Weekly Brief Week 15 of 2009 Friday 17 April 2009
In this week's issue: Short-time working, banks, property, rural affairs, Scotland, energy, water, enterprise, case studies, innovation, skills
Short-time working
The FSB, the TUC and the Work Foundation all joined together this week to sign a letter to the Chancellor Alistair Darling calling yet again on the Government to introduce a temporary short-time working scheme across the UK in next week's Budget. The letter was reported by the Financial Times, the Guardian, the Daily Telegraph and the Morning Star.
Banking mediator
Latest figures released by the FSB this week revealed that 70 per cent of small businesses believe a corporate mediator acting as a go-between for firms and banks would help build better relations between the two sides. Read the press release and the coverage in the Daily Telegraph.
Empty properties
The FSB highlighted its campaign for automatic rate relief this week as Communities Secretary Hazel Blears unveiled proposals for empty shops to be used as art galleries, cafes or advice centres. FSB National Chairman John Wright told the Press Association and the Daily Mirror that allowing rate relief to be applied automatically would help stop many business premises become empty.
Rural affairs
The Daily Telegraph printed a letter from FSB Rural Affairs & Tourism Chairman Linda Walton this week outlining the importance of supporting village shops, pubs and post offices. It follows the FSB poll on the importance of rural rate relief.
Cabinet
Prime Minister Gordon Brown took the Cabinet to meet in Scotland for the first time in 88 years this week and Andy Willox, the FSB's Scottish Policy Convenor, made sure the FSB's voice was heard on issues such as regulation and employment during a special session at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre in Glasgow.
Energy
Energy regulator Ofgem has released detailed proposals on ways the sector can support small businesses, such as banning the automatic rollover of contracts and reforming direct selling methods. Read the press release.
Water
The Environment Agency is seeking entries for its Water Efficiency Awards 2009. The awards recognise best practice by business and industry, public sector and other organisations in saving water. Visit the website for more information.
Enterprise
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson is calling for hotspots of innovation - places where a culture of enterprise is supporting and encouraging entrepreneurs and businesses, to enter the Enterprising Britain 2009 competition and have their efforts recognised on a national scale. Visit the Make Your Mark website to find out more.
Case studies
The Financial Times is looking for examples of people who have left a corporate position to set up a small business for its weekly interview/profile slot in its Entrepreneur pages. The company must have been trading for one year, but for no more than three. Small firm owners who are interested will need to be open about their finances (start-up costs, annual costs, revenues). Contact jamie@jamieoliverjournalist.com to register an interest.
Innovation
The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the effectiveness of
support for innovation in Europe. You have until May 4 to submit your views online.
IT Skills
E-skills UK is holding a workshop in Central London on May 12 as part of the creation of a Skills Academy for IT. Delegates will be asked to give their views on the current use of IT training: how you access it, where you buy it from and how you find out about new products and services. Visit the e-skills website to find out more.
Have a good weekend,
Marc Shoffman