The Musicians’ Answering Service

Service Newsletter May 1995

For Fixers & Orchestral Managers

 

173 High Street Dorking Surrey RH4 1AD

Diary Service: 01306 880669 Accounts: 01306 880404

Fax: 01306 888041

 

*   *   *   *   *   *

 

The Service That Does As It’s Told

 

MAS Staffing

 

It occurred to us that it might be helpful to you to have a list of all the staff here at the Diary Service that look after your livelihoods.

 

Staff coverage is 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.

 

We normally have 9 full time staff including Isobel, our Manager. However, currently we have only 8 as Helen left a few weeks ago and we are still interviewing for her replacement.

 

Current staffing is as follows:-    Isobel - Manager            Alison

                                                Bridget                         Danielle

                                                Elspeth                         Karen

                                                Louise                           Stephen

 

We also have had Ann back in recent times on a part-time basis to cover for holidays etc. Ann used to be with us full time a few years ago and left to raise a family. She is now back - albeit part-time and we welcome her on board.

 

 

 

 

 

CV Service Launched

 

The new CV Service launched last month has proved to be an unprecedented success. 1 feel I must say a big "thank you" to Isobel in particular, who worked really hard setting the database up and getting it all to function properly. Not an inconsiderable feat I can assure you.

 

Feedback

 

We have had numerous calls from fixers who are delighted with the new service. Many have specifically rung to say how useful it is to them and how they are looking forward to the updates in the future. Coupled with all the calls from clients who have got work with new contacts through the C.V. service, we know it was a good idea and worth all the hard work it took to set up.

 

We at the diary are thrilled that the launch has been so successful and will continue to send out updates regularly. DON'T MISS OUT.

 

 

Bulletin Board

 

If you are thinking about being included in the C.V. service but have not yet sent us details. DO SO NOW.

Ted Chance (Horn) has his telephone number incorrectly listed in

the M.U. Directory. Contact MAS for the correct one

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Service Continues To Grow

 

Thanks to you our service is growing from strength to strength. We continue to be committed to improving and developing the service whilst keeping it affordable. Your recommendations will ultimately help to maintain that goal.

 

Please Come And Visit

 

This year we have already entertained three visiting orchestras to Dorking (that famous centre of musical activity) with food, wine and intelligent and delightful company (I'm not referring to myself). Please continue to visit individually if you are passing through, or let us know if you are coming down specially and we will do our best to entertain you when you arrive. There is always a welcome here and the staff all really enjoy meeting the faces behind the voices.

 

Mobile News

 

As the Orange network develops so does the popularity. More and more people are realising the benefits of Orange. The Motorola has been reduced by £50 © to £99.99 including VAT. See the PMC special offers leaflet included for the latest bargains in mobile communications.

 

Financial Tips  Financial Market Overview

 

The F1'SE-100 is now poised to break out of the tight range that it has occupied since March 1995.. If this trend continues the market may well retest the 3500 level seen at the start of 1994. In America, despite the bear's constant predictions of an imminent crash, Wall Street keeps rising relentlessly. Earnings growth and low inflation are major bullish factors and a healthy Wall Street underpins other markets. Japan is still struggling under the weight of it's own economic and political problems. The high value of the Yen has put many companies under great strain but Japan's prowess as an export nation is not in question.

 

Be careful of Guaranteed Investment Bonds as the underlying Gilt taxation loophole has been closed by the Inland Revenue.

 

 

 

 

 

New Fixed Fee Accounting Service

For MAS Clients

 

A new service exclusive to MAS clients from HARDING WIIITEMAN certified accountants.

After much research we have finally negotiated what we feel are especially good terms and conditions at an extremely competitive and affordable price with a company in whom we have complete confidence.

 

The following is an outline of the terms we have negotiated:-

 

A fixed fee of £300 + VAT per annum

           Preparation of Annual Accounts

           Preparation of tax computations & capital allowance claims

           Submission of accounts to the Inland Revenue

           Checking Schedule D assessments and lodging appeals

where necessary

           Completion of tax returns

           Advice on all aspects of tax relief appertaining to the music profession

           Telephone support line with continued dialogue providing advice as and when required

           Contact as often as desired

 

Harding Whiteman 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

SMI3EU

 

Tel: 0181 641 0102

Fax: 0181 641 4002

 

Anyone who feels they would like to discuss the above with me before contacting Harding Whiteman can do so on 01306 - 880669