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In-line inflation move in National Minimum Wage |
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Written by Holly
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Saturday, 08 March 2008 |
 The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is today happier with the announcement on the latest move in the National Minimum Wage which does not replicate past above-inflation increases.
Previous increases had threatened to put a strain on small business owners and job creation in specific sectors, such as hotel and catering, and leisure, and in certain regions such as the North East and Scotland.
The FSB has always previously been supportive of a sensibly set national minimum wage. The introduction of such a wage has served to level the playing field by curbing undercutting tactics of some illegitimate employers.
The increase takes the minimum wage from £5.52 for those above 22 years of age to £5.73 per hour.
Alan Tyrrell, FSB Employment Chairman, said:
“The FSB has previously welcomed the introduction of a sensibly set national minimum wage. We are pleased that the Government and the Low Pay Commission have heeded the FSB’s past concerns when increases were well above the rate of inflation. A sensibly set National Minimum Wage is in the interests of both employers and employees.”
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 08 March 2008 )
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Government investigates path to next generation broadband |
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Written by Charlotte
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Sunday, 02 March 2008 |
Next generation high speed broadband will be essential for the UK's future economic success, Business and Competitiveness Minister Shriti Vadera said today as she launched an independent review into the issue, led by Francesco Caio.
The new review will look at how Government can help pave the way for the UK to move to next generation broadband networks.
Ultra fast broadband - reaching speeds of up to 100Mbps or more - will be important to British businesses making the most of new opportunities arising from rapidly developing technology and an increasing reliance on Internet services.
The review will investigate what are considered to be the potential barriers to the mass roll-out of next generation technology, and will look at barriers to content companies collaborating with those responsible for infrastructure.
Shriti Vadera said:
"The way we will do business, access many government services, as well as information and entertainment, will change beyond recognition over our lifetime. New technologies will push the boundaries of today's communications infrastructure.
"We must be ready to respond to future technological developments, which will place unprecedented challenges for our communications networks over the coming decade.
"That is why we need to look ahead to the future now. We need to prepare the way for the UK to adopt groundbreaking new technologies to ensure that we do not get left behind - competitively or technologically.
"We must not be in a situation where our creativity and growth of our businesses are stifled by inadequate communications and regulatory frameworks."
Massive investment by companies has led to a rapid development in broadband services over the last 10 years. In 1997 less than 10% of the population had ever used the Internet. By the end of last year, 70% of the population were Internet users and more than half of homes had broadband.
As businesses and consumers increasingly demand a richer, more powerful and seamless broadband experience, the next decade could see technology develop at just as fast a rate and the Government is keen to ensure that companies are able to continue to build on the UK's world-leading position.
Broadband companies are already starting to develop high speed services, for example: Virgin Media's 50 Mbps pilot in Ashford, and BT's plans for a 100 Mbps fibre network to homes in Ebbsfleet.
The independent review will be led by Francesco Caio, working with relevant Government departments. It will report in the autumn to the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
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SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS SLAY DRAGON'S DEN |
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Written by Steven
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Saturday, 23 February 2008 |
 Duncan Bannatyne and his fellow Dragon’s Den panellists will be crying into their millionaire’s breakfast’s as nearly 65% of small business owners say that they would turn their back on an offer from them as they don’t believe it represents good value for money. Duncan, Peter, Deborah, Theo and James are all out!
The Dragon’s Den flames have been put out by nearly 65% of small to medium sized enterprise (SME) owners who say that they would turn down a deal from one of the Dragon’s.
The research, carried out by UK based accounting software company KashFlow revealed that business owners do not believe that the deals put on the table by the quintet represent good value for money and would instead turn to banks or private backers for a more reasonable rate or split of the business.
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 23 February 2008 )
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