Scarlets have today launched the alternative strip for the 2018-19 season at a fun-filled family day out on Aberystwyth’s promenade.

The vibrant blue, white and gold kit was launched in Aberystwyth as the region looks to strengthen brand awareness within the county of Ceredigion by encouraging participation not only in rugby but also across all sports and community based activities.

This summer has seen the Scarlets launch its Three Counties, Three Years strategy, concentrating on strengthening partnerships right across the region, county by county.

Year One’s focus will be Ceredigion with commercial and community projects being delivered across the county. Year Two will focus on Pembrokeshire whilst Year Three will return to Carmarthenshire.

2018-19’s away kit colour scheme is based on Ceredigion’s coat of arms, sandy beaches and vivid blue seas.

Clearly displayed on the left side panel of the jersey are the crests of Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. The front of the shirt has an unusual pattern consisting of elements of each of the county crests whilst the back carries a strong wave, showing the county and the region’s link to the sea and coastline.

Pattern elements;

CEREDIGION
Golden Lion: Arms of Gwaithfoed, a medieval prince of Ceredigion
Herring: Fishing industry
Wheatsheaf: Agricultural industry
Rose: Patron Saint of Wales, who had very close associations with the county

PEMBROKESHIRE
Eagle: Wildlife, castles and rugged coastline
Dragon: The county’s dual heritage

CARMARTHENSHIRE
Harp: Welsh musical traditions and poetry
Seahorse: The sea, protection and stability

The kit is available for pre-order today.

The Miss Europe Continental United Kingdom pageant is coming to Llanelli – with the aim of promoting Welsh Beauty and Business into Europe.

The event features a special casting event on Thursday (August 16, between 1pm and 5.30pm) at the Best Western Diplomat Hotel and Spa in Felinfoel Road, Llanelli.

Miss Europe Continental United Kingdom is managed and organised by the UK Director of Visions PR, Marketing and Events Consultant Vivienne Sharman-Lewis.

It is the new UK arm of Miss Europe Continental, a European pageant with representation in more than 40 countries.

As a previous national pageant director in Wales, Vivienne had already helped her finalists win three national UK finals, to represent the UK on world stages, won a national award as the most charitable pageant for funds raised, created titles that helped contestants gain business or employment opportunities, and become the “Face of” various brands, while also creating a Finishing School that will trainthe girls in all aspects of business, networking and personal and social skills, as well as in beauty and health-related topics.

Vivienne also aims to develop and grow her TV project “Looking Good, Feeling Fabulous!” that won her an Honouree Award at the Cardiff International Film Festival, into a vehicle for contestants to appear in and for sponsors to promote their products and services.   

They are currently casting throughout the UK, to audition 17-28 year old girls, of the minimum height of 1.70 metres (5’ 7”), who are interested in a career in modelling, movies, entertainment, fashion, beauty or business!

Their first Welsh casting is at the Best Western Diplomat Hotel and Spa,Felinfoel Rd, Llanelli SA15 3PJ, this Thursday, August 16th 2018 from 1-5.30pm

So don’t delay, FREE entry is on https://t.co/xiChD3e4vQ

Or email info@visionspr.co.uk, or  if you qualify for the criteria, do come along.   

So what will the lucky winner achieve?

As well as the numerous gifts from our prestigious international sponsors, such as Ray-Ban, Audi, Samsung and Red Bull, Miss Europe Continental receives a year of employment contracts with the Miss Europe Continental organisation and sponsors, to work as a brand and catwalk model, an actressin TV and to be the guest of honour at all the national finals of every European country.

Miss Europe Continental will also be interviewed on TV and radio, attend photo-shoots, appear on reality TV shows, at international fashion and film festivals, in advertising campaigns for our international sponsors, and be publicised 365 days a year on all the social media platforms.

She becomes not only a brand ambassador, but also her country’s ambassador, to promote the very best her country has to offer in tourism and business.         

The competition hopes to attract a strong representation of applicants from Wales.

The Best Western Diplomat Hotel and Spa was chosen as this week’s casting venue for its excellent conference facilities, lounge, bar and spa – and for its strategic location to reach out to girls from West Wales, Carmarthenshire,  Port Talbot, Neath, Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan.

“I feel confident that the Welsh girls will do us proud in Europe and will serve to represent the very best of Welsh Beauty and Business in over 40 European countries!” said Vivienne     

The first Casting and Press Launch was held in London at the Double Tree by Hilton, Marble Arch, one of the four hotels in the Aristel Hotel Group, now the “Official Miss Europe Continental United Kingdom London Hotel Group”.   

“As the pageant seeks contestants who are not only beautiful, but can demonstrate that they have the personality, confidence and talent, plus a strong work ethic and drive to succeed in careers in modelling, movies, TV or business, we invited contributors and sponsors from the very businesses in which we offer opportunities to our contestants, namely modelling, acting, singing, entertaining, or even movie production.

“So we have been fortunate, in our first year to have attracted judges from those very industries who are well placed to offer them an additional mentoring service,” enthused Vivienne.

Judges – model Gariella Melrose, singer/presenter Cai Williams and actor Malcolme Modele with Vivienne Sharman-Lewis.

Cai Williams, recording artiste, entertainer and presenter, who appeared on The Voice, to be chosen by Tom Jones. As an international Recording Artiste and Model with his own successful solo Show called The Power Within and also 3 Studio albums. Cai has worked with some of the best singers/producers in the business and has an original solo album which he co-wrote and produced.

https://youtu.be/RoldYDGY7Is-  / https://www.caiwilliams.com

Malcolm Modele, a 30-year-old actor, model, writer and director from Gloucester, now based in London, is known for his breakthrough lead role in feature film “Shakespeare’s Diaries”, which has just received global release on Amazon Prime; a guest star on “Holby City” as Ewan, one of the first male strippers on “Eastenders” as Luke, Malcolm is seen as a new star rising on the horizon. https://youtu.be/esq6s47HDXw

Gabriella Melrose, commercial model, actress, singer and National Fitness winner,

Sky Andrews, ex-Olympic athlete and promoter, creator of the Inspiration Awards, now launching into New York, that has honoured Helen Mirren, Victoria Beckham and presenter, Jessica Ennis of East Enders fame.        

The Welsh panel of judges for the casting will again include both Cai Williams and Malcolm Modele.

“Cai and Malcolm so enjoyed their experience as judges and presenters at our first casting and press conference in London that they both expressed an interest in coming on board with our team,” continued Vivienne.  

To add to the Welsh flavour, they will be joined by Lisa Lee, a professional singer, DJ and compère of some 11 years standing, who has also been an academy vocal coach, Welsh Factor judge, sound technician and radio presenter for 4 years. She recently worked at Bay TV as a presenter and assistant producer. 

They are also proud to introduce a representative of the film industry with Gloucester-based producer/director Matthew John.

Matthew is one of the best young and upcoming producers in the business today with his first film, HeddaGabler, a remake of the Victorian period drama written by Henrik Ibsen, a classic of realism and of 19th Century play writing, and is thought to be one of the world’s greatest dramas. Matt has also worked in fashion and film, at Cannes and with models and actors, so knows what it takes to reach success in both. www.hedda-movie.com/www.consortpr.com 

For the London launch we had videographer, Danielle Metcalf filming and photography by Jo Reamer of JR Photography. 

For the Welsh casting, we have local Welsh-based, award-winning Photography First,  www.photographyfirst.co.uk and the film company Hurford Media davehurford@talktalk.net on board to cover the photography and filming on the day.

Vivienne added:

‘We are now keen to build a solid team of talented individuals  to help us grow the pageant throughout the UK, in order to take on, train and support National and Regional Pageant Directors.

“To this end we have lawyer, Robert Hillary Wade LL.B Cert H.E. (Theology), charge of all legal and finanicial aspects.

‘The UK Grand Final will be held at Frensham Pond Hotel, Farnham Surrey,on October 25th, another of the four unique character hotels in the Aristel Hotel Group, where the winner will have the chance to go forward to the Miss Europe Continental Grand Final in Naples Italy on November 24th, where we will all be there to see the winner crowned at a glittering TV-covered final, with representation from over 40 European countries.

“To seize such an amazing opportunity, and to take full advantage of the care, skill and investment that will be lavished on her, the lady who wins Miss Europe Continental United Kingdom will need to demonstrate that, beyond beauty, she has a strong personality, with the confidence, drive and ambition to succeed and the ability to face a television audience!” 

“If a girl has a talent, we can help her realise it in the career opportunities she will have,  but even if a girl cannot sing or dance, she must still be able to create an original presentation that will amaze a jury or audience!” said the Italian-based Patron of the Pageant brand, Alberto Cerqua.

“Our current winner, Natalia Varchenko, Miss Europe Continental 2017, is beautiful, but also very talented, so, during the show the jury was enraptured by her performance on stage, which demonstrated that she could master that, and any situation well!”

For this reason, they will prepare their contestants well to overcome shyness and any fears they have of performing in public, because, to win such an important title, it is not enough to be beautiful, the contestants must be strong all-rounders, and know how to bring all of their winning cards into play! 

Vivienne added:

“The pageant also offers a unique opportunity for our UK sponsors to use our high-profile marketing machine and pageant business model, to promote their products and services into a captive targeted market-place of young image-, health-, fitness- and beauty-conscious young people.

“We offer added-value sponsorship benefits packages for National, Country and Regional sponsors on all levels, plus the added benefit of a free exhibition space at both the National UK Grand Final at Frensham Pond Hotel near Farnham, Surrey www.aristelhotels.co.uk near London, on October 25th, 2018, and next year, during the internationalGrand Final at our  “Best of British into Europe Exhibition”which is exclusive for our UK sponsors only, at the Golden Tulip Hotel Naples,Italy on November 22nd. In honour of the Exhibition, a new title has been created, “Miss Best of British into Europe Exhibition” to be judged by sponsors and UK judges, to choose the Ambassador of the Exhibition to host it the subsequent year.

“In a Post-Brexit Britain this offers our sponsors the unique opportunity of promoting their products and services into Europe, and our tourist agencies, our culture and tourist attractions. They will be seen by all the delegates and sponsors from over 40 European countries, as well as the contestants’ supporters and the audience, and be filmed by Fox TV from USA, and Italian TV.

“We have a great 4 night inclusive hotel package available at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Naples. Staying on to enjoy Naples and the pageant events presents a fantastic networking and brand-reinforcement opportunity, to maximise on your time investment, as it will allow you to network, socialise and of course enjoy all the excitement over the five days including the televised European Grand Final. 

“As a well-established tourism event in Naples, the four days of the Miss Europe Continental Grand Final includes guided tours, hosted by the Lord Mayor of Naples, who escorts the international contestants to all the historic sites and buildings in Naples for photo-shoots by press, TV and the public.  As it is set in a fabulous and historic part of the world, with Vesuvius and Pompeii encircling the Bay of Naples and stretching out into the horizon, and the famed island of Capri off-shore, it attracts visitors from all over the world, so it would make a fabulous, glamorous, as well as cultural, historical and archaeological experience for any contacts or friends who would like to take this opportunity.

For further information, on entry or sponsoring, please email info@visionspr.co.ukor

Enter FREE on https://t.co/xiChD3e4vQ
https://www.facebook.com/Miss-Europe-Continental-United-Kingdom-2030773510519783/
To see the Miss European Continental 2017 final in Dubai

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ag9k1ETifmc

Email:
info@visionspr.co.uk

www.misseuropeancontinental.com

https://www.facebook.com/Miss-Europe-Continental-United-Kingdom-2030773510519783/

Press release from:

Vivienne Sharman-Lewis
07881 756748
Director: Visions PR – www.visionsprwales.wordpress.com

Match Report – Bala v Carmarthen Town (10 August 2018)

Bala (2) Carmarthen Town (1)

 Carmarthen began the new Welsh Premier League season with a very tough encounter against Bala who only a few weeks ago were playing in the Europa League, having finished fourth in the WPL last season – and, in addition, over the summer they have strengthened their squad by signing several experienced players.

From the outset the match soon developed into a fast-paced, end-to-end affair although, with both defences looking quite secure, no serious early scoring chances arose.

Bala were clearly enjoying the greater share of possession and territorial advantage but the Old Gold were quick to launch a series of counter-attacks, exploiting the pace and mobility of strikers Luke Bowen and Liam Thomas.

And it was the visitors, on 12 minutes, who first went close when Aidan O’Kelly played the ball across to Thomas who sent an inviting cross towards the far side of the goalmouth where Jordan Vickers, from a difficult angle, volleyed into the side-netting.

However the hosts straightaway responded with a spell of sustained pressure and after 19 minutes Henry Jones fired a long free-kick into the crowded penalty area only to see Anthony Miley, from a good position, direct his close-range header over the bar.

But in open play Carmarthen’s defence, and in particular the central pairing of Lee Surman and Greg Walters, presented stern resistance and ensured that ‘keeper Lee Idzi was never seriously tested during this spell.

And once again, they were near to opening the scoring when on 25 minutes, from a swift counter-attack led by Luke Cummings, they won a free-kick by the right touchline – Tyrrell Webbe’s searching delivery reached Thomas, rising high above defenders, but from close-range he sent his glancing header just wide of the post.

The earlier pattern of play continued with Bala, despite their possession and attacking flair, looking unlikely to score – meanwhile Town, with a series of counter-attacks, were sadly not sufficiently clinical when opportunities arose.

It seemed that the game needed a moment of something special to break the deadlock and bring it to life – and in the 36^thminute Henry Jones provided just that.  He raced into the penalty area, slipped effortlessly past O’Kelly then from close to the by-line produced a remarkable piece of footwork to cross the ball to the far post where Steven Tames arrived, completely unmarked, to send his close-range header into the roof of the net.

The only other notable scoring chance in the first-half arose on 44 minutes when Jones struck a fierce long-range free-kick that Idzi carefully watched slide just outside the post.

After the interval Bala began confidently – but despite enjoying spells of possession, they achieved very little due to the continuing determined resistance of the Old Gold defence.

Town, meanwhile, once more relied on swift, incisive counter-attacking and they went close to snatching an equaliser in the 66^thminute when Vickers broke away from the midfield before sending a fine pass through to Bowen who took the ball into the penalty area then struck a rasping angled drive that flew narrowly wide of the post.

Shortly afterwards, the visitors again threatened the Lakesiders’ goal.  From the centre-circle Thomas began a delightful, sweeping move when he sent the ball across to Ceri Morgan who in turn slid it out to Webbe as he surged along the left-wing – he then fired a dangerous cross into the goalmouth where Bowen planted his close-range header just beyond the far post.

However that brief spell of Carmarthen pressure was abruptly terminated on 67 minutes when Tames won possession of the ball well outside the penalty area then raced forward and released a smart 20 yard shot that went beyond Idzi’s reach and into the corner of the net.

Stung by that further setback the Old Gold straightaway pressed forward with greater frequency and intensity with influential midfielder Morgan, at his competitive best, always at the heart of the action.

After 69 minutes Bowen surged forward, shrugging off his marker, to reach the penalty area then struck a stunning drive that ‘keeper Ashley Morris resisted with a sharp, reflex save.

Yet with the visitors now pouring upfield more often, their defence began to look more vulnerable – a situation that Bala sought to exploit with occasional counter-attacks.  And on 80 minutes they should have gone further ahead. Kieran Smith took possession off Walters near to the by-line then slid the ball invitingly across the face of the goal where Tames, just two yards out and completely alone, contrived to stab it wide.

That seemed to spur the Old Gold into even greater efforts in their search for a goal – and in the 84^thminute their persistence was rewarded.  Bowen played a wonderful pass through to Thomas who raced forward into the penalty area – then as Morris came out of his goal to challenge him, Town’s top scorer neatly threaded the ball across to Sean Hanbury who had the simple task of tapping it into the back of the empty net.

Now, for the first time in the match, Bala were pinned back on defence in a desperate effort to protect their slender lead as Carmarthen swept forward relentlessly.  And on 87 minutes they were close to conceding a second goal.  Webbe raced along the left flank then sent the ball forward to Bowen who fired a dangerous cross deep into the packed goalmouth, eventually reaching Thomas who, sadly, saw his close-range effort cleared off the goal-line by a defender.

But that was the final thrilling moment of an entertaining match – and despite this defeat the Old Gold can be satisfied with their overall performance against a strong, experienced side that will surely be again challenging for honours this season, just as they have done over recent seasons.

Town’s next match is at Richmond Park on Saturday 18^thAugust (k/o 2.30pm) when Llandudno make the long journey south for a WPL fixture.

Team:

Lee Idzi;  Luke Cummings;  Greg Walters; Lee Surman;  Tyrrell Webbe;  Jordan Vickers (sub Sean Hanbury 73);  Declan Carroll;  Ceri Morgan; Aidan O’Kelly;  Luke Bowen;  Liam Thomas;

Unused subs:  Dave Vincent; Craig Hanford;  Jay Woodford;

Cards:  (Y) Greg Walters (7);

Goal:  Sean Hanbury (84).

The team at Clay Shaw Butler have been able to play a key role in helping Oil4Wales clinch a new investment deal.

The deal will see a popular and high-profile filling station on the busy A48 near Carmarthen get a new lease of life.

It will be transformed into a tourist shop and café following a £350,000 loan from the Development Bank of Wales.

Oil4Wales is Wales’s only independent oil company with national coverage.

It plans to build the new café at Nantycaws filling station. They will sell locally-sourced Welsh produce on a site which enjoys spectacular views of the Tywi Valley, Brechfa Forest and the Black Mountain range.

The garage is on the eastbound carriageway of the main route from West Wales to Cardiff, Newport and beyond.

The experienced team at Clay Shaw Butler were able to support the company throughout the investment deal.

Mark Jones, Director at Clay Shaw Butler said: “We were delighted to carry out the work on behalf of our clients at Oil 4 Wales to bring this deal with the Development Bank of Wales to fruition.

“It’s a wonderful experience to work alongside ambitious clients on their expansion plans and their visions for the future. We pride ourselves on having long-term relationships with our clients and their businesses. One key aspect of the foundations of our business is working on gaining a full long-term knowledge of businesses. That way, we can help clients achieve their long-term strategic goals.

“It’s great that we have been able to help Oil 4 Wales in their ambitions to deliver a key project in West Wales and we wish them all the best for future business success.”

Oil4Wales founder and managing director Colin Owens believes the Nantycaws site has great potential.

“The garage has had no investment in it in for over 20 years. The location with the view over the Black Mountain range cries out for investment to attract more tourists and locals, if we can provide the services, such as a cafeteria and a tourist shop, all stocked with Welsh produce,” said Mr Owens.

“There’s an opportunity, we believe, for Welsh produce to be marketed well and to be an attraction to tourists. We have some of the best countryside and beaches in Europe, and we’ve got great publicity now with events in Cardiff and everything else that’s going on. We are becoming a great tourist location.”

The loan from the Development Bank of Wales will pay for the refurbishment of the former Texaco filling station as well as the conversion and enlargement of the present shop into a new tourist shop and café.

Set up nine years ago, the ethos of Oil4Wales founder Mr Owens was to build a company that sees itself, and is seen, as part of the community.

Solidifying their commitment to the community, Oil4Wales proudly sponsors the Scarlets and Ospreys rugby teams and players regularly act as brand ambassadors for the company at community events and shows.

“The whole strategy at our conception was to become a Welsh community company, the only oil company that’s Welsh that covers the whole of Wales.

“We have a policy that we will only use Welsh suppliers. Obviously, our oil comes from outside Wales, but we will not use any company from outside of Wales if there’s a Welsh company that can supply the service and is commercially competitive.”

The company now has seven depots around Wales and owns four filling stations.

Its 42 tankers deliver oil to farms, businesses and domestic customers around the country.

It sells or delivers around 140 million litres of oil to 70,000 customers.

Commercial customers – hauliers and civil engineering companies – represent  more than 50% of the business, with retail sales through garages making up 5% and the rest evenly split between agricultural and domestic consumers.

True to his ethos of a community company, Mr Owens is interested in sustainable growth rather than rapid growth and a quick sale.

The next few years will be ones of consolidation, although Oil4Wales will remain open to new investment opportunities as they appear.

Mr Owens said he was grateful to the Development Bank of Wales for supporting the investment.

“I was so impressed with the Development Bank Investment Executive, he was so easy to communicate with, he understood what we were trying to achieve with the garage and the location,” he said.

The Investment Executive from Development Bank of Wales, Richard Easton said: “The Development Bank of Wales are delighted to support Oil4Wales with their proposed plans to refurbish and extend Nantycaws Filling Station.

“Oil4Wales is a fantastic business and we share the same passion for Wales and support of Welsh businesses and communities.

“It has been a pleasure working with Colin, Sally and the team at Oil4Wales and we look forward to working closely with them in the future.

“I would also like to thank Clay Shaw Butler Accountants for their excellent support.”

Photo 1: Oil4Wales brand ambassadors and Welsh rugby players with Nigel Roberts, Clay Shaw Butler, Mark Jones, Clay Shaw Butler, Richard Easton, Development Bank of Wales, Colin Owens, Oil4Wales, Sally Owens, Oil4Wales.

Photo 2: Richard Easton, Development Bank for Wales Investment Executive, Colin Owens, Managing Director Oil4Wales, Sally Owens, Director Oil4Wales.

Notes:

About Clay Shaw Butler:

Clay Shaw Butler is a unique, innovative firm of accountants that aims to deliver the highest possible standard of expertise through a team of Qualified Chartered Accountants, Chartered Certified Accountants, Chartered Tax Advisers, experienced senior staff, trainee accountants and business consultants.

Established in Carmarthen more than 30 years ago, the firm’s portfolio of clients has increased significantly with clients based locally, across the UK and overseas.

The team is made up of 24 professional staff (including three administrative staff members). They have a combined experience of more than 210 years and include Welsh speakers at all levels. The firm holds the Investors in People Award.

Weblink – http://www.clayshawbutler.com

The team at Clay Shaw Butler can be contacted on 01267 228500.

The firm is on Twitter. Look for @clayshawbutler.

Development Bank of Wales:

The Development Bank of Wales was set up by the Welsh Government to support the economy of Wales by making it easier for businesses to get the finance needed to start up, strengthen and grow. The purpose of the Development Bank is to unlock potential in the economy of Wales by increasing the provision of sustainable, effective finance in the market.

Launched in October 2017 it will become a cornerstone organisation for delivery of public sector financial products, supporting micro to medium businesses in Wales and increasing the supply of finance. It will promote economic development through an adaptable delivery model that is responsive to market needs whilst providing continued value for money for public funds. It will deliver key Welsh Government policy objectives measured through performance targets and providing investment management and support services across the whole of Welsh Government.

Formerly known as Finance Wales, it has supported Welsh businesses with investment funds since 2001. It has directly invested £0.5 billion into Welsh businesses and attracted £0.7 billion of private sector investment.  Together this has boosted the Welsh economy by over £1.2 billion. These are the figures for the end of the financial year, 31st March 2018. Now as the Development Bank of Wales it has over £1 billion of funds under management which includes administration of the Help to Buy – Wales shared equity scheme.

Development Bank of Wales Plc (Banc Datblygu Cymru ccc) is the holding company of a Group that trades as Development Bank of Wales. The Group is made up of a number of subsidiaries which are registered with names including the initials DBW. Development Bank of Wales Plc is a development finance company wholly owned by the Welsh Ministers and it is neither authorised nor regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The Development Bank of Wales has three subsidiaries which are authorised and regulated by the FCA. Please note that neither the Development Bank of Wales Plc nor any of its subsidiaries are banking institutions or operate as such. This means that none of the group entities are able to accept deposits from the public.

A complete legal structure chart for Development Bank of Wales Plc can be found at www.developmentbank.wales.

Oil4Wales:

Oil4Wales is a family-run business, run by Colin Owens, supported by his wife Shirley, daughter Sally, son Paul.

Oil4Wales is aiming to become the brand of Wales and is on course to turnover £40-50m in its first year through the provision of all petroleum products to domestic, commercial and agricultural customers throughout Wales.

As well as supplying homes, businesses and agricultural premises, Oil 4 Wales services include interest free budget accounts, planned deliveries, fuel cards and Harlequin oil tanks.

http://www.oil4wales.co.uk/

By Mark Jones, director of Carmarthen-based Clay Shaw Butler chartered accountants and business consultants. This column appears in the Pembrokeshire Herald, Carmarthen Herald and Llanelli Herald.

The taxman at HMRC has published further information on Making Tax Digital for VAT (MTDfV).

The VAT notice sets out some further details of the MTDfV regime, which will ultimately require taxpayers to move to a fully digital tax system.

Under the rules, businesses with a taxable turnover above the VAT threshold (currently £85,000) will be required to keep digital records for VAT purposes using ‘functional compatible software’ and provide their VAT return information to HMRC via an application programming interface.

This notice explains:

• the digital records businesses must keep and the ways to record transactions digitally in certain special circumstances
• what counts as ‘functional compatible software’, and when software programs do and do not need to be digitally linked where a combination of programs is used.

The new rules have effect from 1 April 2019, where a taxpayer has a ‘prescribed accounting period’ which begins on that date, and otherwise from the first day of a taxpayer’s first prescribed accounting period beginning after 1 April 2019.

Please contact the team at Clay Shaw Butler for advice and support on the introduction of MTDfV.

Internet link for more information on the Government website –

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hmrc-publishes-more-information-on-making-tax-digital

Meanwhile, the Government has published draft legislation for Finance Bill 2018-19 which is currently open for consultation, and ‘continues the Government’s commitment to a competitive and fair tax system’.

The draft legislation could affect a range of taxes, from Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) to income tax.

The draft legislation also outlines the Government’s approach to the Making Tax Digital (MTD) penalty system, with HMRC outlining its intention to utilise a two-tier penalty model for businesses and individuals who fail to pay their tax on time.

The July publication of the Finance Bill 2018-19 draft legislation forms part of the government’s new fiscal timetable.

The consultation on the draft legislation will run until 31 August 2018.

The final contents of ‘Finance Bill 2018-19’ will be subject to confirmation at Budget 2018, expected later this year in November.

We will keep you informed of developments in future Money Matters columns in the Herald newspapers.

Internet link for more information on the Government website –

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/finance-bill-2018-19

Finally, you are all probably well aware of the latest interest rate news. But, just in case you are not fully up to speed . . .

The Bank of England has raised the interest rate from 0.5% to 0.75%.

The quarter of a percentage point rise sets the rate at its highest level since March 2009.

The rise in the interest rate will no doubt increase the interest costs of residential mortgages that have variable or tracker rates.

It will be interesting to see if the rise in the rate is passed on to savers.

In response to the increase in the rate, Alpesh Paleja, CBI (Confederation of British Industry) Principal Economist, said:

“This decision was in line with our expectations. The case for another rate rise has been building, with inflationary pressures being stoked by a tight labour market and many indicators now suggesting that weak activity in the first quarter of 2018 was a blip.

“The Monetary Policy Committee has signalled further rate rises over the next few years, if the economy evolves as they expect.

“These are likely to be very slow and limited, particularly over the next year as uncertainty around Brexit takes its toll on business investment.”

You can find out more about money matters on the Clay Shaw Butler website (under our news for business section) –

http://www.clayshawbutler.com/news/latest-news-for-business

We have a strong and experienced team with great local knowledge all geared-up to helping you get the very best from your finances – whether that is as an individual or as a business.

We stay ahead of the game by putting great store by continual professional development for our staff.

With Investors In People status at Clay Shaw Butler, we care passionately about making sure our staff have all the tools they need to serve you, our customers.

Weblink – http://www.clayshawbutler.com

The team at Clay Shaw Butler can be contacted on 01267 228500.

The team at Clay Shaw Butler are on Twitter. Look for @clayshawbutler.