small business news

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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budget 2011: the story for SMEs

march 2011

An extended rate holiday, increases in available funding, export credits and reductions in red tape and fuel duties are all part of Chancellor George Osborne's 2011 budget.

One of the major effects of the credit crunch was a drastic reduction in lending to small companies. The 2011 budget has promised a 15% increase in availability of credit for small businesses, allowing them the flexibility to employ new workers, grow and find their feet in the marketplace.

The rate freeze is another move welcomed by small business groups, giving SMEs another year without a rise in their business rates. David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) stated "Unlike larger companies, small businesses are hit disproportionately by changes to business rates. Extending the small business rate relief holiday for another year will give many SMEs greater confidence and allow them to invest in growth rather than pay more to the Exchequer."

The Chancellor also announced a system of export credits to help SMEs export their products overseas, a £150 million reduction in red tape and a reduction in fuel duty.

John Cridland, Director-General of the CBI stated, "The reduction in excise duty and the postponement of the escalator will be welcome at a time when businesses and consumers are facing such sharp increases in fuel costs."

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