Auto-enrolment rules need simplifying, MPs told
Business leaders have told the most recent Work and Pensions Select Committee meeting that auto-enrolment is going well, but it has been hindered by too much paperwork.Continue reading
Manufacturing growth pushes on despite gloomy global outlook
The output of manufacturing SMEs grew during the three months to December, despite the recent doom and gloom concerning the global economy. Continue reading
SME owners’ extra hours fuel £22bn economy boost
Small business owners working overtime contribute up to £22bn a year to the UK’s economy, according to a new study.Continue reading
More businesses launched in the UK’s poorest areas
The number of new businesses being launched in the UK’s poorest areas has surpassed the national average, according to new research. Continue reading
Business rates outpace council tax and fuel duty rises
Estimates by the Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) have shown that the amount generated through business rates will surpass tax and fuel duty in the 2015/2016 year. Continue reading
Labour Party announces 100 per cent fines for tax avoidance
The labour party has said that it will introduce tougher penalties for tax avoidance if it is elected at the next general election – including fines totalling as much as 100 per cent of the amount avoided.Continue reading
Bank of England figures signal end of economic squeeze
Official figures from the Bank of England have shown salaries rose more than prices in the month of September; the first time average earnings have risen above CPI inflation since the start of the recession. Continue reading
More local authorities are spending with SMEs
The government currently spends around £187 million on goods and services from SMEs each year, but this figure could be set to rise as Whitehall has set a new 25 per cent target for public sector spending on SMEs next year.Continue reading
North beats South in average business turnover
New research conducted by the ICAEW Business Advice Service has revealed the average turnover for a British business as £505,644.33. The findings are based on analyses from the BAS Business Heat Map, which monitors annual turnover of businesses according to the constituency in which they are placed.Continue reading
CBI calls for raise of living standards for working families
CBI, the Confederation of British Industry, has called for childcare subsidies and tax cuts for working families to help improve their living standards. The business lobby group said radical ideas are needed to raise standards for families and low-income workers.Continue reading
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