Latest News
24-hour working is nigh
Business experts are suggesting that the era of the 24-hour office is just around the corner thanks to the widespread take-up of technology in the UK workplace and the prevalence of the service industry, a shift that could fundamentally change working life as we know it.
Small business owners have no regrets
Most owners of small businesses have no regrets about starting up on their own. This is according to a recent survey that also revealed a distinct lack of planning in UK small firms and the role of mothers in starting up.
Small Business Service criticised
The Small Business Service, the agency of the Department of Trade & Industry responsible for making it easier to start up and grow businesses, has been heavily criticised in a report from the National Audit Office.
Business ideas going to waste
Almost half the adults in the UK have come up with an idea for a business but only a tenth have made the concept a reality, with lack of cash and confidence the main barriers to making their entreprise dreams come true.
2006 starts well for SMEs
Small and medium-sized businesses in the UK have enjoyed a bright start to 2006 according to the PKF SME Index of enterprises in the construction, manufacturing and service sectors.
Divorce misery for firms
Business lobby group the Forum of Private Business has warned SME owners that marital ruptures can have a negative effect on their businesses, following the high-profile divorce case of insurance multi-millionaire John Charman.
Stars are key to business
You can work hard building up your business, gain qualifications galore and employ great staff but your star sign may have the final say about whether you’re a good boss, according to recent research.
Awards for small business heroes
Individuals who have successfully set up their own businesses in the face of adversity are being encouraged to have their achievements recognised through the Barclays Trading Places Awards, now in their second year.
TV opportunity knocks for SMEs
Small business owners wanting inspiration, expertise and nationwide fame may be interested in taking part in a new television makeover series from the people who brought you Big Brother and The Games.
SMEs prepare for the long haul
With the Turner Report’s controversial proposal to raise the pension age beyond 65 still looming large ahead of an expected legislation overhaul in April, it seems that a significant number of SME owners and managers are already expecting to work well beyond this age.
Red tape reforms get FSB support
Leading small business group the Federation of Small Businesses has expressed its support for the Legislative & Regulatory Reform Bill, designed to cut red tape for small firms.
Euro directive could help SMEs
A draft European directive that would enable small and medium-sized businesses to sell services in other EU member states faces a key vote in the European Parliament this month with several UK business organisations urging MEPs to approve it.
Small business support services need work
Government-run support networks designed to offer help and support to UK small businesses and start-ups are falling short of the standards required, according to a report from the Confederation of British Industry.
Has your town got the enterprise spirit?
The Department for Trade and Industry has launched the Enterprising Britain 2006 competition to find the UK city, town, place or area that best exemplifies the enterprise spirit, as part of its drive to increase entrepreneurship in Britain.
Funding opportunity for start-ups
Nominations are open for the Zero-to-Hero 2006 competition, run by Catalyst Venture Partners, which offers innovative technology start-ups and early-stage enterprises the opportunity to meet key venture capitalists and learn more about the funding process.