Summers over, the kids are back and Christmas is coming!

An honest reality check from MD Jason Roper to open this months event.

With standing room only Septembers event was eagerly anticipated by members and guests.

Jason continued to open the event with an eye opening talk about the UKs growing Peer to Peer (P2P) lending market. With over 300 companies in the sector competition is tough.

Did you know that 88% of Commercial loan applications that are declined by High Street banks, 56% of these loan applications aren’t taken elsewhere?

This is purely down to businesses not knowing where to go, if this sounds like something you have experienced talk to one of our team today to see how we can help:

https://www.mpg-nw.com/contact.html

Our first guest speaker this month was Michelle Dale, VAT specialist and manager from MPG partner UHY Hacker Young.

Michelle started off with Making Tax Digital.

Making Tax Digital is a key part of the government’s plans to make it easier for individuals and businesses to get their tax right and keep on top of their affairs - meaning the end of the annual tax return for millions.

Michelle explained that over £11.4 Billion is lost each year through avoidable errors and fraud.

There are exemptions from the rules however these are few and far between!

Businesses will not be mandated to use the Making Tax Digital for Business system until April 2019 and then only to meet their VAT obligations. This will apply to businesses who have a turnover above the VAT threshold - £85,000 per 12 month rolling period. Smaller businesses will not be required to use the system, although they can choose to do so voluntarily.

If you would like to hear how UHY Hacker Young can help you and your business contact Michelle today:

https://www.uhy-uk.com/uhy-people/michelle-dale/
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Michelle Dale of UHY Hacker Young

Up next was our 2nd guest speaker Pavitar Mann, Head of Local and Devolved Government at Newington.

Pavitar has worked as a political consultant for over six years and specialises in the planning, development and devolution sectors with a focus on mixed-use schemes, the private rented sector and education. 

And that’s not all boasting an impressive CV Pavitar is also a Labour councillor having been elected for her third term in 2015.

Pavitar spoke intelligently about the political impact of building schemes across the country and although the Government definitely wants development it is dependent on how local councils, who have a high level of autonomy, apply the national plans and policies.

Each council has a planning committee which is made up with various individuals who may or may not have much experience in the sector and depending on who has political control the composition of the committee and its goals can change quite considerably.

Given the above we are advised to try not to submit planning applications around election time if possible.

‘Political Intelligence is your friend!’

If you want to hear more from Pavitar about how Newingtons can help your business get in contact today:

http://newingtoncomms.co.uk/contact-us

Followed by a Q&A this months event concluded with our prize draw!

This month winners were guests:

Paul O’Shea who chose the meal for two at Alberts Chop House

Dean Gormley who took home the bottle of Champagne

Our next event is set for 04/10 where we will hear from MPG Partner Fiona McKay and Becky Shindler The Pankhurst Trust.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Sign up now to avoid disappointment!

https://www.mpg-nw.com/membership.html

Author Sarah Peel, Marketing Director