Proposed broadband speeds too slow for businesses

The government’s targets for future broadband speeds lack ambition and will not benefit businesses, it has been claimed...[more]

Employers looking to freeze pay

Over a half of employers are planning to keep wages on hold during the next round of pay talks, a new survey has indicated. ..[more]

Regulations taking their ‘toll’ on small businesses

The government has been urged to do more to reduce the adverse impact of regulation compliance on smaller firms following a study that claims red tape costs employers some £12 billion a year...[more]

Business rates legislation will hit local economies, says CBI

A decision by MPs to throw out amendments to the Business Rates Supplements Bill could harm regional economies, the CBI has argued...[more]

Minimum wage mooted for apprentices

The government has asked the Low Pay Commission to look at the case for introducing a national minimum wage for apprentices...[more]

New pension rules could adversely affect temporary employment

The government has been advised to give serious consideration to the impact that new pension rules may have on temporary workers, employers and the flexibility of the labour market...[more]

Raising finance for your business

If you are thinking of developing your business, you will need to raise finance. This requires careful planning and good professional advice...[more]

Small businesses less expensive to run

The cost of running a small business has fallen for the second successive quarter...[more]

Fraudsters turn to takeover scams

Scams in which criminals take control of someone else’s bank account or credit card are on the increase, the UK’s fraud prevention service has said...[more]

Businesses asked for their views on access to finance

The government wants to hear from SMEs about the difficulties they are facing when it comes to securing growth capital...[more]

PAYE system upgrade may lead to some delays, HMRC warns

Plans by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to upgrade the IT system that is used to handle PAYE tax and national insurance details could result in temporary interruptions to the service...[more]

Benefits in kind and expenses payments

A brief guide to benefits and expenses...[more]

Publicly funded small business scheme under review

The government has set up a review to examine whether a publicly backed venture capital fund is needed to help small, high growth firms with their financing...[more]

Businesses reschedule £2.5 billion in tax payments

The amount of tax which small firms have asked to delay paying under the government’s Business Payment Support Service has risen to £2.5 billion...[more]

SMEs encouraged to consider export markets

Smaller firms should look seriously at exporting as a way of combating the economic downturn...[more]

Feedback wanted on possible changes to expenses and benefits

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has said that it is looking at making changes to the way that expenses and benefits provided by employers are handled for tax purposes...[more]

Government extends trade credit insurance scheme

The government has made changes to its trade credit insurance top-up scheme so that more firms can take advantage of it...[more]

Health and safety guidance to be made free online

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced that it is to give away its guides on workplace safety for free as from the autumn...[more]

Skills funding described as ‘untenable’

Government plans for funding workplace skills programmes need urgent clarification, a leading business organisation has said...[more]

Sick notes to be replaced with ‘fit notes’

The government has unveiled the introduction of a new ‘fit note’ scheme aimed at encouraging employees to stay in work rather than join the long-term sick...[more]

Micro businesses need more help with training

The UK’s smallest businesses are losing out on government-backed training schemes and should have a dedicated skills body that more effectively represents their needs...[more]

VAT bad debt relief

Dealing with the problem of VAT on bad debts...[more]

Paternity leave plans may be reviewed

Reports suggesting that the government may look again at plans to extend paternity leave have received a welcome from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)...[more]

Changes to advisory fuel rates for company cars

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced changes to the advisory fuel rates for company cars as of 1 July...[more]

Late payment a problem, VAT cut of little help, say businesses

A new survey has revealed that for many firms delays in invoice settlement are on the increase, while the reduction of the VAT rate has not been effective in tackling the downturn in business...[more]

IR35 comes under fire for its negligible tax take

Figures have been released showing that the IR35 tax regulations are producing an average of just £1.5 million a year in tax revenues...[more]

Finding the money to develop your business

For business owners in need of capital to expand, we look at a number of options other than bank funding...[more]

Business lending still in a trough

Lending to both large and small firms remains weak, the Bank of England has said...[more]

Default retirement age should be dropped

Laws that allow employers to oblige employees to retire at 65 should be scrapped...[more]

Firms need extra time to deal with pension deficits

The CBI has urged a change to the pension system in order to allow businesses extra breathing space in which to make good the shortfalls in their final salary schemes...[more]