Advice Centre
Don't forget to visit the Business Car Manager Advice Centre download section for a range of free factsheets!
Scrap merchant moves metal at a Canter
STEPHEN Kelbie explains why the Kelbie family scrap business has chosen a new 3.5-tonne Fuso Canter
DUNDEE-based scrap metal business Frank Kelbie has recently bought a Fuso Canter dropside. Director Stephen Kelbie tells us why the Canter was the ideal choice for the metal reclamation business.
Why I chose my car
Interior designer Alev Barker on her business car choice
WHEN interior designer Alev Barker was looking to buy a new car to complement her business, she was going to stay with the VW brand. Until a conversation put her on the path of a brand new Audi A1. Here's why.
Advice: Why you should consider winter tyres now winter conditions are here
By the organisation TyreSafe
AS temperatures plummet across the UK, TyreSafe says businesses should consider winter weather tyres to increase car tyre performance and safety during the winter weather.
Security firm locks up lower cost business driving
By Shaun Dexter, managing director of Panther Security
SHAUN Dexter, managing director of Panther Security, explains why new SEAT business cars are driving down his firm's company car costs.
Advice: How to buy a BMW 3 Series tax-free
By the Taxmole
SOUNDS too good to be true: a BMW 3 Series tax-free. But, according to our accountant friend, The Taxmole, this is exactly what you can do by making the most of first year capital allowances. More here.
Advice: Business car leasing: how to negotiate today's tough credit checking
Mike Moylan, managing director, CC Leasing
CREDIT checking has become more stringent and not every business is able to meet the requirements. Mike Moylan, managing director of specialist car and van leasing company for SMEs, CC Leasing, gives some pointers that will help to ensure your business is offered a good car lease deal.
Top Tips: Drive down your company's fuel costs
By Andrew Leech, managing director, Fleet Evolution
LOGISTICS and supply chain specialist Fleet Evolution believe businesses of all sizes, from sole traders to SMEs with company car fleets, have the chance to put money back into their pockets by taking action on the management of their business cars. By Andrew Leech.
Advice: Changing company car tax rates
By the Energy Saving Trust
A COMBINATION of EU legislation, better technology and changing company car tax regulations are moving the benchmark for tax efficient low emission business cars. The Energy Saving Trust provides this business advice.
Advice: How to prevent costly windscreen damage
By Chris Bonsall, technical and training manager, Auto Windscreens
WINDSCREEN damage causes nearly two million vehicles (8.4%) to fail their MOT test in the UK each year. And considering the extreme weather conditions over the winter, maintenance issues have certainly increased when it comes to staff looking after their business cars. So what exactly causes windscreen damage and how can it be prevented? Chris Bonsall, technical and training manager at Auto Windscreens, explains all.
Advice: How does the VAT increase affect vehicle leases?
By Paul Bulloch, managing director of Concept Vehicle Leasing
THE standard rate of VAT increased on January 04 2011 from the prevailing rate of 17.5% to 20%. So what does this mean for small businesses looking to lease a new vehicle, and those who already have business cars on lease? Paul Bulloch, the managing director of Concept Vehicle Leasing, provides this advice.
Top Tips: Top tips: Preparing for snow and ice driving
By Iain Carmichael, head of fleet sales, Audi
WITH more snow and ice on our roads, Audi's head of fleet sales, Iain Carmichael, provides this useful driving advice for business car drivers whether you have the advantage of quattro four-wheel drive or not.
Top Tips: How to challenge a parking fine
By the specialist transport lawyers, Anton Balkitis and Lucy Wood, from Rothera Dowson Solicitors
YOU CAN successfully challenge a parking fine. But you have to know what to do. Anton Balkitis and Lucy Wood, specialist transport lawyers from Rothera Dowson Solicitors, provide this how-to advice.
Advice: We're a small company: what's the best way to run our business cars?
By Tim Heaton, accountant, The Tax Partnership
If you run a small 'lifestyle' company, should your company run a business car - or should you have a private car and charge business mileage to the company? The Tax Partnership's Tim Heaton weighs up the pros and cons.
What is contract hire?
By Mike Lloyd, managing director of Central Contracts
ARE you baffled by industry terms such as contract hire? What is it; what does it do? Should you consider it? Mike Lloyd, managing director of Central Contracts, provides a concise run down on what you can expect from contract hire - and some of the key benefits for you and your business.
Advice: How to save on your business cars
By Ralph Morton, editor, Business Car Manager
If you haven't thought about leasing your business cars, now's the time to start. Critical changes in the corporation tax treatment of business cars has made leasing more attractive; and buying your company cars potentially more expensive. Editor Ralph Morton outlines the changes and introduces a new downloadable guide – The BIG tax change – that's available here free.
