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SMEs need to act now to develop green products

CBI: SMEs must embrace low carbon opportunities

The Confederation of British Industry has urged small businesses to take advantage of low-carbon opportunities ahead of its climate change summit.

SMEs set to embrace new IP initiative

A government tax incentive that rewards UK-patented intellectual property will be welcomed by all small businesses that invest in innovation, says a law firm.

Auto-enrolment delay could cause problems

The government’s decision to delay introducing auto-enrolment pensions for small and medium sized businesses is likely to be a mixed blessing for the sector, according to a law firm.

New EU law could break down trade barriers

Small businesses in the UK could find it easier to sell goods or services to other European countries thanks to a new EU-wide sales law, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)

FPB: Let's protect SME patent rights

The Forum of Private Business is calling for small businesses' patent rights to be better protected amid concerns that many cannot afford to sue companies which steal their ideas.

Government aims to cut red tape in manufacturing

Manufacturing businesses are being asked to play their part in cutting bureaucracy and red tape in the latest phase of a government campaign.

SMEs unfamiliar with Bribery Act

Almost three quarters of small businesses do not understand what the impending Bribery Act is or how it is likely to affect the way they do business, research finds.

Government launches website to cut red tape

The government has introduced a website challenging the public to help cut unnecessary regulations.

CIPD: Employment tribunal system ‘broken’

Employers believe the current system for resolving workplace disputes is failing them, with 69 per cent saying they have no protection against employees making claims to tribunals.

Stamp duty land tax could hit unwary SMEs

Businesses have been warned to finalise quickly any purchase of more expensive properties or face an increased stamp duty land tax (SDLT).

Employee law a burden for SMEs

Small businesses feel strangled by employee law and legislation.

Guides & Tips

The Equality Act has ramifications that many employers are not aware of

All things being equal

SmallBusiness.co.uk investigates what the Equality Act means for employers.

Cover your business: Insurance essentials

Accidents can have damaging consequences for all parties involved. Here, SmallBusiness.co.uk and Chris Slater, head of insurance at online comparator SimplyBusiness.co.uk, provide a guide to insurance cover

Starting the small claims process

If you have a claim to make against another business or sole-trader, you may need to go through the small claims process. SmallBusiness.co.uk tells you how to start the process.

Don't Miss

Shake on it: getting the best deal without losing business relationships

Powers of persuasion

Here we look at the best ways to improve the terms of existing contracts without damaging your business relationships.

Risk assessment: avoiding danger

As new legislation this month will increase the penalties for breaches of health and safety regulations, a risk assessment health check could prevent your business getting seriously injured

How to claim on your public liability insurance

Claims made against SMEs can be particularly damaging. Here SmalllBusiness.co.uk and Chris Slater, head of insurance at online business insurance comparator SimplyBusiness.co.uk, offer some top tips to ensure you have adequate public liability insurance.

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FT Guide to Personal Tax

The FT Guide to Personal Tax is published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc and John Bloxham, this unique guide gives step-by-step advice to completing your tax return as well as over 230 tax-saving tips.

Growth Company Investor

Growth Company Investor is widely recognised as the leading magazine for investors interested in AIM and smallcap companies. Published 10 times per year, and brought to you by an award-winning analyst team, it offers subscribers unrivalled insight into high-potential smaller companies. Subscribe today with a 50% discount in your first year.

FT Guide to Business Start Up

The FT Guide to Business Start Up 2012, published by Pearson Education, is written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc. This unique guide has sold over two million copies. It offers practical advice about starting and running your own business.

What Investment

What Investment is the leading and longest-established investment magazine in the UK.

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Social lending websites could make finance a lot more accessible

A new era for small business finance

It is an understatement to say that the past few...

FREE Legal, Financial, Accountancy & HR Help

Aska Professional understands the challenges faced by small businesses. That’s why we provide instant access to professional advice and legal templates. FREE access to Solicitors, Accountants, Financial Advisors & HR Specialists. Ask our experts a question and get a personal response within 60 minutes. Sign up now to ask a question - FREE.

Hiscox business insurance for small & medium businesses

Hiscox offer specialist business insurance for office based professionals and consultants. Hiscox understand's every business is different and work hard to understand the specific risks small businesses face, so you can choose insurance to suit your individual business needs. Find out which business insurance is suitable for you.

Bupa for Businesses

We understand that all businesses are different. To help you choose the right healthcare package for you and your employees, call us today on 08457 66 11 15 or alternatively find out more here.

Legal Advice Questions & Answers

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Business insurance

Jason Stockwood, Simply Business

Legal Advice

John Staniforth, Partner - Kingston Smith LLP

Trade marks

Gary Johnston, Mathys & Squire LLP

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105 posts

Latest questions answered

Q: Buying a company name before starting up Q: Indemnity insurance overseas Q: How do I protect my idea? Q: Can we get rid of a director? Q: How do I approach someone who I believe has infringed my copyright? Q: Does a company need any insurance if it has just one employee but two directors? Q: What are the key terms and conditions to put on a quote and/or invoice?

Blogs

Winners and losers

Ben Lobel 24/01/2012

It seems that despite the government’s assurance that the Olympics will provide a long-lasting economic legacy for the UK, businesses remain unconvinced. Have your say »

Deciding on your financing needs

Small Business Finance 06/12/2011

Rory Earley, CEO of Capital for Enterprise, looks at the ramifications of getting a bank loan to fund growth opportunities. Have your say »

Winning new business in 2012

Guest Blogger 02/02/2012

Shaun Thompson, CEO of Sandler Training, explains how growth is possible in frugal times. Have your say »

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Selling on eBay

Ebay trader Chris Dawson gives his tips to selling through the trading website.

Compare Insurance quotes for Public Liability

Public Liability Insurance covers your business for damages and compensation in the event your business has caused injury or death to a member of the public or damaged their property. Compare Public Liability Insurance quotes from Simply Business.

Tailored Quotes for your Business Insurance

Simply Business cover a wide variety of trades and provide tailored insurance quotes. Compare quotes or call 0845 072 3340 for Public Liability and Employers Liability Insurance, and take out optional extras such as tool and plant cover.

Factoring; unlock the value of your invoices with Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance

Factoring enables you to release cash from your business to business invoices without having to wait weeks or months for payment. Flexible credit management eases your administrative burden allowing you to focus on growing your business. Find out how Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance can help

Weekly legal help

Protect your ideas with patents and trademarks, find the right business insurance and avoid getting bogged down in legal jargon with our free advice. Find out more or sign up today.

Compare Insurance quotes for Employers Liability

Employers’ Liability insurance covers you and your business against claims from employees injured at work or taken ill as a result of working for you. Compare Insurance quotes for Employers Liability to ensure your business can cover claims without compromising its financial stability.

Professional Indemnity

Professional Indemnity insurance covers your business from claims against it by clients who have suffered financial loss as a result of using your services. Simply Business offers tailored quotes to suit your professional needs from a range of leading insurers.