Business News Articles

Small firms forecast tough times
Small firms are less confident about their business prospects now than three months ago, according to the Bank of Scotland's confidence index. The survey revealed that 33% of small business owners said it was a good time to own a small company in the UK, compared to 38% who thought the opposite was the case. ... more

CBI reduces growth forecast
The CBI has reduced its forecast for the UK economy in 2008 amid growing concerns of the impact the credit crunch and a cooling in the housing market could have. The business group had predicted growth of 2.2% as recently as September but has now downgraded that forecast to just 2%, its third consecutive downgrade. ... more

Training boost for small firms
Employers will be able to get bespoke skills advice on their training needs after the government announced a doubling of funding for its Train to Gain service.... more

CIPD welcomes training initiative
The CIPD has welcomed the latest drive by the government to improve training provisions for employees lacking basic skills.... more

Firms urged to consider apprentices
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is urging employers to consider the benefits of taking on apprentices to help beat skills shortages.... more

Discount company first aid training
Businesses are being offered a 5% discount on first aid training courses by booking through the new British Red Cross website.... more

FSB urges rethink on university
The Federation of Small Businesses is urging students picking up their A-Level results to consider a career as an entrepreneur as an alternative to going to university.... more

Bodies criticise CGT delay
The chancellor Alistair Darling has said he will not announce any revisions to the controversial capital gains tax reforms until 2008. The move has been criticised by the Federation of Small Businesses, which had been expected the issue to be resolved in December, although the body welcomed the news that Darling would again meet the FSB and other business organisations. ... more

CIPD opposes CO2 mileage plans
Reducing vehicle mileage allowance payments is not the answer to climate change, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development has warned.... more

Van fleets lose £150m in breakdowns
Van fleet operators in the UK are losing nearly £150 million per year due to van breakdowns often caused by a failure to carry out routine checks.... more