Mail VAT loophole

OLDHAM businesses could benefit from a loophole and receive VAT payback following the introduction of VAT on some Royal Mail services such as Parcelforce.

According to chartered accountants and business advisers Mitchell Charlesworth, firms such as mail-order and internet retailers including Royal Mail’s Parcelforce subsidiary, are potentially eligible to backdate VAT reclaims going back four years following an HM Revenue and Customs ruling.

Royal Mail is being forced to introduce VAT on a number of its services after losing a European Court of Justice case with private sector distributor TNT, whose legal people argued that it was at a competitive disadvantage with Royal Mail because it was subject to VAT in the business post market.




Carbon strategy survey



OLDHAM businesses with a carbon reduction strategy are being encouraged to join a group which promotes carbon management.



Established by the Greater Manchester Chamber, the Carbon Reduction Group will work to ensure that local firms have the best chance to compete and benefit from the emerging opportunities.

The group will ensure that local businesses are able to prosper by sharing best practice and enabling joint working between members’ organisations.

In order to establish what skills and services are provided by the Chamber’s members, a survey has been launched, which will draw together information on the organisations involved in this field.

Dr Emma Gardner of AECOM, and chairman of Greater Manchester Carbon Reduction Group, said: “The Manchester Independent Economic Review clearly identified a ‘first mover advantage’ in positioning Greater Manchester at the forefront of the global environmental industry and we believe that Chamber members have the skills to deliver this vision.”

The group is appealing for businesses to visit the Chamber’s website — www .gmchamber.co.uk — and complete the survey.




Budget impact talk



THE impact of yesterday’s Budget on the business community is the topic for a breakfast event being hosted by Greater Manchester Chamber on Friday at the Midland Hotel, Manchester, starting at 8am.



A panel of speakers including local MPs Andrew Stunel, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, and Tony Lloyd will give their take on the fall-out following the Chancellor’s announcements.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to question the panel on business issues and the workings of the new coalition Government.

Email: sana.nabi@gm chamber.co.uk or call Sana on 0161-237 4045 to reserve a place.