Latest News
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).
FSB: SMEs to be hit hard by pension reform
Automatic enrolment into a pension scheme will cost small businesses £2,550, the Federation of Small Businesses warns.
Health and safety law a bugbear for business
Small businesses wish to see a shake up in prohibitive health and safety laws.
Body for less regulation to be reviewed
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has launched a review of the Local Better Regulation Office.
Big fines for small businesses
The majority of SMEs are unaware of crippling new fines set to come into force for breaches of the Data Protection Act.
