Government announces 13 remaining Enterprise Zones
Umbrella contractors may be interested to learn that the government recently disclosed the locations of the remaining 13 English Enterprise Zones that it hopes will help kick-start economic growth.
Do lending targets help the clients of umbrella company contractors?
The FSB claims that small businesses cannot start-up and grow with the present lending targets set by the government.
Fuel bills will increase to pay for National Grid update
Chris Huhne, the energy secretary, has warned that the government must act now and update the National Grid, or face the prospect of blackouts within eight years.
Small businesses are getting a raw deal from the banks
It might come as no surprise to umbrella contractors to learn that small businesses are losing faith in the UK’s banking system.
Drop in unemployment welcomed but the trend must continue
The FSB recently welcomed the news that unemployed dropped by 88,000 and that a similar number of people entered the workplace.
EU is relying on small businesses to drive recovery
The small business sector is crucial to EU growth, according to Helena Walsh, the Brussels regional director for Cicero Consulting.
Public sector strike action could affect umbrella company contractors
Freelancers, contractors and small business owners may want to make preparations so that they are not affected by public sector strikes.
Small businesses want to see a reduction in employers NICs
A new survey from the FSB confirms that small businesses would be more willing to take on staff if the coalition reduced employers National Insurance Contributions.
Should flexible working be the norm not the exception?
Umbrella contractors will be interested to learn that Maria Miller, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, has said that flexible working should be thought of as a normal way of working.
Transitional jobs market good news for contractors
The current transitional jobs market could prove to be a godsend for umbrella company contractors.
Employers are still keen to make use of contractors
Umbrella company contractors will no doubt be relieved to learn that confidence is improving amongst small business owners.
Will umbrella companies benefit from the LEP network?
Eric Pickles, the Communities and Local Government Secretary announced last week that the British Chambers of Commerce will have sole responsibility for uniting the network of local enterprise partnerships.
