Enterprise NewsLine

Court rules against construction firms' public sector 'suicide bids'

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:50 +0000

A court has issued an injunction against a council who awarded a job to a maintenance contractor who had submitted an "abnormally low" bid.

Government urges restaurants to make tipping policies clear

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:00:10 +0000

The Government has launched a campaign to encourage restaurant owners to make their tipping policy more transparent to customers.

Government rejects copyright exemption for Wi-Fi operators

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:00:15 +0000

Cafés, pubs, hotels and other businesses that offer wireless Internet access will not be exempt from measures in the Digital Economy Bill, which are designed to tackle copyright infringement.

Less than a month left to claim backdated business rates

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:07 +0000

The FPB is warning small firms that there is less than a month left to lodge an appeal about their business rates over the past five years.

Time off for training regulations a mystery to a fifth of employers

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:04:15 +0000

More than one in five employers are unaware of the recently introduced legislation that gives employees the right to request time off for training, research has shown.

Business groups unite against National Insurance increase

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:05 +0000

Some of the UK's business organisations have formed a coalition to protest against the increase to employers' National Insurance Contributions (NICs).

Half of business sectors see increase in flat rate VAT

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:06 +0000

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has published a study, which reveals that nearly half of business sectors have seen an increase to the amount of flat rate VAT they pay.

Economic growth revised upwards

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:01 +0000

The increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during the fourth quarter of 2009 has been revised upwards, from 0.1% to 0.3%.

Three-quarters of firms not reclaiming foreign VAT

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:00:01 +0000

Nearly three-quarters of firms report they are experiencing difficulties when reclaiming refunds for foreign VAT, according to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Government urges manufacturers to take up import duty scheme

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:01 +0000

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is promoting a new European Union (EU) scheme, which helps British manufacturers save money on import duties.

ASA warns online retailers about price errors in brochures

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:01 +0000

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has warned online retailers that they should not use printed brochures for advertising if their prices are subject to change.

EU committee vote in favour of 20 weeks' full pay on maternity leave

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:01 +0000

A European Parliament committee has passed draft legislation to extend the period of maternity leave with full pay to 20 weeks.

Use of forced mandatory retirement age soars during recession, says report

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:01 +0000

The use of forced mandatory retirement by businesses has soared during the recession, according to research by charities Age Concern and Help the Aged.

Small firms losing out on energy deals, says FPB

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:17:59 +0000

Small firms are missing out on energy deals and larger businesses are able to access better energy prices, according to research by the Forum of Private Business (FPB).

Hospitality industry due £20m refund in music fees after High Court ruling

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:01 +0000

The High Court has rejected an appeal by music licensing organisation PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited) relating to the repayment of overpaid licence fees by thousands of small hospitality businesses.