'More than half' of SMEs rely on a spouse to help run the business

A new study has suggested that 51% of small business owners and managers rely on their spouse or partner to help run their business.  Read the article here to find out more.

'Free banking' comes under fire

Banks are charging customers excessive transaction fees for daily banking services, according to new research.  Find out more and read the article here.

Unexpected increase in borrowing triggers calls for policy changes

UK borrowing figures for July reached £600m, figures from the Office for National Statistics have revealed.  Find out more on our website.

Government announces new measures to 'transform consumer rights'

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has published a consultation on new measures which are set to deliver ‘greater clarity and transparency’ on consumer rights.  Find out more and read the article here.

Scrapping Sunday trading laws 'is no magic answer'

Government plans to consider relaxing Sunday trading laws on a permanent basis have sparked criticism from groups opposing the measure.  To find out more, read the article here.

Small firms urged to inform Revenue of any business changes

Small businesses are being urged to ensure that they keep HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) updated on any changes to their business, no matter how small they may be.  Find out more on our website.

SMEs 'discounting and diversifying' to capitalise on summer events

Small and medium-sized business owners are diversifying and discounting in a bid to capitalise on this summer’s sporting and celebratory events, latest figures suggest.  Find out more on our website.

Bank of England cuts UK growth forecast

The Bank of England has slashed its UK economic growth forecast, as widely anticipated by financial experts.  Find out more and read the article here.

SMEs 'face deteriorating business conditions'

Small and medium-sized manufacturers have experienced a drop in output, and levels of optimism have also fallen, according to a new report from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).  Find out more on our website.

Business groups unite to tackle late payment culture

Some of the UK’s largest business groups have signed up to the Government’s Prompt Payment Code (PPC) in a bid to tackle the issue of late payment.  To find out more, read the article here.

Employers 'failing to advise staff' on discrimination issues

Employers are failing to provide advice to staff on dealing with issues of discrimination in the workplace, a new report has suggested.  Find out more on our website.

Government joins small business groups to tackle late payment

The Government has joined forces with some of the UK’s leading small business groups in a bid to tackle the ongoing issue of late payment, which has a significant impact on small firms in the UK.  Find out more on our website.

£80 billion bank lending scheme is launched

A new scheme aimed at boosting lending to homebuyers and small businesses has come into effect.  Find out more on our website.

Disposable income falls to lowest level in almost a decade

The average disposable income has fallen to its lowest level in nine years, latest figures suggest.  Find out more and read the article here.