Newsletter #120 - How to sell to the big retailers, Top tips on how to work with a business partner, Bosses must protect employees from sexual harassment...

In this week's Business121 Newsletter:

1. Small companies tax rate hike as important as abolishing 10p tax rate
2. How to sell to the big retailers
3. Top tips on how to work with a business partner
4. Bosses must protect employees from sexual harassment
5. New Business Regulations for 2008

Small Business News

6. Mobile broadband - how fast is your connection?
7. Small companies losing sales to rogue traders
8. Government not helping small companies with technology
9. Employers warned over new maternity and sex discrimination rights
10. Small companies prudent when it comes to banking their savings

Small companies tax rate hike as important as abolishing 10p tax rate

In a bold move the FPB is saying that the hike in the small companies' corporation tax should be put on an equal footing with the Government's decision to abolish the 10% starting rate of personal income tax - and they certainly do have a point.

At the same time that Government is abolishing the starting 10p rate of income tax it is increasing the rate of small companies corporation tax from 19% to 22% in April 2009 and cutting the main corporation tax rate paid by bigger businesses from 30% to 28%.

The parallels are clear. In both instances the Government is taking money from those that can least afford it - the low-paid and small business owners, and using the money to reduce the amount of tax the better off - higher earners and larger corporations - pay.

A backlash from many MPs angry at the scrapping of the 10p rate looks as if it will force some form of climbdown by Gordon Brown. So there's a chance that a concerted effort by small businesses against the increase in small companies corporation tax might have an effect.

If you're fed up with having more of your hard-earned profits taken from you, let your MP know how you feel.

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How to sell to the big retailers
If your new business makes a product that you want to sell to the general public, then one of the most important factors in your future success will be great distribution. Without a bucket of money to throw at promotion, one of the quickest ways to sell your product is to get it listed by big retailers with multiple stores. Getting them to stock your product will be tough, but follow our tips and you'll improve your chances.

Top tips on how to work with a business partner
There are so many different skills that have to be mastered when you start and run a business, that it can be quite overwhelming. If you're worried about it, maybe you should consider getting together with a business partner. If you can make something and someone else can sell it, then working together could make each of you more money than working separately. Here's what you need to think about before finding a business partner.

Bosses must protect employees from sexual harassment
The days of company bosses wheeling out their most attractive employees to please customers could now lead to massive fines if it's upsetting to staff. Under new rules introduced by the Government, bosses face unlimited fines if they fail to protect staff from sexual harassment from customers, suppliers or third parties.

The laws regarding sexual harassment are by no means the only business regulations that have changed recently, other legislative changes that you need to be aware of include the Corporate Manslaughter Act, the Agency Workers Directive and the laws on maternity and paternity rights.

To help you keep up with the raft of new Government regulations and tax changes have been heaped on businesses this year. We've outlined the main changes for small companies in New Business Regulations for 2008.

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SMALL BUSINESS NEWS

Mobile broadband - how fast is your connection?
Research has revealed that the average speed of UK mobile broadband is 1.46Mbs. By comparison, earlier surveys revealed home broadband services deliver average speeds of 2.95Mbs. Includes tips on how to choose a business mobile broadband supplier.

Small companies losing sales to rogue traders
New research released last week shows that many small companies believe their profits are affected by rivals using unfair sales practices. New rules are expected to clampdown on rogue traders.

Government not helping small companies with technology
A national survey has found that the Government is failing to provide small companies with helpful advice over adopting and using Information and Communication Technology.

Employers warned over changes to maternity and sex discrimination rights
A leading law firm is warning employers about key changes to the law governing sex discrimination and maternity rights.

Small companies prudent when it comes to banking their savings
New research from a leading UK bank suggests that the UK's small companies are still being prudent when it comes to saving for a rainy day. The research shows nearly half of small businesses have a rainy day fund set aside, so they are financially prepared, whatever the weather.

** For the latest Small Business News, visit http://www.Bytestart.co.uk **

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