Latest News
Consumer caution worries businesses
Three quarters of small companies are concerned that cautious consumer spending this Christmas will negatively impact their business.
Staff to work over Christmas
Three fifths of small business employees will work over Christmas, and even those ‘on holiday’ will be in regular contact with work, research finds.
Retail boost still less than expected
Year on year retail sales volumes are up for the first time in seven months, but sales are considered poor for the time of year, finds the Confederation of British Industry's monthly Distributive Trades Survey.
FSB calls for increased competition in banking
The Federation of Small Businesses is urging the government to consider competition in the banking sector in its response to the ICB's final report next week.
SMEs lax in social media interaction
Only four in ten customer service complaints made on social media ever get a response, research finds.
BCC slates government red tape policy
The government’s new regulatory architecture for businesses is ‘inconsistent and lacks transparency’, according to the British Chambers of Commerce.
More gloom for manufacturers
UK manufacturers report a further weakening in total order books in December, while export orders remain well below their long term average.
Lawyers fear 'hire and fire' culture following HR proposals
More than three quarters of employment lawyers believe the proposed employment law reforms announced last month will lead to a ‘hire and fire’ culture within small businesses.
Group unite to take on late payment
A group of industry bodies have united in urging the government to tackle the growing problem of late payment to help small companies survive, grow and drive economic recovery.
Jobs market on 'dangerous trajectory'
Unemployment will only stop rising when businesses regain their confidence, an industry expert says.
FSB hails Portas retail review
The Federation of Small Businesses has urged the government to act quickly on the findings of Mary Portas’ review of the high street.
Businesses lack faith in government
Six out of ten UK companies do not believe the government is providing the right support for economic growth.
SMEs fear EU pension plans
Proposed EU pension regulations could add significantly to business costs at a time when pension deficits are already holding back company performance, research finds.
FPB: Don't forget the high street this Xmas
Festive shoppers should refrain from purchasing all their Christmas shopping online this year and instead look to the high street, says the Forum of Private Business.
UK SMEs behind on e-commerce
One in three UK small businesses see e-commerce channels as a threat to their business, according to a new study.
