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Home Blog Page 20

All You Should Know About the Insulated Garden Office

Sarah Cantley

November 23, 2022

All You Should Know About the Insulated Garden Office

Nowadays, more and more people prefer working from home. No doubt, working from home is more convenient and less stressful. However, you can only work in a home setup for extended hours and more productively if you have a custom workspace.

Therefore, you must consider developing a beautiful and personalised workspace for yourself. An insulated garden office is just the kind of home workspace that will enable you to do much more. An insulated garden office space allows you to be productive, motivated and comfortable regardless of the season or weather. But before choosing a garden office, let’s check out what you should know!

Wooden Garden Office Desk

The focal point of any good home office is the Desk. Different garden desk options in the market come in various sizes, styles, and materials. Well, it’s just a matter of choice.

There are a few factors that help you to choose the right one.

You must check out for a space-saving insulated garden office. There must be organized spaces for everything. From the working area to the shelves for important work belongings.

Secondly, you should ensure it has proper ventilation and natural light arrangements.

Insulated Garden Office

The garden desk is included in a package that can be mounted in your garden or backyard, along with all other office belongings and other stuff. Users can easily install it, and each component is marked with a number or a symbol that helps you to place and attach everything properly.

If you are going for an insulated garden office, here are some essential points you should look for:

Before you purchase, have a look at fully furnished garden office alternatives. If there are other expenses beyond the price, take them into account. Examples include decorating, furniture, and installation.

A fully insulated garden office with double-glazed windows is ideal, depending on your budget. Some designs include insulation in the roof, walls, and floor. Evaluate the U value of the wall’s construction; the lower the number, the greater the insulation.
Check out the thickness of the wall.
Pay attention to the kind of material used.
Avoid placing your garden office too close to trees because you’ll need to maintain and clean it regularly.
Determine the size that will accommodate all of your office necessities.
The majority of home office structures are pre-wired with outlets. Some suppliers provide exterior lights and wiring options and may involve connection fees for the primary supply. Keep in mind that all electrical work must adhere to building regulations.
You must be able to securely lock doors and windows if you’re storing pricey equipment inside your garden offices, such as computers or any other gadgets. The best choice is toughened glass.
Popular alternatives to radiators loaded with oil or convector heaters put on walls include underfloor heating. Consider getting a wood burner.

How to Setup an Insulated Garden Office?

The installation process will vary depending on the insulation you select, the garden office’s size, and its design. The walls, floor, and roof of your garden office must first be visible. A permeable membrane that will aid in preventing moisture infiltration may also be installed at this time; this is crucial for a wooden garden office.

Insulation is typically laid between structural frames, along walls, on the underside of roofs, and within floor spaces, if there isn’t space under the floors. To add insulation, you’ll need to raise the bottom if your office is located over a concrete base or the ground. This is advantageous but difficult, only doable with professional assistance, and will decrease internal space.

Conclusion

Working in your comfort is always a great idea! And the garden office is an innovative thing to consider that offers you comfort and luxury and helps you work dedicatedly for long hours.

Ad verse: how to choose the right words for use in your adverts

Sarah Cantley

November 21, 2022

how to choose the right words for use in your adverts

Your business has various means of advertising at its disposal. You could, for example, post a few paid ads to Google and Facebook, launch a TV ad, or capitalise on such traditional forms of advertising as posters, leaflets, and billboards.

However, no matter which advertising method you do choose, you should keep in mind that what words you use in them can heavily influence these ads’ chances of success. Here are several ways you can make sure your ads say the right things.

Think about what could catch attention

No matter how well-crafted any ad is as a whole, its effect is bound to be limited if it fails to draw more than glances in the first place.

However, the job listings website Indeed argues that “unusual and flashy words in advertisements can help capture viewer attention, especially if they’re doing another activity while the advertisement appears in the background.”

Attention-grabbing words you could consider selecting for your ads include ‘brilliant’, ‘triumph’, ‘smashing’, and ‘revolutionary’.

Foster trust

Trust is a crucial ingredient of the formula for instilling loyalty in your customer base. Customers of your business could opt to make repeat purchases from it if, say, you have an impressive track record or offer guarantees — and can succinctly mention these merits in your ads.

There are certain terms that, scattered throughout your advertising copy, can encourage customers’ trust in your company. Those terms include ‘safe’, ‘pledge’, ‘privacy’, ‘promise’, and ‘risk-free’, while you can also point out how your firm is ‘backed’ by third parties.

Assure people of your commitment to quality

How can potential customers of your company be confident that it is genuinely up to scratch? Of course, these people could simply read customer reviews, or perhaps ask other people — such as on social media — who have had dealings with your organisation.

Certain advertising words, too, can help to put your target customers’ minds at rest. Here are good examples of those words: ‘endorsed’, ‘certified’, ‘satisfaction’, and ‘effective’.

Encourage evaluation of the product or service

No matter how convincingly worded an ad is about the quality of a specific product or service, prospective customers might remain eager to sample it for themselves before making a purchase. So, why not offer them that opportunity?

As you make this offer, you could include the words ‘try’, ‘compare’, and ‘demo’. If the product or service is an upgraded version of one the target customer have previously spent money on, you could also include ‘improvement’ and ‘highest’ in order to emphasise the better quality.

Insert a call-to-action

A call-to-action — otherwise known as a CTA — is very much what it sounds like: a suggestion of a particular action that a prospective customer could take for their own benefit.

Words that can fit nicely into a CTA include ‘click’, ‘learn’, and ‘explore’. For example, when we write a CTA for this very article aimed at advertisers, we could go for ‘click the following link to visit the Muse by Clio website, learn about past advertising campaigns and explore the possibilities.

The Best Cargo Containers For Transporting Goods

Sarah Cantley

November 8, 2022

The Best Cargo Containers For Transporting Goods

When shipping goods, it’s essential to use the right cargo container for your needs. If you don’t choose the right one, you might end up with damaged goods or a storage fee from the carrier.

Luckily, there are many different types of cargo containers that can be used for shipping different types of freight.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best options so that you can easily find what works best for your business!

Standard Shipping Containers

Standard shipping containers are the common choice for shipping goods and supplies. They are steel boxes that vary in size and have vertical wall sections, horizontal wall sections, a floor and a roof.

The standard dimensions for shipping containers are 8 ft x 8 ft x 20 ft. However, there are other types available in different sizes (e.g., 4x4x8 and 10x10x40). Generally speaking, if you want to transport larger items such as cars or motorcycles, then it’s best to use one of the larger-sized containers!

They’re strong enough to withstand being dropped off a ship straight onto their sides (or even upside down), and they can last for decades without requiring major repairs or maintenance.

Refrigerated Containers

Refrigerated containers are used to transport perishable goods. They are designed to keep the contents at a specific temperature and often feature an onboard generator that keeps the inside cool. These containers are mostly used in the food and beverage and pharmaceutical industries.

If your cargo needs to be kept cold at all times (as opposed to just for short periods), you’ll want to invest in a refrigerated container. You can get these from any major shipping company or freight forwarder – it’s common practice worldwide, so it should be easy to find one!

Flat Rack Containers

Flat racks, also known as flatbeds and hoppers, are the most common type of cargo container for transporting goods on the flatbed of a truck. These open-sided shipping containers allow easy loading and unloading of goods without having to lift them over the sides of a truck bed.

Most flat rack containers are made from steel for strength and durability and are either 20 or 40 feet long. Some are collapsible (making them easier to store), and some come with additional walls that can be attached to the frame to create more secure storage space.

The downside to a flat rack is that it doesn’t offer protection from the elements as the container is open on top and at the sides. You’ll need to provide extra protection for your goods if you use this type of container. You can place tarps over the top and sides of the cargo and secure them with ropes or bungee cords.

Open-Top Containers

Open-top containers are usually used for transporting heavy equipment. They have an open top that is usually covered with a tarp, allowing for more oversized cargo to be loaded in easily.

These containers are also ideal for shipping goods that need to be easily accessed, such as pallets or crates containing parts that can be easily removed from the container without having to be unloaded completely.

Open-top containers are most often used in construction sites, where they’re used to transport building materials between locations such as building sites or warehouses.

Tunnel Containers

The tunnel container is your best bet if you’re looking for a cargo container that’s easy to load and unload. They come with doors on both ends of the container and can be used for a variety of goods.

Tunnel containers are handy when you need to quickly load and unload materials, which makes them ideal for transporting heavy equipment or machinery. They also come in different sizes, so there’s no need to worry about getting one that will be too small or too big (though it might cost you more).

Moreover, tunnel containers are also cost-effective because they’re cheaper than most other types – this is especially true if you have quite a few items to move at once.

The Takeaway

The key to using the best cargo containers for transporting goods is to make sure that you plan carefully and choose a container that can fit your needs.

There are also simpler solutions if you’re just looking to transport goods from truck to truck or truck to warehouse, including a parcel cage stillage unit, pallet cage or roll pallet.

Tips for negotiating a UK business purchase

Sarah Cantley

November 3, 2022

Tips for negotiating a UK business purchase

Introduction

Acquiring a business is a complex process, whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned veteran. If you’re looking to purchase a business in the United Kingdom, there are a few things you should keep in mind during the negotiation process. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can ensure a smooth transition and successful purchase.

The most important thing to remember about negotiating a business purchase is to always be prepared when you enter into any negotiations. Reading through online advice from professionals and experts can be a sure-fire way for you to get that crucial “best price possible.”

Negotiation Tips

Purchasing a business is a huge commitment that requires a great deal of preparation and insight. It is very likely that, as a buyer, you will make very few purchases like this in your professional lifetime, so you must get it right the first time.

You will always be taking on risks when negotiating the purchase of a business in the UK, and that is why it is so important to seek advice from professionals and have a team of experts who are well-versed in the art of negotiations and purchasing businesses.

It is still important to have a solid grasp of the business that you are negotiating to purchase, and you should always strive to show to the seller that you are committed to a respectful and equitable negotiation process.

If you’re looking to purchase a business in the United Kingdom, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind when negotiating the deal. Here are some tips to help you get the best possible price:

Do your research

Make sure you know everything there is to know about the business before beginning negotiations. This includes understanding the business’s financial situation, its competitive landscape, and what potential growth opportunities exist.

Part of your research and preparation should be to decide how much money you will offer for the purchase of the business. This is a huge part of the preparatory process, and you should always ensure that your decision is based on credible, up-to-date research and fair market rates for the business in its current state.

Know your limits

It’s important to have a clear idea of how much you’re willing to spend on the business before entering negotiations. This will help you avoid overspending and getting yourself into financial trouble.

Your initial research should allow you to develop a lowest offer and a best offer. Your offers should allow some room for negotiation, while ensuring that both offers are fair. You should consider the following when making your offer:

Will seller financing be required?

Seller financing can provide some flexibility in the purchase price. However, it also means that the seller will be involved in the business going forward.

Will the final sale of the business be dependent on how the business performs?

The final sale price may be contingent on the business’s performance. This is often called an earn-out provision. It means that you’ll only pay the full purchase price if the business meets certain financial targets.

Is the existing inventory outdated?

Finally, consider the existing business inventory. If it’s outdated, it may need to be replaced soon. This can be a significant expense for a new owner.

It is important to always consult your advisory team. There will be unique circumstances to consider when purchasing any business, and having a team around you who are well versed in negotiations can help you to improvise, reflect, and make the best decision.

Build a good relationship with the seller

It is important to always try and maintain a good relationship with the seller of the business. The seller has likely spent many years and a lot of effort building their business, and it is a good idea to remember this when beginning the negotiation process. It’s helpful to leave the negotiation process on great terms with the seller, to avoid any bad will when taking on your new business.

The buyer is usually the person who takes on more risk when negotiating the purchase of a business in the UK— they’re the newcomer after all. While you should strive to have open, honest, and conscientious communication with the seller, failing to remain assertive and confident during negotiations can leave you in a vulnerable position.

Research, research, and research again

Due diligence is the name of the game after your purchase offer has been accepted. You and your team should be engaging in microscopic, detailed research that delves into the minutia of the business you are acquiring.

You should take this time to research everything from the business’s financial records to assets, permits, health and safety adherence etc. to be able to identify any problem areas in the business itself.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when negotiating a UK business purchase, it is important to be prepared, do your research, and pay attention to the details. With careful planning and execution, you can increase your chances of success.

You should make the most of the invaluable experience and information available to you from your team of advisors, and experts in the industry, and always strive to conduct your negotiations respectfully and professionally.

If you are thinking about buying a business in the UK, there are many businesses available. Deciding to purchase a business can be a difficult choice, and finding the perfect fit for you can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are hundreds of businesses for sale in the UK and, with some careful searching, you’ll easily find your dream business match.

Market Moves And Your Business: What To Watch Out For

Sarah Cantley

November 1, 2022

While all businesses experience growth and decline to some extent, market moves can heavily impact investments and revenue from quarter to quarter. But what are these market moves? Are there ways for business owners to counteract some of the more inevitable moments, and what can they mean for you long term?

As always, it makes sense to keep up to speed with the latest market news and prepare for various market shifts that are likely to cause future concerns. Let’s examine the most prevalent market conditions and how they could impact you.

Changes In Interest Rates

Interest rates affect different businesses and industries in a number of ways. On the face of it, you’ll probably want market interest to stay low if you intend to grow and make a profit. However, if interest rates remain low for long periods, this can result in an over-saturation of poor investment decisions.

Ultimately, interest rates rise and fall, affecting how much investments bring into your business. It’s worth watching how they move while you’re scaling your business.

Consumer Demand

Consumer demand can increase and decrease wildly depending on your industry, the national cost of living, and ongoing needs. For example, businesses providing woollen clothing will likely expect a boom in demand around winter, especially as energy price rates increase. It’s more affordable for people to invest in clothing than pay for extra gas and electricity to keep them warm!

As such, all businesses must keep a close eye on when and where their customers’ demands will likely spike and fall. Are there periods in the year when these are likely to happen most of all? Do also remember that consumer demand may spike in times of crisis or when other businesses fail to meet their needs.

Foreign Exchange

As we’ve seen in recent months, the British Pound has proven to be fairly shaky in line with tumultuous political and socioeconomic events. As a result, it’s become more profitable, in some ways, for businesses to trade with clients overseas (such as in the US). This situation is unlikely to persist to any permanent degree, but it’s worth pivoting to national and international clients as political discomfort comes and goes.

Consider your international portfolio. Trading wholly inside the UK at the time of publication may be riskier than branching out overseas, but these conditions could change as confidence grows.

Competition

Finally, always consider the available competition on your product, service, or in your industry. Some industries may not see much competitive growth in the short term, but if consumer demand grows, it’s safe to assume that more rivals will pop up soon.

Are you a leader in what you provide, or do you need to improve your business operations? Can you quickly pivot at short notice? Do you have insight that new competitors may struggle to harness right away?

The market conditions and potential movements listed above are all likely to affect businesses and industries differently. However, it’s always a good idea to keep on your toes as much as possible!

Why Data Loggers Are More Effective Than Traditional Temperature Monitoring Methods

Sarah Cantley

October 29, 2022

Data Loggers Are More Effective Than Traditional Temperature

It’s hard to believe that people still use traditional methods to log their data – which aren’t even accurate. With recent technological advancement, there’s no reason for not using more modern, efficient methods. Not only are traditional methods time-consuming, but they’re also prone to human error.

It’s especially important in healthcare and medical environments, where maintaining the proper temperature is necessary. Unlike traditional methods, advanced data loggers are not only more efficient, but they’re also much more accurate and reliable.

What Is a Data Logger?

A device that stores data over time is called a data logger. Data loggers are used in various applications, including monitoring temperature, humidity, pressure, and other environmental conditions. These are more effective than traditional temperature monitoring methods because they require minimal manual intervention and can take measurements at regular intervals. This allows for more accurate data collection and analysis.

Data loggers can be used in conjunction with WiFi to transmit data wirelessly. This makes it possible to monitor conditions remotely, which is especially useful in cases where access to the site is difficult or dangerous.

Why is Data Logger Accuracy Key?

Wifi data loggers are especially beneficial because they allow companies to monitor their products remotely. This is especially important for perishable goods, as it allows companies to respond quickly to any changes in temperature. Wifi data loggers have several significant advantages over traditional methods.

They can transmit temperature data to a company’s office or control center wirelessly, making them perfect for remote locations.
They are also easy to install, making them perfect for companies that need to monitor goods during transit.
They can transmit data from anywhere worldwide using a smartphone or tablet, making them one of the most convenient monitoring methods.
They are also cost-effective and easy to use, making them perfect for small and large businesses. For example, if a company needs to monitor the temperature of its goods during transit or storage, a wifi data logger would be an ideal solution.

Overall, data loggers are a crucial part of quality control for many industries. Their accuracy and remote monitoring capability make them the ideal solution for companies that need to track temperature changes closely.

How Data Loggers Help Logistics

Effective logistics management requires careful monitoring of environmental conditions to ensure that goods are stored and transported under optimal conditions. Data loggers offer a more reliable and cost-effective solution than traditional temperature monitoring methods.

They provide a continuous record of temperature and other environmental conditions, allowing for the quick identification of any issues. This data can then improve warehouse, storage and transportation processes.

Data loggers can work for long periods without manual interventions, providing a true representation of conditions over an extended period. Overall, data loggers offer a more effective solution for the warehousing, storage and transportation of goods.

Conclusion

A data logger is a tool that can be used to record the temperature of a product or a closed environment over time. Many food and pharmaceutical companies rely on data loggers to track temperature changes to maintain product quality and safety. They are more accurate than traditional temperature monitoring methods, making them essential for industries that require precise temperature data. Data loggers are cost-effective and reduce the risk of product loss due to temperature fluctuations.

Data loggers for temperature monitoring are available in a variety of configurations. Some data loggers are attached to a product, and others are placed inside the product. You should consider data loggers to track your warehouse’s product quality and storage temperature. As a result, your customers will receive the product in its best shape and condition.

3 Tips To Improve Your Business Operation

Sarah Cantley

October 29, 2022

Do you feel like your company is not running efficiently and you would like to optimize your business operations? You’re not the only one. Most businesses try to improve their operation to save time and costs, making the company run smoothly. Some companies hire operation managers to constantly keep track of changes in the field to apply to the company. However, there are plenty of things that you can implement yourself. In this article, you’ll read about what you can do to improve your business operation.

Planning Is Key

If your employees do not show up for their shift, it directly affects your business operation negatively. You cannot provide your client with good service or produce enough products if you are missing staff members with the right skills. Employees are often late or do not show up if there is a conflict between their personal and work schedules, which they cannot resolve. This often happens when there are children or a sick relative involved.

To make sure that the schedule fits your employees wishes and availability, simple E-rostering can be of great help. E-rostering is making a schedule by means of an online rostering program. These programs are very advanced and can be loaded with all sorts of information, such as staff’s working hours, availability and leave.

An online roster is available to view online, on any desktop, tablet or smartphone. In this way, the staff can always access their schedule and request changes if needed. The other staff is notified through the system if anything in their working hours changes. Besides, the system can contain important information, such as the employees’ birthday and employment anniversary date. Your HR-staff does not need to spend so much time on making a schedule and is always aware of important dates.

Review Your Business Plan

Most business owners who have a thriving business wouldn’t think about changing their winning formula. However, times change fast and new trends, developments, and even financial recessions are lurking around the corner. It is therefore very important to regularly review your business plan and make sure it is future proof.

Difficult situations can be avoided by reviewing your business plan at least once a year. Is your product still immensely popular? Great! But what happens if all of the sudden your product doesn’t sell anymore? Make a plan for different scenarios so that you can act quickly and save your business if one of those scenarios comes true.

Improve Your Relationship With Your Employees

Employees are the key factor of a successful business. Happy employees work hard and deliver great quality, whereas unhappy employees make mistakes, take lots of sick leave and have a negative impact on your operation. To keep your business healthy, it is important to keep your employees happy.

In order to keep your staff happy, it is important to give them a voice. Asking the employees what they would like to change about or add to the business is the first step. Your employees will feel heard and valued, and you have a good indication of what needs to change in the company.

The next step is to evaluate the feasibility of your employees’ wishes. Make an overview of the costs and see which plans are beneficial for the company and its employees. This could be very personal, such as more extracurricular activities, an in-house daycare or a training budget. It could also be a financial bonus based on performance or the option to work remotely.

What Is WISMO, And Why Is It Crucial For Your Business To Manage?

Sarah Cantley

October 27, 2022

Customer loyalty is a profoundly important part of growing a successful commerce business in the UK. Even as the market experiences a huge and continuing e-commerce boom, entrepreneurs in the field still need to provide value to their consumer demographic in order to properly compete. Which is where the term ‘WISMO’ enters the equation. What is it, and why is it so important?

What Is WISMO?

WISMO is an acronym for one of the most common customer complaints in commerce and logistics: “Where Is My Order?” The word WISMO is used as a term for inbound customer inquiries, this request can be received in many different ways such as emails, calls, SMS and many more.

However you manage your delivery and logistics, you remain responsible as business for the satisfaction of your customers – something that is true to your customers, at least, regardless of the terms relating to your delivery process. To clarify: even if you hire a third party to handle the logistics of last-mile product delivery, your customers will hold you largely responsible for the quality and outcome of said delivery.

As such, WISMO is a major aspect of e-commerce customer service, and one of the leading complaints with which customer service teams will deal on a day-to-day basis. But what are the tangible impacts of WISMO, and how can it be properly mitigated?

The Impact Of WISMO On Business

WISMO can have a number of consequences for the success of your business in the short and long term. For one, WISMO requests can choke up your customer support channels, especially if unforeseen issues or events delay a batch of deliveries.

Over time, customer WISMO requests can filter back to the customer base itself, in the form of poor reviews and word-of-mouth testimonials. This can weather your business’ reputation, and render you uncompetitive with other rival businesses in your industry.

Mitigating WISMO

One of the most effective ways to minimise the impact of WISMO on your business is to institute a same-day delivery policy – at the very least, as an premium option for last-mile delivery. Offering options for delivery places the answer to the question “where is my order?” this is one of the important cost factor and this will also break your brand name and reputations. The option for same-day delivery policy makes the choice not to receive the item immediately theirs alone, and mitigates the number of extraneous queries and requests coming through your support lines.

Alternatively, an active approach to customer communication can allay fears before they develop. Creating an email update system that notifies customers as their delivery meets specific stages or milestones can keep them in the loop automatically, while a dedicated line or webchat for delivery and logistics queries can be opened to separate out your customer service queries for ease.

Increasing UX During The Festive Period

Sarah Cantley

October 26, 2022

Are you currently planning on how to prepare your website for the festive period? This article will explain why your eCommerce site should have a high-quality user experience, especially during the lead-up to Christmas.

How User Experience Has Become Important

As the online world continues to dominate, UX is at the forefront of most eCommerce strategies. It focuses on understanding how your online customers interact with your brand or interface, and requires a deep insight into your customers’ habits, abilities and limitations.

Implementing successful UX practices on your platform will improve the quality of the user’s interaction with your website, enhancing their perceptions of your brand and the products and services you have to offer, increasing the likelihood of them choosing to convert.

A website that is hard to use, slow and poorly laid out will force visitors to look elsewhere. Not only does this cause a reduction in sales, but it allows users to believe the brand doesn’t care about user experience. Fulfilling the customer’s needs and creating a platform that’s easy to navigate provokes a loyal customer base and a positive experience.

Personalising Your eCommerce UX

Creating a personalised UX on your eCommerce site has become more important than ever, and users are now starting to expect it. Sites that lack a personalised experience for the customer could potentially lose out on sales.

Personalisation can increase customer loyalty as users enjoy a personalised and relevant shopping experience, potentially leading to an increase in average order value. When you tailor your offers according to the customer’s interests and preferences, you make them feel appreciated and show that you care about their choices.

If you are looking at the best ways to increase your UX and want to offer a more personalised solution, consider appointing the help of a specialist agency.

Ways To Create A Festive UX

Optimise Your Homepage

Populate your homepage with big, festive banners to celebrate the Christmas period. Highlight any festive deals you are running throughout this period so your customers can browse and make the most of what you have to offer.

Be Clear To Your Buyers

Create clear signposts on your website so your customers know how much to spend to qualify for free delivery, what discounts you’re offering and how to use them, and if items are in stock or not.

Create Gift Guides

Implementing additional content on your website is incredibly useful and can help your buyers decide exactly what it is they would like to purchase. Whether that be supporting blogs or gift guides that highlight your top products, be sure to include clear links to where your customers can access these extra resources.

Refresh Your Content

Content that doesn’t apply to the time of year can affect the user experience, especially if it is completely out of date. Refreshing your content to fit with the festive theme can encourage users to get into the Christmas spirit, increasing the desire to convert.

Optimise For Mobile

Optimising your website for mobile will help to reach a wider audience and maximise your sales. Customers are now looking for fast and convenient sites to use whilst on the go, so optimising your site where possible increases your brand reliability.

With your eCommerce user experience updated in time for Christmas, you are sure to see conversion rates increase this festive period.

A Quarter Of The UK Public Don’t Check Their Payslip – Here’s What You Could Be Missing

Sarah Cantley

October 26, 2022

Many of us are guilty of not checking our payslips, research by QuickBooks showed that 25% of the UK public don’t check them at all. Often, we will simply see that our wage has gone into our bank and not think about it again until the following payday, discarding our unopened payslips in the process. However, it’s important that we check our payslips more often than we currently do.

A big reason why we may not take much notice of our payslips could simply be because we don’t fully understand each element of them. Luckily, QuickBooks have created an interactive payslip which highlights all aspects of a standard UK payslip, detailing what each one means. It’s important to understand your payslip as it can help you better plan your personal finances.

How Often Should I Check My Payslip?

You should at least have a glance at your payslip every payday to ensure you’re being paid correctly, but there are other key times and situations when you should thoroughly check them:

At the start of each tax year (April) to ensure your tax code is correct.
If you’re receiving any form of statutory pay, such as sick pay or maternity pay.
Any changes within your financial circumstances (e.g., pay rises or commissions.)
If your pay varies each payday (e.g., if you are doing paid overtime.)

Do I Need To Keep My Payslips?

You’re not obligated to keep payslips, however, it is a good idea to do so.

If you encounter any issues or mistakes with your payslip, having old ones to hand can make the issue easier to identify. Also, payslips are often required by the bank when investing in certain products or services, such as getting a mortgage or a loan.

Payroll providers have to keep copies of employees’ payslips dating back three years. They are also obligated to keep P60s for at least 22 months after the end of a tax year. If you happen to misplace any of these, your employer can provide them for you if still within the time period.

What Do I Do If I Spot An Issue With My Payslip?

What you do about an issue on your payslip completely depends on what the issue is.

If the issue is to do with the amount that you have been paid, you should go directly to your manager or HR department. However, if the issue is to do with any statutory parts of your payslip, such as your National Insurance, student loan repayments, or tax codes, you should go directly to HMRC – your employer can’t help with this and are unable to contact HMRC on your behalf.

Be sure to address any payslip issues straight away so they can be resolved quickly and any further complications can be avoided.

What Is A Tax Code?

You will notice that your payslip has a tax code – this is a series of numbers and letters that shows how much tax-free pay you’re entitled to. For example, the most common tax code tends to be 1257L – this means that you’re earning £12,750 before tax, which applies to most people who have one job.

Tax codes can look different for several reasons, such as if you have multiple jobs, or claim marriage allowance, in which case you will see an M or N suffix.

What Is An Emergency Tax Code?

Emergency tax codes are often used by your employers if your tax code isn’t available, which usually happens when you start a new job or were formerly self-employed.

When you have an emergency tax code, it will be assumed that you’re entitled to the basic allowance of £12,750, but you’ll pay tax on all income above the basic allowance – this isn’t cumulative, it’s on a weekly or monthly basis. This means that if you’re entitled to any other relief or allowance, you might not receive this until the correct tax code is given to you by the tax office.

Emergency tax codes could look like any of the following: