Weekly Brief 35

Read about the FSB's latest press and policy activites and opportunities for small businesses in the latest edition of Weekly Brief. Receive regular alerts by subscribing to the newsletter.

Firms keen to go green but need financial support so they don't go into the red

In a new report, 'Making sense of going green - small businesses and low carbon economy', the FSB calls on the Government to expand the current loan scheme for small businesses and provide incentives for firms to green their buildings to help achieve the UK's carbon emission reduction targets. Read the press release and view the report.

Micro firms must be exempt from pension ticking time bomb

Responding to the Government's consultation, 'Government review of automatic enrolment', the FSB is calling for micro firms - those with 10 employees or less - to be exempt from the automatic enrolment pension scheme due to come into force in 2012 to remove the regulatory and financial burden. Read the press release and the consultation response. 

Reform maternity and paternity leave

In a new report 'Flexible working: small business solutions', the FSB is calling for a reform of statutory maternity and paternity pay to give small firms clarity over employee's family leave. The FSB also proposes major reforms to childcare and flexible working. Read the press release and the report. 

FSB's Legal and Tax Protection Scheme is one of the cornerstones of membership

Today's businesses face an abundance of red tape and bureaucracy – from employment tribunal actions to investigations from HM Revenue & Customs into their firm's taxes. So, Murray Fairclough, Director of Legal Services at Abbey Legal Protection explains the benefits of using the Legal & Tax Protection Scheme and how it supports businesses.    

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.