Showing posts with label small business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label small business. Show all posts

Friday, 7 August 2009

60% of UK staff favour smaller firms

Almost two-thirds of employees would rather work for a smaller business than a larger one, according to research conducted by recruitment firm Angela Mortimer plc.

The study of around 1,400 employees found that 60% would choose a comparable offer from a smaller business rather than a large corporate as they believed that smaller firms offer a good working environment and opportunities for career development.

"For candidates big is no longer beautiful. Twenty years ago the received wisdom was to join a BA or a BT or a big bank. Now they value the flexibility of opportunity that SMEs can offer," said Mike Morgan CEO of communications firm the Red Consultancy.

www.ukba.co.uk

Wednesday, 29 July 2009

Digital Britain - what does it mean for SMEs?

The Mail on Sunday and Microsoft have formed a rolling 90-day SME Advisory Panel with Lloyds TSB Commercial, the Federation of Small Business (FSB) and AIMS (accountants for business). Meeting last week, the panel's focus was to garner opinion on the state of the economy, focusing on the Government's Digital Britain report <http://co1piltwb.partners.extranet.microsoft.com/mcoeredir/mcoeredirect.aspx?linkId=12272612&s1=87f0afaa-993e-cd03-6e64-722429291a16> and discussing how broadband bandwidth can help shape the future of the UK and aid bounce-back of the economy.

Main points arising from the panel discussion included:

- The UK economy is set to shrink by 4.5% in this year and many are warning that hopes of economic recovery are running ahead of reality as unemployment continues to rise
- To talk of revival or even green shoots would be naive and recovery from the recession is expected to take at least three years
- Confidence is beginning to rise as people want to get on with their lives
- A digital infrastructure is the critical catalyst required for the revival

Visit the SME Advisory Panel <http://co1piltwb.partners.extranet.microsoft.com/mcoeredir/mcoeredirect.aspx?linkId=12272613&s1=87f0afaa-993e-cd03-6e64-722429291a16> website to read more on the discussion and view podcasts on engaging with customers and planning and investing for the future.

www.ukba.co.uk

Thursday, 11 June 2009

Business Awards Prove Britain's Got Talent

The UK’s most inspiring companies are being urged to showcase their talent by entering a top national business award that could open doors – with the most accomplished UK firm winning a £50,000 cash boost.

The call comes from the British Chambers of Commerce as they launch their prestigious
Chamber Awards programme.

John Dunsmure, Managing Director of the British Chambers of Commerce said: “We all know how difficult it’s been out there for business recently. That makes it even more important for companies to make the most of every opportunity they can to demonstrate their strengths and skills.

“The chance to win a £50,000 cash injection is an attractive proposition for small self-starters right up to established multi-million pound global businesses.

“The Chamber Awards 2009 are free to enter for Chamber members and can help businesses develop a good reputation with the public and the business community as well as helping to increase their competitive advantage.

“Rewarding and encouraging talent is an important part of running a business – it boosts morale. These awards are not only a great way to honour the tireless work your company does every day – but also provides recognition and shows the rest of us what you’re capable of.

“What we’re looking for are inspirational, innovative businesses that use best practice to achieve great results.”

Read more: http://www.thamesvalleychamber.co.uk/bulletin/BCCAwards09.pdf

Source: British Chamber of Commerce

www.ukba.co.uk

Saturday, 4 April 2009

SMEs suffer crime increase

Crimes against small business have risen for the second six-month period, according to figures from insurance gaint Axa.

The research revealed that there had been a 10% increase in crimes against small firms in the UK, with the number of arson and malicious damage claims rising 23% and 14% respectively.

"Both malicious damage and arson tend to go up in a recession as premises are left unoccupied and unprotected by failed businesses, making them easier targets for vandals," said Gregor Elrick, head of property at Axa.

www.ukba.co.uk

Friday, 13 March 2009

Health & Safety - easier for SMEs

The HSE is consulting SMEs as it considers new strategies to ensure that complying with regulations is easier.

The HSE has stated that it wishes to ensure that all SMEs meet their legal obligations "in a manner proportionate to the risks posed by their work activities".

"The HSE is clearly acknowledging that small businesses face very different challenges to [their] larger counterparts when it comes to fulfilling health and safety criteria," said James Thompson, a partner in law firm Ward Hadaway's health and safety team.

"This is an encouraging move because what is appropriate for sizeable companies with many employees may not work for SMEs."

The HSE is still insisting that all small firms have at least one person who is in overall charge of a company's health and safety policy, but reiterated that does not have to be a member of staff and can be an external person.

Monday, 26 January 2009

SME statistics

There were an estimated 4.71 million private sector enterprises in the UK at the start of 2007, an increase of 212,0003 (4.8 per cent) on the start of 2006.

These levels are the highest since the time series began in 1994. These enterprises employed an estimated 22.7 million people, and had an estimated combined annual turnover of £2,800 billion.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) together accounted for 99.9 per cent of all enterprises, 59.2 per cent of private sector employment and 51.5 per cent of private sector turnover.

Employment in SMEs is estimated at 13.5 million, 0.3 million (2.0 per cent) higher than in 2006. Turnover in SMEs is estimated at £1,440 billion, £83 billion (6.1 per cent) higher than 2006. Almost a quarter (24 per cent) of all UK private sector enterprises operate in the Business Services sector (SIC2003 Section K).

Read more: http://stats.berr.gov.uk/ed/sme/smestats2007-ukspr.pdf

http://www.ukba.co.uk

Wednesday, 21 January 2009

Help for small businesses

Various funds have been made available for small businesses:

Working Capital Scheme
£10 billion available to assist companies with T/O less than £500 million, who are having Working Capital Problems.
50% is guaranteed by the Government

Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme
£1.3 billion earmarked for loans to companies with <£25 million T/O and the loans are between £1,000 and 1 million!!

Capital for Enterprise Fund
£75 million (£50m from Government) enables companies urgenbtly needing a cash injection to sell debt in return for a stake in the business. Firms with a turnover of <£50 million will be able to obtain equity and quasi equity investment of between £250,000 and £2 million.

http://www.ukba.co.uk