The wise decision to drive round on a reindeer powered sleigh confers lots of advantages. For instance he does not need road fund tax, insurance, MOT, or a driving license.  When he parks he never gets a ticket, and should he imbibe a sherry to many, he will not be blowing into a breathalyser. Given the hectic delivery schedule, it’s just as well there are no speed cameras on his route. Nor is it just the Road Traffic Act which he escapes. Drivers’ Hours regulations are forgotten as the sleigh does not have a tachograph and as the reindeer are motive power rather than cargo, no Animal Transfer notice is needed. Delivery of toys via a chimney will not necessitate the use of either scaffolding or ladder so Working at Height Assessments and Elf ‘n safety will apply.

I have never heard of Santa’s unusual mode of access triggering a burglar alarm but a charge of breaking and entering might otherwise await him. And if the toys do not meet with satisfaction or breach the Sale of Goods Act, is it Santa who has to make a refund? Not likely. Let us not enter the minefield of Child Protection Law and CRB checking, as with Santa’s potentially long list of criminal activities, I doubt he would pass. I rest my case your worships.

Santa is most unlikely to become one of our customers as his blatant disregard of all paperwork rules him out. But for those of us who need to record orders, deliveries, sales, movement of animals or waste materials, processing of food or to comply with the many laws and regulations relating to good practice and health and safety, we are the High Peak’s principal suppliers of duplicate and triplicate sets which will help you record and validate every step in your working schedule. Ask us now for a quotation.

http://www.thebestof.co.uk/local/buxton/business-guide/feature/printexpress/20113

We now look forward to 2012. The pundits are forecasting a hesitant start owing to the uncertain future of both the European economy and its currency. However, if a new framework is established, things may pick up. Whether the EU does carry on in its present form is debatable and the UK’s continuing membership is going to be scrutinised very carefully. The question will be more than economic – it will include independence and autonomy in its remit. We Brits are about to press the “awkward” button. A Happy New Year to All!