Understanding the entrepreneurial personality
New research from Barclays has analysed the psychometric profiles of more than 2,000 entrepreneurs and found that there are two key personality types. One (Type A) is artistic, well-organised, highly competitive and emotionally stable; the other (Type B) tends to be traditional, conservative, disorganised, spontaneous and focused on team-working. The survey also found that while female entrepreneurs are more modest, they are also more ambitious than their male counterparts. The research was conducted by the University of Cambridge Psychometrics Centre.
Cost of labour is "red herring" in immigration debate says IoD
Simon Walker, director general of the Institute of Directors, has described Government proposals to increase the cost of visas as "a tax on employing people from abroad". He said: "Business cannot have a deaf ear to the public's concerns on immigration. However, focusing on the supposedly lower cost of migrant labour is a red herring. Among the 50% of IoD members who hire from abroad, just 4% say that the cost of labour has anything to do with it. The fundamental concern is about finding people with the skills needed by employers."
The rise of "password rage"
A third of us are driven to screaming, banging our heads on the desk, swearing and even crying when we can't remember online passwords, according to a poll by Centrify. The findings reveal that users are becoming increasingly frustrated with trying to remember different passwords to access online accounts, with 25% saying they forget their password at least once a day. Only 22% of respondents said they never forgot their passwords. The survey also found that 42% of us create a new online account profile every week.
HMRC urges contractors and freelancers to settle tax bills
Contractors and freelancers have until the end of June to register for the Contractor Loans Settlement Opportunity (CLSO), HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced. Contractor Loans schemes were promoted on the basis that they allowed contractors and freelancers to convert fees for working in the UK into a loan to avoid tax. However, the Courts decided that these loans were taxable. Launched in July 2014, the Settlement Opportunity gives those who used Contractor Loans Schemes before April 2011 the opportunity to resolve their tax dispute without the expense, delay and worry of potential litigation. Customers can register via a dedicated helpline on 03000 534226.