Two new Business Information Hubs launched by the government

Director Information Hub

The Insolvency Service has launched a new online information hub to support company directors. The hub hosts guidance and information on a range of business themes commonly faced by companies and aims to help company directors to push their business forward by being more aware of potential pitfalls.

It is specifically designed for directors of micro, small, and medium-size limited companies, although it will also be useful to others.

Examples of the kind of advice available on the information hub include:

• understanding company finances, director duties and obligations;
• how to recognise early warning signs of financial distress; and
• how and when limited company debts can become personal debts.

The new information hub was developed after Insolvency Service research found that company directors wanted a single online hub to host clear and concise guidance, with signposts to more detailed guidance and support where needed. As well as direct research with company directors, the project also worked closely with teams in HMRC and Companies House, business finance specialists at Royal Bank of Scotland, and business groups including The Directors Helpline, the Institute for Turnaround (IFT), the Institute for Directors (IoD), and the Federation of Small Business (FSB) amongst others.

Access the Director Information Hub here: Director information hub – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 

Midlife MOT website

A new online Midlife MOT has been launched to help older workers with financial planning, health guidance, and to assess what their skills mean for their careers and futures.

The free Midlife MOT website encourages people to review their skills and help to break down barriers to the labour market. It brings together trusted services, help such as a jobseeker toolkit, and charity resources. It will allow people to identify job opportunities across the UK as well as better preparing them for later life and their retirement.

The website signposts to key organisations and charities, including the NHS, Mind, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice, and the Department for Work and Pension’s (DWP) find a job portal.

As part of this, MoneyHelper has created a financial tool which will provide a personalised report to help people understand what to prioritise to improve their financial position, from now through to retirement.

Access the Midlife MOT Hub here: Check the status of your work, health and money – Midlife MOT (jobhelp.campaign.gov.uk)