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The Journal Thursday December 5, 2013 51
NDJ-E01-S2
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Dithering over projects damages the economy I’M WONDERING if I have developed powers of prophecy, writes Robert Zarywacz. The other week Mrs Z asked my opinion on the Atlantic Array and I said I didn’t think it would ever happen, so I wasn’t surprised to hear it had been scrapped. There’s quite a few other projects I don’t think will ever happen, but perhaps it’s not prophecy but understanding of the culture of dithering that engulfs most major developments proposed in this country. I feel it’s the right decision that the Array is not being built
because I suspect that by the time it would have been constructed the technology would have been obsolete and the wind energy fad would have petered out. We’ve been warned for well over a decade about the need for new power generating capabilities and if we’d acted earlier perhaps a coherent programme would have already been completed. While in this case it was a private company that wasted millions on the project, it has still wasted the time – and money – of many people and businesses. I went to several
events about the array and realise that if I could charge for all the time spent at consultations and meetings of this kind I’d never have to buy another Euromillions ticket. So much time is spent dithering over projects from superfast broadband to new high-speed rail links, road improvement schemes, airport capacity, house-building programmes and more. Dithering is so damaging as it either wastes time on projects that don’t go ahead or pushes up the cost of those that do. I’m not necessarily in favour
every development, which shows my age, but realise that millions of people want to live a 21st century lifestyle. What we do need is a fast, fair and proper process to consider arguments for and against a project, followed by a definite, unbiased and swift decision. This would cut out the endless consultations, which still don’t seem to be taken into account, as well as the waste of businesses’ time and the damaging uncertainty. What a prosperous, efficient world we would live in. My prophecy is that we won’t ever see it.
Tax cheats who reclaim VAT targeted for fraud TAX cheats in the South West who try to reclaim VAT fraudulently are being targeted as part of an HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) taskforce. HMRC has seen an increased risk of fraudulent VAT repayment claims in the South West, in particular businesses being set up purely for the purpose of making false VAT repayments claims. The VAT repayment taskforce – targeted at individuals and businesses across the South West including Devon – aims to tackle this and recover £3.8 mil
lion in South West England and South Wales. The taskforce is a specialist team that undertakes intensive bursts of activity in specific high-risk trade sectors and locations in the UK. The team visits traders to examine their records and carry out other investigations. David Gauke, exchequer secretary to the Treasury, said: “We are determined to support hardworking people who want to get on, but the people being targeted by these taskforces have no intention of playing by the rules. This Government has made it
clear that we will not tolerate tax evasion and has provided HMRC with the resources to crack down on those who break the rules.” HMRC has collected more than £100 million as a result of taskforces launched since 2011. It expects to bring in over £90 million a year from taskforces launched over the next three years. HMRC’s Jennie Granger, director general of Enforcement and Compliance, said: “Deliberately falsifying VAT records is serious. It is really important
that we level the playing field by stopping tax cheats. Our message is: do the right thing. If you haven’t already, come clean now. If you don’t, we will find you, investigate you and, not only could you face a heavy fine, but you may face a criminal prosecution as well.” Other taskforces have been launched to tackle tax evasion in the South of England in the road transport industry and through hidden wealth. You can HMRC about anyone who is evading their taxes by calling the Tax Evasion Hotline on 0800 788 887.
■ CHEERS: Dan Crabb, regional sales manager at St Austell Brewery, left, at the event with North Devon LVA Group chairman Justin Matthews
Victuallers raise their glasses to annual dinner BARNSTAPLE and North Devon LVA, one of the oldest Licensed Victuallers’ Associations in the country, held its annual gala dinner last month. The event at the Pier House, Westward Ho! was supported by St Austell Brewery and attracted 110 guests, including 40 licensees. Peter Wilkie, St Austell Brewery’s sales development manager, said: “We were delighted to be able to support this fantastic event, the likes of which are becoming more and more rare across the country. “The LVA is one of the few
left and it really brings publicans together and acts as a support network. They are all willing to help each other out and share ideas about how to deal with issues that face publicans these days. It’s a united force.” Steve Spear, secretary of the LVA, said: “Years ago LVAs had hundreds of members because publicans relied on them for their licences. “Although the group is smaller now it is still just as relevant. We use it to pass on information and share knowledge and we are always looking for new members.”
■ INSPIRING: Award-winning tipi company World Inspired Tents is to compete in the national final.
Hat-trick win for wedding tipi company WORLD Inspired Tents, the Ilfracombe-based tipi rental company, has won the Wedding Industry Award for the Best Wedding Marquee Provider in the South West for the third year running. “The whole team are absolutely thrilled,” said owner Ed Wright. “Everyone has worked
extremely hard to maintain our position for a third year, and this accolade is the best praise and recognition the team could hope for. Not only because the awards are based on votes received by our customers, but also because such a huge number of them took the time to show their support for us this year. This award
offers reassurance to potential customers, so is of real value to us.” The win is also a vote of confidence in expansion to a second base in Bristol. Ed’s wife and fellow director Donna Wright said: “We are particularly delighted with this win, as it reinforces our decision to expand
and shows that we continue to deliver excellent quality service, but now in a much wider geographic area.” The winner will be decided at the Wedding Industry Awards in January, when the company will be judged against winners from other UK regions. For details visit worldinspiredtents.co.uk
Advertising: Fiona Clarke Tel: 01271 347400 Email: fclarke@northdevonjournal.co.uk Editorial: Robert Zarywacz Tel: 01271 879100 Email: business@northdevonjournal.co.uk Calls may be recorded or monitored for training purposes