Costs, VAT, Data Protection for Seb Schmoller: online learning and e-learning consultant

Infrequently asked questions

What do you charge? My rates are negotiable, but as an indication of likely charges, I normally charge between £475 and £750 per day, exclusive of expenses, depending on the nature and duration of the assignment. Occasionally I work on a fully or part pro-bono basis.

Are you VAT Registered? No. Since 2010/2011 my turnover has been below the VAT threshold, so in February 2011 I deregistered. Previously, my VAT Registration Number was 801 594 835.

Are you registered under the 1998 Data Protection Act? Yes - Registration Number Z7089593.

Do you carry professional indemnity insurance? Yes.

Can you supply a print-quality picture of yourself? Yes. Link to 750px 0.3 MB image in JPG format. Link to 3000px x 2000px 11 MB high resolution more formal image in TIF format.

How do you protect your computer - and emails you send out - against viruses?

1. I route all incoming email via a Google Mail account, which removes many viruses and worms before they can reach my system.

2. I have a current subscription to AVG on my own PC, which downloads regular updates, and scans programme files, document files, and incoming email attachments, as they are opened.

3. I use Thunderbird as my mailclient (it is believed to be less susceptable to email viruses than more commonly used products).

4. I send plain-text emails except on the very rare occasions when the formatting advantages of HTML justify its use.

Who hosts your web site?

For my main web site I use, and am generally satisfied with, Positive Internet. For Fortnightly Mailing I have used Typepad since March 2006. So far so good.