Using the Online Portal
The national lockdown presented many challenges for businesses, us included. We continued to service our clients, but our ability to physically put documents in the post was limited. With GDPR in force since 2018, emailing sensitive documents or information was no longer an option either, without including lengthy passwords and protections to ensure client data was safe.
This was when our online portal facility came into its own. We had not needed to use the facility much in the lead up to lockdown, however now we’ve been regularly using it for well over 6 months, it has revolutionised the way we communicate sensitive data, such as payslips and tax returns, to clients.
Put simply, the portal is a secure, online gateway whereby documents can be uploaded, exchanged and reviewed. It also has the function to enable clients to electronically approve annual accounts and tax returns, as well as other documents, saving both time and money as well as the environment in the process.
Many of our clients are already on board with using the portal and are impressed with its efficiency and ease of use. As we move into more of a paperless world, facilities such as online portals will become increasing popular in all sectors – who knows, BCMS may one day do away with their paper cattle passports!
We do understand that not all our clients have the capabilities or desire to use the portal and that is absolutely fine. We would however be delighted to help our clients use the portal as we do believe it can significantly benefit everyone.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like more information on using our online portal or help in accessing documents that you may have been sent.
Ellie Hammett FCCA
Manager
Ellie started with Evolution ABS in April 2010 and became a fully qualified as a Chartered Certified accountant in December 2015. She focuses on a portfolio of a range of clients, from farming to plumbing, providing valuable support in all aspects of accountancy and taxation.
Having grown up on a dairy farm in Dorset, Ellie later moved to Devon in 1998. She now lives with her husband and two young sons on their family farm in East Devon, where they raise beef, sheep, and grow arable crops. When she gets the chance, Ellie enjoys being outdoors with her boys, who share their dad’s passion for farming. She also enjoys moments spent with family and friends and the occasional bit of retail therapy when time allows!
Ellie can be contacted in the office on Mondays – Thursdays.