Latest News
Closing of energywatch 'will affect small businesses'
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has stated many companies will not know where to turn following the closure of energywatch.
New regulations 'will hamper small businesses'
The volume of new legislation being brought in will cost small businesses money to deal with and may overwhelm some firms, an industry body states.
Nation gets rich on diverse business
The UK is getting richer as more people look for diverse ways to use their skills, resulting in a wider variety of companies.
Inflation 'significantly affecting profitability'
Rising costs are putting a serious strain on the profitability of small businesses, new research finds.
Business groups call for rate cuts
New figures demonstrate the rate of inflation has nearly reached its peak and so interest rates should be cut as soon as possible, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) believes.
CBI growth forecasts cut
Growth in 2009 will be at its slowest level since 1992, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) predicts.
BCC: Manufacturing decline indicates recession
The greater-than-expected downturn in manufacturing output indicates the UK economy is 'very probably' in technical recession, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) remarks.
Business confidence 'stable'
Confidence among British businesses has remained stable since May - the first time it has not gone down since April 2007, a poll finds.
Credit crunch 'pushes SMEs to administration'
A substantial number of small businesses will be forced into administration by decreased sales, according to the British Retail Consortium.
Business Link highlighting regulatory changes
Government start-up advisory service Business Link is highlighting the regulatory changes which are set to affect small firms from October 1st.
Weak spending 'indicates state of economy'
A slowing in consumer spending offers a fair indication of the state of the economy, Capital Economics claims.
BCC: Bank must cut rates
The Bank of England must cut interest rates within the next two to three months to avoid a real downturn, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) argues.
Slow payments 'hitting businesses'
Quick billing from suppliers and fewer companies adhering to agreed payment terms is causing problems for small firms, research finds.
Small firm owners resilient to failure, bank claims
Entrepreneurs whose firms go under move straight back into business in 85 per cent of cases, a survey from Barclays Bank finds.
Rising costs and weak spending 'squeezing' businesses
Retailers are suffering under falling customer demand and rising costs, according to Capital Economics.