Latest News
Queen’s Awards for SMEs
Small businesses have until midnight on 31 October 2006 to nominate themselves for the 2007 Queen's Awards for Enterprise, to gain recognition for achievements in international trade, innovation and sustainable development.
Search for small business stars
BT is offering an exclusive opportunity to UK small businesses to get a complete business makeover – from business advice on a range of topics, right down to a tailor-made suit from Savile Row.
Read on for details...
Fresh red tape ties small firms in knots
The Forum of Private Business has warned that new laws set to come into force this month could stifle growth opportunities for many small businesses and has called on the Government to keep a close eye on the effects of business legislation.
SBS to be downsized
Following a recent barrage of criticism, Government agency the Small Business Service will be significantly reduced in a bid to improve delivery to small firms and start-ups, says trade and industry secretary Alistair Darling in an interview with the Financial Times.
Red tape and gold-plating restrict SMEs
Small firms’ number one bugbear, over-regulation, and Government’s propensity to extend proposed new directives are preventing businesses from growing and consequently harming the UK economy.
Speed dating for start-ups
Budding entrepreneurs are being invited to take part in a nationwide exchange of ideas in the form of ‘speednetworking’ as part of Enterprise Week between 13 and 19 November 2006 coordinated by the people behind the Make Your Mark campaign.
SBS must go, says BCC
The Small Business Service, the Government agency for improving enterprise culture in the UK, has failed British businesses for too long and must be axed, says David Frost, the director general of the British Chambers of Commerce.
Small firms fail to plan
Seven out of ten small businesses believe they do not need a business plan to successfully raise start-up finance, setting themselves up for disappointment according to Business Link for London.
Are you Britain’s top female entrepreneur?
The Women Mean Business Awards is looking for Britain’s top female entrepreneur, who will win £10,000 in cash.
Focus on female entrepreneurs
Women running small businesses or thinking of starting one will be the focus of a conference highlighting opportunities for businesswomen.
eBay opportunity for small firms
Online auction site eBay is launching a new service, eBay Express, designed to help small retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers reach millions more customers in the UK and compete with bigger companies on a level playing field.
Enter the National Business Awards
Small business have until 24 July to enter the National Business Awards, sponsored by Orange, to be in with a shout of winning nationwide fame and recognition to help grow their business.
Labour failing British business says Jones
A week before he steps down as director-general of the Confederation of British Industry, Sir Digby Jones has claimed Government complacency has made starting and running a business harder since he took up his post six years ago.
World Cup to cost business billions
Workers wanting the latest on Rooney’s foot, Owen’s fitness, Crouch’s robot dance and all the other important World Cup news could cost UK businesses almost £4 billion through non-productive internet use, according to employment law experts.
The best places to start a business
Earlier this year, the DTI launched the Enterprising Britain 2006 competition to find the UK cities, towns or areas that prove themselves the best places to start and run a business in the UK. And now, the winners have been announced!