Latest news with #contractors
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Expect delays: Everett traffic will be jammed by 14-week paving project
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) just announced a prodigious paving project on I-5, starting Saturday, July 19. Work is scheduled mostly evenings and overnight hours, but commuters may see occasional daytime work. No matter how you slice it, commuting through Everett is going to get rough at times during this 14-week project. 'Saturday evening in Everett, the contractors are going to start shutting down up to four left lanes to begin the grinding part of this repavement project,' WSDOT spokesperson Della Kostelnik Juarez said. 'The lanes are going to start shutting down at 7 p.m. (and) reopen at 9 a.m. on Sunday, close again at 7 p.m. Sunday and reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, there will be no work on Monday (evening).' The work starts on southbound I-5 between 41st Street and 100th Street Southeast, near the Everett Mall. Once contractors complete work in the southbound lanes, they will repave the same section in the northbound lanes of I-5. The schedule throughout the 14-week project includes closures: From 7 p.m. Saturday, July 19 to 9 a.m. Sunday, July 20. From 7 p.m. Sunday, July 20 to 5 a.m. Monday, July 21. From 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly Tuesday, July 22 to Friday morning, July 25. WSDOT will inform us if there are any changes. The Broadway HOV on-ramp to southbound I-5 will also close during the roadwork, but the general purpose on-ramp from Broadway will remain open. Some of this work needs dry weather and may need to be rescheduled. The Everett pavement project will repave 4 miles on I-5 This pavement repair project will repave approximately 4 miles of southbound I-5 in Everett and is expected to finish later this fall. Motorcyclists should watch for grooved, uneven pavement and use extreme caution. 'We really encourage people to look at our travel page and look at our travel map to see what is going to be open and closed,' Juarez added. Solve the daily Crossword
Zawya
8 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Caparol Paints strengthens regional footprint following significant sales growth in the Middle East
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Caparol Paints, a global leader in premium paint and coatings solutions, is accelerating its growth across the Middle East with a stronger focus on retail expansion, double-digit partner growth, and the launch of new product lines tailored to the Middle East. Since entering the UAE market in 1998, Caparol has steadily built its reputation as a go-to brand for high-performance, sustainable coatings, backed by German innovation and local-market solutions. Over the past 12 months, Caparol has significantly expanded its retail network across the UAE and wider region, offering professionals and homeowners greater access to its range of interior and exterior paints. This expansion follows a 35% year-on-year sales increase in 2024, supported by high uptake of its flagship products for interior and exterior paints, including CapaStone, Caparol's innovative façade solution. Designed to perform in the region's demanding climate, Caparol's product portfolio reflects its commitment to sustainable, locally relevant solutions. Manufactured in its Dubai-based facility, the range addresses the growing demand for long-lasting, climate-adapted finishes across residential and commercial projects. Its low-VOC, weather-resistant, and design-forward solutions are widely trusted by contractors, architects, and designers across the region. 'The Middle East is a priority region for Caparol, and we are committed to growing our presence across the region, to serve both existing and future customers,' said Dirk Schilmöller, Managing Director Middle East, Africa & Asia. 'With the regional paints and coatings market projected to reach over USD 8.5 billion by 2035, fuelled by a booming real estate sector and rising population, the opportunity ahead is significant. We see enormous potential, not only in offering high-quality paint systems, but in long-term durability, energy efficiency and healthier indoor environments. Caparol will continue investing in innovative, high-performance solutions that meet the evolving needs of our partners and communities.' Caparol has also doubled its Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) business over the last two years, reflecting a growing regional focus on energy-efficient and thermally insulated building solutions. This reinforces the company's commitment to supporting high-performance, sustainable construction practices. Caparol's growing project portfolio in the UAE includes high-profile residential, hospitality and commercial developments. The brand has also deepened its support for industry professionals by investing in training, colour consultancy, and technical services to ensure projects are executed to the highest standard. With the UAE's continued push for sustainable urban development under Vision 2031, Caparol is reinforcing its role as a long-term partner to the region's architecture, design and construction sectors. About Caparol Caparol Paints LLC is a leading developer and producer of high-quality paints, enamels, decorative and structural coatings, and insulation technology. Part of DAW Group, one of Europe's largest private paint manufacturers, Caparol is the Group's premium brand for architectural and decorative coatings, bringing more than 125 years of global expertise to the Middle East and Africa. Operating in the Middle East region since 1999, Caparol operates a state-of-the-art production facility in Dubai and is known for delivering sustainable, climate-adapted, and design-forward solutions tailored to the region's needs. Recognised by its iconic striped elephant, the brand is trusted by architects, designers, and developers for its technical expertise, reliable performance, and strong aesthetic range. Caparol's paints and systems have been used in some of the region's most iconic developments, including Rove Hotels, Dubai Hills Villas, Six Senses The Palm, Al Araimi Boulevard Mall, Nizwa Souq and numerous government, residential, and commercial projects.
CBS News
3 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Water main break expected to close Baltimore County road for 2 days, officials say
A water main break reported in Hunt Valley Friday could prompt a two-day road closure, according to the Baltimore County Department of Public Works (DPW). Contractors responded to the water main break around 11 a.m. on Friday on York Road between Ashland and Schilling roads. The section of York Road is closed for emergency repairs, officials said. WJZ was on the scene as water gushed into parking lots on both sides of York Road. The incident caused flooding along the road. One restaurant owner told WJZ that she sent her customers and employees away after she lost water. While the Baltimore region usually sees an uptick in water main breaks during freezing temperatures, a variety of other factors can also cause breaks. In January, DPW responded to nearly a dozen water main breaks in one day. According to live DPW maps, there are currently 10 water main issues in the region, including two in Baltimore County. Data shows the water main has been shut down since the break was reported.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- BBC News
A47 closed westbound after diesel spillage
An A-road was closed westbound following a substantial diesel spillage. National Highways said the A47 was shut between the A1074 (Norwich) and B1110 (Honingham) for emergency resurfacing works following the incident. A spokesperson said: "Contractors are working to resurface and re-open the road as soon as possible but currently we are unable to provide an estimate for the re-opening time."Drivers were advised to take alternative routes and allow extra time for their journey. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Sky News
4 days ago
- Business
- Sky News
Accountants were paid to place clients into loan charge schemes targeted by HMRC
Victims of the loan charge received advice from professional accountants who were being paid to place them into tax avoidance schemes. Sky News has seen evidence of chartered accountants advising their clients to enter loan arrangements, run by companies that were paying them a commission. These schemes were later targeted by HMRC, and workers were hit with giant tax bills, sometimes hundreds of thousands of pounds. In some cases, the tax demands have been crippling. It's a campaign that has driven people to the brink of bankruptcy, devastated families and has been linked to 10 suicides. MPs are now calling for a public investigation into the role of accountants and other professional bodies in the proliferation of these schemes. An independent review of the loan charge is currently under way, but it is limited in its scope. What is the loan charge scandal? It is the latest revelation in a scandal that has caused untold misery for tens of thousands of people, who were enrolled into tax avoidance schemes, often against their knowledge. They included contractors who were urged to avoid setting up limited companies and to instead receive payment through the schemes, which were meant to handle their pay and taxes. 1:42 They worked by paying workers what were technically loans, instead of a salary. This allowed them to circumvent paying income tax. What many assumed were tax deductions on their payslips were, in fact, fees going towards the promoters of the schemes. Tax avoidance is not illegal, but HMRC has successfully challenged tax avoidance schemes in the courts, and workers have subsequently been asked to pay the missing tax. There is no suggestion that these accountants broke the law. Richard's story For Richard Clancey, HMRC's handling of the loan charge feels like "state-sponsored bullying". After being offered a contract role in 2010, Mr Clancey, now a retired computer services professional, contacted a chartered accountant in Kent to help him set up a limited company. The accountant encouraged him to enrol in a payment scheme instead. "He gave us an hour's presentation on the benefits of the scheme and how it worked," Mr Clancey said. "This included how they would handle all administration, pay all tax that was due, was IR35 and tax law compliant, had a lower risk than using a limited company, had been approved by a tax QC and was currently used by several people who were working for HMRC. "The presentation was very elaborate and complicated and I cannot claim that I understood it all, but I wanted to ensure I was legal and compliant, so I trusted the advice of a chartered accountant that use of this scheme was the right thing to do." The accountant told him that he was receiving an introductory fee, but not that he would receive ongoing payment. In 2014, Mr Clancey received an email from his accountant outlining that the previous year he had received £257 in commission. However, he did not receive statements for the previous two years. "Although you were notified of this commission before, we are also required to declare the amount of commission to you according to the guidance of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales," the email read. "This commission has not cost you anything," it added. The company's former website page clearly stated that it offered accountants commission, boasting that the rates had been raised. At this point, Mr Clancey was already on the radar of HMRC. In 2012, tax authorities wrote to him to explain that he had been in a tax avoidance scheme that "HMRC believes does not work". He was subsequently asked to pay more than £100,000. "Over the next seven years, I received multiple penalties and threats from HMRC who said I had been a tax avoider who should settle their debts now or face worse consequences later," he said. "There hasn't been a single day when I haven't been consumed by the frustration and anger of my situation and how it arose... Since my involvement with [the scheme] and the subsequent hounding from HMRC and government, a lot of that has changed. This state-sponsored bullying has caused me to suffer some mental health issues. "My personal stress levels were through the roof. I dreaded the next brown envelope coming through the post box with outrageous, unsubstantiated demands. My poor wife would apologise and burst into tears as she brought these to me." HMRC said it takes the wellbeing of all taxpayers seriously. "We are committed to identifying and supporting customers who need extra help with their tax affairs and have made significant improvements to this service over the last few years." Like others in his position, Mr Clancey is frustrated by the blunt approach of the tax authority and the lack of accountability from other parties. "I have been increasingly concerned that my chartered accountant led me into the hands of a scam organisation," he said. "HMRC continues to persecute victims." Government reaction The government has now launched an independent review into the loan charge, and HMRC is pausing its activity until that review is complete - but its focus is on helping people to reach a settlement. The review will not look at the historical role of accountants, promoters and recruitment agencies, even though they propped up the schemes. Politicians and campaigners have called for a broader investigation. Greg Smith, MP and co-chair of the Loan Charge and Taxpayer Fairness APPG, said: "It's clear that many chartered accountants were directly involved in the promotion of loan schemes. "People trusted accountants and had the right to rely on this advice, and yet, instead, are facing life-ruining bills. There needs to be a proper investigation into this as part of an independent inquiry into the loan charge scandal," he said. "Either HMRC warned accountants not to recommend these schemes, in which case the accountants were giving reckless and potentially fraudulent advice; or HMRC didn't tell accountants not to do this, in which case HMRC themselves were seriously at fault. "Either way, it is quite wrong that the current government continues to only pursue those who took and followed professional advice and not those who gave it, whilst profiting from doing so." The experience has damaged Mr Clancey's faith in the sector. "I will never again trust professional financial advice," he said. "If the advice of a chartered accountant can cause this much damage without culpability, then there is something very wrong. It is a failure on the part of the entire tax industry that accredited professionals can, through their advice, destroy the lives of the individuals that they advise." A spokesperson for the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, an industry body, said: "We expect chartered accountants to adhere to the highest standards in all of their work, including tax. "Robust rules for members performing tax work are contained in standards which have been developed and strengthened to prevent the involvement of members in aggressive tax avoidance." The organisation strengthened its standards in 2017, after the loan charge legislation was announced, adding that "members must not create, encourage or promote tax planning arrangements or structures that set out to achieve results that are contrary to the clear intention of parliament in enacting relevant legislation and/or are highly artificial or highly contrived and seek to exploit shortcomings within the relevant legislation".
