Umar Memon
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Business costs rise well above inflation
The cost of doing business in the UK has increased well ahead of the rate of inflation in 2013, according to new research from business group the Forum of Private Business (FPB). The FPB’s latest Cost of Doing Business member… Read more Business costs rise well above inflation
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UK manufacturers optimistic for growth
Optimism among small and medium-sized manufacturers grew at a record pace in the third quarter of this year, according to a survey by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). The CBI’s latest SME Trends Survey found that demand grew significantly,… Read more UK manufacturers optimistic for growth
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Crowdfunding guidance for small firms
Guidance about how small firms and start-ups can access finance through crowdfunding has been published as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, which ran from 18-24 November. Crowdfunding involves people pooling their money, usually via an online platform, to invest in… Read more Crowdfunding guidance for small firms
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Improving cashflow
Nobody ever plans a cashflow crisis, yet they occur with alarming frequency – usually due to a failure to plan ahead or to make adequate provision for the unexpected. One day your business could be running smoothly, with new orders… Read more Improving cashflow
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Charity taxation
If you are involved with running a charity, you should be aware of the special accounting and tax provisions that relate to charities. A charity must usually be registered with the Charity Commission (or Scottish Charity Regulator in Scotland). To… Read more Charity taxation
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Autumn Statement 2013
Delivering the 2013 Autumn Statement, the Chancellor said the latest forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility proved that “Britain’s economic plan is working” but warned that the “job was not done.” But George Osborne stressed that: It was the… Read more Autumn Statement 2013
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Pensions allowance cuts loom
On 6 April 2014, the annual and lifetime allowances for pension contributions will be reduced. It’s likely to affect a greater number of individuals than what Government figures suggest, according to pension provider Standard Life. What’s changing? The maximum value… Read more Pensions allowance cuts loom
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Getting savvy with staff benefits
Employee benefits, such as childcare vouchers or a pool car, can help businesses to improve staff retention, absence rates, productivity and relations. Recent research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) shows that more employers and HR professionals… Read more Getting savvy with staff benefits
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Protecting your business for key personnel loss
Research has found that 55 per cent of businesses believe they would cease trading as a result of the long-term incapacity, illness or death of a key employee. However, only one in five companies has key person insurance in place… Read more Protecting your business for key personnel loss
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Forgetting to invoice costs SMEs billions
The UK’s small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) could be losing up to £3.7 billion as a result of poor internal systems and financial accounting, according to a recent survey by business software provider Exact. Some SMEs admit to failing… Read more Forgetting to invoice costs SMEs billions