Latest News
Government announces changes to liability insurance
From early 2005, companies that employ only their owner will be exempt from purchasing employers’ liability compulsory insurance.
Free advice on employment law
A scheme to help small firms in London deal with employment disputes has been launched by Acas, the employment-relations advice service.
Small firms 'should get more help with maternity benefits'
A new survey suggests that small businesses in Scotland ought to get more financial aid from the government in order to deal with changes in maternity benefits.
Disability and discrimination: know the law
With just over 6 months until disability access laws come into effect, the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) is urging businesses to take action now.
Protect your data
Losing your data might mean losing your business.
Money laundering laws come into force
New regulations on money laundering come into force on 1 March and those affected need to be aware of them or risk criminal prosecution, including up to two years in prison.
A guide to IP
There are four main types of intellectual property (IP) – patents, trade marks, designs and copyright.
Company law reforms revealed
In a nod to the ethical and environmental lobbyists, who have long drawn attention to the moral ambivalence perceived in corporate culture – the Government’s draft Company Law Reform Bill urges directors to adopt a longer-term view of their business’ activites.
Government aims to cut red tape
The Government has announced an Action Plan for Small Business, a package of practical support for companies, which includes a proposal for common commencement dates for regulations.
Employment tribunal system failing SMEs
Employment tribunals are unfair and unsatisfactory according to a survey from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
Crime-fighting schemes to be extended
The Home Office has pledged £900,000 and formed the Action Against Business Crime Action Group to support Business Crime Reduction Partnerships.
Car phone threat for small business
New laws making it illegal to use mobile phones while driving, which came into force on Monday 1 December, leave small firms liable to heavy fines unless they take appropriate action, warns James Dirks, a solicitor and chairman of the Southampton branch of the Federation of Small Business.
Choosing between partnership or limited company status
Recent developments have made trading as a limited company more attractive.
Free guidance on new discrimination laws
With new anti-discrimination laws set to come into force in the coming weeks, ACAS – the government's advisory, conciliation and arbitration service – has launched a series of booklets, designed to guide employers through the amended regulations.
Be prepared for new disability laws
With less than a year to go until the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) comes into force on 1 October 2004, the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) has launched an awareness campaign aimed at professional service providers.