News

Reduced working hours ‘support small businesses’

Modifying the existing Working Tax Credits scheme to support reduced working hours would help small firms.

News

Dad’s the word for paternity rights

A large proportion of SMEs are sympathetic to fathers having their paternity leave rights extended.

Business management

Business Rising Star | Martin Dix of Current Cost

Electrical engineer Martin Dix had the bright idea for his energy-monitoring device Current Cost after wondering how much usage a 100-Watt light bulb represented in cash. Launched in 2006, his company is now worth £6 million.

Employing & managing staff

SMEs not ready for rise in annual leave

Holiday plans may be on the minds of many now that winter is behind us, but the majority of small businesses say they are unaware of entitlements going up next week.

Employing & managing staff

Flexible staff – Tips on hiring temporary workers

The recent sacking of 850 agency workers by BMW demonstrated how companies use non-permanent staff to protect themselves in a turbulent economy. But you need to know the pitfalls before hiring temporary workers.

News

Sugar spearheads apprenticeship campaign

Sir Alan Sugar's attempts to promote the benefits of apprenticeships would seem timely, as a new survey reveals employers are largely unaware of government reforms to cut bureaucracy in the system.

Office & home working

A guide to serviced offices

Office space costs can often leave companies with little room to breathe. Here SmallBusiness.co.uk and John Spencer, CEO of MWB Business Exchange, outline the potential benefits of serviced offices.

Small Business Banking

Business bank account as a small business

Do I need to open a business bank account or can I simply use my personal current account for my small business?

Tax

Deferred VAT payments for small businesses

I heard that the government were helping small business by deferring payment of VAT. Is this true and if so, what is the procedure?

News

London Development Agency offers SMEs £23 million funding package

Mayor of London Boris Johnson has welcomed a funding package of £23 million to help small to medium-sized businesses in the capital.

Finding and selling to customers

Gift voucher power

With a million unwanted Christmas presents sold on ebay last year, gift vouchers are becoming a popular way to avoid upsetting a loved one with an ill-chosen purchase. Here's how they can benefit your business.

Small Business Insurance

Trade credit insurance hurting retailers

Retailers being refused trade credit insurance is leading to problems in the industry, especially for small to medium-sized businesses, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) warns.