay more for their pensions amid a continuing picture of fund deficits.

The Finance Professional: Matt Stevens, May Gurney

admin — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:07:15 +0100

As the public sector finds itself under increasing pressure to slash overheads amid widespread belt-tightening, suppliers with a stronghold in local government are, understandably, wondering what the future holds in store.

"Mind-boggling" lack of executive knowledge around business analytics

admin — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:00:41 +0100

Senior business leaders demonstrate a “mind-boggling” lack of knowledge about their company’s business analytics capabilities.

It's not who you know, it's who knows you that matters

admin — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 12:11:36 +0100

In business, it’s not what you know or even who you know, but who knows you that matters, according to results of a survey by Robert Half Management Resources.

More than a quarter (28 percent) of chief financial officers (CFOs) interviewed said staying connected through professional groups is the best way for accounting and finance managers to enhance their professional visibility. Active participation on social media sites such as LinkedIn and Twitter came in second, with 22 percent of the response.

Leadership: change management and the people factor

admin — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 12:02:21 +0100

Many firms are operating under ‘survive or thrive’ conditions and are looking to make large scale changes – but too many are forgetting their most important transition tool – their people, says David Jarrett.

UK businesses ready to relocate due to tax regime

admin — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 11:59:07 +0100

One in five large UK businesses would consider relocating abroad because of the tax system in this country, according to a study commissioned by HMRC.

TNS-BMRB’s research also showed that 64% of large companies felt that the red tape burden had increased over the past 12 months.

HMRC customer survey highlights tax confusion

admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:21:08 +0100

Taxman scores own goal after the results of an HMRC survey highlight widespread confusion about the definition of tax avoidance.

In the same week that HMRC was forced to deny that it is softening its stance on tax disputes, the taxman has scored something of an own goal after the results of an HMRC survey highlighted widespread confusion about the precise definition of tax avoidance.

Creating a cost aware culture

admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:20:19 +0100

Educating staff and clear communication are key to creating a ‘cost aware’ culture, says Tracey Alper

Prime Minister David Cameron has set out his intention to create a ‘cost aware culture’ across all levels of government and the public sector. Most finance professionals would agree that this is precisely what is needed in such troubled times. But what about the private sector? Should its financial leadership adopt a similar stance? If so, what will it be up against?

Lift financial reporting standards, AIM companies told

admin — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:22:55 +0100

AIM-listed businesses still have some way to go before they catch up with their established FTSE-listed counterparts when it comes to the quality of their financial reporting, a study of company accounts by the financial regulator has found.

In its annual review of company accounts the Financial Reporting Review Panel (FRRP), part of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), said there was room for improvement in the general quality of reporting by some smaller listed and AIM-quoted companies.