Boost Your Business

2010-08-10T14:31:00.001+01:00

.....Trying to help a small biz sale - potential for Â£12m t/o within 3 years........... unique product.

2010-08-06T16:39:00.001+01:00

Any UK Companies wishing to attend the Aeronautical Sciences Convention, Nice, on 19/24 September? Let me know...

2010-08-06T16:37:00.001+01:00

Well the Football Season is here again. It seems so long since it was last on the 'box'. At least 10days since the U19 World Cup!!

2010-08-02T12:54:00.001+01:00

Did you read the rubbish by Kamal Ahmed in yesterdays Telegraph about Bank lending to Business. I'm sure he believes in fairies.

2010-08-02T09:14:00.001+01:00

Lots of invaluable business advice on SGBA blog... http://ping.fm/pqniv

2010-07-27T10:41:00.001+01:00

Let us hope that England U19 football team can show the desire sadly missing by our 'senior squad', when they take on Spain.

2010-07-26T08:37:00.001+01:00

Why does Chris Huhne persist with WIND power, when clearly Nuclear is the medium and long term answer to energy supply?

2010-07-20T17:23:00.001+01:00

Confused what's happening in Government Support for Business? See events at http://ping.fm/ov71k

2010-07-12T17:20:00.001+01:00

I've been without a computer since Wednesday.... it's so restricting.

2010-06-30T12:35:00.001+01:00

A good turnout for our seminar this morning.

2010-06-28T10:02:00.001+01:00

One WORLD CLASS performance by an Englishman yesterday. FANTASTIC Paul McCartney. As for another bunch of Englishmen.... aaaggghhh

2010-06-28T10:01:00.001+01:00

Please say goodbye Mr Coppello

2010-06-25T17:32:00.001+01:00

Off to see Crosby, Stills & Nash followed by Paul McCartney on Sunday in Hyde Park. Will miss the England game!

2010-06-25T16:35:00.001+01:00

Only 3 places left for Breakfast seminar @ Fontwell Pk, W Sussex 7:30am Wed 30th June. http://www.sgba.co.uk Customers & Cash - How to get more!

2010-06-24T17:04:00.001+01:00

Well, Italy beaten at first hurdle - payment for cheating their way past Australia 4 years ago.

2010-06-24T11:43:00.001+01:00

This is worth reading : http://ping.fm/8H8bl

2010-06-21T16:57:00.001+01:00

10 sheckels wasted on my bet for North Korea to win the World Cup. Oh dear.

2010-06-17T17:09:00.001+01:00

Another great show at SEAWORK in Southampton, so good I went back a second time!

2010-06-16T08:24:00.001+01:00

Off to SEAWORKS in Southampton today. This is a great show, hope it lives up to past 3 years!

2010-06-15T17:17:00.001+01:00

US Companies Transocean and Halliburton (US Cos) are just as culpable as BP over oil spill. Obama - wake up.

2010-06-14T15:27:00.001+01:00

Robert Green has the character and ability to turn from Villain to Hero.. lets hope he pulls it off!

2010-06-14T10:48:00.001+01:00

Entrepreneurs, not politicians or bankers will pull us out of the financial mess that we face today.

2010-06-11T17:06:00.001+01:00

...Sales made Simple... http://ping.fm/tnKWE ..... article 3537910

2010-06-11T09:29:00.001+01:00

Transocean (a US Co) are the CULPRITS, not BP. Double standards in USA - Obama conveniently forgets about Union Carbide-Bhopal, or Piper Alpha.

2010-06-09T13:43:00.001+01:00

... Looking to expand in Europe? I can help! ian.thomas@sgba.co.uk

2010-06-08T08:36:00.001+01:00

Great to see our Biz Breakfast based on growth is causing such interest. Limited places left. Fontwell Pk, W Sussex, 30th June.

2010-06-07T14:36:00.001+01:00

Why do people really believe that Electric Cars are Zero emission? Where do they think electricity come from?

2010-06-07T13:41:00.001+01:00

SEEDA give Â£500k to Milton Keynes fors electric cars. They'll all be useless when we lose 40% of our generating capacity in a few years!

Customers and Cash ... how to get more of both!

2010-06-04T16:23:00.001+01:00

FREE Breakfast seminar and network session.

Customers and Cash ... how to get more of both!

************

Wednesday 30th June 2010

7:30am (for 8:00am) to 9:30am

LOCATION:

Fontwell Park Executive Suite
Fontwell Park Racecourse

West Sussex, BN18 0SX

Location Map

Three 'bite size' chunks to help improve your business performance.

Marketing - Discover how to grow your business simply with minimal cost. Learn the secrets of taking your business to market and grow stronger through the recession.

Sales - Distinguishing how to hit the hot buttons with a deal clincher.

Financial - Surfing the financial wave... Ensuring stable growth with sound money management techniques.

To register

Book now by clicking here

e mail : ian.thomas@sgba.co.uk

tel: 0870 787 7590

alternatively...... go to: http://www.sgba.co.uk

The experience....

Your chance to NETWORK, share experiences, and gain invaluable knowledge in THREE BITE SIZED CHUNKS!

And if you cant make it, SGBA will offer a FREE business assessment to any Company wishing to have a health check.

For detail, call 0870 787 7590, or mail ian.thomas@sgba.co.uk

Free e-book

"Marketing - Simply"

All participants at this event will receive a FREE 125 page marketing e-book. The book is a comprehensive look at marketing as it affects SMEs.

See you on the day.......

Sincerely,

Ian Thomas FInstIB
SGBA
Southern Group Business Advisors

www.sgba.co.uk

2010-06-04T16:02:00.001+01:00

.....Getting fit this weekend.... well someone's got to replace Rio....

2010-06-04T12:12:00.001+01:00

Getting lots of interest for our Breakfast seminar at Fontwell (W Sussex) on 30th June. Chichester. Customers and Cash ... how to get more of both!

2010-06-03T17:39:00.001+01:00

Customers and Cash ... how to get more of both! Breakfast meeting at 7:30am, 30th June, Fontwell Race Course Exec Suite. FREE!!

2010-06-03T12:17:00.001+01:00

Our Blog is getting more followers every day..... we must be putting across some valuable messages.. http://ping.fm/bCost

2010-05-28T11:23:00.001+01:00

Surfers and outdoor sports enthusiasts with cold hands can get relief with HeatBands, Raynauds sufferers too. See http://ping.fm/zB5OD

2010-05-26T09:19:00.001+01:00

Does anyone really know what will happen to SEEDA?

2010-05-25T15:04:00.001+01:00

Excellent business breakfast today with University of Portsmouth (Purple Door) on TeleMedicine.

2010-05-24T12:05:00.001+01:00

Planning a 'controlled growth' business breakfast at Fontwell park (W Sussex) for Wed 30th June. Its FREE!!!

2010-05-24T08:46:00.001+01:00

Charity 5 a side event went well. We had a great team, and were unluckily knocked out in the final rounds.

2010-05-22T09:33:00.001+01:00

Playing 5 a side football in a Charity event at Fareham town on Sunday 23rd. For cerebral Palsy sufferers. Come along, family day, its free!

2010-05-21T08:29:00.001+01:00

How long before British Airways get swallowed up by a smaller rival? That will really shake up the employees!

2010-05-20T09:32:00.001+01:00

With Germany propping up Greece, Merkel making negative noises about the Euro, isn't it just as well we are not in the Euro.

2010-05-18T15:39:00.001+01:00

Interesting to see many of the excellent enviro initiatives carried out at Marwell Zoo, Hampshire UK.

2010-05-14T14:13:00.001+01:00

Any company investing in an Exhibition stand MUST read http://ping.fm/lDWOL

2010-05-14T11:16:00.001+01:00

How will Chelsea cope with a rampant Portsmouth tomorrow? Play up Pompey! Bring the Cup back to Hampshire!

2010-05-13T07:20:00.001+01:00

A valiant effort by Fulham, well done. Beaten by a very good team.

2010-05-12T13:34:00.001+01:00

All English football supporters must be supporting FULHAM tonight. Lets hope they bring the CUP back.

2010-05-12T11:00:00.001+01:00

Love him, or hate him, Gordon went with some dignity yesterday.

2010-05-11T14:06:00.001+01:00

No Bobby Zamora........ surely he must go to South Africa??

2010-05-10T11:55:00.001+01:00

Who stole Drogba's toys? What a childish petulent display from someone who was about to win one of the highest honours!

2010-05-07T09:55:00.001+01:00

HeatBands accepted for Barclays Business Take One Small Step Competition http://ping.fm/wpsfg Please vote for this. Category: Business - Services Region: Eastern

2010-05-07T09:52:00.001+01:00

HeatBands accepted for Barclays Business Take One Small Step Competition http://ping.fm/rPZOw Please vote for this!

2010-05-06T17:28:00.001+01:00

...so who put a spanner in Nigel Farage's helicopter? Was it John Bercow?...

2010-05-06T08:07:00.001+01:00

It is good to see that Manchester City policy of 'buying success' and sacking Managers backfired!! Well done Spurs.

2010-05-05T16:10:00.001+01:00

Presumably the militant minority in Greece believe violence is a way out of economic disaster?

2010-05-05T13:24:00.001+01:00

Well, soon we will know the outcome. Its been a long and hard campaign, played dirty at times. Will it be Man Utd or Chelsea?

2010-05-05T08:29:00.001+01:00

Register for free, instant access to a wide selection of useful information that will support business growth: http://www.sgba.co.uk

2010-05-04T17:42:00.001+01:00

Great to see Jimi Hendrix 'back in the charts'!!

2010-05-04T12:10:00.001+01:00

Why do politicians spontaneously self destruct? Is there someone in Iceland controlling them?

2010-04-30T17:26:00.001+01:00

Free business breakfast session at Fontwell race course on 19th May - see http://ping.fm/PF4C9

2010-04-30T10:37:00.001+01:00

... Please contribute to survey : http://ping.fm/0Fyl5

2010-04-30T08:02:00.001+01:00

Well done Fulham, commiserations to Liverpool.

2010-04-29T16:17:00.001+01:00

Mervyn King always seems to spread total panic whenever he speaks. Does he ever inspire confidence in our economy?

2010-04-29T12:41:00.001+01:00

Brown v Cameron v Clegg --- OR Fulham v Hamburg. I know which I'll be watching on TV tonight!

2010-04-28T12:35:00.001+01:00

The 'one size fits all' philosophy of the Euro has brought about real problems for Greece and Portugal.

2010-04-27T07:37:00.001+01:00

Selling made simple .... see .... http://ping.fm/T7yqR

2010-04-26T17:46:00.001+01:00

Would you vote for a Labour politician who has been stopped and fined for drink driving?

2010-04-23T15:29:00.001+01:00

New aerospace and aviation park in Avignon, France, looking for companies wishing to grow. ian.thomas@sgba.co.uk

2010-04-23T14:58:00.001+01:00

India -- try http://ping.fm/RBVmY?&id=2524346

2010-04-23T14:53:00.001+01:00

India, the market for you....? http://ping.fm/1TnhI?&id=2524346

2010-04-23T09:03:00.001+01:00

Still possible for a Fulham - Liverpool cup final in Europe. Fingers crossed!

2010-04-21T16:27:00.001+01:00

Looking at new markets for diabetes and cardio vascular generic preparations.

2010-04-20T17:08:00.001+01:00

My latest article regarding DISTRIBUTORS can be found at http://ping.fm/mIHvH

2010-04-19T16:43:00.001+01:00

................ http://ping.fm/vkyS8 ...............

2010-04-19T16:21:00.001+01:00

Did anyone read Nick Clegg's "inaccuracies" in the Sunday Telegraph? It's amazing how much was taken as 'Gospel' the other night.

2010-04-19T14:02:00.001+01:00

Creating overseas opportunities for International businesses.

2010-04-19T13:25:00.001+01:00

Building a business team? Learn HOW to create the right balance at our Breakfast seminar at Fontwell Race racecource, 19th May.

2010-04-19T13:19:00.001+01:00

Just trying to 'ping' for the first time.... lets see what happens!

THIS BLOG HAS MOVED

2009-10-29T12:27:00.002Z

Please note that this blog has now been transferred to http://www.ukba.co.uk/blog

We look forward to seeing you there!

www.ukba.co.uk

What does Warren Buffet, the world's 2nd richest man have to say about business and life?

2009-10-28T09:08:00.000Z

1. He bought his first share at age 11 and he now regrets that he started too late! Things were very cheap at that time. Encourage your children to invest.

2. He bought a small farm at age 14 with savings from delivering newspapers. One can buy many things with few savings. Encourage your children to start some kind of business.

3. He still lives in the same small 3-bedroom house in mid-town Omaha, that he bought after he got married 50 years ago. He says that he has everything he needs in that house. His house does not have a wall or a fence. Don't buy more than you "really need" and encourage your children to do and think the same.

4. He drives his own car everywhere and does not have a driver or security people around him. You are what you are…

5. He never travels by private jet, although he owns the world's largest private jet company. Always think how you can accomplish things economically.

6. His company, Berkshire Hathaway, owns 63 companies. He writes only one letter each year to the CEOs of these companies, giving them goals for the year. He never holds meetings or calls them on a regular basis. Assign the right people to the right jobs.

7. He has given his CEO's only two rules:

Rule number 1: do not lose any of your shareholder's money.
Rule number 2: Do not forget rule number 1.
Set goals and make sure people focus on them.

8. He does not socialize with the high society crowd. His pasttime after he gets home is to make himself some popcorn and watch Television. Don't try to show off, just be yourself and do what you enjoy doing

9. Warren Buffet does not carry a cellphone, nor has a computer on his desk.

10. Bill Gates, the world's richest man met him for the first time only 5 years ago. Bill Gates did not think he had anything in common with Warren Buffet. So he had scheduled his meeting only for half hour. But when Gates met him, the meeting lasted for ten hours and Bill Gates became a devotee of Warren Buffet.

His advice to young people: "Stay away from credit cards & bank loans and invest in yourself and remember:
a.Money doesn't create man but it is the man who created money.
b.Live your life as simply as possible.
c.Don't do what others say - listen to them, but do what you feel good doing.
d.Don't follow brand names; just wear those things in which youf eel comfortable.
e.Don't waste your money on unnecessary things; rather just spend on those things you really need.
f.After all, it's your life so why allow others to rule your life?"

A recent interview with Warren: http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?play=1&video=1257407167

Source: CNBC

www.ukba.co.uk

The UK is still the number one investment location in Europe.

2009-10-27T09:21:00.000Z

UK Trade & Investment’s latest inward investment report celebrates 1,744 inward investment projects over the last year. The year to March 2009 has set another record for inward investment projects into the United Kingdom.

Read the annual UK inward investment report here: http://www.ukinvest.gov.uk/investmentreport/4046343/en-GB.html

www.ukba.co.uk

Small Businesses To Benefit From Graduate Talent

2009-10-26T09:23:00.000Z

The Government has joined forces with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) to offer up to 10,000 graduates a boost to their future employability, through internships in small and micro businesses announced the Prime Minister Gordon Brown today.

The Prime Minister said:

“Our guarantee to all young people is that with millions of new opportunities from apprenticeships to internships to a new class of modern technicians, we will discover, coach, develop and showcase the wealth of aspiration and talent that exists in Britain.

“To add to the 100,000 new young people’s jobs we are already creating, we can today offer in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses, 10,000 skilled internships so that, even in the midst of tough economic times, we are encouraging a whole new generation of young Britons to embrace ambition and British enterprise.”

Read more: http://nds.coi.gov.uk/clientmicrosite/Content/Detail.aspx?ClientId=431&NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=407128&SubjectId=36

www.ukba.co.uk

Small firms fear rising rates bills

2009-10-25T09:09:00.000Z

Small business owners fear that they will be forced to pay inflated rates bills for five years, according to a survey conducted by the Forum of Private Business (FPB).

Just fewer than 80% of respondents said that they think their business rates will increase when changes take place in April 2010.

Business properties are revalued every five years to ensure that rateable values reflect the changes in the property market. However, because the present revaluation is based on rent prices from April 2008 - before the recession - small businesses are concerned that their rates bills will be unfairly high.

"Small businesses are already under a great deal of pressure to pay their business rate bills and most do not see the corresponding value in local authority services. It is extremely important that the government provides an appropriate and fair system of transitional rate relief for small businesses who will see an increase in their rateable value from 2010," said Matt Goodman of the FPB.

www.ukba.co.uk

A million small firms hit by late payments

2009-10-24T09:08:00.000+01:00

Over a million small and medium-sized business have been affected by late payments totalling over £30bn, according to data released by to Bacs Payment Schemes Limited.

This figure means that small firms have seen an increase in money owed of more than £11bn from two years ago, and the number of SMEs reporting that they are experiencing payment delays rose by over 65% from 2008 to 2009.

The report also highlighted how the problem can spiral out of control, with 52% of small firms stating that if they're paid late, they'll pay their invoices later too. A third of small companies reported that they are paying others later this year than in 2008.

Cashflow is the most common reason for overdue payments, with 30% of businesses surveyed citing this as the main excuse given. But 6% of late payers claim they forgot all about it, with the same number relying on the age-old excuse ‘the cheque's in the post'.

"While many businesses which owe money to others do undoubtedly have problems in paying bills quickly, there is a question mark over those who may be ‘playing' the system and delaying payment for as long as they can," said Michael Chambers, managing director of Bacs.

www.ukba.co.uk

Recession is nearly over but recovery is fragile, says IMF

2009-10-23T09:33:00.000+01:00

The world economy is "on the verge of recovery", having experienced its first decline since the end of the Second World War, according to the International Monetary Fund.

"The advanced economies, hit particularly hard by financial crises and the collapse in world trade, are showing signs of stabilisation, driven mainly by an unprecedented public policy response," the IMF said in its latest World Economic Outlook report.

Read more: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/recession-is-nearly-over-but-recovery-is-fragile-says-imf-1796339.html

Source: The Independent
Author: Sean O'Grady, Economics Editor

www.ukba.co.uk

Prepare for Companies House changes or risk bad debt, expert warns

2009-10-22T09:13:00.000+01:00

Businesses must be aware of the changes due to come into force under the Companies Act 2006 or risk taking on bad debt and credit risks, an industry expert has warned. A spokesperson for credit check firm Equifax warns that businesses must factor in the changes to their trade credit procedures.

Read more: http://www.betterbusinessadviser.co.uk/public/790.cfm

www.ukba.co.uk

Lack of funding for training threatens economic recovery, claims learning body

2009-10-21T09:11:00.001+01:00

A lack of cash to fund the Train to Gain training scheme is threatening to hamper economic recovery, a trade association has warned. The Association of Learning Providers (ALP), which represents training providers of the scheme, claims that a lack of funding means that many employers are unable to enrol staff on Train to Gain. It adds that most business sectors "are adversely affected" by the shortfall. The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) responded by saying that demand had "increased dramatically" but that it would "deliver 100,000 more starts and learners than planned" between 2008 and 2010.

Read report: http://www.learningproviders.org.uk/file/?id=266&type=item

www.ukba.co.uk

More than 40% of small firms to consider closing pension scheme

2009-10-20T09:10:00.000+01:00

Around 41% of small businesses are considering closing their existing pension scheme ahead of the Government's planned changes in 2012, according to a survey carried out by the Association of Consulting Actuaries (ACA). The Government plans to make it compulsory for employers to enrol their employees into a pension scheme from 2012. The ACA survey results also show that 86% of small business owners are planning to review their pension provision because of this impending change, while only 16% of employers have budgeted for increases to costs due to the changes.

www.ukba.co.uk

SMEs using own cash to fund their firm

2009-10-19T09:13:00.000+01:00

More than half of UK entrepreneurs have revealed that their most likely source of funding for major business projects will have to come from their own money, according to a survey by business advisory firm Deloitte.

The survey highlights the tough lending conditions that small business owners are experiencing at the moment, although recent data has suggested that banks are slowly beginning to increase their lending.

Despite tougher lending conditions entrepreneurs continue to rely on banks as their primary source of funding, with 18% of small business owners listing banks as their main source of funding, followed by 10% that turn to existing shareholders.

Just 12% said external investment from private equity, venture capital and angel investors would be their most likely source of cash over the next year - down from 28% in 2008.

"The survey reveals that current business conditions have created an alarming reliance on working capital at a time when more than a quarter of respondents say they are having to monitor their cash position daily," said Simon Manning of Deloitte.

www.ukba.co.uk

Contraction of UK economy revised

2009-10-18T09:12:00.000+01:00

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revised the figure for the rate of contraction in the UK economy in the second quarter of the year downwards.

The ONS originally reported that Gross domestic product (GDP) declined 0.8% in the second quarter of the year, but this has been reduced to 0.6%.

"There is some good news in the mass of UK data released today, but generally the figures highlight the fragility of the economic recovery," said Vicky Redwood, an economist at Capital Economics.

www.ukba.co.uk

Small firms adapting to downturn

2009-10-17T09:41:00.000+01:00

Over 70% of small businesses in the UK have developed creative solutions to strengthen their company during the recession, according to research commissioned by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

The study shows that 77% of small companies have adapted their business to cope with the downturn with 26% adjusting working hours, 33% investing in additional staff training and rewards and 65% exploring new product areas.

Just under 50% of respondents that made changes to their business did so to take a pro-active approach to the challenging economic climate and 37% said it was so they were ready to capitalise on the economic upturn when it occurs.

"In the face of a global downturn small businesses have developed and applied practical changes to get the best out of their people and enhance their business," said Lord Young, Minister for Employment Relations.

www.ukba.co.uk

SMEs not monitoring their website

2009-10-16T09:39:00.000+01:00

Just under half of UK companies have no method of measuring whether their website is effective or not, according to research released by web hosting firm Fasthosts.

The study found that the average business has had a website for three to four years but 43% have no method to measure how useful the site is in terms of generating sales or how well the site is performing.

77% of firms fail to measure any type of return on investment for their websites, and 34% admit that they have never considered checking the popularity or effectiveness of their website.

"In today's difficult economic climate, the web has never been more relevant for every type of UK enterprise. However, a huge number of firms continue to invest blindly in a web presence without checking whether it is earning its keep. Irrespective of the scale of web project, every business will benefit from using simple statistics to monitor efficiencies and ensure that every visitor is being capitalised upon," said Steve Holford of Fasthosts.

www.ukba.co.uk

60% of Brits want to start own firm

2009-10-15T09:38:00.000+01:00

Entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the UK despite the recession with two-thirds of the population having ambitions to start their own business, according to a survey by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

The survey suggests that 60% of Brits would like to be their own boss and that the entrepreneurial spirit is even stronger amongst 25-34 year olds, with three-quarters aspiring to one day run their own company.

The survey of 2,000 adults from across the UK also revealed that despite the trend for multi-nationals and larger enterprises, people still believe that small businesses have an important role to play in those communities. 96% of those surveyed believe that small businesses remain vital to their towns and cities.

"Small businesses are the lifeblood of the UK economy and it is wonderful to see that people have such a high regard for the role SMEs play within the community," said Glenn Collins of ACCA.

www.ukba.co.uk

£6 broadband tax 'will be law' before next election

2009-10-14T09:55:00.000+01:00

Stephen Timms, the minister charged with overseeing Britain's "digital revolution," pledged yesterday to pass the £6-a-year broadband tax into law "before the general election," despite opposition from the Conservatives.

Mr Timms, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury and minister for Digital Britain, said: "We want to make high speed networks nationally available. The next-generation fund will help that and we will legislate for it this side of a general election."

The Government announced in June that it would tax each household with a landline telephone 50p per month. The levy would be used to fund ambitious plans to bring super-fast broadband to 90 per cent of the country by 2017.

Read more: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/1636-broadband-tax-will-be-law-before-next-election-1792266.html

www.ukba.co.uk

America's economy is picking up, says Federal Reserve

2009-10-13T09:52:00.000+01:00

The US Federal Reserve issued its most upbeat assessment of the American economy in 18 months last night, saying activity was picking up after the most severe recession since the 1930s.

The central bank kept official interest rates at rock-bottom levels, but signalled that its programme of quantitative easing will start to taper off, now that credit markets are returning to normal.

Read more: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/americas-economy-is-picking-up-says-federal-reserve-1792262.html

www.ukba.co.uk

Bank of England grows nervous about recovery

2009-10-12T09:45:00.000+01:00

A leading Bank of England policy-maker yesterday poured fresh doubt on the strength and sustainability of a British economic recovery, and added to expectations that monetary policy would be kept extremely loose well into next year, even as evidence grows that the housing market is perking up.

Kate Barker, an external member of the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee for the past eight years, told an audience of business people in Wales that "monetary policy needs over the coming quarters to continue to be set in order to sustain confidence, and to support lending and borrowing".

Read more: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/bank-of-england-grows-nervous-about-recovery-1792261.html

www.ukba.co.uk

Key Steps To Developing A Quality Business Plan

2009-10-11T17:35:00.004+01:00

There are many important steps to consider when developing a business plan for your company, but the first step is to fully understand the main uses of a business-plan.

Please click on the image below to watch the video.

www.ukba.co.uk

HMRC raises interest rate on late tax payments

2009-10-11T10:45:00.000+01:00

HMRC has been criticised for increasing the rate of interest it charges on late tax payments. The Guardian reports that HMRC now charges 3% interest on late payments, even though the Bank of England's base rate has stayed at 0.5% since March. A spokesperson from accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young said that this was a sign of HMRC "clawing more money from taxpayers".

For more on this story go to:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2009/sep/18/interest-rate-late-tax-payments

www.ukba.co.uk

Employment legislation biggest burden for firms, says FPB

2009-10-10T10:44:00.000+01:00

The cost of complying with employment legislation is the biggest administrative burden for small businesses, according to a survey carried out by the Forum of Private Business (FPB). The results of the FPB's 'Cost of Compliance' survey show that UK small firms spend a total of £2.4 billion every year on complying with employment legislation. The FPB adds that employment law is also a growing burden for firms that have to make redundancies or dismiss staff.

For more on this story go to:
http://www.fpb.org/news/2243/Help_at_hand_for_small_firms_struggling_with_employment_law.htm

www.ukba.co.uk

Business lending slumps by biggest amount since records began

2009-10-09T10:42:00.000+01:00

July saw net lending to UK businesses fell to its lowest level since records began, according to the Bank of England's latest 'Trend in Lending' report. The report also reveals that "the availability of finance remains more constrained for smaller companies". Some of the UK's major lenders told the Bank of England that small firms face tougher lending criteria than larger businesses because they are "less well diversified" and unable to withstand adverse conditions.

To read the full 'Trends in Lending' report go to:
http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/publications/other/monetary/TrendsSeptember09.pdf

www.ukba.co.uk

Queen's Awards for Enterprise 2010 - open for entries

2009-10-08T09:20:00.001+01:00

The Queen's Awards for Enterprise 2010 are open for entries until the end of October 2009. Recent award winners have been speaking about the benefits the Award has brought their business.

The Awards aim to recognise and reward the success of growing British businesses in three areas – International Trade, Innovation and Sustainable Development. This year’s application deadline is 2pm on 30 October 2009, entry is free and application forms can be completed online.

Read more: http://www.bytestart.co.uk/content/news/events/queen-enterprise-2010.shtml

www.ukba.co.uk