In a move to encourage entrepreneurial activity and enhance its reputation among SMEs, the Conservative Party has launched a campaign to find the best small firms and entrepreneurs in the UK. Anyone can nominate their favourite local company, whether it’s a florist, grocery store, restaurant or marketing agency! Just head to Your Favourite Smal Business to complete the form and nominate your favourite local business.
Small businesses are taking on more staff compared with last quarter according to the Federation of Small Businesses. The Voice of Small Business Index found that 15 per cent have increased their staff numbers in the third quarter of 2013. This is the highest figure reported since the Index began in 2010 and mirrors recent improvement in labour market figures.
The Regional Growth Fund, a £3.2bn fund operating across England, is due to accept applications from SMEs for the next round of funding. The fifth round – which will focus entirely on private enterprise proposals – is due to open in October, and will close on 9th December 2013.
The UK’s manufacturing industry continued to grow in August 2013 as output and new orders in the sector rose at the fastest rate since 1994. August was the country’s fifth consecutive month of expansion, according to the Markit/CIPS Purchase Managing Index.
With Tokyo confirmed as the host of the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Mayor of London Boris Johnson is urging SMEs to get involved and sell to the Japanese city, reports Real Business. Speaking today in Canary Wharf, Johnson told 500 London-based small businesses they should use their skills, expertise and experience of the 2012 Games to win contracts around the globe.
A new trade association is being launched on 4th September at the Low Carbon Vehicle Event (LCV2013) to represent the interests of electric vehicle equipment suppliers.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) believes small firms could be missing out on cheaper finance as new figures shows around two thirds (61%) of firms haven’t heard of Funding for Lending (FLS).
Business activity in the service sector has hit its highest level in six years adding further weight to the UK’s economic rebound according to the latest figures from the Confederation of British Industry.
The doubling of membership by CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, over the last ten years has been driven by women joining the organisation.
The Charity Commission is to open a statutory inquiry into the Spiritualist Association of Great Britain (SAGB) regarding concerns over it’s property dealings.