Beware HMRC investigations

Philip Avery on 21/12/2011

In the current austere environment there is pressure on HMRC to maximize tax returns for government and we are hearing of more and more “fishing” exercises targeting a range of occupations.

There are some concerns that self-employed coaching arrangements may be an area that will be looked at.

We recommend strongly that members review their arrangements and if necessary take appropriate advice from their accountants to ensure all is in order. It may also be worth their ascertaining from their accountants whether insurance against the costs of investigations may be on offer. These can be costly in accountants fees even where all is in order.

GBSport, an independent sports consultancy, is running a Business Essentials course on the 30th January which may assist. They are also running a Marketing Essentials course on the following day, 31st January. Both courses will be held at the Sport Wales National Centre, in Cardiff.

The WSA is willing to contribute 50% of the cost of course fees for 1 delegate per sport wishing to attend each course, but as available funding is limited, this will be on a first come first served basis. Please contact Wendy Yardley for further information.

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Course Details
The courses are run by GBSport, an independent sports consultancy that works with sporting organisations and coaches/administrators in Britain to provide expert business and IT support services and training. They have provided training and consultancy services for a number of National Governing Bodies and Sports Partnerships in recent months and also provide services directly to coaches and administrators from all sports in Britain.

Business Essentials Course
Monday 30th January (10am - 2pm)
Sport Wales National Centre, Cardiff

This interactive course provides essential business and financial information for sports coaches and their clients to ensure both parties satisfy government regulations and requirements.

The course includes advice and guidance on the following:
Legal Status: Definitions and requirements for the various ways coaches/workers can be paid in sport - self-employment, employment, casual work, volunteering with expenses - and outline of the paperwork required for each of these types of service.

Self Employed: An outline of the strict HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) self-employment guidelines that, if not satisfied, can result in a hefty tax bill for both coach and client. Detail how to check whether you are meeting the guidelines and what documentation is required to satisfy HMRC.

Employment: Review of the various types of employment available to those in sport, including a detailed look at flexible contracts such as zero hours and casual worker contracts. An outline of the paperwork required by HMRC for the various types of service.

Contracts: Provide delegates with a sample contract for self-employment which outlines the ideal working arrangements for both coach and client to meet the HMRC self-employment guidelines.

Insurance: Detail the Health and Safety and insurance requirements for coaches and clients and how to minimise the risk of a policy not paying out.


Marketing Essentials Course
Tuesday 31st January (10am - 2pm)
Sport Wales National Centre, Cardiff

The course includes advice and guidance on the following:
Branding: What is a brand and how to build one that will professionalise your services and increase your income.

Planning: How to put together a business/marketing plan that is simple to use and update, including examples of the key essentials all good sports marketing plans should contain.

Market Research: The key elements you need when researching your brand and competitors with practical ideas and examples.

First Impressions: Why first impressions count appearance, punctuality, facilities, your team - and we review best practice for customer care.

Social Media: How to use Facebook and Twitter to bring your services into the 21st century and increase your profile and income.

Good practice: Case studies showing some of the best ideas we have come across in sport for you to implement in your programme.


Course Resources
All delegates attending the courses receive an electronic copy of the relevant course material as well as essential forms, guides and sample contracts. GBSport believe that their courses are currently the only training of their type specifically available for sports coaches and administrators and that they provide essential information to ensure that they are operating legally and safely and thereby play an important part in professionalising the services they provide.

Places on the courses cost just £45 per delegate per course and are approved for licence credits with relevant National Governing Bodies (contact GBSport for details).

To book a place on these courses, please contact GBSport on 01952 620099.

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