Weekly Brief   9 of 2009              Friday 06 March 2009

In this week's issue: Banks; Wages; Search engines; Cloud computing; Business support; FSB podcast; Environment

Banks

Another Weekly Brief and yet another attempt to get the banks to lend fairly. The FSB is calling on banks to restore decision-making powers to local branches and has now launched a code of good practice for banks to follow and to support more lending to small firms. Read the press release.

Wage subsidy

The FSB joined with the TUC this week to call for a Government fund for companies moving to short-term wages and temporary lay-offs. The Guardian, the Telegraph, the Morning Star and the Daily Express, reported on our estimations that the scheme, based on jobseekers allowance, would support up to 600,000 workers a year. Read the proposals and the press release.

Search engines

Do you want to increase the effectiveness of your website and turn it into a Lead Generating Machine? Go to http://SEOSecrets.org.uk/ASK-FSB where you can ask anything you ever wanted to know about search engines.

Cloud Computing

Google and Salesforce.com invite you to a live webcast on March 24th to discuss how Cloud Computing can reduce costs, improve collaboration and increase productivity. Featuring their customers the Erith Group and Arieso, the webcast will run from 15.00-15.30. To register, or find out more, visit http://www.yourfutureisinthecloud.com/.

Business support

The UK Commission for Employment and Skills is researching how businesses assess workforce performance to create a free new tool which would help employers develop their business in these tough times. Register your interest and contribute to the research by following this link or by calling 01487 710856.

FSB Podcast

Download and subscribe to the latest FSB podcast. In this episode FSB Environment and Energy Chairman John Holbrow discusses ways small businesses can go green.

Environment

The FSB would like to know your experience of going green. Have you found it challenging to be environmentally friendly or is it saving you money?  Email us if you have a story you would like to share.

Accounts

Are you having difficulties signing off past accounts, or having difficulties with HMRC over future plans due to the lack of finance? Email us about your experiences.

Have a good weekend,

Marc Shoffman