Member Article

Cintra conference details government pension and taxation reforms

HR and Payroll specialists from around the country gathered in Newcastle to hear the latest on the major legislative changes affecting the industry this year.

The Cintra HR & Payroll Services Annual Conference hosted in Newcastle University’s superb new Business School, brought together industry experts to give Cintra clients the most up to the minute information and guidance possible.

Karen Thomson, Associate Director of Policy and Research for the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP) gave a thorough presentation covering the legislative updates which will change the face of payroll over the coming months; including the major changes of RTI and auto enrolment.

Phil Nilson, HMRC was on hand to give more detail on RTI from HMRC’s perspective and Cintra RTI expert Suzanne Cowen was able to allay any fears, having worked successfully with many Cintra clients on the RTI pilot.

Regional HR guru, Tony Weightman, outlined the importance to HR professionals of moving from an employee relations role and into a more strategic capacity moving forward, stressing the need to develop a future proof culture for the challenging times ahead.

Delegates included many of Cintra’s clients from around the UK and Europe, including major names, such as key London insurance brokers Hiscox Syndicates and Kew Green Hotels, which operate chains such as Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza, together with many others from the Education, Housing and private sectors.

Carsten Staehr, Cintra’s CEO, outlined its plans for the future and highlighted the close links it has with tax, pension and other authorities. Links like these allow Cintra and its customers to be well ahead in preparing for the changes to come, with many Cintra clients already successfully involved in pre-trial schemes.

Carsten also showcased the latest enhancements to Cintra’s flagship product, Cintra iQ: this fully integrated HR and Payroll system with its unique deployment options is leading the way for the industry. Commended in both the Pay & Benefits Awards and the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professional Awards as Software Provider of the Year, Cintra’s in-house development, implementation and support allows it to provide bespoke solutions, tailored to the needs of each individual client.

After a day of in depth presentations which gave delegates much food for thought, the conference ended on a high, with the infectious enthusiasm and positivity of Fabulous Flournoy, the most successful player/coach in British Basketball history. Fab used his own inspirational story to motivate delegates for the challenges that lie ahead.

Chris Tidy, Payroll Manager of Hiscox Syndicates commented, “The conference was simply fabulous! Not only was it a great opportunity to meet all the team and discuss system developments with the experts, it was also a great networking opportunity and the speakers were exceptional. We were made to feel very welcome and I’m delighted that this is now an annual event. The date goes straight in my diary as soon as it is announced!”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Gail Affleck Ward .