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sector: agribusiness |
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location: Leicestershire |
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employees: 3 + seasonal part time |
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uses: day to day business, payroll, VAT returns, family use |
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technology used: broadband, email, internet |
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Like any modern business, Tim relies on speed and ease of communication to keep things running smoothly. For instance, the Government has set out a directive that stipulates all PAYE and tax returns for his business are to be handled online by 2006. At the moment Tim submits this all by paper; he's tried doing it online using his dial up connection but found it practically impossible. Broadband will streamline this monthly process, and, he says, "will save me mountains of time. I'll be able to sort out all my PAYE, VAT returns and tax there and then." |
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Also DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) require monthly IACS (Integrated Administration and Control System) forms to be completed along with regular, legally required, survey submissions. Again, Tim sends all this information on paper at the moment, but broadband will allow him to use these services online. |
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"I do have to submit a lot of information on a very regular basis," Tim says, "though I only farm arable crops. Livestock farmers have even more to do; if we all had a fast connection then it would be so much quicker and easier." |
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One of the new protocols introduced for livestock farmers is the passport system. Every time an animal is moved a record of that movement has to be submitted to a central registry – this can be done via the Internet but time and time again the process is fraught with slow connections and even slower progress. |
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Tim also keeps a keen eye on the grain commodity markets. One of the big markets is based in Chicago, USA, with information updated in real time online – a fast connection would enable him to keep up with fluctuations in grain prices as they happen and in turn, help him prepare his business. |
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Furthermore Tim has a young family who use the Internet for homework, games and music. What he's really looking forward to is being able to hook up one computer for the children and one for his office. |
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"One of the best things is that we can share the broadband connection – I'm looking out for the best deals at the moment. I'll have my computer, my wife will have her laptop and the kids will have their own computer – well away from mine!" |
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