Latest News
Law reform boost for small business
Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling has announced that simplification of business legislation through the Company Law Reform Bill will benefit small firms to the tune of £100 million, with total savings of £250 million for UK enterprises of all sizes.
Entrepreneurs driving into danger
Owners of small firms are putting themselves and their businesses in danger through bad driving habits like chatting on mobile phones, eating and drinking, getting lost and incurring parking fines.
Sunday best for small business
Existing Sunday trading laws have been in place for over ten years and at present slightly favour small firms, but Government proposals to relax these laws to the detriment of SMEs have come up against strong resistance from the Federation of Small Businesses.
Noise regulations now in force
On 6 April 2006, the new Control of Noise at Work Regulations were introduced, meaning that small business owners must be much more aware of how noise in the workplace affects their employees.
Firms flounder in employment law mire
Fresh figures from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) reveal the increasing pressure faced by employers due to the recent deluge of changes to employment legislation.
Free help with the DDA
A free service has been launched to help small and medium-sized businesses assess how accessible their premises are for disabled customers, as part of their obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act.
Insurance boost for small firms
Small and medium-sized businesses can reduce the onerous burden of employers’ liability insurance by employing a chartered health and safety practitioner under recently introduced rules.
Beware corporate identity fraud
As National Identity Fraud Prevention Week draws to a close, UK businesses are being reminded that they – and not just individuals – must remain vigilant, in order to ward off the potentially disastrous consequences facing their ventures.
Age discrimination laws still unclear
With less than 12 months until the introduction of the age discrimination law, the Government is being criticised for failing to produce clear legislation that businesses can use to prepare for the ‘biggest piece of employment law for a decade’.
Company law boost for SMEs
Potential good news for small businesses has been announced with the publication of the Company Law Reform Bill, which aims to save SMEs £100 million through deregulation and a substantial revamp of company law.
Don't panic over Sex Act
Much has been made of a change to the Sex Discrimination Act brought in on 1 October, with lobby groups claiming it will allow employees to hold small businesses to ransom. But employment law experts are warning small businesses not to overreact.
SMEs unaware of loo role
It’s not something usually discussed in polite conversation but toilets provided by small businesses for employees apparently leave a lot to be desired and business owners are being urged to face up to their responsibilities in this delicate area.
New small business laws are nigh
On 1 October a number of changes to legislation come into effect that will affect small businesses. These include an increase to the minimum wage, a clarification of the Sex Discrimination Act and alterations to the Patent Act.
Staff stand for serious health problems
Millions of UK workers are at risk from serious health problems caused by prolonged standing at work, in conditions described as worse than those in Victorian times, according to the Trades Union Congress.
Keep company information confidential
At some stage in the life of your business, you’ll need to divulge information to third parties about your business, so it’s a good idea to take steps to ensure the information you share remains confidential.