Self Assessment customers warned about scammers posing as HMRC

Authored by David Banks
Posted: Sun, 11/22/2020 - 11:26pm

Self Assessment customers should be alert to criminals claiming to be from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

As the department issues thousands of SMS messages and emails as part of its annual Self Assessment tax return push, HMRC is warning customers completing their returns to take care to avoid being caught out by scammers. The annual tax return deadline is on 31 January 2021.

The department knows that fraudsters use calls, emails or texts to contact customers. In the last 12 months, HMRC has responded to more than 846,000 referrals of suspicious HMRC contact from the...

Devon food collection is vital this year as charities face a Covid-19 Christmas

Authored by Claire Small
Posted: Sun, 11/22/2020 - 10:26pm

Shoppers in Devon are being asked to donate to a food collection that supports the Trussell Trust and FareShare as they help people in crisis during the Covid-19 pandemic this Christmas.

The Tesco Food Collection takes place every year in Devon, but this year’s collection is more vital than ever. It comes as Trussell Trust food banks and community groups that get food from Fareshare face an unprecedented need for supplies.

The collection launches in Tesco Express stores today (November 16) and in large stores from Thursday 19 November. Customers have until the evening of...

Kerbside coffee pod recycling looks set to be introduced in Exeter

People in Exeter may soon be able to recycle their plastic and aluminium coffee pods from home thanks to a new initiative from the local authority.

Exeter City Council looks set to become one of the first councils in the country to allow residents to recycle the pods as part of its kerbside recycling collections.

Working with Podback, a not-for profit organisation, the Council is set to encourage householders to collect their plastic and aluminium coffee pods and then put them out for recycling collections in a separate bag to the green bin.

The pods will then...

How to Take Your Business away from the Kitchen Table

Every business begins somewhere, and for many, theirs started in the comfort of their own home. While working from the kitchen with piles of orders littering your space starts as a novelty, eventually the excitement wears off and it’s time to embrace growth. The idea of expanding can be daunting, but it’s a necessary step for any business, and it comes from passion, commitment, and patience.

Constant Research

Starting a business takes a whole load of research, but it doesn’t end there. If you’re planning on expanding, then you should first research everything to do with...

The 4 key differences between assisted living and nursing homes

Authored by David Banks
Posted: Sun, 11/22/2020 - 6:11am

When it comes to considering care options for seniors, many people think of assisted living and nursing homes as being synonymous. In fact, these are two very different options that are suited to different people, depending on their needs. Here are some of the key differences between these two types of residential care options:

  1. Level of care

The main difference between assisted living and nursing homes is the level of care on offer. Nursing homes are for people with significant health needs who need round-the-clock, specialised medical care. Assisted living...

Small businesses to be recognised as Devon Business Champions

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Sat, 11/21/2020 - 5:36pm

Small community-based businesses locally will be given the opportunity to be crowned champion of their town or the whole of Devon in 2021 following the launch of an exciting awards programme.

The Town & County Business Champions 2021 awards have been launched to highlight the achievements of the UK’s very best micro and small businesses who are keeping community spirit alive in their local area.

The awards are aimed at any businesses with up to 50 employees, including hairdressers, cafes, accountants, solicitors and graphic designers.

Awards director Damian...

South West Ambulance Service

999 call handlers speak out about abuse

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Sat, 11/21/2020 - 5:34pm

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is reminding the public to respect its people when calling 999 for an ambulance this winter. Figures from the Trust indicate abuse against its 999 call handlers has more than doubled since the beginning of the full UK lockdown in March. Control room staff reported 77 verbal abuse incidents from callers between 23 March and 23 October, representing a 133% increase on the 33 incidents reported during the same time period in 2019. Ambulance staff reported a total of 289 verbal abuse incidents and 178 physical assaults during the...

All You Need To Know About Motorbike Insurance

It doesn't matter whether you have just purchased a new vehicle, or you have it for years, another thing that should also be acquired is insurance. That's a fact that is familiar to most drivers.

Although motorcycle insurance is necessary, getting a proper one is nowhere near easy and it takes some time, as well as some research. First of all, it would be good to determine what company is the best, concerning price and quality.

You do not want to end up wasting too much money. There are some things that should be taken into consideration before you make your purchase...

christmas cake and mince pies

Postage ready cakes and bakes concept launched by Devon Bakery

Authored by Carolyn Daw
Posted: Sat, 11/21/2020 - 4:57pm

Foxcombe Bakehouse has launched a new ‘Cake in a Box’ postage ready line to support its independent retailers and to capture a market share of the Click and Collect and Click 2 Order shoppers at home or at work.

The initial launch range is a seasonal selection of cakes and bakes, including mince pies, short breads and traditional rich iced fruitcakes. The selection boxes which start from £4.95 RRP can be ordered direct via independent retailers or mail order from Foxcombe Bakehouse.

The Cake in a Box arrives beautifully packed at the retailer, ready for customers to...

Devon-based Brain in Hand scoops prestigious SBRI Healthcare award

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Sat, 11/21/2020 - 4:16pm

UK digital healthcare company, Brain in Hand, has won a prestigious Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) Healthcare award. Funded by NHS England & NHS Improvement, the £800,000 award is a recognition of Brain in Hand’s revolutionary digital self-management approach to support services for autistic people, both pre- and post-diagnosis.

The award also signals confidence in Brain in Hand as an effective solution in meeting the critical needs in autism services, supporting the NHS Long Term plan1 and health and social care strategy.

Brain in Hand aims to transform...

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