Latest News
Weak spending 'indicates state of economy'
A slowing in consumer spending offers a fair indication of the state of the economy, Capital Economics claims.
BCC: Bank must cut rates
The Bank of England must cut interest rates within the next two to three months to avoid a real downturn, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) argues.
Corporate business lacks flexibility, say working mums
Three quarters of working mothers feel that British business is not committed to flexible working arrangements, according to a survey conducted by advisory group Mums in Control.
Retail sales worse than 1990s, CBI reveals
High street sales are at their lowest level for a quarter of a century, a Confederation of British Industry (CBI) poll finds.
Slow payments 'hitting businesses'
Quick billing from suppliers and fewer companies adhering to agreed payment terms is causing problems for small firms, research finds.
Carbon Trust: SMEs could save 30% on lighting
Making changes to lighting systems could save retail outlets some 30 per cent on their electricity bills, the Carbon Trust reports.
FSB: Authorities should highlight SME tax savings
The government needs to ensure small businesses are aware of the tax saving opportunities available to them, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
Rate hold prediction from 9 of 9 economists
Interest rates will be kept on hold following September's monetary policy committee meeting, nine out of nine economists predict in a new poll.
Confusion at minimum wage increase
Small businesses remain confused about the minimum wage increase on 1 October.
Rising costs and weak spending 'squeezing' businesses
Retailers are suffering under falling customer demand and rising costs, according to Capital Economics.
Late payments hitting SMEs
Small businesses are struggling to cope with an increase in late payments, a survey reveals.
Staff 'should be supported and challenged'
Employers should make sure they 'support and challenge' their staff to get the best out of them, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
Government to review flexible working
The government is searching for ways to make dealing with flexible working requests easier for businesses in a new consultation.
Red tape on training needs to be reduced
Small businesses could face additional regulation by the government if they are forced to undertake formal meetings with employees who request time off to train, warns the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
Companies should exploit intellectual property, says IPO
All businesses, in any industry, will be creating intellectual property they need to protect, entrepreneurs are warned.