Latest News

New online accounting system for freelancers and small companies
A new online accounting system has been launched, which enables freelancers, contractors and other small companies to manage their entire accounts, invoicing and expenses online. [June 26, 2009]

Business owners value advice from family members
A new report suggests that small business owners value the opinions of their spouses or partners when it comes to business advice. Although accountants are the most valued source for advice, bankers have fallen down the pecking order. [June 22, 2009]

Small businesses affected by dodgy expenses claims
A leading law firm is urging small business employers to take a tough line on the management of expenses as the MP expenses scandal continues to make the headlines. [June 19, 2009]

More people plan to start up businesses later in life
A new study suggests that 37 is the age when most people feel totally confident about their abilities at work, but fulfilment at work is more likely to be reached at the age of 50. The study also highlights the growth of 'older' entrepreneurs, as more people plan to set up businesses after retirement. [June 16, 2009]

Small business running costs continue to fall
The costs of running a small company fell by 1.4% in the first quarter of 2009 due to deflation, according to the latest edition of the Business Inflation Guide. [June 15, 2009]

Small companies urged to rediscover passion for exporting
The UK's small businesses are being urged to rediscover their passion for exporting during the recession. [June 11, 2009]

How does the car scrappage scheme work?
In the last Budget, the Chancellor announced a new 'car scrappage scheme' to encourage motorists to scrap older vehicles and subsidise the purchase of new ones. How the scheme works. [June 5, 2009]

New online business networking site launched
The BCC has launched a new online business networking site aimed at helping small companies succeed in the current economic climate. [June 5, 2009]

Business confidence has risen for "first time in two years"
The latest UK Business Confidence Monitor indicates that the economic decline may have reached the bottom, with business professionals feeling more optimistic after two years of successive declines in confidence. [May 29, 2009]

Study shows that entrepreneurs are 'born' not 'made'
New research backs up the theory that great entrepreneurs are born, not made. Additionally, the right sort of personality could be more important in long-term success than formal education and the 'right' connections. [May 13, 2009]

Big jump in company director disqualifications
A city law firm has revealed a 31% increase in the number of insolvent companies whose directors have had disqualification proceedings launched against them over the past year. [May 7, 2009]

Small business owners warned to watch out for bogus HMRC tax refund emails
Many Bytestart readers may have noticed an increase in the number of bogus HMRC 'tax refund' emails which may have been received in the past few weeks. Includes top ten tips to help spot such bogus emails, and what to do if you receive one. [May 5, 2009]

Is life insurance an essential or a "nice to have"?
In the most general terms, life insurance premiums have come down over the last decade as the market becomes more competitive, and you may be able to save on your premium by shopping around or switching providers. [May 1, 2009]

Why small companies have trouble securing public sector contracts
Small companies need to spend time on training and development, and need to understand how the public procurement system works if they want to gain a larger share of public sector contracts. [May 1, 2009]

Small businesses still having trouble securing public sector contracts
A new Parliamentary report shows that small companies are still finding it hard to secure valuable public sector contracts, despite Government policies and interventions. [April 23, 2009]

Partnership bosses urged to protect personal finances from business debts
Recession hit business owners, operating as a partnership, are being urged to reorganise their firm “as a matter of urgency” to reduce the risk of personal liability for business debts. Article covers the benefits of setting up as an LLP, and how Individual and Partnership Voluntary Arrangements work. [April 20, 2009]

uSwitch launches new service to compare business energy suppliers
Leading price comparison site, uSwitch.com, has launched a new service aimed at helping the UK's small businesses get a better deal on energy. [April 16, 2009]

Chancellor u-turn over planned 5% business rates hike
The Chancellor has announced a u-turn on his proposed 5% hike in business rates following considerable opposition from pressure groups. Now, the increase will be phased in over three years. [April 1, 2009]

Dragon set to review support available for entrepreneurial students
Peter Jones, of Dragons' Den fame, is to carry out a review into the support budding entrepreneurs get whilst in university or college. [March 27, 2009]