companies house made easy

record shattering April for new business in Newcastle

Newcastle upon Tyne experiences its best ever April for company formations according to the Register of Companies from Companies House.

record first quarter for Leamington Spa start ups

Leamington Spa has set a new record for first quarter business start ups with 164 new companies formed in Leamington in the first quarter of 2012.

Bath record company numbers "quite amazing" says MP Don Foster

In response to Duport's announcement of record numbers of new company formations in Bath, local MP, Don Foster praises the city's burgeoning reputation for business and creativity".

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The National Minimum Wage is set to rise in October by 2.2%, as announced in the Treasury document, released after Chancellor Alistair Darling’s Budget speech.

The Minimum Wage will increase by 13 pence, to £5.93 per hour for adults over 21.

Announcements regarding the National Minimum Wage are usually announced ahead of the Budget, but this information was kept out of the speech itself, and released in the full 228 page Budget document.

Business groups have criticised the rise, stating that on top of the future increases in National Insurance Contributions this measure will discourage small companies from taking on new staff.

“It is astounding that the Government would increase the minimum wage by 2.2% at a time when private sector wages are virtually flat, and companies across the country are still making tough choices to keep as many people in employment as possible. While the recession may be over, the jobs market will remain tough for some time to come," said Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy and External Affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce.

“A near-doubling on last year’s increase is even more astounding. Combined with next year’s rise in employer National Insurance Contributions, a minimum wage that’s a ‘one-way bet’ could stop some businesses taking on new workers.”

Other issues covered in this Budget include:
• Business rates relief
• No changes to National Insurance Contributions plan
• Extension to Capital Gains Tax relief
• £94 billion set aside for business loans