More competition needed to free up credit to small firms, say business groups
Business groups have called for more competition in the retail banking industry, after figures revealed high street banks fell short of their 2011 lending target to small businesses, writes Simon Wicks.
Almost half of employees have dated a colleague, finds poll
Office romance might be a headache for business owners, but almost half of employees have dated a colleague, research by CareerBuilder has highlighted.
Falling inflation a boost to business confidence, say business groups
Business groups have welcomed January’s sharp fall in inflation, saying it will boost consumer and business confidence and reduce costs for small firms.
Competition seeks best of new British inventions
Start-ups and businesses with innovative pre-market products and services are being called on to enter the Government’s Make it in Great Britain Challenge, and be in with a chance of having their efforts showcased in London’s Science Museum this summer.
Free support aims to boost numbers of business mentors
Small-business owners are being encouraged to sign up as volunteer business mentors, with the help of a new online training tool launched by the Government.
Former Dragon launches free web-training workshops for online traders
Former Dragons’ Den entrepreneur Doug Richard has launched a series of free business training bootcamps aimed at small firms that want to expand online.
HMRC online webinars to make tax “hassle-free” for businesses
Small businesses and self-employed workers trying to grips with their tax obligations can access advice online, following the launch of a series of live webinars by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
HSE launches office risk assessment tool
Office-based businesses can quickly complete their health and safety risk assessment, following the launch of an online tool by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).
£1,500 ‘incentive payment’ for small firms to take on apprentices
Small businesses are to be given a £1,500 ‘incentive payment’ to take on their first apprentice aged 16-24 as part of a raft of new financial measures to encourage businesses to recruit and train new staff, writes Simon Wicks.
Staff only dare skive one day during the downturn
More than 400,000 employees are believed to have taken a day off work on 6 February, dubbed ‘National Sickie Day’, according to law firm ELAS.
Service sector growth suggests double-dip unlikely
The UK service sector grew at its fastest rate for nearly a year in January, helping to dampen fears of a recession, figures from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) have revealed.
Reforms oblige employers to report fewer workplace accidents
The number of workplace accidents that employers are obliged to report will reduce from April, following the introduction of reforms to health and safety laws.
Almost half of small firms’ energy use is wasted, finds British Gas
Small firms are wasting up to half of their electricity usage by powering their business premises after hours, research by British Gas has revealed.
One in ten invoices go unpaid each year
More than one in ten invoices issued by small firms go unpaid each year, research by business network Tradeshift has revealed.
HMRC to crack down on known PAYE dodgers
Employers with a track record of avoiding PAYE and National Insurance (NI) payments will have to make an upfront security payment from April, under a new scheme unveiled by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
Awards allow firms to demonstrate health and safety credentials
Small businesses with outstanding health and safety records are being called on to enter the 2012 International Safety Awards and have their achievements recognised.
Sales slump may continue in February, warn business groups
High street sales slumped in January and are likely to fall again in February, a report by the Confederation of British industry (CBI) has warned.
Small firms urged to get involved in National Apprenticeship Week
Small firms have been called on to take part in this year’s National Apprenticeship Week to help raise awareness of the opportunities apprenticeships can offer school leavers, graduates and the unemployed.
Olympic contracts still up for grabs
Small businesses can still benefit from the summer Olympics as £50 million in contracts remain available, organisers LOCOG has confirmed.
Red Tape Challenge focuses on company law
Small firms are being called on to help cut excessive regulation in company law, as part of the Government’s on-going Red Tape Challenge.
Pensions auto-enrolment delayed until 2017
Business groups have welcomed the Government’s decision to delay the pension auto-enrolment date for small firms by two years.
Local market campaign won’t help high street long-term, say retail groups
A Government-backed scheme to encourage new traders to set up market stalls in their local town has been criticised by business groups.
Enterprise calendar highlights key dates for small firms in 2012
Small firms can quickly check upcoming business events in 2012, following the launch of a free online business calendar by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
Small firms compete to be Private Business of the Year
Small firms have been called on to enter the Private Business of the Year Awards 2012, which celebrate the most successful UK private sector organisations.
