Latest News
Tax return scam warning
Just weeks before the deadline for filing tax returns, fraudsters are targeting individuals with scam emails.
Tax third-biggest expense for SMEs
Cash-strapped SMEs are spending a significant proportion of expenditure on taxation, research by debt protection group Creditsafe reveals.
Sectors roundup
With everyone feeling the pinch at the moment here’s a look at how different industries have been faring, and what lies ahead
Government money made available for SMEs
In his Pre-Budget Report Alistair Darling has announced a £1 billion small business finance scheme to help struggling companies gain credit.
London SMEs have ‘blitz spirit’
SMEs in the capital are showing the required fighting spirit to see them through these lean and trying times, according to research by advisory service Business Link.
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.
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).
SMEs hit by rising costs
Small businesses are being hit on both fronts by price increases and losing customers as the economic crisis bites, according to new research.
Post collection charges hit SMEs
Royal Mail’s decision to introduce a flat rate for fewer weekday collections has left small businesses paying more, says the Forum of Private Business (FPB).
SMEs tighten belts as fear of recession hits
UK businesses are taking action to cut costs and preserve cashflow as the fear of a serious downturn takes hold, a survey reveals.
Scrapped property relief rate hits SMEs
The government’s decision to scrap Empty Property Rate Relief has left many SMEs out of pocket, says the Forum of Private Business.
Confusion at minimum wage increase
Small businesses remain confused about the minimum wage increase on 1 October.
Late payments hitting SMEs
Small businesses are struggling to cope with an increase in late payments, a survey reveals.
Don’t forget the new tax return deadline, warns HMRC
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is issuing a reminder to people filing paper self assessment tax returns of the new 31 October deadline. The penalty for missing the deadline is £100.
BCC: Bank of England must cut rates
The longer the Bank of England takes to cut rates, the worse the economic situation will be, according to the British Chambers of Commerce's (BCC's) quarterly economic forecast.