Blog Posts: April 2010

As election fever (as well as volcanic dust) sweeps the country, we have had a look at the manifestos of the 3 major parties to see what they promise to do for small and medium businesses. Our view is that real steps need to be taken to support SMEs through the recession and recovery process, and that means taking measures to help SMEs get the finance they need at a reasonable price, reduce regulation and red tape, and reform the tax system. Big businesses certainly seem to be siding with the Co.... (read more...)

The British Chambers of Commerce today published the result of a survey which showed that 65% of the 300 businesses surveyed were either concerned or very concerned by the prospect of a hung parliament. On the basis that it tends to produce more coalition governments, David Cameron today publicly opposed a system of proportional representation in this country. However, on Saturday the Independent reported that of the 16 countries around the world with the top triple A financial stability rating,.... (read more...)

The Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) came into force on 1 April. CRC is a compulsory carbon dioxide emissions trading scheme where large organisations are required to buy allowances based on how much CO2 they expect to emit from their buildings during the year. The CRC will inevitably have a knock on effect to small and medium sized businesses, many of which will be tenants in buildings where the scheme applies. As is the case with any commercial lease the landlord will be looking to recoup fro.... (read more...)

I was fascinated to read Emma Wimhurst’s article in the Independent small business section. Her views are, to say the least, controversial:"We’re all fed up with the R-word, but I believe the economic downturn has done many business owners a favour. It’s grabbed us by the profit margins and warned us to make changes to the way we do things, or else. It’s been a positive motivator. So why isn't everyone listening? "Many businesses have tumbled into debt or closur.... (read more...)