Category

News

The news section on Small Business UK allows you to keep up to date with the latest news, economic trends and regulatory developments affecting new and established UK small businesses.

Firms flounder in employment law mire

Fresh figures from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) reveal the increasing pressure faced by employers due to the recent deluge of changes to employment legislation.

News

News

Awards for small business heroes

Individuals who have successfully set up their own businesses in the face of adversity are being encouraged to have their achievements recognised through the Barclays Trading Places Awards, now in their second year.

News

Holiday pay ruling to hit business

A ruling in the European Court of Justice could force small businesses to rethink the way they pay employees after it said that the practice of giving staff extra holiday pay in lieu of actual time off is illegal.

News

You can’t beat a bit of bull bingo

Although outbursts of David Brent-style jargon are thankfully on the decline in most British businesses, occasional references to ‘touching base’, ‘pushing the envelope’ and ‘thinking outside the box’ can still blight a working day. Thankfully, however, there is now a solution.

News

Award-winning preparation

Winning industry awards, even just being nominated, can enhance your business in many ways – be it bolstering sales, boosting employee morale or increasing web traffic. But before you start drafting your acceptance speech, a little careful preparation is needed to ensure success.

News

Fire safety law due in October

A significant change to fire safety rules in non-domestic property that was due to come into effect in April has been postponed to October to allow small and medium-sized businesses adequate time to prepare.

News

SMEs prepare for the long haul – The Turner Report

With the Turner Report's controversial proposal to raise the pension age beyond 65 still looming large ahead of an expected legislation overhaul in April, it seems that a significant number of SME owners and managers are already expecting to work well beyond this age.

News

Mis-selling: a growing problem

According to new research from BT, more than three-quarters (78 per cent) of SMEs have been mis-sold business services, and almost two-thirds of these (59 per cent) have been misled into signing up for unwanted telephone services.

News

SMEs prepare for the long haul – The Turner Report

With the Turner Report's controversial proposal to raise the pension age beyond 65 still looming large ahead of an expected legislation overhaul in April, it seems that a significant number of SME owners and managers are already expecting to work well beyond this age.

News

Mis-selling: a growing problem

According to new research from BT, more than three-quarters (78 per cent) of SMEs have been mis-sold business services, and almost two-thirds of these (59 per cent) have been misled into signing up for unwanted telephone services.

News

Get ready for new tax year

The new tax year starts in the first week of April and, amidst the reams of bureaucratic red tape that small firms have to wade through, Bibby Financial Services is advising SMEs to get their affairs in order.

News

Beware the dodgy phoenix

More than a quarter of small businesses have been adversely affected by dealings with a so-called phoenix company, a perfectly legitimate entity that has risen from the ashes of a failed venture, according to a survey from the Better Payments Practice Group.

News

Take steps to stop RSI

Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) affects almost half a million British workers every year and costs UK industry an estimated £20 billion.

News

Romance is dead (at work)

It's a sad day for love as cautious employers want Valentine's cards banned from the workplace for fear that sexual harassment claims could ensue, while most owners of small firms believe budding office romances could harm their business.

Business Loans

A guide to getting a small business loan

Everything you need to know on what small business loans are and what types of loan are available for your business.

Employing & managing staff

The importance of vocational rehabilitation services for SMEs

In Aviva’s latest SME research*, 57 per cent of employers surveyed agreed that nowadays employees expect benefits to protect against loss of income or earnings. What do you offer your people?

Partner content

What are the benefits of business broadband?

Business broadband offers a host of advantages over standard domestic connections, here’s why you should be considering an upgrade

Partner content

How should I select my business broadband provider?

As with any supplier, it’s important to do your research and ask important questions before you select a broadband provider for your business. But what are the must-have things you should take into consideration?