UK SMEs have seen bigger increases in their export turnover than their European counterparts, a survey by UPS has found. The survey of more than 8,000 SMEs across 7 European countries found that an average 43% of European exporting SMEs have increased turnover exporting within and outside the EU. However, UK SMEs were 26% more successful at […]
More than 100 of Britain’s biggest businesses have called on political parties to reform the business rates system. The group of 107 businesses said the current system is “no longer fit for purpose” in an open letter calling on the 3 main political parties to commit to “fundamental reform” at the next general election. The […]
Peer-to-peer lenders have given more than £2 billion to businesses and individuals, according to data published by AltFi. The total amount lent has doubled from £1 billion to £2.004 billion since December 2013. The sector has experienced rapid growth so far this year, growing by an average annualised rate of 158%. Peer-to-peer lenders connect individual […]
The online retail sector grew by 18% in the year to August 2014, according to e-retail industry body IMRG. Around £8.1 billion was spent online between August 2013 and August 2014, the highest level of growth since November 2013. The IMRG figures also show: the clothing sector recorded annual growth of 20% the accessories subsector […]
High Income Child Benefit Charge Child benefit started to be taxed from 9 January 2013, but only in cases where the claimant or their partner received income of over £50,000 a year. HMRC have been writing to those individuals who said they had received child benefit and earned over £50,000 in 2012/13, but who did […]
Written by: Helen Curtis on: September 26th, 2014 David Cameron is among those to trumpet the benefits of SEIS, his words: “The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme is a world leading incentive for those who invest in start-ups” It pays to look into SEIS carefully as there are a number of hoops to jump through to […]
Almost two-thirds of SME owners say running a business is a ‘constant challenge’, a survey for card payment provider First Data Merchant Solutions has found. YouGov asked more than 1,000 SME owners about their work-life balance and found that 44% have missed a personal occasion because they were too busy running the business. The survey […]
Imagine this scenario: You have been working in a support role for a financial services business for three years. You have a good relationship with your boss – who has always treated you well, particularly at bonus time. Then one day you discover that your boss has been breaching strict trading rules. Do you speak out […]
Date: 28 November 2014 Presented by Alex Kleanthous at The British Business Show Time: 2.00pm for 2.30pm Venue: The Great British Business Show, Olympia, London [ Location map ] What you will get out of this seminar: Settling disputes is part and parcel of the commercial director or manager’s job. But not all disputes have escalated to the point […]
What happens if through no fault of your own there is an unauthorised release of data? Answer – you run the risk of fines up to £500,000 and criminal prosecution. Under UK law, any entity (i.e. companies, partnerships or individuals) that processes personal data must take ‘appropriate technical and organisational measures’ to protect data, as […]
Date: 27 November 2014 presented by Catherine Gannon Time: 11.30am – 12.00pm Venue: The Business Show, Olympia, London [ Location map ] Catherine will take you through the issues to consider when operating with shareholders and investors to ensure control is in the right hands, dividends are paid to those who should receive them and the business is in a […]
More than a quarter of people look for a higher interest rate when deciding whether they should switch their current account, according to research by MoneySuperMarket. The price comparison website analysed search data and found that 27% of consumers prioritise in-credit interest when choosing their current account. A fifth prefer accounts that offer cashback and […]