Britain escaped recession in the first quarter of the year, but only just, according to a respected think-tank.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Business urges government to do more to create jobs
Business leaders have urged ministers to do more to help companies create a “pro-employment landscape” as a change to employment law comes into force.
Injury reporting change cuts paperwork by a third
A change to the rules on reporting workplace injuries will save British firms thousands of hours completing official paperwork.
Small Businesses Face Growing Data Risks
Cyber crime is growing. In 2011, Trustwave, the cyber security firm, performed 42 per cent more investigations into suspected data breaches than in 2010 – largely due to a jump in sophisticated hack attacks on companies’ computer systems.
Employment tribunal shake up will help business growth
Employment tribunal changes will come into effect on Friday that will make it easier for businesses to take on staff and improve the process when staff have to be let go.
Big Society fund launches
A new financial institution set up by the UK government to finance charities and community groups has been launched.
Small business owners sacrifice personal life to keep on track
Small business owners in London and the South East are working long hours, through ill-health, and with few or no holidays, according to new research from Clydesdale Bank.
Dutch boy tries to save the euro
An 11-year-old boy’s plan to save the eurozone has been commended in a major competition that has attracted some of the world’s top economists.
Manufacturing growth bounces back
The first quarter of the year ended well for the UK manufacturing sector with the authoritative Markit/CIPS UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising to a ten-month high of 52.1 in March, from 51.5 in February.
How voluntary organisations can engage with local business
Small charities and community projects need to show how they can boost companies’ profits to secure support
Grants for Small Businesses Employing Their First Apprentice
Employers across England are being encouraged to take advantage of a new funding initiative to help them recruit their first young apprentices.
British Library announces first official Entrepreneur in Residence to boost advice
Britain’s first entrepreneur to make a million in a phone-box, is set to use his unparalleled knowledge and expertise to boost London’s business, as the British Library’s official Entrepreneur in Residence.
Customers and businesses get burnt by renewable energy schemes
New industries pop up all the time, whether by accident – think of the popularity of mobile phone texting – or the mass commercialisation of a clever piece of science.
UK economy on Knife-Edge
Britain will likely avoid sliding back into recession this year, thanks to solid growth in overseas markets, but the the government needs to do more to intice banks to lend into a weak economy, the British Chambers of Commerce said Tuesday.
Online advertising spend nears £5 billion
Against a weak economic backdrop, brands in Britain spent almost 5 billion pounds advertising online in 2011, with video ads and marketing on social media platforms driving growth to its biggest increase in five years.