Software piracy: Businesses may be prosecuted after 6th April under new laws

The Federation Against Software Theft (FAST) has welcomed the announcement that trading standards officers will be given new powers to check businesses’ compliance with software licensing laws from 6 April. The new powers will be granted under an amendment to the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. The move was a key recommendation in the Gowers Review of Intellectual Property. It’ll mean more surprise raids, and more prosecutions of those who flaunt the regulations.

http://www.fast.org.uk/viewnews.asp?article=3720

John Lovelock, Director General of The Federation, commented:
“It’s time for organisations to get their software compliance with the law addressed. Trading Standards can now come knocking on your door, and you may be the subject of a criminal investigation. Very simply the risk to organisations which misuse software will be greatly increased, and therefore compliance is absolutely essential”.

Chris Moody
ASL Computer Services

Companies Act 2006 – Update your website and Email signature or risk a fine

Taken from Warwickshire and Coventry Voice, an FSB publication

Every company website, business letter and order form sent electronically must now feature the company name, registered number, and registered office address under the Companies Act 2006. Anyone who is acting on behalf of a limited company that fails to comply is personally liable and risks a fine.

The link to the official document is shown below
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2006/uksi_20063428_en.pdf

Chris Moody
ASL Computer Services

England goes smokefree on the 1st July 2007

Taken from “Warwickshire & Coventry Voice” an FSB publication

 An update on the regulations, advice on how businesses and employees can access free NHS smoking cessation advice, and a “what do I do” checklist for employers, are available at http://www.smokefreeengland.co.uk/what-do-i-do/ 

(smokefree England Info line 0800 1691697).

Chris Moody – ASL Computer Services

The aims of the Rugby Small Business Information Web resource

Welcome to the Rugby Small Business Web-log.

The aim of this website is to produce an Internet resource containing free advice and information that is relevant to Small Business owners.

Over the coming weeks and months we aim to put together a pool of experts whose companies are specialists in providing services to Small Businesses in and around Rugby, Daventry, Coventry, Northampton, and surrounding areas. These experts will cover all the areas that Small Businesses need help and support with. Each specialist will post regular news and information on this website, building up a valuable resource for all Small Business owners.