Business News Articles

Women still paid less than men
Women’s pay is growing at a slightly higher rate than men’s but it would still take 187 years to close the gap, according to figures from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and CELRE. The survey found that women’s pay increased by an average of 6.8% over the past 12 months – a rise from 5.2% the previous year – compared to a rate of 6.6% for men. ... more

Recruitment franchises available
Recruitment company Weststaff has created a new management franchise to provide opportunities for people at regional manager level. The organisation is planning significant growth across the UK in 2008 based around finding permanent and temporary staff for blue-chip and national clients. ... more

Move your business forward with franchising
A seminar designed to assist businesses grow as franchises is being held at London on the 28th of October and at Birmingham on the 26th of November. The event is run by the British Franchise Association and will provide businesses the chance to assess whether franchising is a viable option for them. The necessary skills required to be a successful franchising operation will be examined througho... more

Top business speakers at the Irish Franchise Exhibition
From November 21 until the 22nd the Irish Franchise Exhibition takes place at the RDS, Dublin. A series of free seminars will provide advice and guidance on all aspects of starting and owning a business, how to deal with becoming your own boss and explaining the franchise concept. John Green, chairman of the Irish Franchise Association will provide the first address of the event. He will be ... more

James Caan launches asset management firm
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Sir Phillip Green confident over future
Sir Phillip Green has insisted that his Arcadia Group, the UK's biggest fashion retailer is in a strong position to prosper in the current retail downturn. Despite announcing a fall in pre-tax profits from £199m to £188m Sir Phillip said that his company could use its relatively healthy business sheet to purchase weaker competitors. "If these opportunities come up, we will be able to take ... more

Small companies warned over increased danger of fraud
Small businesses have been warned about a possible increase in bribery and fraud as some businesses may turn to underhand methods to combat the credit crunch. Smaller companies are at the greatest risk as they often wield less power and influence than larger businesses and have fewer resources to check potential deals. "As affordable credit dries up and working capital shrinks with it, there... more

SMEs need 'more government support’
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Businesses urged to not ignore safety during recession
Businesses are being warned to not cut corners on health and safety during the current economic downturn by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). All businesses are required by law to implement certain health and safety procedures, but there are fears that some businesses may neglect their obligations in an attempt to save money. "Given the current financial climate, the... more

Government bank bailout begins
The UK government is to invest £37bn into three main high street banks under the bailout plan designed to shore up financial institutions. Royal Bank of Scotland will take £20bn, with the government taking a controlling 60% stake in the bank as a result, while Lloyds TSB and HBOS – which are currently in the process of merging – will take £17bn for a 40% stake. ... more