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Chancellor pledges to do more to help SMEs in his first Budget

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Although it was a Budget containing few surprises, Chancellor Alistair Darling unveiled plans to reduce red tape, improve access to finance and simplify the tax system in the 2008 Budget, writes Tom Whitney.

Budget hits SMEs 'both ways', according to business groups

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Business groups summed up the Chancellor's first Budget as 'disappointing', with SMEs facing an increased tax burden but precious little relief, writes Kate Horstead.

Business groups welcome latest minimum wage rise

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Business groups have welcomed the Government's announcement to increase the national minimum wage by 3.8 per cent from October, in line with rises in average earnings, writes Tom Whitney.

SMEs find voice on Business Council

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Business Council for Britain has announced it will place more emphasis on helping UK small businesses, and is setting up a working group of entrepreneurs to advise it on SME issues, writes Farah Jifri.

Employers urged to check legality of migrant workers or risk £10k fines

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Employers are being urged to prepare for changes to immigration regulations or risk heavy fines for hiring workers illegally.

Third sector gets investment boost

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Government has unveiled plans for its first investment fund for social enterprises.

Acas dispute leaves employers to resolve their own staff conflicts

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Conciliation service Acas' failure to resolve its own staff pay dispute could result in businesses being unable to access its mediation services, if planned strike action goes ahead.

Retailers welcome delay in sales practice regulations

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The British Shops and Stores Association (bssa) has welcomed the Government's decision to delay introducing new regulations aimed at protecting consumers from unfair sales practices.

Firms encouraged not to slip up on safety

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In the wake of some alarming figures on injuries in the workplace, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a campaign to encourage employers to take safety more seriously.

Deadline approaches for female business awards

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Female business owners and entrepreneurs have until 11 April to enter the annual awards run by women's enterprise support network Prowess.