The 2013 Sage Business Index (SBI) survey globally interviewed more than 11 000 SME business decision-makers, revealing that SMEs generally agree that excessive government bureaucracy and legislation top the list of the least favourable aspects of doing business.
"Regular statutory and legislative changes in the payroll and HR industry present a challenge for small businesses in terms of compliance with the six major payroll Acts. Manual systems or formulae-driven worksheets often lead to incorrect calculations and deductions, which can result in SARS penalties," says Laurica Kok, general manager at payroll software solutions provider, Sage Pastel Payroll & HR.
"It is a daunting challenge for SME businesses to keep pace with regular legislative updates. However, automated payroll software ensures that the essential updates are automatically implemented and that payslip calculations are correct, meeting the latest legislative requirements," adds Kok.
To help overcome this challenge, Kok says Sage Pastel Payroll & HR interprets legislative changes for start-up and small businesses and ensures they remain compliant via payroll and HR software. RSS feeds provide information on, and notification of, legislative and tax changes, as well delivering new system functionality releases that ensure companies always process their payrolls on the latest software version.
SMEs generally agree that excessive government bureaucracy and government handling of the country's current economic challenges still top the list of the least favourable aspects of doing business.
The SBI established that, globally, business confidence is improving, but in South Africa managing cash flow is the biggest challenge for growing businesses with government not helping, as there remain 4.7 million unemployed, a lack of basic skills and protection of employed people while SME businesses battle with wage and payroll legislation.
Recognising the pressures on SME businesses in the current difficult economy, payroll and HR software specialist Sage Pastel Payroll & HR has introduced a payroll and HR software solution that businesses can obtain on an affordable monthly subscription payment plan.
SME business contributes significantly to the economic growth in South Africa, so there is a need to harness entrepreneurial businesses and ensure they succeed.
According to the SBI survey, South Africa is generally downbeat about local economic prospects, with a low score of 44.10%, which is on par with the UK and US, at 40.65% and 41.53%, respectively.
Mobility provides start-up businesses with agility, and seeing as the owners are invariably busy managing many aspects of their business, Kok says Sage Pastel My Payroll Online is a lucrative online payroll solution for start-up companies. Online payroll solutions can be obtained on a 'pay-as-you-go' basis, whereby businesses only pay when they use the system.
"It is important to provide South African companies with more than just a box of software," says Sumay Dippenaar, marketing manager at Sage Pastel Payroll & HR. Telephone and e-mail support services can assist users with payroll, legislation and process enquiries. "Businesses should opt for a payroll provider that offers a national footprint of certified payroll software installers to ensure they benefit from professional installation of their payroll and HR software solutions."
For the latest legislative news, connect with Sage Pastel Payroll & HR on Twitter (Payroll News), Facebook or LinkedIn.
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Softline was founded in 1988 by Ivan Epstein, Alan Osrin and Steven Cohen. The company was established during the formative years of the business software industry in South Africa, and soon became the leader in the provision of business software and services to small and medium-sized companies. In 2003, Softline was acquired by UK-based company, The Sage Group.
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Sage Pastel Payroll & HR, part of Sage South Africa, is a leading developer of payroll and HR software solutions and services. Sage Pastel Payroll & HR provides a wide range of software solutions, from start-up to medium-sized businesses, creating greater freedom for them to succeed. It offers easy-to-use, efficient and secure payroll and HR software solutions to ensure businesses are kept up to date and fully compliant with ever-changing legislative requirements. From the intuitive design of its software to the expertise of its people, it focuses on giving businesses the confidence and control they need to achieve their business ambitions. Sage Pastel Payroll & HR has been voted by The Star Readers' Choice competition as the Best Payroll Service Company in South Africa.
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