By Nikki Gee. Some useful websites and alert services to help you as an employer run your business.

As an employer you are held responsible for all aspects of your business – from tax to general health and safety, even the ability of your employees to drive safely even though it isn’t their main job function – but unfortunately there’s no one-stop-shop to tell you what all those responsibilities and requirements are. 

There are of course expert professionals that you put your trust in - every business will have an accountant for example - but even if you’re paying for these services the responsibility remains with you as a business owner: if anything goes wrong it will be you that’s held accountable.

It’s not possible to know everything but there are useful websites and alert services that you can subscribe to in an attempt to keep as up to date as possible.

Business Link – www.businesslink.gov.uk

Business Link is the government's online resource for businesses.  It contains essential information on all aspects of running a business, including support on how to grow and improve it.   Sign-up for e-mail updates on subjects such as regulation updates, tax deadlines and guidance changes. 

HM Revenue & Customs – www.hmrc.gov.uk

The HMRC collect and administer all taxes, direct and indirect.   Sign-up for notification of pending VAT submission deadlines, changes to employee tax codes, etc.

UK government website - www.directgov.org.uk

This is the UK government’s website containing information about all public services.

Health & Safety Executive - www.hse.gov.uk

Sign-up for health and safety updates via e-mail or mobile phone.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development – www.cipd.co.uk

Full access to the CIPD website is restricted to members but you can register a guest account to sign-up for e-mail newsletters and HR news.  You can access fact sheets on all aspects of HR, including upcoming changes to employment law and expected changes to employment law.

Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) - www.acas.org.uk

ACAS provides information and advice about employment relations and gives independent advice to employers and employees.  Although largely funded by the Department for Business Innovation & Skills (BIS), ACAS is a non-departmental body governed by an independent council, allowing it to be independent, impartial and confidential.

It’s a well-worn principle that ignorance is no defence.  Unfortunately, in the cut and thrust of running a business it’s all too easy to miss something that might come back to bite you later.  Put these websites on your ‘favourites’ tab and you will be well on the way to keeping up with the latest requirements.