CA Magazine
August 2010
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Are banks to blame?
With economic forecasters and FDs predicting a few more dark clouds on the horizon, how much of this negativity can be traced back to the banking industry, asks Robert Outram
The Comeback Country
Scott-Moncrieff partner Gareth Magee recently visited the US operations of technology clients, which led him to consider the contrasting business styles on either side of the Atlantic
Opportunity knocks for FDs
Alan Thomson sets out his reasons for believing that more finance directors may make the move to the company chairman’s role
Inspectors call on auditors to sharpen up their act
AIU backs calls for auditors to raise the standard of their work
Lords to investigate Big Four’s hold on the market
Economic Affairs Committee to ask whether big four "domination" stifles competition
Watchdog in sale talks with firms
Audit Commission discusses partial sale to private businesses
Disciplinary body aims "to increase transparency"
AADB consults on rule change
Warning on over-regulating takeovers
ICAS warns on Takeover Panel's regulatory proposal
Insolvency profession welcome trust deeds report
Industry hails Scottish Government's move to regulate PTDs
Letters: The last word
Views from the CA Magazine readership
Movers and shakers
All the latest hot moves
Travel: Paris
The Paris Chocolate Show. Do you really need to know any more?
Bitter Medicine: Financial Directors survey 2010
Our survey of finance directors reveals a shift from slashing costs to carefully positioning for an advantage when the recovery comes, writes Richard Croasdale
Financial directors who's who
CAs in top financial roles across industries and sectors
Interview: Secure by design
Expansion brought architectural firm SMC Group to the brink, but from it arose Archial, with chief financial officer John Taylor now ‘keeping the numbers in decent shape’
Cover story: Room for growth?
Hotel operators, financiers, developers and others involved with the sector talk about this key industry. As Robert Outram reports, despite a tough couple of years, the industry is still upbeat
Power without control
The combination of powerful desktop PCs and readily available spreadsheet packages is a tempting option for financial modelling, but as Robert Li warns, a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing
Taking a bite...
Franchising is a proven model, but there are a few traps to look out for, says Anthony Harrington
Storming success
Venture capital house Scottish Equity Partners may have eyes trained across Europe for opportunities, but it is still passionate about creating a more dynamic economy in Scotland, Robert Outram reports
Investing in the future
Stephen Quaile suggests some key tips on financing private and university education
The state of independents
Few sectors have escaped the effects of the recession, but as Tim Power reports, Scotland’s private schools are learning lessons from recent events – and looking ahead to a bright future
Independent body aims to simplify tax
New office's initial remit aims to help ease the burden on small businesses
VAT implications for employee benefit
ECJ case could lead to significant costs
Here is the nudes...
Are clothes necessary for reading the TV news?
Tax consultations begin
Holiday lettings, pensions, PAYE and associated company rules are all in the Treasury spotlight
Debt collectors appointed by HMRC to chase £140 million
Tax mans signs up four agencies
Government announces intention to review IR35
Key employment status rules set for change as HMRC suffers tribunal defeat
Full speed ahead
Should the accountancy profession applaud the fast pace of reform being pushed through by the IASB and FASB?
Fresh guidance on non-audit services
Auditors speak out against restrictions on non-audit services
New powers proposed for Bank of England
Prudential regulation to be added to Bank's remit
Carbon accounting regulations published
Groundwork laid for tracking carbon units
Stand up and be counted
Paul Proven highlights some key points in the new stewardship code for institutional investors
Hearts and minds
Julie Morgan asks: how can you make sure that ethics live in your organisation?
Takeover curbs are not so sweet
Paul Provan sets out the ICAS response to proposals for a new approach to the rules governing takeover bids for UK-based companies
All things being equal
Kenny Scott highlights five key issues for business arising from the Equality Act, which is set to come into force very shortly
The end of the tax return paper trail
The tax return is in the post? Not any more.
The middle way
Alternatives to courtroom confrontations grow in popularity
Essential reading
Failing to keep up on developments in the charitable sector could be a big mistake
Simplifying your annual PC renewal
Click if you want to go faster
Obituaries
In memoriam
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