Umbrella company contractors with international skills could be in demand
Umbrella company contractors with international skills could find themselves in demand after Vince Cable said people with such skills were in short supply.
SMEs
Are scrooge employers alienating their staff this Christmas?
The Forum of Private Business is warning companies that they could alienate their workers, including umbrella contractors, if they scrap this year’s office Christmas party.
Well over 50% of UK firms do not know about Project Merlin
Despite all the publicity surrounding Project Merlin, umbrella company contractors might be surprised to learn that a large proportion of businesses in the UK are unaware of its existence.
Are SMEs relying more and more on umbrella company contractors?
A new survey by international office space supplier, Regus, suggests that the UK’s SMEs are turning to contractors to help them through the uncertain economic times.
Small businesses need to up their level of customer service
Contractors may have noticed that the customer service they receive from small businesses is not always as good as they would expect it to be.
Limited company contractors get tough on debtors
Private sector suppliers, including limited company contractors, are focusing increasingly on their cashflow and threatening clients with legal action if they do not settle their invoices in a timely manner.
Are umbrella company contractors an ethical bunch?
Contractors might be interested to learn the UK workers do not have quite such a strong sense of work ethics as some of their global counterparts.
Contractors are doing well despite the slow growing economy
Despite the slow growth in the UK economy, contractors such as those working through umbrella companies are doing surprisingly well, according to a new survey by the PCG.
Are we losing a generation of graduates?
A lack of internships and entry-level jobs could lead to a lost generation of graduates, HR directors are warning.
SMEs boost cash flow by dipping into owners’ personal wealth
New research suggests that the personal finances, and private lives, of a lot of small business owners are suffering because of the rising costs associated with running their own company.
Can SMEs benefit from the Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme?
The government is planning to accredit more lenders to offer loans to SMEs under the Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme.
Umbrella company contractors – is your client going to close this year?
New research from Aviva shows that around 10% of small firms in the UK are worried they might have to close this year if trading conditions do not improve.
Sluggish growth and rising costs prevents SMEs expanding
Last week’s GDP figures from the Office for National statistics confirmed growth of just 0.2% in the second quarter of this year.
UK banks recruit volunteer SME mentors
The UK’s major high street banks are recruiting staff, both current and retired, to act as volunteer mentors to help small businesses thrive.
Recruitment agencies can help government ICT strategy
The government must make good on its promise to open up the market if recruitment agencies are to help implement its ICT strategy, according to the REC Technology group.
Time is running out to prepare for the Bribery Act
SMEs must beware the Bribery Act, according to a congress that took place in Brighton earlier this month.