#company registration in uk

[ebizfilingindia-blog]

[enterslices]

Streamline Your Business: A Comprehensive Guide to Company Registration in the UK

Unlock the potential of your business with our definitive guide to company registration in the UK. From navigating legal requirements to optimizing your setup for success, discover expert insights and actionable steps to establish your company with ease. Start your journey towards growth and legitimacy today.

[masllp]

Streamline Your Business Journey: Expert Company Formation in UK with MAS LLP

Embarking on a business venture in the United Kingdom is an exciting endeavor, but navigating the complexities of Company formation in UK can be a daunting task. That’s where MAS LLP comes in as your trusted partner, offering expert guidance and support to streamline the process of establishing your company in the UK. Here’s why MAS LLP stands out as the premier choice for Company formation in UK:

Comprehensive Expertise: With years of experience and in-depth knowledge of UK company law and regulations, MAS LLP brings comprehensive expertise to the table. Whether you’re looking to register a private limited company, a limited liability partnership (LLP), or a public limited company (PLC), our team of experts has the knowledge and resources to guide you through the process with ease.

Tailored Solutions: MAS LLP understands that every business is unique, with its own set of goals, requirements, and challenges. That’s why we offer tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of each client. Whether you’re a startup looking to establish a presence in the UK market or an established corporation expanding your operations, we work closely with you to understand your objectives and develop a customized approach to Company formation in UK that aligns with your vision.

Efficient Process: MAS LLP streamlines the Company formation in UK process to ensure a seamless and efficient experience for our clients. From preparing the necessary documentation to liaising with regulatory authorities and completing registration procedures, we handle every aspect of the process with precision and attention to detail, saving you time, effort, and resources.

Compliance Assurance: Compliance with UK company law and regulations is paramount to the success and longevity of your business. MAS LLP provides expert guidance and support to ensure that your Company formation in UK process is fully compliant with all legal requirements. We keep abreast of the latest regulatory developments and ensure that your company structure and documentation meet the necessary standards for approval.

Ongoing Support: Our commitment to your success doesn’t end with Company formation in UK. MAS LLP offers ongoing support and advisory services to help you navigate the complexities of running a business in the UK. Whether you need assistance with corporate governance, regulatory compliance, or strategic planning, our team of experts is here to provide the guidance and support you need to thrive.

Transparent Pricing: At MAS LLP, we believe in transparency and integrity in all our dealings. Our Company formation in UK services are offered at competitive, transparent pricing, with no hidden fees or surprises. We provide clear, upfront pricing information so that you can make informed decisions about your business without worrying about unexpected costs.

Client Satisfaction: At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to client satisfaction. MAS LLP is dedicated to providing exceptional service and support to every client, regardless of size or industry. We prioritize communication, responsiveness, and professionalism, ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of service at every stage of the Company formation in UK process. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an established business looking to expand into the UK market, MAS LLP is your trusted partner for seamless. Contact us today to learn more about our services Company formation in UK and take the first step towards realizing your business goals in the UK.

[formationshuntt]

Company Registration in the UK – Start Your Business Today

Looking to register a company in the UK? FormationsHunt offers hassle-free and efficient company registration services. Our expert team will guide you through the entire process, ensuring compliance with UK regulations. Start your business journey today with our affordable and reliable services! 

[registeryourbusiness7]

Register Your Business offers professional opening services to entrepreneurs looking to start businesses in the UK. Call Register Your Business to have your consultation free!

[ykgglobal]

Why is the United Kingdom the Ideal Place for Modern Company Registration in 2025?

Since 1981, YKG Global has been a leading name in business registration, helping entrepreneurs explore lucrative markets. As we step into 2025, company registration in the United Kingdom remains one of the most attractive options for businesses.

The UK’s strong economy, transparent legal framework, and reputation as a global financial hub make it an ideal destination for businesses. From tech startups to retail giants, the UK offers unparalleled support through tax incentives, world-class infrastructure, and access to global markets.

YKG Global simplifies company registration in the United Kingdom by offering end-to-end services. From legal formalities to compliance with local regulations, our team ensures a hassle-free process. With a client base spread across 20+ countries, including Australia, Poland, and Singapore, we bring a global perspective to your business journey.

Make 2025 the year you expand to the UK. Contact YKG Global today to turn your vision into reality.

[offshoregateways]

Offshore Company Registrations with Bank Account?

In today's globalized economy, businesses are increasingly looking beyond domestic borders to "optimize their operations", reduce costs, and gain access to international markets. One strategy that has gained popularity among entrepreneurs and investors is the establishment of offshore companies. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the concept of "offshore company registrations", their benefits, considerations, and the process of setting up an offshore company with a bank account.

Understanding Offshore Companies

Definition and characteristics of offshore companies

"Offshore companies are entities registered" in a jurisdiction different from where they conduct their primary business activities or where their owners reside. These companies often enjoy favorable tax treatment, regulatory advantages, and enhanced privacy compared to domestic entities.

Reasons why businesses choose to register offshore Businesses may opt for "offshore company registrations" for various reasons, including tax optimization, asset protection, confidentiality, access to global markets, and simplified regulatory requirements.

Legal and financial implications of offshore company registration While offshore companies offer several benefits, they also come with legal and financial considerations. It's crucial to understand the regulatory environment, tax implications, and compliance requirements associated with offshore operations.

Benefits of Offshore Company Registrations

Tax advantages Offshore companies often benefit from low or zero corporate tax rates, allowing businesses to minimize their tax liabilities and retain more profits.

Asset protection By holding assets offshore, businesses can shield them from potential legal claims, creditors, or other financial risks.

Privacy and confidentiality Offshore jurisdictions typically offer strict confidentiality laws, ensuring the privacy of company ownership and financial information.

Access to global markets Offshore companies can facilitate international trade and investment by providing a platform to conduct business across borders more efficiently.

Simplified regulatory requirements Some offshore jurisdictions have lenient regulatory frameworks, reducing administrative burdens and compliance costs for businesses.

Considerations Before Registering an Offshore Company

Jurisdiction selection Choosing the right jurisdiction is critical, as it determines the regulatory environment, tax implications, and overall suitability for the business's objectives.

Legal requirements and regulations Businesses must comply with the legal and regulatory requirements of both the offshore jurisdiction and their home country to avoid legal issues and potential penalties.

Banking and financial considerations Access to banking services is essential for offshore companies. However, some jurisdictions may have restrictions or challenges in opening and maintaining bank accounts.

Costs involved in setting up and maintaining an offshore company While "offshore company registrations" offer potential cost savings, businesses should consider the upfront and ongoing expenses associated with incorporation, administration, and compliance.

Risks and challenges associated with offshore operations Offshore companies may face risks such as regulatory changes, political instability, reputational damage, and increased scrutiny from tax authorities.

Steps to Register an Offshore Company with Bank Account

Conducting thorough research Before proceeding with offshore company registration, businesses should conduct comprehensive research on potential jurisdictions, legal requirements, and service providers.

Choosing the right jurisdiction Selecting a jurisdiction that aligns with the business's objectives, preferences, and industry requirements is crucial for successful offshore operations.

Hiring professional services Engaging legal, financial, and other professional services is advisable to navigate the complexities of "offshore company registrations" and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Preparing and submitting necessary documents Businesses must gather and submit the required documents, such as identification proofs, business plans, and incorporation forms, to the offshore jurisdiction's authorities.

Opening a bank account for the offshore company Securing banking services is an integral part of "offshore company registrations in UK". Businesses should approach reputable banks in the chosen jurisdiction and fulfill their account opening requirements.

Compliance with ongoing regulatory requirements Once the "offshore company" is registered and the bank account is opened, it's essential to maintain compliance with ongoing regulatory requirements, including filing annual reports, tax returns, and other obligations.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Regulatory compliance issues Navigating complex regulatory frameworks and staying compliant with evolving laws and "regulations can be challenging for offshore companies". Seeking professional advice and regular updates on regulatory changes is essential.

Banking restrictions and challenges Some offshore jurisdictions may "face banking restrictions" or challenges due to regulatory scrutiny or international sanctions. Exploring alternative banking options or engaging specialized banking services can help overcome these challenges.

Tax implications and controversies Offshore companies may face scrutiny and controversies related to tax avoidance or evasion. Maintaining accurate records, adhering to tax laws, and seeking tax advice from experts can mitigate tax-related risks.

Reputation risks associated with offshore entities Offshore companies often face stigma and negative perceptions due to associations with tax evasion, money laundering, or illicit activities. Maintaining transparency, ethical business practices, and good corporate governance can help mitigate reputational risks.

[sm2uk]

A UK Expansion Worker visa allows you to come to the UK to set up a branch of an overseas business that has not started trading in the UK yet. Call Our UK Expansion Worker Visa Lawyers to start your journey to open a branch in the UK. To know more you can BOOK A CONSULTATION on +91 98191 27002 or email us at info@smartmove2uk.com 

[masllp]

Payroll outsourcing in UK

Breathe Easy, Business Owners: Why Payroll outsourcing in UK with MAS LLP is Your Secret Weapon Running a business in the UK is exhilarating, but managing payroll? Not so much. Between HMRC deadlines, complex calculations, and ever-changing regulations, payroll can quickly become a time-consuming headache. That's where MAS LLP comes in, your one-stop shop for Payroll outsourcing in UK that takes the weight off your shoulders and lets you focus on what matters most: growing your business.

Why Choose MAS LLP for Payroll outsourcing in UK?

Expertise You Can Trust: Our team of qualified and experienced payroll professionals are the best in the business. They stay up-to-date on the latest HMRC regulations, ensuring your business remains compliant and avoids costly penalties. Accuracy Guaranteed: Say goodbye to manual calculations and spreadsheets. We leverage cutting-edge technology and robust processes to deliver error-free payroll every time. Time is Money: Free yourself and your team from the payroll burden. Outsourcing allows you to dedicate your valuable time and resources to core business activities that drive growth. Peace of Mind: Rest assured knowing your employees are paid accurately and on time, every time. We handle everything from deductions and taxes to payslips and reports, giving you complete peace of mind. Personalized Service: You're not just a number with MAS LLP. We believe in building strong relationships with our clients, providing you with a dedicated account manager who understands your unique needs and is always available to answer your questions. Beyond Payroll: The MAS LLP Advantage

MAS LLP goes beyond just processing payroll. We offer a comprehensive suite of accounting outsourcing services designed to streamline your finances and give you a clear picture of your business health.

Bookkeeping: From daily transactions to account reconciliation, we keep your books meticulously organized and error-free. VAT Compliance: Navigate the complexities of VAT regulations with our expert guidance and minimize risks. Management Reporting: Gain valuable insights into your finances with customized reports and analysis that help you make informed decisions. Cloud-Based Solutions: Access your financial data securely anytime, anywhere, with our user-friendly cloud platform. Partner with MAS LLP and Reclaim Your Time and Focus

Payroll outsourcing in UK with MAS LLP isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about investing in the future of your business. We empower you to focus on what you do best, while we handle the nitty-gritty of payroll with accuracy, efficiency, and a personal touch.

Ready to ditch the payroll headaches and get back to business? Contact MAS LLP today for a free consultation and discover how we can help you breathe easy and achieve your business goals.

Note: This blog post is just a starting point. Feel free to adapt it to include specific details about MAS LLP's services, testimonials from satisfied clients, or special offers to attract potential customers.

[formationshuntt]

Hassle-Free UK Company Registration for Non-Residents

Looking to register a UK company as a non-resident? Formation Hunt offers tailored packages to help you establish your business with ease. Enjoy expert guidance, fast registration, and complete compliance solutions. Start your UK business journey today!

[obaewankenope]

American to English translation for fic

So I read and write fanfic, as do lots of others, and I've noticed that when it comes to British shows or movies, Americanisms or American terms crop up often. It's mostly because most don't know we have specific terms for things in the UK, and I've seen references here and there before, but I've decided to write one of my own. Feel free to add to it tho! I'm gonna put it up on Ao3 too and any additions, I'll reference the tumblr and link them on Ao3 too.

AO3 link is here!!

Anyway, here we go I guess.

Some Americanisms to English-isms

Gas = fuel/petrol/diesel (we tend to specify the type of fuel the vehicle uses, diesel vehicle or petrol vehicle for example)

Gas station = petrol/fuel station

Gas court = petrol/fuel court, or sometimes forecourt (not often with this one tho)

License plate = registration plate/reg

Diner = cafe

Fast-food = takeaway (this is sort of interchangeable. McDonald's is called fast food, a meal from a pizza place that delivers is takeaway)

Motel = hotel

Side-note: We tend to use specific named hotel chains like Premier Inn (or Prem-Inn for short) or Holiday Inn or Travelodge. We also have Britannia Hotels and several others. If the fic is based in a specific place, local hotels or famous ones may be better options. For example, in Liverpool, we have The Shankly or Adelphi.

Cab = taxi or black hac for a specific type of taxi.

Side-note: These are what you see in BBC Sherlock, for example, and are a UK staple. They're less popular or common-place nowadays but there are dedicated taxi companies that use them. There's on in my town that operates until 4pm each day. They are also usually more expensive than a car taxi but they have oodles of space and you can have a pram/buggy kept upright rather than folded-down in them which is brilliant.

Cop = police officer

Side note: more informal, colloquial terms include "copper", "the fuzz", "tit-head" (because of the nipple hat okay, just look up the hat, it's hilarious), "bobby", "rozzer" (pronounced r-o-z-er not Row-zer), and "the bill" (there's an actual show called this btw. It can be a good reference for anyone writing crime fic in UK). There's more but those are the most common. Older terms do include "peelers" and "old bill".

Second side-note: the police have a whole host of terms, colloquial and slang that can be a great thing to include in fic, which I'll link a glossary of here. It's not all UK centric but cross-country policing is a thing so that may just be a boon imho. Also the short-hand acroynmns used are useful so here's a link to the Metropolitan Police glossary of those too!

Patrolman = constable or police constable

Antenna = aerial or TV aerial

Fall (season) = autumn

Bill = banknote or specifically "tenner", "fiver", "twenny" (not "twenty"). We don't have single banknotes like a dollar bill. We have pound coins

Dimes, nickels, etc = pound coin, two-pound coin, fifty-pence, penny, two-pence, five-pence, ten-pence, twenty-pence (link here about the coin currency)

Drug store = chemist or pharmacy

Optometrist = optician

Primary care physician = GP (general practitioner) here's a link about UK medical terms for doctors etc

Side-note: here's a link about medical terminologies etc between American and UK

Social security number = national insurance number

Liquor store = off-license or, specifically, Bargain Booze™

Liquor = spirits (usually)

Store = shop

Target, Walmart, etc = honestly, it's probably gonna be Tesco, ASDA, Morrisons, ALDI or Lidl

Superstore = supermarket

Shopping cart = shopping trolley or just "trolley"

Yard-sale = car-boot/car-bootie/car-boot sale

Attorney = barrister or solicitor (solicitors you go to for legal help, barristers tend to be involved in actual court matters, like a the Crown Prosecution Service), here's a link that explains it better

Janitor = caretaker

French-fries = chips (although McDonald's French-fries are just that, French-fries)

Intersection = crossroad

Highway/freeway = motorway

Interstate = usually an A-road or a motorway, we don't really have interstates here)

Overpass = flyover

Turnpike = toll motorway

Windshield = windscreen

Trunk of a car = boot or car boot

Hood of a car = bonnet or car bonnet

Truck = lorry

Sedan = saloon car

Blowout = puncture or flat tyre

Pavement = road

Sidewalk = path

Subway = underground (like the London Underground)

Drapes = curtains (though we do use "drapes" we tend to say "curtains" more)

Pacifier = dummy or "dodo" or "dodi"

Diaper = nappie or a pull-up (if its like underwear for toddlers)

Baby crib = baby cot (though we do use "crib", we tend to say "cot" more)

Baby carriage/pushchair/stroller = pram or buggy (more specific type tho, here's a link about the differences)

Trash/garbage can = bin, dustbin, rubbish bin

Garbage/trash collector = binman/binmen

Mail = post

Mailman = postman

Mailbox = postbox

The movies = cinema or pictures

Movie = film (less common nowadays with influence of Americanisms but I still use "film" and a lot of people my age and older do too (25+)

First floor = ground floor okay, it's the ground floor because it's on ground level

Sneakers = unless they're Converse, it's probably just "trainers"

Baggage = luggage

Purse (as in the bag) = handbag, or "purse" but that tends to be the thing you put your money and cards in then put in your handbag

Vacuum cleaner = hoover or a specific brand like Henry Hoover™, which you'll find we tend to just call Henry (though I have a John Lewis hoover I got from George, ASDA that I've named 'George' and yes, I do say "I need to use George in a bit to hoover" regularly)

Sweater = jumper or, if it buttons up it's a cardigan or cardi

Closet = wardrobe

Elevator = lift

Call collect = reverse charges

Schools = we have primary/infants (11yrs)and secondary/high school (11-16yo) with some high schools have sixth-form college (16-18yo) or actual independent colleges for the same ages

College = university

Semester = term

Vacation = holiday

Kindergarten = nursey/reception

Flashlight = torch

Wrench = spanner

Backyard = garden

Cookie = biscuits

Chips = crisps (like Walkers™ or Lays™ in the States)

Pants = trousers

Cottoncandy = candyfloss

Dude = bloke/fella/mate

John Doe = John Smith

Exhausted (tired) = knackered

Cell phone = mobile

Cell data = mobile data/4G/5G

Bathroom/restroom = loo/toilet (informal term "bog")

Thanks = cheers

Soccer = football

Y'all = "you lot"

Fuck off/hit the road/go away = bugger off

Some slang phrases too

Bits and bobs = stuff, usually random

Take the mick/mickey = making fun of someone or over-exaggerating

Bob's your uncle = there you go, basically

Bog standard = typical, run of the mill kind of deal

Gutted = feel upset, disappointed

Dull as dishwater = basically really, really fuckin boring

Chinwag = basically "shooting the breeze" or just having a talk/chat

.

If you have any others that you think of or want added, reblog and add em! Tags too if you'd prefer but reblogs would be easier ☺️

[ykgglobal]

Step Into the Future: Modern Guide to Company Registration in the UK

Since 1981, YKG Global has been a trusted partner in business registration worldwide. The United Kingdom, with its robust economy, global influence, and pro-business policies, remains a top choice for entrepreneurs and investors. Our expertise in company registration in the United Kingdom ensures a seamless process.

From legal documentation to compliance solutions, YKG Global provides everything you need to succeed in the UK market. We handle the complexities of registering your business, allowing you to focus on developing your strategies and achieving growth.

With a global network and over four decades of experience, YKG Global offers unparalleled support for businesses looking to establish a presence in the UK.

Step into the future with YKG Global. Contact us today to learn more about registering your business in the UK.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Keir Starmer appoints Jeff Bezos as his “first buddy”

Picks and Shovels is a new, standalone technothriller starring Marty Hench, my two-fisted, hard-fighting, tech-scam-busting forensic accountant. You can pre-order it on my latest Kickstarter, which features a brilliant audiobook read by Wil Wheaton.

Turns out Donald Trump isn't the only world leader with a tech billionaire "first buddy" who gets to serve as an unaccountable, self-interested de facto business regulator. UK PM Keir Starmer has just handed the keys to the British economy over to Jeff Bezos.

Oh, not literally. But here's what's happened: the UK's Competitions and Markets Authority, an organisation charged with investigating and punishing tech monopolists (like Amazon) has just been turned over to Doug Gurr, the guy who used to run Amazon UK.

This is – incredibly – even worse than it sounds. Marcus Bokkerink, the outgoing head of the CMA, was amazing, and he had charge over the CMA's Digital Markets Unit, the largest, best-staffed technical body of any competition regulator, anywhere in the world. The DMU uses its investigatory powers to dig deep into complex monopolistic businesses like Amazon, and just last year, the DMU was given new enforcement powers that would let it custom-craft regulations to address tech monopolization (again, like Amazon's).

But it's even worse. The CMA and DMU are the headwaters of a global system of super-effective Big Tech regulation. The CMA's deeply investigated reports on tech monopolists are used as the basis for EU regulations and enforcement actions, and these actions are then re-run by other world governments, like South Korea and Japan:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/04/10/an-injury-to-one/#is-an-injury-to-all

The CMA is the global convener and ringleader in tech antitrust, in other words. Smaller and/or poorer countries that lack the resources to investigate and build a case against US Big Tech companies have been able to copy-paste the work of the CMA and hold these companies to account. The CMA invites (or used to invite) all of these competition regulators to its HQ in Canary Wharf for conferences where they plan global strategy against these monopolists:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cma-data-technology-and-analytics-conference-2022-registration-308678625077

Firing the guy who is making all this happening and replacing him with Amazon's UK boss is a breathtaking display of regulatory capture by Starmer, his business secretary Jonathan Reynolds, and his exchequer, Rachel Reeves.

But it gets even worse, because Amazon isn't just any tech monopolist. Amazon is a many-tentacled kraken built around an e-commerce empire. Antitrust regulators elsewhere have laid bare how Amazon uses that retail monopoly to take control over whole economies, while raising prices and crushing small businesses.

To understand Amazon's market power, first you have to understand "monopsonies" – markets dominated by buyers (monopolies are markets dominated by sellers – Amazon is both a monopolist and a monopsonist). Monopsonies are far more dangerous than monopolies, because they are easier to establish and easier to defend against competitors. Say a single retailer accounts for 30% of your sales: there isn't a business in the world that can survive an overnight 30% drop in sales, so that 30% market share might as well be 100%. Once your order is big enough that canceling it would bankrupt your supplier, you have near-total control over that supplier.

Amazon boasts about this. They call it "the flywheel": Amazon locks in shoppers (by getting them to prepay for a year's worth of shipping in advance, via Prime). The fact that a business can't sell to a large proportion of households if it's not on Amazon gives Amazon near-total power over that business. Amazon uses that power to demand discounts and charge junk fees to the businesses that rely on it. This allows it to lower prices, which brings in more customers, which means that even more businesses have to do business with Amazon to stay afloat:

https://vimeo.com/739486256/00a0a7379a

That's Amazon's version, anyway. In reality, it's a lot scuzzier. Amazon doesn't just demand deep discounts from its suppliers – it demand unsustainable discounts from them. For example, Amazon targeted small publishers with a program called the "Gazelle Project." Jeff Bezos told his negotiators to bring down these publishers "the way a cheetah would pursue a sickly gazelle":

https://archive.nytimes.com/bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/22/a-new-book-portrays-amazon-as-bully/

The idea was to get a bunch of cheap books for the Kindle to help it achieve critical mass, at the expense of driving these publishers out of business. They were a kind of disposable rocket stage for Amazon.

Deep discounts aren't the only way that Amazon feeds off its suppliers: it also lards junk-fee atop junk-fee. For every pound Amazon makes from its customers, it rakes in 45-51p in fees:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/11/29/aethelred-the-unready/#not-one-penny-for-tribute

Now, just like there's no business that can survive losing 30% of its sales overnight, there's also no business that can afford to hand 45-51% of its gross margin to a retailer. For businesses to survive at all on Amazon, they have to jack their prices up – way up. However, Amazon has an anticompetitive deal called "most favoured nation status" that forces suppliers to sell their goods on Amazon at the same price as they sell them elsewhere (even from their own stores). So when companies raise their prices in order to pay ransom to Amazon, they have to raise their prices everywhere. Far from being a force for low prices, Amazon makes prices go up everywhere, from the big Tesco's to the corner shop:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/25/greedflation/#commissar-bezos

Amazon makes so much money off of this scam that it doesn't have to pay anything to ship its own goods – the profits from overcharging merchants for "fulfillment by Amazon" pay for all the shipping, on everything Amazon sells:

https://cdn.ilsr.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AmazonMonopolyTollbooth-2023.pdf

Amazon competes with its own sellers, but unlike those sellers, it doesn't have to pay a 45-51% rake – and it can make its competitor-customers cover the full cost of its own shipping! On top of that, Amazon maintains the pretense that its headquarters are in Luxembourg, the tax- and crime-haven, and pays a fraction of the taxes that British businesses pay to HMRC (and that's not counting the 45-51% tax they pay to Jeff Bezos's monoposony).

That's not the only way that Amazon unfairly competes with British businesses, though: Amazon uses its position as a middleman between buyers and sellers to identify the most successful products sold by its own customers. Then it copies those products and sells them below the original inventor's costs (because it gets free shipping, pays no tax, and doesn't have to pay its own junk fees), and drives those businesses into the ground. Even Jeff "Project Gazelle" Bezos seems to understand that this is a bad look, which is why he perjured himself to the American Congress when he was questioned under oath about it:

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-58961836

Amazon then places its knockoff products above the original goods on its search results page. Amazon makes $38b selling off placement on these search pages, and the top results for an Amazon search aren't the best matches for your query – they're the ones that pay the most. On average, Amazon's top result for a search is 29% more expensive than the best match on the site. On average, the top row of results is 25% more expensive than the best match on the site. On average, Amazon buries the best result for your search 17 places down the results page:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/11/03/subprime-attention-rent-crisis/#euthanize-rentiers

Amazon, in other words, acts like the business regulator for the economies it dominates. It decides what can be sold, and at what prices. It decides whose products come up when you search, and thus which businesses deserve to live and which ones deserve to die. An economy dominated by Amazon isn't a market economy – it's a planned economy, run by Party Secretary Bezos for the benefit of Amazon's shareholders.

Now, there is a role for a business regulator, because some businesses really don't deserve to live (because they sell harmful products, engage in deceptive practices, etc). The UK has a regulator that's in charge of this stuff: the Competition and Markets Authority, which is now going to be run by Jeff Bezos's hand-picked UK Amazon boss. That means that Amazon is now both the official and the unofficial central planner of the UK economy, with a free hand to raise prices, lower quality, and destroy British businesses, while hiding its profits in Luxemourg and starving the exchequer of taxes.

The "first buddy" role that Keir Starmer just handed over to Jeff Bezos is, in every way, more generous than the first buddy deal Trump gave Elon Musk.

Starmer's government claims they're doing this for "growth" but Amazon isn't a force for growth, it's force for extraction. It is a notorious underpayer of its labour force, a notorious tax-cheat, and a world-beating destroyer of local economies, local jobs, and local tax bases. Contrary to Amazon's own self-mythologizing, it doesn't deliver lower prices – it raises prices throughout the economy. It doesn't improve quality – this is a company whose algorithmic recommendation system failed to recognize that an "energy drink" was actually its own drivers' bottled piss, which it then promoted until it was the best-selling energy drink on the platform:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/10/20/release-energy/#the-bitterest-lemon

There's a reason that the UK, the EU, Japan and South Korea found it so easy to collaborate on antitrust cases against American companies: these are all countries whose competition law was rewritten by American technocrats during the Marshall Plan, modeled on the US's own laws. The bedrock of US competition law is 1890's Sherman Act, whose author, Senator John Sherman, declared that:

If we will not endure a King as a political power we should not endure a King over the production, transportation, and sale of the necessaries of life. If we would not submit to an emperor we should not submit to an autocrat of trade with power to prevent competition and to fix the price of any commodity.

https://pluralistic.net/2022/02/20/we-should-not-endure-a-king/

Jeff Bezos is the autocrat of trade that John Sherman warned us about, 135 years ago. And Keir Starmer just abdicated in his favour.

Check out my Kickstarter to pre-order copies of my next novel, Picks and Shovels!

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2025/01/22/autocrats-of-trade/#dingo-babysitter

Image: UK Parliament/Maria Unger (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Keir_Starmer_2024.jpg

CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

--

Steve Jurvetson (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jeff_Bezos%27_iconic_laugh.jpg

CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en

[acorviart]

Europe VAT laws not changing any time soon, recent. If understand FAQ well, mean shipping to Europe impossible for several years minimum?

That's correct, I won't be shipping to the EU for the foreseeable future due to some import packaging regulations that either have already been implemented or are planning to be implemented in the future.

Note that this is for EU countries only—I can ship to all other non-EU countries like Switzerland, except for the UK due to the UK's own convoluted VAT system.

The only workaround I can offer for EU folks is that you can have a friend or family that lives in a non-EU country place an order to deliver to their address, and then they are able to ship that order to you marked as a gift. Not an option for everyone, I know.

Longer explanation under the readmore for those curious:

As it stands now, each EU country has its own system and fees that I can't keep up with (for example, France would cost me 80 euros per year), I'd need to individually register and report to each country, some require reporting and tracking of what sources of packaging I use, I believe? It's all very complicated, and it makes my head spin just trying to figure out what the requirements actually are, so that's why I stopped shipping to the EU entirely out of an abundance of caution. I also just don't get enough sales to the EU to justify the headache, I'd probably actually lose money paying all the fees. Actually, while I was looking up details while writing this post, apparently there's a new PPWR that's going to replace the old EU Packaging Directive? This is why I can't handle this (ಥ﹏ಥ)

As for why this doesn't seem to be affecting all companies—corporations can obviously afford their own professionals whose entire job is to handle this stuff, and the requirements are also different for large vs small volumes. Meanwhile, a lot of other small or 1-person businesses straight up don't know about these requirements, because it's not like there's a memo passed around about updates to international shipping law. It's also even more confusing because some packages are slipping by without any issue, probably in part due to how the regulations are still new and still being implemented, so I assume it's kind of a mess.

I know of a few people who are willingly taking the risk and shipping to the EU anyway and have had no consequences (for now at least), but I'm not risking the fines ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Now for the UK, their VAT system doesn't have anything to do with packaging, but what it does require is similar registration with the government, and I'm required to collect and pay the VAT myself. No thanks!

TLDR; laws hard. laws also expensive. too stupid to figure out and too fearful of fines. no ship to countries

fun story: someone also once emailed me this long diatribe about how they think I'm shit at research and that I'm just making all this up (specifically just to screw with europeans or something, I guess?), so I sent them a few links to the literal official government websites where I got my info (like that UK one), and they never responded. lol