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 Default Retirement Age (DRA) will be phased out during 2011, meaning that businesses will not be able to automatically dismiss staff when they have reached the age of 65.

From April 6th compulsory retirement will no longer be issued under the DRA. People who were notified before this date, who are due to retire before 1st October will be the last who undergo compulsory retirement. On the 1st October, the DRA will be scrapped entirely.

Small business groups, including the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) had campaigned for the changes to be delayed for a year to enable SMEs the time to adjust to the new system and to allow for legal clarity on the issue.

"The FSB is disappointed the government is going to press ahead and scrap the default retirement age this April," stated John Walker, FSB National Chairman.

"It is extremely useful for those small businesses that need it and it can stimulate discussions on future career plans and retirement. This will also add to the fears of more employment tribunals if an employer does need to dismiss an underperforming a member of staff."

However Employment Relations Minister Edward Davey suggested that currently two thirds of firms do not operate a fixed retirement age and permit employees to continue working past the age of 65 if they wish.