Equalities Bill will make life more difficult for UK businesses
"This could end up being a bureaucratic nightmare for small businesses"

Conservatives seek small business input
They have launched an online survey to seek the views of small businesses which follows the publication of The Richard Report

EU Small Business Act launched
The EC is proposing a new company form, the 'European Private Company', designed to help small businesses operating across borders

Pension rules to protect workers
The new rules are set to come into force in 2012 when employees are automatically enrolled in their company scheme

Penalties for late filing criticised
The proposals could see tax bills increased by 100% for failure to file, while late payers could see their unpaid tax bill rise by 30%

Pubs closing at fastest rate ever
Reasons behind the closures are the credit crunch, the smoking ban, temperamental weather and increased beer prices

Minister announces new social enterprise fund
£6 million fund will go towards improving business support services for social enterprises

Businesses employing illegal immigrants named and shamed
More than 200 businesses have been fined under the new rules, which came into force in February this year

Marketers must identify envelopes as promotions
Virgin Media broke advertising rules when an envelope it sent out did not clearly identify the contents as marketing material

Self-employed get new guidance on working from home
HMRC has issued updated guidance clarifying what allowable home costs self-employed people can claim against their business

Small businesses waste money on overnight stays
More than half of small businesses surveyed recently have no idea how much they spend on hotels each year

UK workforce can work for longer than 48 hours
Ministers have agreed a deal on the Working Time Directive and the Agency Workers Directive

Check your TV licences, businesses warned
Businesses face a £1,000 fine if they do not possess a TV licence and are caught allowing staff to watch TV online

Manufacturing sector seeks alternative finance during crunch
Manufacturing businesses are looking to asset-based lending (ABL) as a source of finance

Free exporting guides from Chamber
Providing an essential source for companies investigating commercial trading opportunities overseas

TUPE guidance issued by ICO
The guidance seeks to clarify the role of both parties as regards data protection

New advisory fuel rates for company car users
HMRC has said that the new rates can be implemented as from the 1 June because of the recent rapid increase in fuel prices

Interest rates kept on hold at 5%
"We understand the critical need for the MPC to maintain credibility, but it cannot disregard the worsening threats to growth"

Businesses back Conservatives as faith in Labour plummets
Some 68% of small businesses employing between 5 and 19 people feel they are worse off after this year's Budget

Small businesses take advantage of outsourcing
Outsourcing projects to freelancers offers small businesses the opportunity to avoid red tape and operate in a more cost-effective manner