Latest News
Inflation jumps
The increase in VAT and rises in the price of oil pushed inflation in January up to a 14-month high.
Hairdressing: a cut above other trades
Being asked about holiday plans while getting a haircut might seem like idle chat, but hairdressers are the tradespeople customers have the best relationship with, claims a poll.
Shop closures fall
The rate of shop closures is easing, according to a study from research firm The Local Data Company.
Manufacturing continues to recover
Manufacturing output increased by 0.9 per cent in December compared to November, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
January sales on ice
Snow and the VAT increase have been blamed for the worst January sales in 15 years.
SMEs to access public sector ‘contracts pot’
A campaign has been launched to help smaller firms access the £220 billion worth of public sector contracts each year.
Manufacturing strongest in 15 years
Small manufacturing firms are the most optimistic about export prospects for the year ahead since October 1995, according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).
Fight for market share is on
The recovery will create a more competitive environment for enterprise, say businesses.
SMEs welcome supermarket watchdog
Plans for a new supermarket ombudsman have been warmly received by small businesses.
Economy remains fragile
Manufacturing is showing some signs of growth, but overall the economy remains weak, according to a survey from British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).
2010: ‘road to recovery’
Businesses feel more optimistic about the year ahead than they did 12 months ago, according to business advisory firm Grant Thornton.
Retail sales strongest in four years
December sales showed the strongest year-on-year growth since 2005, says the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
Bumper Christmas Day for online sellers
E-retailers have seen a surge in Christmas Day sales as shoppers clambered online for bargains.
Manufacturing at two-year high
Growth in the manufacturing sector reached a twenty-five month high in December, according to the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply’s (CIPS) Index.
Not a merry Christmas for retailers
Christmas trading has been disappointing for the majority of SMEs, according to a poll from SmallBusiness.co.uk.
