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VAT on Church buildings

"We speak to many Church leaders and treasurers about VAT," says Les Howard of vatadvice.org, "and we frequently make them smile when we explain that VAT can, in some cases, be mitigated on construction and alteration works to Church buildings. So, whether you are spending £5,000 or £5m, it is worth addressing the question of VAT.

"Although the basic rule of VAT is that most goods or services are charged at 20%, there are a number of provisions that reduce the VAT applicable for certain works to Church buildings," Les continued.

Crossman Homes to breathe new life into Bristol’s Whitfield Tabernacle

Bristol's iconic Whitfield Tabernacle, one of the most at risk Grade One listed buildings in the UK, has taken a big step towards being saved thanks to a partnership between Crossman Homes and the Whitfield Tabernacle Trust.

The Kingswood building, dating back to 1741 and widely regarded as the birthplace of the Methodist movement will, under plans being put forward, be renovated and redeveloped as a community space.

Lime render by Trendle Conservation restores Grade II Listed property to former glory

This listed property had been rendered with cement at some stage which had been causing damage to the structure over the years. Lime render was required to restore the property to its original status.

Somerset based Trendle Conservation were asked to come in and look at a gable end as the render was starting to flake on this Grade II listed property.

Alutec products help revive Thursford Castle

Marley Alutec’s Evoke eaves solutions and Evolve rainwater ranges have perfectly complemented the uniquely modern character of a stunning residential project, Thursford Castle, which incorporates the ruins of 19th century chapel.

Derelict since the 1930s, the 180-year-old chapel is now the focal point of the Great Snoring-based development, with the ruined walls forming the entrance courtyard to a single storey, contemporary-designed home.

Guildford Cathedral gets complete audio overhaul

One recent challenge for DM Music Ltd was undertaking a complete overhaul of the audio system at Guildford Cathedral. This has been part of the Cathedral’s repair work with significant proportion of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Grant funding for repair and conservation of war memorials

War Memorials Trust aims to help all war memorial custodians, whatever the nature and size of their war memorial by facilitating repair and conservation projects through grant funding and/or best conservation practice advice.

As the centenary of World War I draws to an end there is currently high demand for grants so just because a project is eligible for funding does not mean the Trust can guarantee a grant can be made. All grant applications are subject to available funding with support given to those memorials where there is greatest need. To find out more about funding read the Trust's What we fund advice or Apply now.

Ecclesiastical is first insurer to pledge support for new HSE strategy

Ecclesiastical has become the first insurer to sign up to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) initiative aimed at improving health and wellbeing in the workplace.

The specialist insurer has made its commitment to the ‘Helping Great Britain Work Well’ strategy, with a number of projects already underway to further enhance its risk management guidance for brokers and customers.

Ecclesiastical urges government to reduce VAT on repairs and approved alterations to listed buildings

Ahead of the Autumn Budget, specialist insurer Ecclesiastical is urging the government to reduce VAT on repairs and approved alterations to listed buildings.

Ecclesiastical is supporting organisations such as the Heritage Alliance and the Listed Property Owners’ Club, which are calling for VAT to be reduced to 5% on repairs and approved alterations to listed buildings to help owners protect such an important part of the nation’s heritage.

Now the message sounds out clear in the busy marketplace

St Mary’s in the Marketplace, the Parish Church of Stockport, has a history running back to the 12th century and still includes some parts of the original church, although most of the Grade One-listed building was erected in the early 19th century. The church occupies pride of place overlooking the historic market area of Stockport and has been at the centre of the local community in the town for hundreds of years.

Call for churches to welcome the handicapped

Actress and comedian Sally Phillips wiped away a tear as she heard an 82-strong choir from the Notre Dame School, Cobham, sing and sign to accompany blind pianist Marilyn Baker singing "open my eyes" - a song she had written.

Sally - who appeared in the Bridget Jones films, and alongside the BBC series Miranda, and who has a son, Olly, with Down's Syndrome - called on the crowd gathered for the opening of the Christian Resources Exhibition at Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey, to encourage their churches to be places where those with a disability would be welcomed to play a useful role in church life.

Devastating blazes show the importance of fire prevention

Recent events in Glasgow have undoubtedly brought the issue of fire prevention in to sharp focus for many property owners. After a second devastating blaze in four years, the latest incident at the Glasgow School of Art has destroyed property, displaced students and even impacted local businesses not connected to the school.

The first fire in 2014 was caused when flammable gasses from a foam canister came into contact with the hot surface of a projector, sending flames upwards through voids in the walls and old ventilation ducts and completely destroying the iconic Charles Rennie Mackintosh building.

Marley Alutec implement faster delivery times for popular products

Marley Alutec, UK leader in innovative aluminium rainwater and eaves solutions, have announced a major cut in the delivery lead times of their top selling products.

With immediate effect, the lead time for stocked Heritage Black and Anthracite Grey (RAL7016) goods will reduce to five working days, while all standard colour products will be delivered within ten working days of order.

Manchester turns to its own for stained glass replacement

When it was decided to commission new ornate stained glass for The Old Parsonage – a Grade Two-listed building in Didsbury, Manchester – the obvious choice for the job was Manchester-based Genesis Stained Glass. The building, which dates from around 1650, was owned by Alderman Fletcher Moss from 1885 to 1919.

Fletcher Moss was an avid art and nature-lover, who tried his hand at designing his own stained glass. The result was a flamboyant, decorative interior with ornate Gothic-style stained glass and wooden tracery in most of the windows. He bequeathed the building to the people of Manchester and it is now managed by Didsbury Parsonage Trust.

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