Business News Articles

Small businesses warned over Microsoft virus
Small businesses have been warned about a computer virus that spreads through low security networks, memory sticks and PC's without the latest security updates. The virus was first discovered in October 2008 and despite Microsoft releasing a patch to protect the virus it has spread to infect 3.5m computers. All small companies are being advised to make sure that their computers have the la... more

Vodafone to enter small business market
Vodafone has completed the purchase of Central Telecom, a move that is part of the global company's plan to move into the SME market. Vodafone will offer PBX systems, hosted technology as well as other professional telecommunication services to the small business market. Comms business magazine reported that a source told the publication, "Vodafone bought Central Telecom because they have th... more

New £300bn bank rescue package announced
The government have announced a £300bn rescue package for UK banks that it hopes will provide the stimulus required for levels of lending to increase. The plan, announced today by Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling, has a raft of measures including a scheme that offers insurance against banks losing more money from previous toxic debts. The banks will have to pay for the insurance, but the ... more

Bill will propose that business rate relief granted automatically
A Private Members Bill is to be brought forward in the Houses of Commons that would see business rate relief granted automatically for small businesses. Conservative MP Peter Luff has worked with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) on the legislation, which would ensure that small firms don't miss out on rate relief. Over 50% of small companies miss out on the relief because they are no... more

Online spending rises 25% in 2008
Online shopping in the UK rose 25% in 2008 to reach over £43bn, according to research by the IMRG and Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index. The research also found that that around 65% of shoppers spent more online this Christmas than on the high street. The internet is one of the fastest growing sectors in UK business and has not been affected by the recent credit crunch to the same extent as ot... more

Workplace parking scheme consultation deadline approaches
Businesses that provide workspace parking to their staff have less than two month to respond to a consultation on the government's plans to allow local authorities to introduce workplace parking levy schemes (WPL). The consultation is a chance for all small businesses to give their views on the scheme, which could result in significant charges being levied to a business if staff wish to drive t... more

Small firms warned against cutting back on health and safety
Small businesses are being warned that if they cut back on staff training they may face a fine or imprisonment under a new government health and safety act. The British Safety Council (BSC) has welcomed the new Health and Safety (Offences) Act, which can impose heavy fines and jail time on the company owner on any business that is found to be in breach of the act. "With the new risk of highe... more

Business confidence at 16-year low
Business confidence in the UK has fallen to its lowest level since 1992, according to data published by Lloyds TSB The banks bi-annual Business Confidence Index shows that confidence is at the lowest level in 16 years and that the number of businesses expecting a decline in sales and orders exceeds those who expect their firm's business to improve. The research of 4,000 firms showed that sin... more

Government plans bad debt bank
The government is thought to be considering plans to create a state-owned bank to accumulate all bad debt in a bid to revive the UK economy. ... more

Government approve third runway for Heathrow
Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon has announced that the government has approved plans to build a third runway at Heathrow Airport. The plan has been backed by the majority of the businesses in the UK, who argue that the expansion is necessary in order to ensure that the country does not loose vital business. Environmental campaigners, who argue that the new runway would make it impossible for ... more