Small Business Banking

What banks want to see from SMEs

So why aren’t banks lending to small businesses? Rose Lewis, a partner at financial consultancy Pembridge Partners, outlines what banks want to see from SMEs before agreeing to show the money.

Accounting

Emergency Budget Breakdown 

It's generally agreed that SMEs emerged largely unscathed from the Emergency Budget. Here we pick out the main points for owner-managers.

Blog

Where is the next Branson? 

As great as Richard Branson has been for championing entrepreneurship in the UK, it can't be right that he still remains this country's epitome of the successful, independent businessman.

Business Ideas & Planning

5 Ways to Fast Business Growth

Business owners across the UK remain as focused as ever about achieving growth. SmallBusiness.co.uk finds out how they're doing it.

News

Employers frustrated by skills gap 

The government has set up another consultation with employers to find out how to create a more effective and skilled workforce.

Alternative finance

Social Funding for SMEs
 

If the banks say ‘no’, social investing could be the answer.

News

‘Removing the default retirement age will damage business’

The British Chambers of Commerce and the Confederation of British Industry have hit out against the government’s proposal to remove the default retirement age.

Advice

What the Budget means for SMEs

In his Budget George Osborne promised to spread the pain fairly. Here small businesses tell us what the chancellor's tax hikes and concessions will mean for them.

News

Apprentices get minimum wage

For the first time apprentices will be given a minimum wage of £2.50 per hour. 

The new rate will come into force in October, along with a 2 per cent rise for adults of £5.93 an hour.

Finding and selling to customers

Why brands matter and how to protect your company’s identity

Without the right brand, Coca-Cola would have been just another fizzy drinks company. Read our guide to find out why brands matter.

News

Going green doesn’t help SMEs in the red

Environmental concerns have been pushed to one side as the recession has forced small businesses to refocus their priorities.

Blog

The golden age of business

Many were surprised to learn that the 85-year-old former Labour MP, Tony Benn, has invented a suitcase-cum-chair. Not least The Daily Mail, which chortled: ‘The scourge of capitalism turns entrepreneur by inventing the “Seatcase”.'