Category: Business

Small businesses in the UK continue to be less productive compared to other countries, according to a report by the All Parliamentary Small Business Group. The group’s findings complement recent research by the Federation of Small Businesses that shows that UK productivity levels are 17% lower than the average across the G7. The parliamentary group … Continued

The number of small businesses that reported profits over the last 12 months has returned to 2007 levels, according to the government’s Small Business Survey. The annual survey conducted by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills showed that 78% of businesses reported making a profit or surplus this year, with 40% saying their turnover … Continued

From 1 April 2015 all private landlords in the city must apply for a five-year licence for each of their rented properties. The scheme is being introduced in Liverpool under the government’s selective licensing laws and signing up for it is compulsory. What are the benefits of the scheme? The properties must meet fire, electric … Continued

There are a record 5.2 million small firms in the UK, according to a government report. The number of small businesses has increased by 760,000 since 2010 and 4.5 million people are now self-employed, an increase of 500,000 from 2010. The report reveals that more than £130 million has been lent through the Start Up … Continued

The 65+ Guaranteed Growth Bonds will now be on sale until 15 May 2015 due to high level of interest and demand. The NSI 65+ Guaranteed Growth Bonds are lump sum investments that earn a fixed rate of interest over a set period of time. The terms on offer are 1-year and 3-year. The Bonds … Continued

Small companies will be able to report under the new EU Accounting Directive from 1 January 2016 with companies up to a turnover threshold of £10.2m able to use the new accounting regime. The rules will come into force on 6 April 2015 and early adoption of the new accounting directive will be permitted. Meantime, … Continued

The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rate of inflation fell sharply to 0.5% in the year to December 2014, from 1% in November 2014, official figures show. This is the joint lowest CPI rate on record and the lowest since May 2000. The Office for National Statistics said the low inflation was driven by falling food … Continued

Large companies could be forced to publish information about their payment practices, under government proposals designed to combat late payment. The measures would oblige large businesses and companies listed on stock markets to: issue quarterly reports on payment performance make public additional information about payment practices put payment information on their website. Companies would face … Continued

Small businesses are planning growth in 2015 but many are still unaware of the finance options available to them, research by the British Business Bank has revealed. The research into more than 1,000 firms found that 46% are planning to expand their business over the next 12 months. The main reasons for obtaining finance were: … Continued

Latest news from The Telegraph New mobile payment services that combine card readers with smartphone apps could be opening up a wealth of opportunities for small-business owners. Every day, small independent traders in the UK are forced to turn away customers because they only accept payment in cash. For many of them, the prospect of … Continued