News
23 December 2008 Employers urged to watch for seasonal stress Employers have been advised to keep an eye out for workers suffering from stress over the festive period. Read More
23 December 2008 Lenders predict sharp rise in mortgage arrears The number of people behind with their mortgage repayments will rise sharply in 2009, the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has predicted. Read More
23 December 2008 Small businesses to ‘take extended festive holiday’ Many small business owners are planning to take an extended festive break this year, new research has found. Read More
23 December 2008 UK business investment falls UK businesses invested much less than expected in the period from July to September, new figures have shown. Read More
23 December 2008 Self Assessment date looming Taxpayers should remember that their 2007/08 tax return must be filed online by 31 January 2009. Read More
23 December 2008 New advisory fuel rates come into effect The New Year sees the introduction of new advisory fuel rates for company cars. Read More
17 December 2008 Red tape deters small enterprises Small firms are reluctant to employ staff because of the ‘excessive red tape’ involved in doing so, a leading business group has warned. Read More
17 December 2008 Prompt payment code is launched The Government has launched a new code of practice aimed at increasing the speed of payments to small businesses. Read More
17 December 2008 New banking guidelines ‘to help small firms’ The British Banking Association (BBA) has revised its guidelines to help small firms struggling in the economic downturn. Read More
17 December 2008 Pension fund deficit worsens The total UK pension deficit climbed to £136 billion at the end of November, according to the Pension Protection Fund (PPF). Read More
10 December 2008 Bank of England cuts interest rates to 2% The Bank of England has slashed interest rates by one percentage point - the third cut in as many months. The decision takes the base rate to just 2%, its lowest level since 1951. Read More
10 December 2008 Costly parking ‘driving shoppers away from the high street’ Steep parking charges and limited waiting times are deterring Christmas shoppers from visiting their local high street this winter, a leading business organisation has warned. Read More
10 December 2008 Employers see ‘reduction in compliance costs’ UK businesses are saving £418 million a year on the cost of complying with employment law, according to Government estimations. Read More
3 December 2008 Small firms ‘confused’ by Data Protection Act Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are still confused by the Data Protection Act – nearly ten years after it first came into force – a new survey has revealed. Read More
3 December 2008 Small firms ‘reluctant’ to pass on VAT cut, warns business group Small retailers may be reluctant to reflect the reduction in VAT in their prices because of the ‘extra cost and bureaucracy’ involved, a leading business group has warned. Read More
3 December 2008 Discounts ‘fail to tempt’ shoppers New data reveals consumer activity declined during November - despite heavy discounting by retailers. Read More
26 November 2008 Interest rates could be cut even further In their last meeting on 6 November, the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously voted to cut interest rates from 4.5% to 3%, the biggest single move in 53 years. Read More
26 November 2008 Darling cuts VAT to 15% Alistair Darling has slashed VAT from 17.5% to 15% in a bid to boost consumer spending. Read More
26 November 2008 Mortgage lending down by 52% in October Mortgage lending more than halved in October when compared with the same period last year, new figures reveal. Read More
Read our Pre Budget Report November 2008
24 November 2008 Pre Budget Statement - The business reaction Measures outlined in the Chancellor’s Pre-Budget statement have received a mixed reaction from the business community. Read More
24 November 2008 Pre Budget Statement - Darling takes steps to 'shorten the slowdown' Set against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty, Chancellor Alistair Darling has announced a raft of measures in this year's much-anticipated Pre-Budget Report, aimed at stimulating the economy and boosting consumer confidence. Read More
24 November 2008 Pre Budget Statement - Opposition warns against 'buy now, pay later' plans Opposition members have criticised Chancellor Alistair Darling's plans to boost the UK economy, as revealed in today's Pre-Budget Report. Read More
24 November 2008 Pre Budget Statement - Darling downgrades economic forecasts as UK grapples with recession The Chancellor of the Exchequer has downgraded his economic growth forecasts for 2008/09, acknowledging that the economy will shrink as the UK heads for a recession. Read More
19 November 2008 Internet ‘instrumental’ in surviving the downturn Small firms that regularly use the internet to promote their business stand a much better chance of beating the economic downturn – according to new research by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Read More
19 November 2008 Figures show surprise rise in spending Amidst the general economic gloom and talk of recession, new figures show a surprise increase in spending on debit and credit cards in the UK in September. Read More
19 November 2008 Duty limit raised for online purchases Internet shoppers who buy goods from outside the EU will no longer have to pay customs duty on items worth less than £105, under new rules announced by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Read More
19 November 2008 Buy-to-let landlords facing difficulties A new report by credit ratings agency Standard & Poor has revealed serious problems in the buy-to-let (BTL) market. Read More
12 November 2008 UK interest rates slashed to 50-year low The Bank of England has slashed interest rates by 1.5% in a dramatic attempt to bolster the country’s ailing economy. Read More
12 November 2008 High street sales ‘lowest in three years’ The high street has suffered its worst sales in three years, a new report has found. Read More
12 November 2008 Businesses targeted through skills ad campaign Employers are being urged to recognise the benefits of workplace training through a new Government ad campaign. Read More
5 November 2008 Older workers face ‘increased risk of redundancy’ Older workers are facing an increased risk of redundancy as employers look to reduce staffing levels during the current downturn, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has claimed. Read More
5 November 2008 Darling announces £4bn boost for business An extra £4 billion worth of finance is to be made available to the UK’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them through the economic downturn, the Chancellor has announced. Read More
5 November 2008 Business leaders call for interest rate cut Business leaders have called on the Bank of England to cut interest rates ahead of its monthly meeting this week. Read More
29 October 2008 HMRC relaxes self assessment penalty rules Individuals wishing to submit their self assessment tax return by hand this October have been given some latitude over the late filing penalty. Read More
29 October 2008 Firms back campaign to scrap empty property tax Several of the UK’s leading companies have pledged their support to a campaign urging the Government to abolish the tax levied on empty business properties. Read More
29 October 2008 EU grants agency workers equal rights Agency temps have been granted the same employment rights as permanent staff following the approval of a new bill. Read More
22 October 2008 Pension payments decline as Brits rein in spending Millions of Britons are risking their financial security in an attempt to recoup costs during the Credit Crunch, new research has found. Read More
22 October 2008 Government to ‘prioritise training for SMEs’ Training for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in England is to be prioritised under the ‘Train to Gain’ initiative, it has been announced. Read More
22 October 2008 Businesses to face tougher health and safety penalties Employers caught breaking health and safety legislation will face tougher penalties under new measures due to come into force in January. Read More
15 October 2008 Small businesses ‘must be at forefront’ of bank rescue package The needs of small enterprises should be recognised in the Government’s newly-devised banking rescue plan, a leading business champion has claimed. Read More
15 October 2008 Small Business Week 2008 is launched Entrepreneurs from across the country are this week assembling for the launch of the UK’s Small Business Week, which commenced on Monday 13 October. Read More
15 October 2008 Credit Crunch ‘boosts ID fraud’, report claims Bank account holders are more likely to be targeted by fraudsters as a result of the Credit Crunch, according to a new report by MPs. Read More
15 October 2008 Bank of England cuts interest rates The Bank of England has slashed interest rates by half a percent in an attempt to stabilise the economy and reinvigorate plummeting stock markets. Read More
8 October 2008 Important changes to self assessment tax system The self assessment tax system will this month see its most significant change since it was introduced more than 10 years ago. Read More
8 October 2008 Savings to be guaranteed up to £50,000 The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has raised the threshold of savings guaranteed if a bank goes bust from £35,000 to £50,000. Read More
8 October 2008 UK ‘already in recession’, warns business group The UK domestic economy is ‘already in a recession’ and now under ‘immense pressure,’ a business lobby group has warned. Read More
1 October 2008 Banking turmoil ‘could harm small businesses’, warns lobby group A business pressure group has expressed concerns over reports that high street banks are beginning to cut credit facilities and impose higher overdraft charges. Read More
1 October 2008 Small business running costs ‘double UK inflation rate’ Small business running costs are increasing at around double the general rate of UK inflation, new research has shown. Read More
1 October 2008 Raft of new business regulations come into force A plethora of new regulations affecting small businesses come into force today. Read More
25 September 2008 Banks lending to small firms despite ‘credit crunch’ Despite the current economic turbulence, new figures suggest that many of the major high street banks are still lending to small businesses. Read More
25 September 2008 EU to cut mobile phone charges Consumers could soon be charged less for using their mobile phone, under new plans being debated in the European Parliament. Read More
25 September 2008 Pension scheme membership declines The popularity of final salary pension schemes has dipped once again, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has claimed. Read More
18 September 2008 Business confidence slumps to new low As fears of a recession intensify, latest statistics reveal that business confidence is plunging towards a record low. Read More
18 September 2008 Apprentices to receive pay boost Apprentices are to receive a higher minimum wage under new rules announced by the Government. Read More
18 September 2008 FSB calls for review of parking policies to help small firms The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is urging local authorities to rethink their town centre parking policies in a bid to protect local enterprises. Read More
10 September 2008 Interest rates decision ‘an opportunity missed’, claims FPB The Bank of England’s decision to keep interest rates on hold has been described as ‘another opportunity missed’ by a leading business group.Read More
10 September 2008 Small firms ‘confused’ by National Minimum Wage Many small business owners are still bemused by current legislation on the National Minimum Wage (NMW), according to new research. Read More
10 September 2008 Millions to benefit from tax rebate More than 22 million taxpayers will receive an extra £60 in their pay packet this month, as changes to personal income tax come into force. Read More
3 September 2008 HMRC issues Self Assessment deadline reminder HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued a reminder to small business owners, urging them to prepare for next month’s new Self Assessment deadline. Read More
3 September 2008 Stamp duty scrapped for properties under £175,000 Stamp duty has been suspended on properties costing less than £175,000 in a bid to kick-start the UK’s ailing housing market. Read More
3 September 2008 New guidelines to ‘improve’ ISA transfers New guidelines designed to speed up and standardise cash ISA transfers have been published by the British Bankers’ Association (BBA). Read More
27 August 2008 Retail group sets out PBR plans to boost consumer spending The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has called on Alistair Darling to use his Pre-Budget Report (PBR) to restore consumer confidence and alleviate price pressures on retailers. Read More
27 August 2008 Household income drops £2,500 as credit crunch bites UK households are £2,500 worse off this year than in 2007, according to new research by uSwitch.com. Read More
27 August 2008 Firms urged to claim rates relief as deadline looms With the deadline for claiming Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) now looming, a leading business group is highlighting the value of the Government scheme. Read More
21 August 2008 Figures show sharp rise in unemployment The number of Britons out of work and claiming Jobseeker's Allowance rose by 20,100 to 864,700 in July – the largest monthly rise for over 15 years. Read More
21 August 08 Employers urged to prepare for immigration reforms UK firms are being urged to prepare for the new rules on immigration, which come into force later this year. Read More
21 August 2008 Committee calls for VAT reform to reduce business waste Changes to the VAT regime could substantially reduce the amount of waste produced by UK business, according to a House of Lords committee. Read More
14 August 2008 Identity fraud service is launched Victims of identity fraud can now benefit from improved help and advice following the launch of a ‘one-stop service’ designed to simplify the credit restoration process. Read More
14 August 2008 Health and safety reforms to ‘save small businesses £300 million’ Small firms could collectively save up to £300 million every year with the aid of improved health and safety advice, according to new research. Read More
14 August 2008 Energy firms ‘exploiting SMEs,’ claims BCC Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are more vulnerable to exploitation by energy suppliers than domestic customers, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has argued. Read More
6 August 08 Firms urged to prepare for PAYE changes Employers have been advised to prepare for the effects of the change in personal tax allowances following new guidance released by the Government. Read More
6 August 08 Government announces ‘clamp down’ on rogue employers New measures to clamp down on rogue employers who exploit vulnerable workers have been unveiled by the Government. Read More
6 August 08 Changes to R&D Tax Credits come into force Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can now benefit from important changes to Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credits, which came into effect earlier this month. Read More
30 July 08 Family firms ‘vital’ to success of UK economy Greater emphasis should be placed on the value of family-owned businesses and their contribution to the UK economy, a new report has argued. Read More
30 July 08 New mortgage approvals fall to record low New mortgage approvals by the major banks have fallen to their lowest level since records began in September 1997, according to the British Bankers' Association (BBA). Read More
30 July 08 Debt groups urge clampdown on payday loan ‘excesses’Several debt advice groups have called for action over what they call the ‘worst excesses’ of companies offering payday loans. Read More
23 July 08 Consumer watchdog calls for bank account reform The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has called for a major shake-up of current bank accounts, claiming that they do not work well for consumers. Read More
23 July 08 Late payment causing ‘cash flow difficulties’ for small firms Large organisations are ‘abusing’ small businesses’ trust by failing to settle invoices quickly, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has claimed. Read More
23 July 08 2p fuel duty increase is postponed Chancellor Alistair Darling has confirmed that a 2p rise in fuel duty scheduled for later this year will be postponed. Read More
16 July 2008 Demise of energy watchdog ‘bad news’ for small businesses Small firms will lose a valuable advisory source when a major energy regulator disbands later this year, a leading business group has claimed. Read More
16 July 2008 Maternity leave ‘detrimental to women’s careers’Maternity leave is damaging women’s career prospects, according to the head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Read More
16 July 2008 UK firms ‘failing to plan’ for credit crunCH More than half of UK businesses do not have adequate plans in place to help them weather the ‘credit crunch,’ according to new research. Read More
10 July 2008 British businesses face ‘serious risk’ of recession Britain is at ‘serious risk’ of a recession, according to a survey of almost 5,000 businesses. Read More
10 July 2008 Darling to increase protection for savers Chancellor Alistair Darling has outlined plans to increase protection for savers in the event of their bank or building society running into financial difficulties. Read More
10 July 2008 EU plans VAT cuts for local businesses EU member states may soon be able to cut VAT rates for local service firms, under new proposals outlined by the European Commission. Read More
2 July 2008 Business fraud climbs to unprecedented levels Business fraud is up by 74% on last year’s figures and has now reached unprecedented levels, new research has found. Read More
2 July 2008 New Equality Bill to ‘close gender pay gap’ A package of measures designed to close the gender pay gap and eliminate inequality in the workplace have been unveiled by the Government. Read More
2 July 2008 Treasury Committee calls for ‘more action’ to help 10p tax losers The Government must do more to help low-income individuals losing out as a result of the abolition of the 10p tax rate, the Commons Treasury Committee has claimed. Read More
25 June 2008 HMRC staff cuts ‘will add to small business tax woes’ A proposed reduction in staffing levels at MHM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) could have an adverse impact on many small businesses, a major lobby group has claimed. Read More
25 June 2008 Carbon footprint scheme for businesses is launched Businesses that make genuine reductions in their carbon emissions are to be rewarded under a new scheme launched by the Carbon Trust. Read More
25 June 2008 UK businesses ‘hand out’ customer details A new survey has revealed that UK businesses are breaching data protection laws by relaying personal information about their customers to third parties. Read More
18 June 2008 CBI cuts economic growth forecasts The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has again revised its economic growth forecasts downwards amid growing uncertainty over the current financial climate. Read More
18 June 2008 Small firms urged to help with Government Review The views of small businesses are being sought on a range of entrepreneurial issues as part of a Government initiative to help smaller firms win public sector contracts. Read More
18 June 2008 Workers to be given right to request training The Government has today outlined plans to give workers in England the right to request time off for training relevant to their employment. Read More
11 June 2008 UK workers’ income ‘to fall by 53%’ upon retirement’The average UK worker is likely to see their income fall by 53% upon reaching retirement, new research suggests. Read More
11 June 2008 Loan insurance consumers ‘overcharged by £1.4bn’Consumers buying Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) are being overcharged by more than £1.4 billion a year, according to the Competition Commission. Read More
11 June 2008 ‘Cautious welcome’ for EU deal on flexible workingBusiness groups have ‘cautiously welcomed’ an EU agreement that will enable UK employees to retain flexibility in their working hours, following a meeting in Luxemburg earlier this week. Read More
4 June 2008 HMRC raises advisory fuel ratesHM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has raised the advisory fuel rates to reflect rapidly increasing fuel prices at the pump. Read More
4 June 2008 Grocery goods ‘costing more’Consumers are spending more on their weekly shopping than at the beginning of the year and the upward trend likely to continue, according to new a study. Read More
4 June 2008 Businesses ‘ill prepared’ for pension reforms More than half of UK businesses are unaware of Government proposals to extend the eligibility for enrolment in a pension scheme, according to a new study released by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Read More
28 May 2008 Faster banking payment service is launched A new payments service that reduces the time taken for banking transactions to be processed is now in operation. Read More
28 May 2008 Financial complaints reach new high The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has recorded a significant rise in the number complaints made during the last 12 months, it has been revealed. Read More
28 May 2008 Treasury urged to scrap fuel tax increase The rising price of oil means that Government plans to increase fuel tax are ‘totally unjustifiable,’ according to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Read More
21 May 2008 Plans to phase out cheques put on hold The Forum of Private Business (FPB) has welcomed plans to hold off phasing out cheques, following a u-turn by the Payments Council. Read More
21 May 2008 Government to extend flexible working rights Some 4.5 million more workers will soon be able to request flexible working from their employers, as the rights are to be extended to parents of children up to the age of 16. Read More
21 May 2008 Agency workers deal ‘disastrous’ for small firms, claims FSB The Government’s newly-brokered deal on temporary workers has been branded ‘disastrous’ for small businesses by a leading lobby group. Read More
14 May 2008 Personal tax allowance to increase by £600 The Chancellor has unveiled plans to increase the personal tax allowance by £600 to help those hit by the scrapping of the 10p tax rate. Read More
14 May 2008 Consumer law reforms ‘to reduce regulatory burden’ Proposed changes to consumer law will help minimise the regulatory burden for UK businesses, according to the Government. Read More
14 May 2008 Bank keeps interest rates on hold The Bank of England has held interest rates at 5% in its May meeting. The decision was widely expected but has nonetheless been criticised by both business and manufacturing groups. Read More
7 May 2008 Small firms gain free access to public sector contracts Small businesses are to gain improved access to thousands of public sector contract opportunities under a new scheme launched by the Government. Read More
7 May 2008 ‘Restore postal services’ for small firms, urges FPB A leading business group is calling on the Government to restore postal services for small firms, following the findings of a report into the matter. Read More
7 May 2008 Chancellor unveils plans for business-Government forum A new business-Government working group will be established to examine the competitiveness of the corporate tax regime, the Chancellor has announced. Read More
2 May 2008 Court backs OFT over ‘unfair’ bank charges A High Court judge has ruled in favour of the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and against Britain’s biggest banks in a dispute over ‘unfair’ overdraft charges. Read More
2 May 2008 Commission calls for supermarket ‘shake-up’ Measures designed to boost competitiveness in the grocery sector and improve consumer choice have been unveiled by the industry watchdog. Read More
2 May 2008 Chancellor unveils concessionary tax deal Government plans to compensate those adversely affected by the recent abolition of the 10p rate of income tax, have been described as a ‘climb-down’ by opposition parties. Read More
30 April 2008 Chancellor unveils concessionary tax deal - Government plans to compensate those adversely affected by the recent abolition of the 10p rate of income tax, have been described as a ‘climb-down’ by opposition parties. Read More
30 April 2008 Commission calls for supermarket ‘shake-up’ - Measures designed to boost competitiveness in the grocery sector and improve consumer choice have been unveiled by the industry watchdog. Read More
30 April 2008 Court backs OFT over ‘unfair’ bank charges - A High Court judge has ruled in favour of the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and against Britain’s biggest banks in a dispute over ‘unfair’ overdraft charges. Read More
9 April 2008 New code to ‘reduce red tape’- The Government has introduced a new code of conduct in a bid to cut the volume of red tape faced by small businesses. Read More
9 April 2008 Small firms ‘failing to plan’ for the unexpected - UK firms are at risk of going out of business due to a lack of planning for unexpected events, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI). Read More
9 April 2008 ‘Tough’ new credit rules come into force - The Consumer Credit Act 2006 has seen its biggest shakeup for more than 30 years, with the introduction of a series of new measures that give consumers greater protection against rogue lenders and debt collectors. Read More
2 April 2008 Businesses advised to prepare for Corporate Manslaughter Act - Businesses are being urged to review their health and safety policies ahead of changes to the law on corporate manslaughter. Read More
2 April 2008 Get ready for new regulations, businesses warned - Smaller firms are being urged to prepare for raft of new regulations that are set to come into force at the end of this week. Read More
2 April 2008 UK retailers ‘failing to comply’ with online selling regulations - A substantial number of UK businesses that sell goods over the internet are failing to comply with key legislation, according to new research. Read More
26 March 2008 Small firms record ‘dip in profits’- Small firms are reporting a decline in profits as the global credit crunch tightens its grip on the UK economy, new research suggests. Read More
26 March 2008 Darling defends economic growth forecasts Chancellor Alistair Darling has maintained that the economic growth forecasts set out in his debut Budget remain ‘realistic.’ Read More
26 March 2008 ‘Greater care’ taken over data protection - A greater number of people are devoting more time and attention to maintaining the security of their personal data, a new poll has shown. Read More
19 March 2008 Businesses should ‘do more’ to reduce employee absence - Employers are being urged to take action to reduce staff sickness levels following the publication of a Government report this week. Read More
19 March 2008 Business welcomes Enterprise White Paper - Business groups have applauded the Government’s publication of an Enterprise White Paper, describing the proposed reforms as ‘encouraging’ for entrepreneurs. Read More
19 March 2008 UK credit card losses pushed up by overseas fraud - The volume of money stolen from UK banking cards has increased by 25% due to a surge in overseas fraud, new research has revealed. Read More
13 March 2008 2008 Budget: Darling’s design for a ‘greener’ future - Billed as a ‘responsible’ and ‘green’ Budget, the environment found its way to the top of the agenda in Chancellor Alistair Darling’s debut Budget speech Read More
13 March 2008 2008 Budget Report: Darling downgrades economic growth forecasts - In his maiden Budget speech Chancellor Alistair Darling insisted that he could steer Britain through the current economic storm, but conceded that growth forecasts would be lower than expected. Read More
13 March 2008 2008 Budget Report: the political reaction - ‘The cost of living is going up and Labour is making it worse,’ Conservative leader David Cameron has argued. Read More
13 March 2008 2008 Budget Report: the business reaction - The Chancellor’s relationship with the entrepreneurial community may have been tested to its limits in recent months, but businesses are today cautiously welcoming the measures outlined in Alistair Darling’s first Budget statement. Read More
12 March 2008 Darling poised for ‘green Budget’ - Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling is set to deliver his first Budget to the House of Commons at 12.30pm today. Read More
12 March 2008 Tax ‘revamp’ needed to help economy prosper, argues CBI - Britain’s tax system is in need of a ‘radical overhaul’ according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Read More
12 March 2008 The adult National Minimum Wage (NMW) will rise from £5.52 to £5.73 in October, Prime Minister Gordon Brown has announced - For 18-21 year-olds the hourly rate will climb from £4.60 to £4.77, whilst the statutory minimum wage will increase from £3.40 to £3.53 for 16 and 17 year-olds. Read More
6 March 2008 2008 Budget will ‘hit small businesses hard’, warns FPB - The 2008 Budget will not grant any favours to small enterprises, according to the Forum of Private Business (FPB). Read More
6 March 2008 New service to enable same-day cash transfers Consumers who make cash transfers over the phone or via the internet will soon benefit from a faster payment service, according to the industry body Apacs. Read More
6 March 2008 Policing illegal workers ‘not a job for small business owners’- A leading business organisation has criticised the new rules on employing foreign workers, claiming that small business owners cannot be expected to act as ‘immigration officers.’ Read More
28 February 2008 Business groups unite in protest over Agency Bill - Plans to extend the rights of agency workers will ‘hinder’ British business and lead to significant job losses, according to leading business groups. Read More
28 February 2008 New technology to ‘boost business competitiveness’- A review aimed at advancing the UK’s technological capabilities could benefit British businesses and improve the country’s commercial competitiveness, according to the Government. Read More
28 February 2008 Unnecessary expenses ‘costing UK firms £1bn’ - UK employers are paying out more than £1billion every year in unnecessary expenses, according to new research.) Read More
21 February 2008 British businesses feel the pinch of ‘bureaucratic burden’ - British businesses are experiencing a signifcant financial ‘burden’ as a result of new regulations introduced since 1998, according to new research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Read More
21 February 2008 Cheque use in rapid rate of decline The number of people using cheques decreased dramatically in 2007, according to latest figures released by the banking sector. Read More
21 February 2008 FSB in final plea ahead of 2008 Budget - Britain’s largest business organisation has urged the Chancellor to give special consideration to the interests of small firms ahead of Budget day this March. Read More
14 February 2008 Government face ‘tough challenge’ over employment levels - The Government will face a ‘tough challenge’ if it wants to meet its targets on unemployment in the UK, according to MPs. Read More
14 February 2008 Non-dom tax changes to ‘cost Treasury £2bn’ - The Government’s proposed reform of the non-domiciled tax regime will cost the Treasury an estimated £2 billion, according to a recent report. Read More
14 February 2008 SMEs have ‘love-hate’ relationship with the internet - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are reaping the benefits of the internet but many feel their online presence does little to improve business efficiency, according to new research. Read More
6 February 2008 Businesses failing to protect consumer data - Many businesses are not taking adequate security measures to protect the personal details of their consumers, according to new research. Read More
6 February 2008 Darling fixes date for 2008 Budget- Chancellor Alistair Darling will deliver his first Budget statement to the House of Commons on 12 March 2008, the Treasury has announced. Read More
6 February 2008 Extra funding to help early resolution of workplace disputes - New measures aimed at simplifying the resolution of workplace disputes are to be unveiled by the Government as part of a review of UK employment law. Read More
31 January 2008 Businesses to receive apprenticeship boost - A wage subsidy programme for small businesses that take on apprentices is to be piloted under new measures published by the Government this week. Read More
31 January 2008 Darling confirms capital gains tax reforms - Alistair Darling has told MPs that he will make a tax concession worth £200m as part of his strategy to reform capital gains tax (CGT). Read More
31 January 2008 Online tax return filing ‘safe and secure’ insists HMRC - HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has defended the security of its online filing system following reports that a ‘two-tier’ security structure is in place to safeguard the tax returns of the wealthy. Read More
23 January 2008 Businesses call on Chancellor to abolish fuel tax increase - The Government has come under pressure to abandon its plans to increase fuel tax after receiving a letter of protest signed by more than 700 businesses from across the UK. Read More
23 January 2008 Government urged to reconsider new rules on ‘income shifting’
- Prime Minister Gordon Brown is facing pressure from the business community this week as a petition calling on him to re-examine proposed new rules on ‘income shifting’ gathers pace. Read More
23 January 2008 New website to help UK businesses compete for Olympic contracts - A new website has been launched by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) to help UK businesses compete for contracts ahead of the 2012 Games in London. Read More
16 January 2008 Businesses in ‘complete confusion’ over capital gains uncertainty - The director general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has publicly criticised the Chancellor’s failure to clarify possible changes to capital gains tax (CGT). Read More
16 January 2008 Government unveils plans to increase HMRC powers - As part of its plans for modernisation, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has unveiled new measures that will increase its powers and clarify the rights and responsibilities of taxpayers. Read More
16 January 2008 Submit tax returns early to avoid potential ‘chaos’ - As tax workers prepare to vote on whether to take strike action ahead of the self-assessment tax return deadline, the Forum of Private Business (FPB) is advising small business owners to submit their returns in plenty of time. Read More
9 January 2008 Britons struggling to manage their finances this New Year - Many people are grappling to stay on top of their finances this New Year after overspending at Christmas, a new poll has revealed. Read More
9 January 2008 Small businesses ‘hit hardest’ by rising fuel costs - With the price of petrol at a record high, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is warning that small enterprises could ‘bear the brunt’ of escalating fuel costs. Read More
9 January 2008 Small firms urged to evaluate energy bills - The Forum of Private Business (FPB) is encouraging small firms to consider switching to an alternative gas and electric supplier in response to last week’s increase in energy prices. Read More
03 January 2008 British businesses to face a ‘difficult’ 2008 - British businesses are likely to experience a ‘difficult year’ as experts predict a slowdown in economic growth in 2008, according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Read More
03 January 2008 Know your employment rights for 2008, Government urges - As many people make New Year resolutions centred on their career, the Government is urging UK workers to make sure they receive the benefits they are entitled to in 2008. Read More
03 January 2008 New advisory fuel rates come into effect - The New Year sees the introduction of new advisory fuel rates for company cars. Read More
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