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Small business advice needs to be 'proactive'
The government's small business advice services ought to engage with enterprises to ensure organisations are making use of them, one expert claims.
CBI questions potential London mayors
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) will today question the four main candidates for London mayor on what they plan to do to help small business.
BCC: 'UK must learn from US approach to economic slowdown'
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) warns that the UK must take a more pro-active approach to the current economic slowdown in order to protect small business.
'Budget will contribute to economic downturn' say business leaders
Most business leaders believe the Budget will be detrimental to the economy, with almost three quarters - 73 per cent - believing that the Budget will contribute to a UK economic downturn, according to a poll in the Independent.
Outside help 'key' to business success
Entrepreneurs who seek outside advice are 20 per cent more likely to survive in business, according to the chief executive of the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies.
Taxman to keep a closer eye on entrepreneurs
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is to be given more powers to pursue and penalise would-be tax evaders.
Budget includes £12.5 million fund for women entrepreneurs
Alistair Darling has announced a £12.5 million fund which will be spent on redressing the gender imbalance among entrepreneurs.
Darling announces increase in small firms loan guarantee scheme
The chancellor has announced that he will be expanding the small firms loan guarantee scheme.
FSB: Businesses still hoping for Budget U-turn
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) says it is hoping that the chancellor will not follow-through with some of the changes proposed in October's pre-budget report.
New businesses 'must seek outside financial advice'
Start-up businesses will always benefit from a thorough review of accounts once a quarter and having an independent financial expert review their books at least once a year, according to Business Link.
Start-ups 'seek commercial advice before going to government'
Although two-thirds of small businesses seek information about setting-up their business, only five per cent visit the government's Business Link service, according to government research.
Freelancers' group gives advice on family business tax
Advice detailing the new rules against 'income shifting' and how they will affect freelance contractors and consultants has been published.
Budget 'a concern' for seven out of ten businesses
Some 70 per cent of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are worried about what Alistair Darling's first Budget will mean for them, according to a survey.
UK family businesses not passed down
The proportion of UK family businesses being given over to third parties is more than double that of Germany, France and Italy, according to new figures.
SME owners can save money by examining finances 'rigorously'
SME owners looking to save money in the wake of recent economic turmoil need to approach their finances 'rigorously', according to business experts.