smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

In the last few months alone new laws on age discrimination have been introduced, along with new fire regulations, an uplift in the minimum wage and changes in maternity rights.

Each industry has its own set of regulations, and it is often felt that small businesses, in particular, face a disproportionate burden of red tape. Added to the UK regulatory regime is the prospect of greater international regulation from Europe and beyond, and it is now estimated that well over half of the regulations in force within the EU originate from Brussels, rather than national governments.

Moreover, while large companies may find it easier to absorb the costs of accounting and new financial reporting standards introduced by the International Accounting Standard Board, smaller businesses face a disproportionate burden on their administrative functions.

SmallBusiness.co.uk and Sage point you to these free advice sites, which could save you money on legal fees and tell you where to concentrate your attention:

- The UK Department of Trade and Industry promised in its 'Business Plan 2006' that it would reduce the burden of regulation - especially for small businesses. Under the auspices of the Better Regulation Executive, the reduction of red tape is, in theory, on the agenda. Click to read the DTI business plan.

- The UK Small Business Service, a DTI agency, recognises that small businesses do not usually have the specialist expertise to cope with the burden of government regulation and offers a wide range of advice on its website. This includes ways in which small businesses can get involved and influence future regulations by registering with the DTI Small Business database.

- Are you aware of the general regulations such as the Working Time Directive and your legal obligations? For more information, click here.

- You can get free advice from is4profit.com, which offers information on a range of regulation issues including employment regulation and specific advice on transport and storage regulations.

- The Federation of Small Businesses, carries regular updates on a wide range of regulatory issues on its website.

- You can find more details about forthcoming legislation at the Business Link website.

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