ayrmer software :: press release :: 25 november, 2008
Comment on VAT cut implications for ICT systems of south west businesses
Although the implications of the VAT cut that comes into effect on 1 December have had every business owner and financial director rushing straight to their accountant, how many have thought to contact their software providers? Charlie Collins, MD of Devon based Ayrmer Software comments:
"Many businesses in the south west have an e-commerce website, most of which will have been developed as a bespoke system by a software house or web design studio. Whilst the benefits of having a bespoke website designed are undeniable, there is a real risk that, unlike many standard packages, the software may not be geared up to cope with the VAT cut to 15%. Typical south west businesses such as small hotels, online food producers and holiday companies are in danger of experiencing problems from Monday onwards because their systems will not be able to calculate the correct levels of VAT. In larger businesses with IT and finance directors the procedures are more likely to be in place for looking at the software capabilities in situations like this but in smaller enterprises there's a real risk that this aspect may be overlooked - especially given the short time frame.
"At Ayrmer less than 15% of our clients have called us to check that their bespoke software packages can cope. We're able to reassure them that all the applications we've written are well-equipped to adapt to the VAT changes without any further development, as this functionality was built in from the start. This capability should be an essential part of any business software and would sincerely hope that most applications, like ours, will be unaffected. However, I am aware of at least one major software house having to spend a vast amount of money at short notice in order to put their software right in time for next Monday, and this is seriously worrying. For the 85% of our clients that didn't get in contact, we're proactively calling them to clarify the situation and offer additional advice if they need it. Our advice to businesses that may be affected would be to put a call in to your software provider as a matter of priority."
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