| Blood cancer charity seeks 
local person to lead campaign in Liverpool WITH over ten thousand people from 
Liverpool already having registered with them as potential blood stem cell 
donors, the blood cancer charity DKMS is looking for someone from Liverpool to 
help them to recruit more. DKMS is setting up a volunteer group in Liverpool to 
develop, organize and deliver events that will raise awareness of the importance 
of registering as a blood stem cell donor, recruit potential blood stem cell 
donors, and fundraise to register more. They are seeking a volunteer who will 
lead the Liverpool group. 
The importance of the group is underscored by the fact that someone is diagnosed 
with a blood cancer in the UK every 20 minutes, and for many, a blood stem cell 
donation is their only chance of survival. Unfortunately, many don't find a 
matching donor but this will change if more people register as potential blood 
stem cell donors as the pool of people available on standby to donate will be 
greater. The Liverpool volunteer group will be striving to recruit many more 
potential lifesavers in Liverpool.
Speaking about the role, Shafia Begam, Head of Volunteering at DKMS, said:- 
"We're looking for enthusiastic and good communicators, who love organising 
events and enjoy working with others. Above all, we are looking for people who 
have a passion for saving lives."
 If you are interested in the role and would like to know more, you can find out 
more by emailing Shafia. 
You can also register in five minutes online and request a cheek swab kit that 
will enable you to do your own tissue test to go on the database to maybe one 
day become a blood stem cell donor through the DKMS 
website.
 Be prepared for Tax 
Taskforces warns local specialist LOCAL business owners are being warned 
to be prepared for increased scrutiny from specialist Tax Taskforces, as HMRC 
seeks to step up its investigations into the financial affairs of small 
businesses.
Andrew Geddes who runs TaxAssist Accountants in Southport said:- "HMRC's 
specialist tax taskforces have brought in more than £540 million since they were 
launched 5 years ago and there are bound to be changes as a result of the 
uncertainty surrounding the UK's decision to leave the European Union.
We're urging local business owners to be prepared and protect their hard earned 
income, particularly cash based businesses, such as shops, restaurants, taxi 
firms and takeaways and also landlords who rent out residential properties, 
including student and holiday lettings. 
Provided they have all the right procedures, records and proof of income and 
expenditure in place, they have nothing to worry about, but it is vital they act 
1st, rather than wait for the Tax Inspector to call. HMRC will impose harsher 
penalties if it thinks there has been no attempt to come forward and address any 
anomalies or ensure the paperwork is up to date."  HMRC has launched more than 140 
Taskforces targeting specific sectors since 
2011, bringing in progressively higher amounts each year. Taskforces can impose 
penalties of up to 100% of unpaid Tax, so double the sum originally due and 
their investigations have led to arrests for Tax evasion and fraud. |  | Merseyrail has become an 
official overarching cultural partner for Liverpool THE travel giant has been a key sponsor 
for Liverpool's cultural programme since 2015, but this latest deal sees 
Merseyrail officially support the City's event programme and wider cultural 
institutions moving forward.
 As part of the agreement, Merseyrail are committed to making it as easy as 
possible for people across the North West to visit cultural attractions in the 
City.
 
 On Sunday, 14 August 2016, 2,000 FREE rail return journeys are up for grabs in order 
for people to travel around the City to make the most of the attractions on 
offer, whether it's the latest exhibitions at Tate Liverpool, displays at 
museums and galleries, right though to popular Beatles attractions or even the 
brand new exhibition dedicated to The Jam at the Cunard Building. And of course 
why not venture out of Liverpool and visit the Iron Men at Crosby, the Lady 
Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight or Southport's Botanical Gardens.
 
 To get your hands on a free rail journey, just register 
online,
before 14 August 2016, at tickets will 
be allocated on a 1st come first serve basis.
 
 Assistant Mayor and Cabinet Member for culture, tourism and events, Councillor 
Wendy Simon, said:- "We are delighted that Merseyrail is an official 
cultural partner and it makes a real statement that such a strong and 
established brand understands the value of culture to Liverpool and the wider 
City region. We have an extensive and diverse events programme in the City and 
thanks to the creativity and commitment of our arts sector, there is something 
for visitors to see and do every day of the year.  Having a travel partner, 
reinforces how easy it is to get around our region to take in the amazing 
cultural assets on our doorsteps. These transport messages are particularly 
important when we are staging large scale, outdoor events when getting thousands 
of people to and from the City quickly and safely is paramount. We look forward 
to working with Merseyrail on our next big event - the new-look fireworks 
display in November; and together we can make sure the thousands who attend will 
have an unforgettable experience, for all the right reasons."
 
 A Merseyrail spokesperson said:- "We are very pleased to continue our 
official association with Liverpool's cultural programme, for the first time 
giving away complimentary tickets for return travel anywhere on the Merseyrail 
network for 1 day. We hope that this gesture will encourage people who don't 
usually take the train to give it a go, and that their experience on Merseyrail 
will add to the overall success of their trips out. With the City's cultural 
offer richer and more vibrant than ever, we are keen to encourage people, 
whether they're from the area or beyond, to take advantage of the wide range of 
events and activities available locally."
 
 Other benefits of the deal include an onsite Merseyrail branding at events; 
seen recently at the Liverpool International Music Festival, the promotion of 
'get there by train' messages before an event to promote the ease of this method 
of travel and more free or reduced travel offers throughout the year.
 |