Latest News
Downturn in demand biggest issue for SMEs
The biggest issue businesses face today is a downturn in demand, experienced by nearly two thirds of firms, a survey finds.
July high street sales fall on 2010
The volume of sales on the high street in July was lower than a year earlier as shoppers reined in spending in the face of rising food and petrol prices, research finds.
SME marketing budgets fall
Marketing budgets fell in Q2 for a third consecutive quarter as companies attempt to reduce operating costs.
High street sales flat in June
The volume of high street sales was flat in June compared to a year earlier, according to the Confederation of British Industry.
FSB: Sort out contract law for international trade
The Federation of Small Businesses is calling on the government to support plans for a Europe-wide law that small firms can use when drawing up contracts within the EU.
Importers and exporters confident
Business confidence in international trading is on the increase, research suggests.
US export demand doubles
US demand for exports from UK based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has almost doubled in the last year, finds research.
Consumer confidence rises in May
Consumer confidence has experienced an ‘almost unprecedented jump’ in May, research finds.
CBI: High street remains subdued
Annual sales volume growth on the high street remained subdued in May, according to the CBI.
Business Startup: Doug Richard urges SMEs to be profit-minded
In an impromptu speech at Business Startup 2011, entrepreneur Doug Richard stressed the importance of small business owners focusing on profit over revenues.
Multilingual trade could be key for UK exporters
Four out of five European consumers are less likely to buy goods online unless they are sold in their own language.
Word of mouth most powerful marketing tool
Word of mouth is the single most useful form of marketing for small businesses, finds research.
Service sector growth declines in April
Growth in service sector activity weakened in April, according to the Purchasing Managers’ Index.
Business confidence at highest level since 2009
Business optimism has returned to a level not seen since 2009, but small companies are less confident than large firms.
Retail sector still sluggish
The pace of retail growth remains subdued despite the volume of high street sales rising in April, according to data from the Confederation of British Industry.
