Latest News
Barclays first to use EIB fund
Following the announcement of a £4 billion loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB), Barclays has become the first high street bank to use the funding facility for SMEs.
Small firms failing in crunch
One in ten small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) cannot afford to stay in business due to the effects of the credit crunch, according to new research.
MacArthur calls for ‘energy marshals’ for SMEs
Yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur is urging businesses to appoint energy marshals in a bid to cut costs and save the environment.
Brown calls for small firm funding from EIB
Prime minister Gordon Brown has called on the European Investment Bank (EIB) to increase lending to small businesses.
Flexible working 'could get lost in recession'
Flexitime and home working could be lost in the recession despite there being mutual gains for staff and employers, according to the Trades Union Congress (TUC).
Big brands join SMEs in property rate campaign
Large companies are joining the calls of SMEs to scrap empty property rates, in a letter being sent to the prime minister this week.
Small business fund 'not enough'
The £350 million set aside by the government for training in small firms is not enough and these businesses need more help, according to an expert.
Compulsory retirement 'would restrict start-ups'
Many retirees who intend to set up their own firm could be stopped by the compulsory retirement age from the government.
Flexible working 'means happier employees'
Flexible working practices encourage happier and more productive employees, which is what businesses need in the current climate, according to an expert.
SME lending vital to curb recession
The government needs to pressure banks to lend to SMEs as a way of combating a shrinking GDP, says an economic adviser from the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC).
FSB calls for £1bn survival fund
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has proposed a new £1 billion fund be introduced to tide companies over during the next six months.
Gender pay gap is 'women's choice'
The public should make less of a song and dance about the gender pay gap, as most of it is due to choices made by each side, a new report states.
Mum's the word for SMEs
An increase in mothers returning to work due to the recession could represent a cost-saving opportunity for small businesses, says an employment site.
Government makes training easier for SMBs
The government has released a package for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), which will give them priority in training, to ensure employees are fully skilled.
Small business owners 'delaying retirement'
Bosses of small firms are delaying their planned retirement, with almost one in five saying they will not give up work at all, according to a new survey.