Latest News
Lack of finance continues to hamper SMEs
Small business owners have been ‘locked in a capital battle’ which has resulted in lost opportunities to grow their business, research finds.
FPB: Don't scrap Xmas knees-up
The Forum of Private Business has warned that ditching the office Christmas party could alienate workers.
Fund created for innovative SMEs
High-tech small businesses are set to benefit from a £75 million government investment as part of a plan to boost economic growth.
London businesses down on prospects
Only 13 per cent of London businesses feel optimistic about prospects for the economy over the next six months, compared with 43 per cent in June.
FSB and government to discuss SME employment
The Federation of Small Businesses and the All Party Parliamentary Small Business Group will launch an inquiry with the government to see how SME employment barriers can be removed.
SMEs set to embrace new IP initiative
A government tax incentive that rewards UK-patented intellectual property will be welcomed by all small businesses that invest in innovation, says a law firm.
Retail sales prospects gloomy
The UK’s latest high street sales performance statistics are the weakest since May.
ACAS: Prepare for winter
Employers must be prepared for the HR impact of adverse weather conditions as winter closes in, says workplace experts ACAS.
Start-ups on the rise in UK
The number of businesses started in 2011 is up by 18 per cent on last year, research finds.
SMEs cold on Christmas parties
Less than half of UK small businesses are planning on holding a Christmas party this festive season, despite a widespread recognition of the boost for staff morale they can provide.
ICAEW: Credit cards convenient for SMEs
Small businesses should consider credit cards as a source of funding for purchases and day-today outgoings, says the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Venture funds to assist in credit easing support?
Fund managers should be given a role to play alongside the high street banks in delivering the government’s £40 billion credit easing scheme support, says venture capital firm EV.
Auto-enrolment delay could cause problems
The government’s decision to delay introducing auto-enrolment pensions for small and medium sized businesses is likely to be a mixed blessing for the sector, according to a law firm.
Cautious welcome for credit easing
The £40 billion credit easing scheme detailed by George Osborne yesterday in his autumn statement has received a qualified welcome from the small business community.
FSB hails Autumn Statement
Chancellor George Osborne’s Autumn Statement has been praised as 'a step in the right direction’ by the Federation of Small Businesses.
