Handbook offers helpful advice for free

The 30-page EAMA Handbook covers subjects stretching from money and employment matters to exporting, skills development and grants. The aim as the publishers say on the front cover is to “help manufacturers make it in the UK”. As well as giving some basic practical pointers from experts in their field (e.g. on R&D tax credits and employment contracts), the handbook signposts sources of support and guidance such as Train to Gain and the local contacts for the Manufacturing Advisory Service and Business Link so that firms have a completer picture of their entitlements. Close Asset and EAMA produced their original guide in 2004. The tax, grants and business support infrastructures have changed so deeply in the last four years that they had to start afresh to bring the guide up-to-date Headings such as ‘Pay the taxman less when you invest’, ‘Points to help keep you in charge when you wish to raise finance’ and ‘Developing your people’ point out the benefits that can come with certain courses of action. The book is also a useful reference work as it lists support agencies around the country including, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Copies can be obtained free of charge from Close Asset Finance (SGee@closeasset.co.uk) or EAMA at eama@mta.org.uk