smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

Short-term finance

Rory Earley, CEO of Capital for Enterprise, explores the options...
Have your say »

RSS

Young: Businesses never had it so good

Nov 16 2011

Optimist: Lord Young

Reappointed government advisor Lord Young has claimed, ‘There has never been a time of more opportunity to create or grow a business.’

Speaking in London to the crowd of entrepreneurs and high-tech SMEs, Young outlined his belief that technology opens more doors to businesses than ever before.

He commented, ‘You can grow a business from your front room, the internet has transformed everything.’

A cabinet minister under Margaret Thatcher, Young controversially stated last year that most people ‘had never had it so good’, a comment which Number 10 acknowledged was offensive and led to his temporary withdrawal from a government post.

Now, the active investor in technology start-ups has been reappointed by the government into an unpaid advisory role and charged with the task of cutting ‘red tape’ for businesses.

Comments

There are currently no comments on this article

Mentoring – Now there’s a bright idea for business

Whether you're starting up, taking your business to the next level or just need a sounding board, Lloyds TSB understands that a business mentor can offer you the support and guidance you need to develop your business. Find out more today.

Barclays Business Start Up Account

Get everything you'd expect from a Barclays Business account…Free business banking for up to 2 years (Ts&Cs apply). Free day-to-day support from our Barclays Business Team by phone 24/7 and Mobile Banking, manage your account quickly and easily from a web-enabled phone. Apply online.

Fixed fee banking puts you in control

Our simple fixed fee banking means you’ll always know where you stand. It’s just one of the reasons why we’ve been named Moneyfacts Best Business Current Account provider for the 10th year running. Find out more.

Polls

Latest News

Help with be available for small businesses

Government advice scheme to help SMEs

A government scheme designed to help up to 26,000 of England’s brightest small businesses has launched.

Queen's Speech 'missed opportunity' for business

The Queen’s speech could have delivered more for enterprise, according to business commentators.

FPB: Protect small operators from supermarkets

A business group has urged the government to defend small suppliers from unfair treatment by supermarkets.

UK enters recession

The UK has entered recession following GDP contracting by 0.2 per cent in the first three months of 2012.

Caan: Cut the red tape for SMEs

The government must stop piling unnecessary rules and regulations on small businesses if the economy is to grow, says entrepreneur James Caan.

Branson most respected in business

The man behind the Virgin brand, Richard Branson, is the UK’s most admired entrepreneur, research finds.

Entrepreneurs look beyond UK shores

Nearly half of aspiring UK entrepreneurs feel they need to emigrate to achieve success, research finds.

'Dormant entrepreneurs' missing opportunities

Some 70 per cent of those with an idea for a business have not acted on it, research finds.

SME regulatory reform demanded

The independent body set up to scrutinise new government regulations needs ‘sharper teeth’ to defend small businesses, the FSB has warned.

Cable announces SME measures

Business secretary Vince Cable has set out the practical steps that the government will be taking to help small businesses by boosting investment and cutting red tape.

Budget 2012: FSB hails Budget

The Federation of Small Businesses has welcomed Chancellor George Osborne’s Budget speech.

Guides & Tips

How to write your business plan

A business plan is not only essential for starting a business or for raising funds, but it is vital for running the business.

SmallBusiness StartUp Britain

In light of the government’s push for private sector growth through the encouragement of start-ups, there is more awareness than ever of the need for new businesses to draw on every resource available to bolster enterprise.

There are ways to ensure your company can nip tardy payment in the bud

Keep credit under control

Take command of your cash flow by ensuring you don't fall victim to late payment.

Don't Miss

Edward Fanshawe on growing waste management company Skiptrips

Edward Fanshawe set up waste management bidding site Skiptrips in 2012 and looks to turn over £250,000 in his first year of trading.

Gem Misa on launching food brand Righteous

Gem Misa started natural food company Righteous in 2009 and turned over £120,000 in 2011. SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to her about funding, marketing and future plans.

Charlie Marshall, founder, The Sleep Room

Sleep of faith

Charlie Marshall launched bed provider The Sleep Room in 2009 and the company now turns over £7 million.

Store

FT Guide to Personal Tax

The FT Guide to Personal Tax is published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc and John Bloxham, this unique guide gives step-by-step advice to completing your tax return as well as over 230 tax-saving tips.

Growth Company Investor

Growth Company Investor is widely recognised as the leading magazine for investors interested in AIM and smallcap companies. Published 10 times per year, and brought to you by an award-winning analyst team, it offers subscribers unrivalled insight into high-potential smaller companies. Subscribe today with a 50% discount in your first year.

FT Guide to Business Start Up

The FT Guide to Business Start Up 2012, published by Pearson Education, is written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc. This unique guide has sold over two million copies. It offers practical advice about starting and running your own business.