Latest News
Over half of SMEs 'unprepared for tough conditions'
New research has revealed that over half of construction SMEs are unprepared for dealing with business risks, which may appear as a result of a worsening economic climate.
SMEs face late payment crisis
SMEs in the UK face chasing up overdue bills worth £18.6 billion, according to the payment organisation Bacs Payment Schemes.
Banks see SMEs as 'mass market'
When seeking financial help, SMEs should speak to their banks rather than just filling out an online application form according to financial experts.
Retailers to face 'testing times' ahead
Retailers of all sizes, especially SMEs, are facing a tough six months ahead due to the current pressure on customers' personal finances, say business experts.
Credit crunch may stop 'riskier' business ventures
'Riskier' but 'potentially more profitable' business ventures may not be able to go ahead in 2008, due to financial conditions brought on by the credit crunch, claim business experts.
SMEs expect costs to rise in 2008
An estimated one in ten SME owners expects costs to increase by over ten per cent during 2008, claims new research.
Government funding for SMEs needs to be 'less risk averse'
Government funding for SMEs in the technology sector needs to be 'less risk averse', according to the Institute of Physics.
Credit card companies make 'insufficient discounts' for SMEs
News that credit card providers are to reduce charges has been welcomed by business advisors.
Money is not to blame for SME failure
Most SMEs that close do so because the owner has given up after losing heart at not being able to achieve their dream, rather than a lack of funds, claims business experts.
UK SMEs must keep Islamic finance separate
Conventional UK financial services and Islamic finance cannot be fully integrated by SMEs, claim financial experts.
Inflation to prevent interest rate cuts for SMEs
Rising inflation will only affect UK SMEs if it hampers the Bank of England's willingness to lower interest rates, claims an industry body.
SMEs getting into the spirit of Christmas
SMEs will be celebrating Christmas by purchasing gifts for staff and customers, despite financial pressures claim financial experts.
Half SME owners would re-invest profits
Over half of SME owners would put this years profits back into their business should they exceed their annual targets, according to research from financial experts.
SMEs 'taking a more cautious approach'
Confidence levels among British entrepreneurs have taken a knock, according to a survey from financial experts.
2007 has been a 'nightmare year' for SMEs
The summer floods and changes to the capital gains tax have made 2007 a 'bit of a nightmare year' for SMEs, according to a business expert.