Stueyb

Ok, its not as bad as it sounds, but to cut a long story short, I think that one of my competitors in business is not fully legit, ie he sells loads on ebay but he is not listed in companies house. This means he is not limited, but how can I check on sole trader status ? I believe all the money goes in his back pocket. What makes it interesting is I *KNOW* that cash sweetners are bieng handed out to "smooth the books" so to speak.

Basically I think HM Customs & Excise could help me out here with terminating one of the competition. Alls fair in business, when it gets personal.

Apparition

Think he'd only be listed at companies house if he is a limited co. A sweet word in HM customs ear would bring about a change in his fortunes. Hate to see people doing other hard workers going the legal route down by slimy means. Good luck.

Bubba po

By all means split on him.

Tiggs

you cant check...he could be a sole trader or a partnership and 100% legit.

RLE

iTrader: (2)

May be listed on the "Non limited" database with the likes of Experian which would identify his current trading style. Obviously only any good if you know any one who has access to Experian on-line etc or any of the other credit check agencies.

DJ73

why do you want to terminate this guy's business for , just because he's competition ???

Stueyb

Dj, yes and the fact that he is not conducting a "fair business". Less competition = more market share. And your telling me if you had the opportunity to kill off the competition that was using illegal means to avoid tax, making it harder to compete., you wouldnt take it ?

MJW

If he's sole trader and not VAT registered (and therefore not charging VAT to the punters) then the Customs and Excise probably won't be interested.
'Palm-greasing' has been going on for centuries, at every level of business, get over it !

Tiggs

only people who may be interested is the revenue if he's not telling them about his income stream...........but even then i doubt hey will send a SWAT team round.

i bet you were fun at school ...."miss....miss...it was him, he did it miss..."

Stueyb

Tiggs, so you think it is reasonable for him to break the law to get a competitive advantage and not be brought to book for it?. Oh and when I say he aint paying tax, we arent talking little amounts here, we are talking over £200,000 a year that should really be taxed ( I have reliable sources on this one ).

Yes I don't mind people doing odd jobs etc cash in hand, hell most people do it. However this guy doesnt pay tax period.

The money that he should have paid could have gone on to be used for good ie iIi'm guessing but his tax could have paid for a new nurse for our undertaffed hospitals. instead of lining his own pockets. Basically he isn't playing by the rules and its not on. Im all for a level playing field myself.

DJ73

what product's are you both selling ???
how do you know he's paying " cash sweetner's "

SJ_Skyline

I believe if you are turning over more than £55K a year then you are legally required to be registered for VAT?

Daryl

I guess you could grass him up!

ajm

I wonder how much the other bloke would pay me for tipping him off!

Jay m A

iTrader: (2)

Whatever he pays you, StueyB will double it

DJ73

you've not answered the question's StueyB????????

T.J

if hes not vat registered his turnover isnt that high (< 55k 'ish)..unless hes not legit. If hes charging vat and not declaring HM will come down on him like a ton of bricks.

those that become successful usually have a murky past and go legit when everythings going well.

Greasing palms...totally agree happens everywhere

m111usy

what buisness are you in/what are you selling.


My guess is selling Pc's/computer stuff......

T.J

I think you can do one off checks via experian etc for about £30 and they have a good sole trader database

DJ73

stueyB , what do you sell

Deep Singh

Yes, what do you sell??

Deep Singh

ps I agree terminate at will