Simple energy policies cut business costs

Small businesses have been urged to review how they manage their energy consumption. The Carbon Trust said that SMEs could be saving as much as £1.3 billion a year collectively by introducing some straightforward energy efficiency measures. [more]

Businesses get fuel duty reprieve

The government has said that it does not intend to implement the fuel duty increase planned for October. The 2p per litre rise has been postponed for six months, the Treasury announced. The Chancellor said that the decision would help businesses get through a difficult time. [more]

Government urged to keep local business scheme

A funding programme that allows local authorities to support entrepreneurs should be maintained and developed, a leading business organisation has argued. The Local Authority Business Growth Incentives scheme is due to be replaced after three years. However, the Federation of Small Businesses has called on the government to extend the life span of the present programme, describing a reprieve as a vital "shot in the arm" for the country’s 4.5 million small firms. [more]

Pension opt-out inducements for employees to be banned

Changes to the Pensions Bill mean that employers will not be allowed to offer their staff inducements to opt out of workplace pensions. The incentives include higher salaries and one-off bonuses. The ban will come into force when automatic enrolment pensions are introduced in 2012. [more]