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Articles by Colin Boxall
Apprentices: A Payroll Perspective
Apprentices: A Payroll Perspective Our Northern Payroll Manager, Lisa Wichlacz, then looks at the practical financial implications and benefits including the Apprenticeship Levy rates. Apprenticeships are now becoming a practical and important route in many different careers as they combine practical training along with study leave so candidates can be easily ready for the world of work when they complete these courses.
Apprentices: An HR Perspective
With apprenticeships becoming an election issue we have two articles this week, both from an HR and a Payroll perspective. The first article from advo HR Consultant, Sam Brown, who outlines what employers need to know about apprenticeships and how this can be an ideal way of introducing new talent into an organisation.
advo finalists in four categories at the 2024 Health & Protection Awards
We are incredibly proud of our Employee Benefit’s teams in securing four finalist places at the upcoming Health & Protection Awards. advo are finalists in: #1. Best Group Health Insurance Advice Firm #2. Best Health Insurance Adviser (An award for individual advisers) – Luc Genest, Advo Group #3. Best Sales & Retention Advice Team – Both the advisory and support teams #4. Outstanding Newcomer Award – Joseph Foord, Advo Group Fantastic achievement once again to a highly talented group of individuals.
The Importance of Annual Leave
Holiday season is fast approaching, and your employees may be looking forward to their holidays, whether this is abroad or a ‘staycation’. The school summer holidays also mean that some employees may wish to take holiday in this peak season! The careful management of holiday is important as employers wish to ensure that there continues to be adequate cover for operational purposes.
Importance of Preventative Skin Cancer Screening
As May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month we are shining a light on the critical importance of preventative skin cancer screening in saving lives. With skin cancer rates on the rise globally, early detection through regular screenings has emerged as a powerful tool in combating this potentially deadly disease. According to Cancer Research UK, skin cancer diagnosis reached 17,500 cases in 2023, the highest rate since records began.
Outsourcing Your HR: Full HR Support is within the grasp of all SMEs
Human Resources is a business fundamental, but can often seem out of reach of SMEs, however, this is not the case. Often the role of HR can be undervalued and misunderstood by business owners. It’s much more than keeping on the right side of employment law, it’s getting the best out of people. The people in your business are your most valuable asset and can make all the difference to the smooth running and profitability of the organisation.
P11Ds: To Payroll or to Submit?
A new Tax Year brings in a new set of HMRC reporting deadlines; the next big deadline being Employee Benefit P11D submissions. Workplace benefits are a popular way to attract employees, seen in the increase of Employers offering benefits such as medical, dental and risk policies to their staff, in order to attract and retain good people.
Give your Staff Benefits a Boost
If you are looking to promote your Wellbeing offering to staff? Look no further! advo’s tailored presentations, benefit fairs, and drop-in clinics are designed just for you. Onsite or Virtual Presentations: Ensure your workforce understand the benefits available to them and any important changes or updates to cover. Whether it’s an in-person presentation or a virtual gathering, advo’s team of Advisers, together with Provider Partners, can deliver tailored information in a format that works for you.
Elevate Your Employee Benefits' Experience
World Health Day was the April 7th this year and so with the new tax year and for many organisations a new trading year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we can prioritise employee wellbeing via the benefits you already have in place and/or are looking to offer to your staff. Through advo’s Employee Benefits Team, you can take your benefits package to the next level, offering a range of services to support employees across physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
Payroll Changes for 2024/2025: A Quick Guide
The new tax year starts on 6 April 2024, just a few days’ time, which brings changes to a range of payroll legislation and rate changes. Here is a quick guide, a reminder and a check list. As this is an overview more detail is available if you reach out to your advo account manager. Starting with Personal Tax Allowances and Tax Brackets, the personal allowance (sometimes called the tax-free allowance), remains the same as previous tax year, £12,570.
Legislation Changes Again: An Employer's Guide
Lots of changes this year in employee legislation with new rules, new ways of doing things and new rates that must be used. Alison Gill. advo’s Head of HR has compiled a summary of all businesses need to know about the 21024 changes. In the words of David Bowie, it’s all about ch-ch-ch-changes. Lots of new legislation in HR that employers need to be aware of.
advo are Finalists for Corporate Adviser Firm of the Year
advo are incredibly honoured be once again singled out by our peers to be one of the finalists for 2024’s Corporate Adviser Firm of the Year. Our Employee Benefits Teams had a great year for recognition from our industry last year, culminating in Adviser Firm of the Year. We are off to a good start again this year as finalists in the top category of these awards. We will let you know how we get on, but it won’t be for a while as winners are announced at the end of June.
It's No April Fool
It’s No April Fool – Changes to Bank Holidays Some businesses have a holiday year for their employees which run from 1st April – 31st March and this year is a ‘Double Easter’. If you recognise bank holidays as fixed holidays for your employees, i.e. employees are not required to work on a bank holiday, the timing of Easter this year, means you will potentially be awarding an extra day of leave in the 2023/ 2024 holiday year, but there will be a potential shortfall in 24/25. So how does this work?
Payroll Perspective: Being 'In Kind' with Staff Benefits
In a company your employees are your most valuable asset and it is important as an employer to make sure they feel appreciated for all that they do. There are many ways you can show appreciation to employees whether by monetary rewards, gifts or social events.
Celebrating Your Employees: The Heart of Your Organisation
‘Employee Appreciation Day’ was the beginning of March and presented a perfect opportunity for all employers to recognise their teams for working hard and their valued contribution to your business. We believe a day, although a positive step to give focus, is insufficient to highlight the amazing work all of your employees. It doesn’t matter what role they perform; everyone has a part of your operation, everyone a cog in your machine.
Your Staff Benefits: Reward, Support & Recognise
Your Staff Benefits: Reward, Support & Recognise Employee Appreciation Day at the beginning of this month was a great time to recognise the hard work and dedication of employees behind the success of our businesses. But don’t forget it should last all year, every year, not just one day! At advo, we understand the importance of valuing our employees everyday and aim to allow our clients to do the same too.
Leap Year: A guide to this months’ “extra day”
advo HR Consultant, Sam Brown, guides employers on what they need to know about this months’ “extra day”. Sam Brown, advo HR Consultant. It only happens once every four years but what should employers know about “leap day”? Started by Julias Caesar in 45 BCE it has evolved over time to mean that once, every 4 years, we get an extra day in February on our calendars, the 29th. The intention is to keep the calendar and seasons in sync each year.
Exploring Eligibility for Family in Employee Benefits
Lucy Irvine, advo’s Head of Employee Benefits, gives an overview at the increasing trend of including family members on staff benefit packages. In a significant shift toward fostering a more inclusive and family-friendly work environment, companies are increasingly examining the feasibility of extending employee benefits to include family members. This move is seen as a response to the evolving dynamics of the modern workplace and a recognition of the importance of work-life balance.
Closer look at Work Relationships
Closer look at Work Relationships advo HR Adviser, Louise Herring, takes a closer look at issues that can occur with relationships at work, the positives and areas that could lead to concern.
Payroll Changes: Need to Knows
Are you ready for the 2024/25 Tax Year? With the new tax year fast approaching we highlight the HMRC changes that employers need on their radar. It doesn’t seem long ago that we were ringing in the New Year and now we are fast heading towards a new tax year, which brings with it new statutory rates, submission deadlines and year end tasks that need to be completed.
advo's 'Time Capsule' Sauna gets Grade II Listing
There has been a bit of a press frenzy about a wooden shack on advo’s Cobdown House Estate. The shack, a piece of Olympic history, a sauna donated by the Finnish Government to the UK after the 1948 Olympics. The sauna’s unique status as the oldest in the UK has been grated Grade II listing, an event that prompted TV & radio & press to visit. There has been considerable interest due to the original features and excellent preservation creating a ‘time capsule’ back to the late 1940s.
Blue Monday and Motivating Employees
It is important to realise that some employees may not be as upbeat and motivated with a return to work. Mid-January is recognised as ‘Blue Monday’. Enclosed is a useful article from advo’s Head of HR, Alison Gill, aiming to help improve awareness and motivation. Blue Monday, which falls this year on today, Monday 15th January 2024, is known as the most ‘depressing’ day of the year.
Health Screenings - The Right way to Start 2024
Health Screenings – The Right way to Start 2024 Ellie Sultana, advo’s Employee Benefit Manager, reminds us that we should be investing in our own health and that of our staff too. As 2024 begins, this is the perfect opportunity to kickstart the year by investing in the health and wellbeing of your employees, your most valuable asset to the business.
Client Testimonial: advo's HR & Payroll Services
Client Testimonial: advo’s HR & Payroll Services A big thank you to our wonderful client, Mamuśka and their founder, Ian Coll, for posting such a great testimonial for our HR & payroll services. “One supplier that comes to mind to me… is advo, … They have been invaluable and I highly recommend them… check them out…” Take a look: https://aol.advogroup.co.uk/movies/Mamuska_into.mp4
Lucy Pearce becomes advo Shareholding Director
It is with great pleasure that we announce that Lucy Pearce has become a Shareholding Director, joining Larry Bulmer, Colin Boxall and Chris McCracken as both Directors and owners of advo.
New ADVOCATE Magazine
Catch up with our Winter Advocate Magazine here. All the latest advo news and views, including advo voted the UK’s Advisory Firm of the Year. Don’t miss our special feature; How an advo client is driving staff engagement through CSR. You can read the latest ADVOCATE here. You can read past issues here.
Unwrap Some Peace of Mind This Christmas with Travel Insurance
Unwrap Some Peace of Mind This Christmas with Travel Insurance Christmas is also a big holiday ‘get away’ for many. With this in mind we include a reminder of why a good travel policy is the best present you can give yourself if travelling. As the holiday season approaches, we understand the excitement and anticipation that comes with planning festive getaways. While the focus is often on the joy of travel, it’s equally important to ensure your journey is worry-free.
How advo-one helps with staff engagement
Take a look at advo’s news video explaining how advo-one helps with staff engagement, allowing SMEs to reward, pay & manage their people on a par with PLCs. Click here. to view the video.
advo 'ONE' Award Winners
advo’s 2023 ‘ONE’ Awards took place at our end of year black-tie gala dinner where those who colleagues believe are our ‘best of the best’ were recognised. The advo ‘Oscars’ are a long-standing tradition allowing all our Advonians the chance to recognise those of us who have gone above and beyond throughout the year, supporting colleagues and helping to take advo forward.
Your Christmas Parties
It’s that time of year when work festivities begin, and the work Christmas party is often the highlight of the year.
A Father's Statutory Rights
Employees in the workplace are entitled to an array of leave when becoming a parent.
Health & Wellbeing issues for Men
International Men’s Day is celebrated on 19th November every year in around 80 countries around the world. It’s an event that highlights the importance of addressing the challenges faced by men and boys around a wide range of subjects. International Men’s Day encourages men to priorities their physical and mental health by seeking advice and support where needed.
Male Workplace Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment against women in the workplace is often spoken about but this type of behaviour towards male employees is becoming increasingly reported. Men in the workplace may be hesitant to report sexual harassment out of fear of not being taken seriously or ridiculed, however this does not mean to say that it is not happening! Sexual harassment can be intended, or unintended, unwanted behaviour, and is often based upon how an individual perceives a situation.
Partnering with 'Lottie'; Business Eldercare Solution
advo are pleased to announce a new partnership with Seniorcare by Lottie, the UK’s leading Eldercare employee wellbeing solution. Seniorcare by Lottie helps UK organisations support their employees to understand, find and fund care for their elderly loved ones. Sounds interesting, how does it work? Seniorcare by Lottie is an employer paid benefit, providing a bespoke digital portal to all of their partners.
It's All About Your Age
When managing pay and benefits for your staff, while navigating legislation, it’s often all about your age. The statutory regulations, retirement planning, the amount you have to pay and the money you receive revolves around how old you are. Here we look at nine considerations for UK payrolls and HR professionals and how and why age matters: 1.
Age-Related 'Banter' - advo-one
In July 2023, 25-year-old Keir Mather, was elected as Labour MP for Selby & Ainsty and became the youngest member in the House of Commons. The fact that Keir Mather is the youngest MP has prompted the use of terms of baby faced and an inbetweener. These are headlines that remind us of age discrimination, and age discrimination is described as being one of the most common forms of unfair treatment at work.
How No1 Lounges focused on CSR to drive employee engagement
COVID was devastating for many businesses, and the travel and aviation sector was not exempt from this. No1 Lounges has had an incredible journey over the last few years, they are a nationwide business providing premium airport lounge services, offering travellers a comfortable upscale environment to relax, dine and access various amenities, while waiting for their flights.
advo is UK's #1 Advisory Firm
advo may be in their 26th year, but things just keep getting better. At the 2023 Health & Protection Awards, our industry’s ‘Oscars’, advo was named as the UK’s Advice Firm of the Year. The winners of the UK Health & Protection Awards 2023 were announced at a black-tie ceremony at the London Hilton Park Lane where more than 750 industry leaders from both insurers and advisers gathered to celebrate and recognise the industry’s ‘best of the best’.
Recognition From Our Peers
Recognition From Our Peers We are looking forward to the Health & Protection Awards this Weds at London’s Park Lane Hilton, where in our industry’s ‘Oscars’ advo are finalists in six categories.
COVID: It has not gone away!
COVID: It has not gone away! We may not be talking so much about COVID in our day-to-day lives, but it does not mean it has gone away. The Government is rolling out its Covid and flu vaccination scheme a month earlier than planned this year, and as autumn approaches, now is a good opportunity to review the position on managing COVID and other infectious viruses in the workplace.
When as the last time you checked your employment contracts and policies were up to date?
When did you last review your employee contracts and policies? Much has happened in the last year in terms of legislation and employment law so it’s never been a better time to review what’s in place. advo hr gives some reminders and some practical advice. We understand that most employers will always want to do the right thing and ensure that all employee documentation is up to date.
advo finalists in the 2023 Cover Excellence Awards
advo are finalists in in the prestigious Cover Excellence Awards. advo has again been highlighted as one of the UK’s employee benefit advisory champions after being named as finalists in the ‘Employee Benefits Intermediary of the Year’ category for our approach to employee engagement, health and wellbeing, an accolade we have been fortunate to have won a number of times in the past. In addition, advo are recognised as a finalist in the category of Health Intermediary of the Year.
Outsourcing your HR
Human Resources is a business fundamental, but can often seem out of reach of SMEs. The people in your business are your most valuable asset and can make all the difference to the smooth running and profitability of the organisation. The everyday activity of running a business can, however, make it hard to manage, and so, get the best out of employees on an individual basis.
A year in the life of an advo Employee Benefit Client
A year in the life of an advo Employee Benefit Client What is the life in the year of an advo employee benefit client like? advo’s Head of Employee benefits, Lucy Irvine, gives an insight. A common practice amongst insurance brokering is a once-a-year ‘pit stop’, servicing the client at renewal. At advo we pride ourselves on ensuring our client management extends far beyond any renewal .
Our Top 10 reasons you must have a company cash plan
Our Top 10 reasons you must have a company cash plan Cash plans are a popular benefit with both employers and employees. The wide array of benefits allow employees to claim money back against their everyday health care costs. The need for cash plans has become more important with the cost-of-living crisis however there are lots of reasons why having a cash plan is a great idea. Here is our top ten… (1).
When to Suspend - advo-one
advo’s Head of HR, Alison Gill, gives an important reminder and a warning. Changes in case law mean changes to how organisations must approach breaches on employee behaviour. “When I commenced my career in HR many years ago and when it was called Personnel, if there was any allegation of any serious misdemeanour that may have been gross misconduct, the advice was always to suspend the ‘accused’ employee immediately. This has been the case for many, many years.
advo's 'Forever' Head Office
Cobdown House sits behind playing fields in Ditton, Kent. This will be advo’s Head office from the 11th September 2023. This is our ‘Forever home’, a site that has huge potential. advo is working with architects to get better understanding of it’s potential and how to make the best use . A considerable amount of work has already been undertaken on the infrastructure, allowing the site to support our technology-based company.
advo Payroll: It’s the differences that make us different
Its National Payroll Week! Aside from celebrating our fantastic team it’s the ideal time to also sum up what makes our service different. Payroll processing and payroll advising are two very different services. It’s often a stumbling block which businesses come upon when choosing who to outsource their payroll to. With many options on the market, both software and human based, the ‘nuts and bolts’ of what’s included can often get confusing.
Head Office Move: The Countdown has begun
The countdown for our move from advo House to our new home, Cobdown House, has begun with the move all completed by mid-September. This has been an enormous undertaking, modernising communication links, moving all our infrastructure and people. This is a big investment by advo into our future growth plans with Cobdown House our ‘forever’ Head Office.
Latest ADVOCATE now available to read online
The latest edition of ADVOCATE is now available to read online. In this issue we again have a wide range of SME people essentials. Our cover story shows how smaller companies can compete with PLCs for online staff portals. There is also focus on international PMI changes and travel insurance as an employee benefit and this year’s fast approaching flu season.
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