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The Act brings strict consequences for companies deemed to have committed corporate bribery and corruption

What SMEs should know about the Bribery Act

Last week the controversial Bribery Act came into force in the UK, bringing with it strict consequences for companies deemed to have committed corporate bribery and corruption.

Adapting for disabled customers

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) affects the way you treat your staff, job applicants and customers. Under the DDA, small and medium-sized businesses have to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ so they do not discriminate against disabled customers.

Need to know: Age discrimination laws

Getting to grips with the minefield that is age discrimination is a perennial problem for small sized businesses, but owners ignore these issues at their peril.

Coping with the HR maze

A recent research paper from The University of Warwick found small businesses are more likely to experience employee claims than large companies and more likely to lose if the case reach the tribunal stage. Following a few simple precautions will help reduce the likelihood of problems.

Maternity cover for your business

If you decide to get help to run your business while you’re on maternity leave, even part time, it is important to have a short-term maternity cover agreement in place and allow ample time for training and a handover.

Need to know: pensions legislation

We’re all living longer and it seems no one is going to keep us in our old age.
New laws and Government proposals are intended to help combat this problem. Smallbusiness.co.uk examines how these changes could affect your business

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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.

Legal Advice News

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.

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).

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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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Equal opportunities 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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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.

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.

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.

Blogs

Apprenticeship dreams

Ben Lobel 07/02/2012

So, another government incentive has been dangled in front of small businesses in the form of a fresh £6 million fund for hiring apprentices. Have your say »

A promising venture

Small Business Finance 06/02/2012

Rory Earley, CEO of Capital for Enterprise, explores how small businesses should approach venture capital. 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 »

Equal opportunities Resource Centre

Health for Work Adviceline for Small Business

Free NHS Adviceline helps employers minimise the impact of staff illness and provide essential support to staff with physical and mental health issues. Visit our Health for Work website

Regulations against age discrimination

Have questions about age discrimination? Visit the Directgov website to find out more about the regulations against age discrimination.

Equality and Human Rights

For detailed information, news and articles on equality and human rights issues, visit the Equality and Human Rights Commision website.

Get advice from the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service.

Acas aims to improve organisations and working life through better employment relations. Whether you're an employer or an employee you can get free advice from their website.

Discrimination at work

Directgov provides information on the different types of discrimination and gives advice how to ensure your company is not in violation of any rights.

Understanding racial discrimination

Find out about your rights and what to do if you feel you have experienced racial discrimination.

Dyslexia in the Workplace

This site provides information about dyslexia including case studies and an outline of the legal situation.

Deafness awareness training

RNID provide information, advice, deafness awareness training, disability awareness training and access audit services.

How to protect yourself against discrimination

This leaflet explains the laws that protect you from discrimination and what you can do if you are discriminated against.

Equal opportunities advice

The Goverment Office for London website offers information on issues concerning equal opportunities as well as diversity.

More Equal opportunities Resources

Other Legal Advice Resources

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Selling on eBay

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

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.

Landlord Insurance

Landlord Insurance can cover various risks that come with owning and renting a property. With Simply Business you can compare quotes for Landlord Insurance to find the best level of cover for your property and at the best price.

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.

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.