Small Firms

Compliance costs soar for small firms, says new study

08-Jul-2013 By Ellie Bothwell

The cost of compliance has risen by 8.5% in the past two years for small firms, new research has shown.

Small firms offered free web advice

14-Sep-2010 By James Wilmore

Licensees wanting to make the most of the internet are invited to a series of free events across the country. The Forum of Private Business (FPB) is...

Small firms still struggling to get banks' help

27-Jul-2010 By James Wilmore

Two thirds of small firms are still struggling to access finance from banks, according to latest figures. The Forum of Private Business (FPB)...

Councils can use new fund to increase rate relief

16-Mar-2010 By John Harrington

Councils have been urged to use £50m of new Government cash to increase rate relief for struggling small firms. The money comes from the...

Small firms need more help to take on apprentices

28-Sep-2009 By James Wilmore

Small firms are vital to tackling youth and graduate unemployment, delegates will be told at this week's Labour Conference. The message will come...

Cautious welcome for pub lending plan

16-Sep-2009 By John Harrington

The Government's plan to let small firms borrow money from pension funds and insurance companies has been met with a cautious welcome.

Chancellor presses banks on lending

27-Jul-2009 By John Harrington

The Chancellor is to press major banks on why small firms are charged so much for loans when interest rates are just 0.5%. Alistair Darling is...

Cautious welcome for £20bn loans lifeline

14-Jan-2009 By John Harrington

A trade leader has given a cautious welcome to new Government plans to guarantee up to £20bn of loans to help small firms. The new measures,...

Councils: offer pubs rates breaks

14-Nov-2008 By Gemma McKenna

Council bosses have called for greater powers to give business-rates "breaks" to struggling small firms. This comes in the wake of a new Local...

Bank trio lead way on loans for small firms

31-Oct-2008 By John Harrington

Three major banks have promised to offer "competitively priced" lending to small businesses "at 2007 levels". The pledge was made as a condition of...

Government small business plans welcomed

22-Oct-2008 By Ewan Turney

Government measures set out to help small businesses have been welcomed by two trade organisations. The Government yesterday agreed plans for local...

Bid for fair energy deals

15-Nov-2007 By John Harrington

Campaigners and the MA have vowed to have one last push to get pubs more protection from energy rogues