Latest News
Empty property relief to be scrapped
Most small businesses will soon no longer be able to benefit from empty property business rate relief.
Era of cost cutting not over
Small businesses are scrutinising the behaviour and productivity of employees more than ever in an attempt to save money, research finds.
Most SMEs sceptical about late payment laws
Less than half of UK credit managers believe new legislation targeting late payment will have a positive impact, according to a survey by credit reference agency Graydon UK.
NI holiday 'should be expanded'
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called for the government to expand the current national insurance (NI) holiday scheme to existing micro-businesses.
Councils could scrap small business rate relief
Changes heralded as making small business rate relief (SBRR) automatic could lead to councils scrapping the tax break altogether, according the Forum of Private Business.
FSB embraces automatic rate relief
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed the government’s pledge to help make small business rate relief automatic.
Software bug disrupts online tax returns
Hundreds of entrepreneurs have been prevented from completing their tax returns online due to a software bug on HM Revenue & Customs’ (HMRC) system.
VAT rise to squeeze profits
Small businesses are focusing on ramping up sales and marketing rather than raising prices in preparation for next year’s VAT hike.
Cameron's rallying cry to businesses
Prime minister David Cameron has stressed the importance of backing the ‘big businesses of tomorrow’ in a speech focussed on how to boost economic growth.
SMEs back Osborne’s Spending Review
Small business owners see the necessity of public sector cuts outlined in the Comprehensive Spending Review.
Businesses anxious ahead of Spending Review
SMEs feel the upcoming Spending Review could be a crippling hammer blow to the fortunes of their business.
Bank fund to boost SME lending
Borrowing prospects for small businesses have been boosted with the unveiling of a £1.5 billion fund from the major banks.
Businesses turn to credit cards for funding
Entrepreneurs look to use credit cards for business funding in difficult times for securing capital.
Businesses reluctant to borrow
Businesses prefer to wait for stronger signs of economic recovery before borrowing from banks.
