Boom in small businesses but with a legal sting in the tail

As unemployment continues to be a worry, the FSB is expecting a record number of people to set up their own small business this year, but is concerned that if they go on to work for other companies that they could be penalised by the taxman. Read the press release.

Broadband for business breakfast meeting

Policy Chairman, Mike Cherry chaired a Broadband for Business Breakfast meeting at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Ed Vaizey the Minister for Broadband was there to discuss broadband plans with the FSB. View the photos. 

Victory for FSB on Furnished Holiday Lettings

The FSB has won a major victory in persuading the Treasury to adopt proposals by the FSB which will prevent eight in ten small businesses in the holiday sector from going bust. Under current rules, businesses in the holiday sector must be available to rent for at least 20 weeks of the year and must be rented for 10 weeks. Now the Treasury is proposing to increase this to 15 weeks. Read our consultation response and the Treasury's proposals. 

FSB set to be key business partner with new local enterprise partnerships

Small businesses are set to be at the heart of the newly created local enterprise partnerships following a meeting between the Department of Communities and Local Government and the FSB. Local enterprise partnerships will replace the recently abolished Regional Development Agencies. Read the press release. 

LBRO needs revamping, not scrapping

The FSB has welcomed the review into the performance of the Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO) but is concerned that this vital burden busting body will be scrapped. We know that regulation is one of the biggest obstacles small firms face and so are calling on the Government to revamp LBRO, not bin it. Read the press release and policy paper. 

Business confidence still fragile for small firms

New figures from the FSB 'Voice of Small Business' Index show that business confidence in small firms have worsened over the second quarter of 2010 and firms in the South East are more likely to be working under capacity. The FSB is calling for the National Insurance holiday to include all businesses across the country. Read the press release, view the report and find out more.