Networks of trust
Interpersonal relationships have been critical to the success of the life sciences sector, and there are lessons in this for business generally, says Robert Outram
Beyond a joke
Robert Kerr argues that equalities legislation not only threatens to outlaw humour in the workplace, but also could leave employers faced with a mountain of red tape
Building a professional community
Alan Thomson explains the thinking and values behind the ICAS strategic plan “Connecting members and enabling discussion, and the sharing of expertise in a supportive professional environment, must be a key aim for this Institute”
Fishy business as state bears the brunt of fraud
UK fraudsters are all at sea for record-breaking year
Taxpayers hit with more demands for underpayments
HMRC approach described as "sympathetic"
Two banks fined for mishandled complaints
RBS and NatWest rapped over speed and thoroughness of complaints procedure
Prince urges green accounting push
Government and businesses risk presiding over “the greatest accounting failure the world has ever seen”
Quango cull botched says MPs’ committee
£1bn savings claim "probably exaggerated"
Resilience of financial services continues
Survey reveals a happy ending to 2010 for industry
HMRC investigation work doubles yields
Taxman learns to do more with less
Scott-Moncrieff acquires corporate recovery practice
Firm doubles existing CR team in major expansion
SNP MP attacks insolvency fee rates
Calls for investigation into "gravy train"
Levies, bonus taxes and FATs
The Government is dead set on relieving the banks of their small change, says Angus McCrone, and there may be more taxes to come
Movers and shakers
All the latest hot moves
Office Auntie - Unpalatable advice
Auntie responds to one reader whose help is often seen as a hinderance
Travel: In Glasgow
Comedy and the comforts of home
Mixed outlook for business travel
"Flying on business" report gives industry food for thought
Get closer
Air New Zealand embraces "cuddle class"
Gadgets: Sony Ericsson Xperia arc
Plus: Intercontinental's new iPad app
Finding funding
The life sciences sector is seen by many as one of the most promising in the Scottish economy. CA Magazine and leading law firm Biggart Baillie LLP brought together a panel of business experts, funders and advisers involved with the sector to discuss its potential growth and international impact.
The appliance of science
Anthony Harrington finds that while the challenges facing Scotland’s life sciences sector are great, so is the industry’s potential
Life sciences and the law
Colin Miller reviews legal developments in the world of life sciences and biotechnology
Interview: Stuart Patrick
As chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, CA Stuart Patrick is on a mission to help regenerate the city and bolster the local economy in the face of public sector spending cuts
In need of a lifeline
Life for charities on the front line of the “Big Society” is set to get tough in 2011, reports Richard Croasdale
Charities: Is VAT a cost or an opportunity?
Alan Davis explains how one charity found that a fresh approach to VAT can pay dividends
Charities: In business they trust...
The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust gives ventures a boost, with help
Surviving the perfect storm
How to maximise the return for donations received is a key question for charities, and David Thomson sets out his approach to investment for the voluntary sector
Good as gold
Exchange traded funds have been growing in popularity due, in part, to low charges, but in some cases they could lead to distortions in the marketplace, writes Martin Morris
Silver lining
As Guy Clapperton explains, cloud computing and virtual infrastructures can not only reduce costs but also increase data security
Spring clean before the tax man gets his broom out
PwC sets out and end-of-tax-year checklist
VAT rise to lighten the deficit
Helping the UK to shed a few pounds
No more rabbits in Osborne’s hat?
For once we have no need for a crystal ball to predict spring Budget tax changes
Pensions changes now and in future
Changes in the taxation of pension benefits will see reduced limits for high earners, while the Government is set to look to the Consumer Price Index for future increases
They said WHAT?
Keith Irwin presents a rundown of some of the worst human resources mistakes of last year, but warns that even the best employer has no excuse for complacency
FRC outlines principles for better dialogue
Watchdog looks to improve communication and reduce "clutter" in annual reports
FRC consults on its priorities and funding
Comments invited on 2011/12 Plan and Levy Proposales
New pension guidance published
A busy month for The Pensions Regulator
Law on judicial factors comes under scrutiny
Comments and suggestions due by April
UK and US audit regulators agree co-operation deal
Transatlantic audit information swap
Auditors face restructuring services ban
APB unveils planned restrictions to shore up confidence
FRC hits the road for views on boardroom risk
Update of Turnbull guidance may be on the cards
Balancing act
Sonja Gallhofer and Catriona Paisey preview the results of their research project Women’s Voices: Work – life balance of female Scottish chartered accountants
No more back handers
As the Bribery Act 2010 comes on stream, everything from corporate hospitality to business flights fall under the legal spotlight. Ken McManus looks at the potential pitfalls the legislation could bring to organisations during their day-to-day operations
Professional in purpose
The ICAS strategy document, Building a Professional Community, outlines the Institute’s objectives, vision and sense of purpose. Chief executive Anton Colella talks to Robert Outram about the thinking that underpins the document
Ahmad Siddiqui admits liability
Siddiqui admits to having failed to adhere to fundamental principles
Brendan Nelson nominated as Vice-President of ICAS
Nelson will succeed Sir David Tweedie in 2013
Charlie Clark: an appreciation
In memoriam
Making our voice heard
Paul Provan takes a look at the activities of the ICAS Business Policy Committee over the past year
Minutes of the Institute’s Special General Meeting
A Special General Meeting was held on 39 October 2010 at CA House, 21 Haymarket Yards, Edinburgh. Minutes of the meeting are as follows:
Obituary
In memoriam
SMEs get more time to comply with Bribery Act
ICAS welcomes reassessment of rapid introduction