FSB: Government pledge on energy contracts must be extended to micro-firms
Government pledge on energy contracts must be extended to micro-firms
The FSB has called for proposals to see plans for the big six energy companies to put their customers on the cheapest tariff extended to micro-businesses. However, we are concerned that there is a risk that energy companies could fix the price and erode what little competition there is in the market. Read the comment and coverage in Business Green, Bloomberg, and The Guardian. Also read a report in the Independent which highlights the issues small firms have with energy contracts.
Total unemployment falls, but long-term unemployment goes up
Unemployment fell in the three months to August to 2.53 million as more people take on part time work or start up their own business. Read the FSB's comment which highlights our recent report showing that small firms employ 1.3 million unemployed and disadvantaged people.
Inflation falls
Read the FSB's comment on the fall inflation. CPI fell to 2.2 per cent, from 5.2 per cent in 2011, and RPI, which is used to calculate business rate rises, fell from 5.6 per cent last year to 2.6 per cent.
Revamped policy pages go live
The FSB has updated its website and has given the policy section ‘Business Issues’ a revamp. Here you can find all the latest information on key issues the FSB is working on. Find out more at www.fsb.org.uk/business-issues
Number of businesses increases by 300,000 in 2011
The number of businesses across the UK rose from 4.5 million to 4.8 million in 2011 according to new figures from the Business Department released this week. Small businesses still make up 99.9 per cent of all firms across the UK. Find out more about the figures.
Gov.uk launched
The Government has launched a new website www.gov.uk. This website replaces Direct Gov and Business Link and is the new place to go to find government services and information.
Have your voice heard
The FSB survey panel is growing, but we want to hear from more of you to make sure we’re taking the issues that affect you to the heart of Government. Your views are discussed and debated with Ministers and used for FSB media work. Make sure that you have your say and join the survey panel today.
Bizcrowd.com aims to connect UK SMEs
A website that connects small and medium-sized firms with business leads will launch at the end of November. Bizcrowd.com is a free to use service where UK businesses can post needs for products and services and which connects relevant businesses to prospects.
Facebook application to promote Real-Life Entrepreneurs
Add your business to the Real-Life Entrepreneurs application on the FSB’s Facebook Page. You can upload photos and videos and share business tips to promote your business. You can also share the post and get friends to vote to become a featured business.
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