Umar Memon
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SMEs unprepared for older workforce
SMEs recognise the benefits of employing workers over 65 but many are not yet ready to meet the needs of an ageing workforce, a survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has found. The vast majority (86%)… Read more SMEs unprepared for older workforce
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SME loan success rate up to 80%
Four out of five SME loan applications were approved in 2014, compared with 71% in 2013, according to research by venture capital firm Albion Ventures. Despite these improvements, just 1 in 10 SMEs applied for finance during the past 12 months,… Read more SME loan success rate up to 80%
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Subsistence and entertainment
Subsistence is a payment for an individual in relation to work-related travel, accommodation and meals beyond those normally required. Entertainment is when someone in business provides a meal or social event to a customer, potential customer or other person such… Read more Subsistence and entertainment
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Financial planning for businesses
Financial planning is essential to the success of any business, whichever stage it is at. Having an accurate idea of your current and likely future finances can help reduce the impact of any unforeseen challenges and let you get on… Read more Financial planning for businesses
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Salary or dividends
When is it beneficial for a company owner or director to take a dividend rather than salary? Many people running businesses prefer to do so through a limited company rather than as a sole trader. One reason is that the… Read more Salary or dividends
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Appetite for saving grows
The number of people planning to save over the next 3 months increased from 16% in spring 2013 to 18% in spring 2014, according to National Savings & Investments (NS&I). The NS&I’s quarterly savings survey revealed that the number of… Read more Appetite for saving grows
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SME overseas sales growth predicted
Overseas sales for small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) are predicted to total £15 billion over the next 12 months, according to a survey by Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks. The poll of more than 1,000 SMEs found that overseas sales account… Read more SME overseas sales growth predicted
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Overtime normal for most managers
More than 90% of managers work more than their contracted weekly hours, according to research from the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM). Nearly two thirds (65%) of respondents to the ILM’s survey reported pressure to work overtime, while 44%… Read more Overtime normal for most managers
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A quarter want to be entrepreneurs
More than a quarter of employees dream of running a business, according to a survey from Lloyds Bank Insurance. The report reveals that 26% of workers have entrepreneurial aspirations but the fear of taking a risk is preventing a third… Read more A quarter want to be entrepreneurs
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VAT accounting schemes
This guide looks at how the 3 main accounting schemes work and how they can help businesses. Special VAT accounting schemes for small businesses have been available for a number of years, but they are still underused. The 3 main… Read more VAT accounting schemes