The Musicians’ Answering Service

Service Newsletter

For Fixers & Orchestral Managers

 

173 High Street Dorking Surrey RH4 1AD

Diary Service: 01306 880669 Accounts: 01306 880404

Fax: 01306 888041

 

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The Service That Does As It’s Told

 

MAS Staffing

 

You may recall that in our last newsletter we introduced our staff to you but at that time were running only eight out of nine full time staff as we had not appointed a replacement for Helen who left us earlier this year. We are happy to introduce Madeleine who is Helen's replacement and has been with us since June.

 

We are also sorry to say that Alison will be finishing her stint with us (for the second time) at the end of August but are pleased that Ann, who was also with us a few years ago before starting her family, will be replacing her.

 

To recap: Staff coverage and names are as follows:

 

Mon - Fri          8 am - Midnight            3 Operators on at any given time

 

Sat & Sun          8 am - Midnight            2 Operators on at any given time

 

The shifts are from 8.00 am - 4.00 pm and 4.00 pm - Midnight.

 

Current staffing is as follows:-    Isobel - Manager            Ann

                                                Bridget                         Danielle

                                                Elspeth                         Karen

                                                Louise                           Madeleine

                                                Stephen

 

 

 

 

 

CV Service

 

Our CV Service update, to the fixers, is due to go out at the end of the month. If you have been thinking about being included but haven't got around to it NOW IS THE TIME.

 

Please give me a ring if you are not sure whether this service is appropriate for you or not. I am very happy to talk it through with you. Remember it is not just applicable to people new to the Diary Service or new to the freelance world. We have very many established players included and what is more IT IS FREE.

 

Messages to Fixers

 

Just a reminder that if you wish to take advantage of our "messages to fixers service" i.e. answers to work offers we have had to refer to you for your decision, please instruct us on each occasion - if you don't - we will assume you do not want us to do it.

 

Bulletin Board

 

David Cripps (Horn) is now returning from the North to London to

freelance. He would like it to be known that he is happy to sit in

any position.

 

Reminder

 

Please don't hesitate to contact us if there is anything you require

listed on our Bulletin Board. Such things as instruments for sale,

change of telephone numbers, lost instruments or any other

information that you may feel would be of interest or useful to our

members or to the fixers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Service Continues To Grow

 

It's thanks to you that the service is growing from strength to strength. Whilst we are proud to admit to being the largest and most successful diary service in London we are totally committed to the original concept that we know every client's needs personally and each one is unique in the way they wish us to handle their work offers.

 

It is still my diary service and the concept is still top priority no matter how large we get. As the originator and owner it is important I hear from you personally with any feedback whether critical, complimentary, with suggestions or just for advice.

 

Please Come And Visit

 

We have had quite a few people coming to visit us over the last few months. The more people who visit the better as far as we are concerned.

 

Should any member wish to organise a party of people to visit (any number up to twenty is ideal) we promise we will do you proud with wine flowing and food in abundance.

 

Please contact me on 01306 880669 to arrange the date. You wont be disappointed I assure you. We really enjoy meeting the faces behind the voices.

 

Mobile News

 

PMC have lots of special offers and free gifts to give away this month. Don't forget that as the approved outlet for Orange to the profession and as a supplier of Cellnet and Vodafone mobiles since 1986 they have the experience and range of products. They will advise you of the least expensive route to your mobile requirements. Their strict policy is that honesty comes before sales. Please see the enclosed leaflet for this month's special offers.

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed Fee Accounting Service

For MAS Clients

 

Self Assessment Tax System

 

Most people will be aware from recent media coverage of the introduction of Self Assessment. However, the new rules which will apply to existing partnerships or sole traders including musicians' taxed under schedule D, can in certain circumstances give rise to a "tax bombshell" when a business ceases, its owner or a partner leaves, or when they retire.

 

The effect of the "tax bombshell" can be reduced by identifying the most appropriate financial year end and implementing this before self assessment is fully introduced. In all cases it is vital that professional advice is sought.

 

Harding Whiteman's fixed price accounting service at just £300 plus VAT per annum will, of course include such advice.

 

They have many years of experience dealing with musicians and providing a personal approach, which combines common sense with effectiveness. Contact is as often as desired, i.e. an open telephone line providing advice as required.

 

For further information call:-

 

Mike Harding

Harding Whiteman

36 Rose Hill

SUTTON

Surrey

SM13W

 

Tel: 0181 641 0102

Fax: 0181 641 4002