TruckNet UK's Rikki Chequer is awash with the party spirit while helping a worthy cause.
Page 9
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
As the recession continues to hit drivers hard, you might have expected the annual evening of chaos and mayhem that is the TruckNet UK post-Christmas party and charity auction was going to find it difficult to raise any funds. Yet, while some of those wishing to attend found themselves without transport to get to the event, and others struggled for accommodation, we need not have feared.
Some drivers arranged to collect those who couldn't get there, while others volunteered to share rooms to ensure everyone possible could get there and had somewhere to stay.
The evening, sponsored by CM publisher Reed Business Information, and supported by lsuzu, lveco, Soania and BigLorryBlog, is a mix of light-hearted banter, networking, and the serious business of raising money for charity.
This year's nominated cause was Help for Heroes, and a very commendable £1,130 was raised to help support troops who have been hurt in the line of service. A huge thanks must go to those at the event; RBI for sponsoring the event; and, of course, the companies that kindly donated items for the auction.
Fundraising aside, an interesting point surfaced via the forums regarding night-out allowances. One driver feels that if a firm expects a driver to pay his overnight parking for the truck out of his allowance, then they may be putting them in line for an unexpected and unwelcome tax bill.
The allowance is for personal expenses parking the firm's truck is not a personal expense. The issue of who pays to park the truck has been the subject of much debate on TruckNet UK, and opinions are still divided.
If it emerges that drivers are using their taxfree allowance to pay for parking, they may have to pay back the tax-free element of that to the government.
It would be interesting to hear from any accountants on whether tax-free allowances can be used for a business expense.