Access news round-up for 2009
News Article - 24 December 2009
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Both business and government experienced significant change in 2009, not only dealing with the economic downturn, but also with legislative changes such as tax rules, MP’s expense claims, and the on-going green agenda debate to reduce carbon emissions. Here’s a round-up of some of the news stories:
January 1st – VAT rate reduced to 15%
The VAT rate was reduced to 15% for 12 months to help mitigate the negative effects of recession. Businesses are now currently preparing for the return to 17.5% - in addition to two other substantial changes that include a reverse VAT charge – to be implemented on January 1st of next year.
January 21st – Companies making insufficient climate change progress
An Access survey found that businesses were not doing enough to prioritise carbon-reduction initiatives. Many companies were understandably concentrating resources on remaining profitable despite the economic downturn. 49% of respondents admitted there was no one person in their company responsible for ensuring it met carbon reduction initiatives.
February 24th – Reduction in VAT not helping SMEs
A survey conducted by Access found that 82% of SMEs thought the VAT reduction was not a good idea. 51% also considered the measures insufficient to stimulate the economy, and were forced to look internally for other ways to cut costs.
April 1st – Government not doing enough to encourage businesses to invest in carbon-reduction initiatives
An Access survey on carbon reporting found the government was failing to stimulate corporate investment in carbon-reduction initiatives. 84% of respondents felt more should be done to prioritise climate change and 62% felt that carbon-reduction initiatives needed to be incentivised to make them more attractive.
July 7th – Google announce Chrome OS
Search engine giant Google made a bold move to take on the operating system market with the announcement of Chrome OS, due to be released in H2 2010. The company’s web browser, Chrome, was released on December 11 2008, developing a 4.4% market share.
August 20th – HMRC warn accountants to prepare for new tax reporting language
Half a million tax professionals were contacted via e-mail to warn them of upcoming compliance regulations regarding XBRL, a new tax reporting language. The standard will become compulsory as of March 31st 2011, but accountants are advised to prepare early as the new language will affect accounting periods from March 31st 2010.
September 2nd – Companies House to embrace XBRL
Companies House said it would offer the XBRL tax reporting language on unaudited accounts from the summer of 2010, before developing the service for other types of accounts.
October 1st – Government releases guidelines for corporate Co2 reporting; targets small businesses
Guidelines were published by the government advising businesses on how they should report on their carbon output. The guidelines were accompanied by a summary guide for small businesses, acknowledging the important role SMEs play in the success of carbon-reduction efforts and also that larger companies may look to their supply chain as part of their climate change initiatives.
October 1st – EC considers long-term sustainability of software industry
Technology companies from all over Europe met to discuss the long-term sustainability of the business software industry, which the industry trade body argues has the ability and opportunity, as well as the responsibility, to commit to sustainability and the green agenda.
October 22nd – Microsoft releases Windows 7
Microsoft’s newest operating system – Windows 7 – was released on October 22nd. Amazon reported pre-orders topped the number received for the last Harry Potter book.
October 22nd – HMRC urges paper filers to go online
In an effort to offset proposed Royal Mail strike action, HMRC advised self-assessment paper filers to either submit their records early or make use of online facilities.
November 5th – Microsoft leaves accounting software market
Microsoft pulled out of the accounting software market. Its solution was initially launched in the US in 2006 and then later into the UK.
Dec 7th – 18th – Delegates at the Copenhagen summit discuss global climate change agenda
After two weeks of difficult negotiations and a perceived poor/rich country divide, a US-led accord on climate change was formally acknowledged. Critics believe the accord is not extensive enough, and does not set out firm carbon-reduction targets.
Access’ 2009 success
Access had a successful year, despite the economic environment. The company rebranded in July, bringing together five organisations under the one brand. Since then, it has won more six figure deals than ever before – including a major IT contract with Engine, the UK's leading independent communications company. Access’ efforts were further rewarded when it won the Accountancy Age 'Mid-tier Software package of the Year' award for the second year running in November. This closely followed recognition in three other awards: Construction Accounting Software of the Year, the Manufacturer of the Year Awards 'IT in Manufacturing' with Cheshire-based customer Renthal, and the SIFT Media Software Satisfaction Awards for Green Software Provider of the Year.
During 2009, Access extended its product portfolio with the acquisition of Rugged Logic’s cash flow forecasting solution. Access also unveiled dashboard, Access FocalPoint for iPhone, workflow forms, document management and a new payroll solution, aimed at larger organisations with more than 200 employees.
Access also advised customers and prospects on the latest business updates throughout 2009, from the UK government guidelines on reporting carbon emissions to the HMRC’s VAT legislation changes.
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