Quite a lot of my colleagues were of this opinion which was re-assuring.  So often I see people being sent off on a course and the back end process is totally missing.  By that I mean:

This can also apply to internal training sessions such as auditors. On my course I get delegates to sit an exam after going through the 'theory' then get them to shadow me doing one of their audits.  Finally I get them to do three on their own but submit the documentation to me before declaring them 'competent'.

Needless to say, working on their own QMS and actually doing audits from their schedule has its advantages provided you are only interested in doing internal audits.  Remember though, If you wish to do auditing as a living then that would be better served by an IRCA approved course.

Finally, you can even work your training system through your skills matrix by declaring different levels such as 'Trained', 'Work Supervised', Work Unsupervised' then 'Able to Train'.

Your staff are important so train them properly - then get out of their way!

A fair question and very much in keeping with this issue.  As Rohan Chandran points out in this article there have been so many 'recipes for success' that another won't hurt. As I see it, one of the most common grumbles around a company that I hear would be the lack of direction or commitment from the top - especially on 9001.

That apart, here are some neat ideas that might stimulate you into action if you run a business or that you could add to the old toolkit if you are advising same.

Good to see the HMRC making use of webinars to get their messages across and that they are proving popular.  Susan Brierley has sent me details of their next set which take place on April 12th.

Just click the link below if you see them being relevant:

Self-Employment and HMRC - what you need to know.

10am to 11am 

This session concentrates on the information sole traders or partnerships need when they start. It covers Registration, National Insurance, Self-Assessment and Record Keeping.

Self-Employment & HMRC - What You Need To Know

 

Company Directors - your responsibilities to HMRC

12pm to 1pm

This is aimed at those businesses considering setting up as limited companies. It provides the basics on incorporation and registration with Companies House and HMRC. It also looks at when you need to be an employer, and the timetable for Corporation Tax Online.

Company Directors - Your Responsibilities to HMRC

 

Business Expenses for the self-employed

2pm to 3pm 

Every sole trader or partnership wants to know which day-to-day expenses they are able to claim for tax relief. They also need to start keeping records of these as soon as the business starts. This webinar provides an overview of the most common expenses including motoring costs.

Business Expenses For The Self-Employed 

 

Cash Basis & Simplified Expenses

4pm to 5pm 

From April 2013 HMRC introduced two new Simpler Income Tax schemes for small businesses. These could affect the way you complete your 2013-2014 Tax Return. Find out what cash basis is, how it works and who can use it. The webinar will also cover simplified expenses and the appropriate records required. It is aimed at Sole Traders and Ordinary Partnerships and is not suitable for directors of limited companies.

Cash Basis & Simplified Expenses 

I am sure, you like me, would see this as being rather important.  As with most aspects of business you need a strategy so that you remain focused on the job in hand.  Find out what works for you then stick to it and pass it on to colleagues so that it becomes part of your company culture.

I found what Stephen Archer had to say here as being both refreshing and edgy as some of his ideas may push you out of your comfort zone - sack a few customers for instance!  See what you think.

In this issue:

Trailer for my talk that helps you raise your profile as a Business Professional

  

Tuesday April 1st

The King's Fund

11 - 13 Cavendish Square

London

W1G 0AN

Registration

Financial services for SMEs

National and Regional networking portal to promote your business and group events

Local events near to your area

All sorts of help for SMEs

A comprehensive site to make those all important financial checks on a customer or supplier before you start to trade with them