SMEs lack confidence in trading with EU countries
Although the majority of SMEs in the UK have faith in exports leading the economic recovery, nearly 25% say they are going to decrease their international trading activity.
Do you get your business ideas from a crystal ball?
This week is International Ideas Week, a time when employers are encouraged to involve their staff and listen to their ideas.
Transitional jobs market good news for contractors
The current transitional jobs market could prove to be a godsend for umbrella company contractors.
Are UK banks bad news for umbrella company contractors?
Lord Oakeshott, the former Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesman has accused the UK banks of hindering the economic recovery by refusing finance to small enterprises and charging extravagant rates when they do.
Umbrella company IT contractors provide good value for money
Nearly 80% of IT directors believe private sector workers provide better value.
Has the budget created stability for umbrella contractors?
The FSB claims the Chancellor missed a golden opportunity to boost the creation of jobs when he delivered his budget on Wednesday.
Prospects are good for contractors with digital skills
Freelancers with digital skills could be one group to benefit from the government’s public sector cuts.
George Osborne must deliver a small business friendly Budget
As budget day looms ever closer, various organisations have been urging the government to create an environment that supports entrepreneurs, small businesses and umbrella company contractors.
Will Enterprise Zones work now when they failed before?
During the Conservative Party’s spring conference last weekend, George Osborne said the government planned to reintroduce Enterprise Zones.
Freelancers need economic stability!
The government needs to concentrate on prioritising economic stability in this month’s budget, according to the Federation of Small Businesses. A call that is also likely to be endorsed by umbrella company contractors.
HMRC should rethink its Business Records Check programme
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland has claimed that HMRC’s proposals to check SME and umbrella company record keeping are flawed.
Economy is improving, will business confidence follow suit?
The latest ICAEW/Grant Thornton UK Business Confidence monitor shows that business confidence is weakening but the economy is slowly improving.
