SME Business News

Small firms experiencing a tentative recovery, FSB statistics reveal
Ten months of FSB data shows small firms are beginning to enjoy an improved outlook
Small businesses which were hit hard by the worst of the credit crunch and the recession nearly a year ago are starting to experience a tentative recovery, according to analysis by the Federation [...]

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A new FSB report entitled Social and Environmental Responsibility and the Small Business Owner reveals that a staggering 92% of small businesses are socially and environmentally responsible, with 83% already engaged in waste minimisation and recycling. 41 per cent of businesses bought products specifically because they were better for the environment.
Recent research conducted by the [...]

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The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed the Government’s commitment to ensure universal access to fast broadband, but warns the expected 2mbps by 2012 lacks ambition and shows the UK is in a time-warp.
“Research by the FSB shows that a third of small businesses already have 2mbps broadband speed, yet struggle to do core, [...]

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Small and medium sized businesses have been invited to give evidence in a review on the availability of finance.
According to the newly formed Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) the review will determine whether government intervention is needed to ensure adequate finance will be available to firms as the economy improves.
As well as small [...]

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Nearly two thirds of UK small firms bear a credit rating which may negatively affect their ability to obtain credit finance and favourable credit terms from suppliers, according to new research from Graydon UK, a leading credit risk management agency.
Using Graydon UKs credit scoring rules, their June 2009 study reveals that 60 per cent of [...]

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Rising unemployment and falling disposable income growth will lead to a sharp reduction in consumer spending and help to drive business failures up to a record 36,200 (almost one hundred businesses everyday) according to the latest Industry Watch report by accountants and business advisors, BDO Stoy Hayward LLP.
According to the report, low interest rates and [...]

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FSB welcomes appointment of Sir Alan Sugar as Enterprise Champion
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is celebrating victory with the Government’s introduction of an Enterprise Champion – in the form of respected businessman Sir Alan Sugar.
The FSB has been campaigning for a corporate mediator to act as a go-between for high street banks and small [...]

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The FPB is urging the Government to step up its efforts to reduce the burden of regulation on small businesses, following new research showing that red tape costs the UK’s smaller business employers almost £12 billion per year.
According to the FPB’s latest Referendum survey on the ‘cost of compliance’, small business employers devote an average [...]

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The trend for “olderpreneurs” is set to increase with 8% of UK adults aiming to start a business in retirement. This rises to 11% of those currently aged 18-25, suggesting a long-term upward trend.
Commenting on the findings, John Lawson from Standard Life said: “Quite simply, people do not get old like they used to. The [...]

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Many more firms can now purchase top-up cover as part of the Government’s extended trade credit insurance scheme.
Since 1 May, companies who have had their credit insurance cover reduced have been able to purchase six months top-up cover under the £5bn Government Scheme. In response to business demand, eligibility for the scheme will now be [...]

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