Weekly Brief  23 of 2009      Friday 12 June 2009

In this week's issue: Summer reception; Swine flu; Banks; Start-ups; Holiday pay; EU elections; Crime; Prompt Payment; Enterprise Allowance Scheme

Summer reception
FSB members, MPs and Peers gathered on the House of Commons terrace for the FSB's Summer Reception this week hosted by National Chairman John Wright. View pictures.

Swine Flu
The World Health Organisation has declared a swine flu pandemic as cases of the virus continue to rise. Visit Business Link and the Department of Health website for information on how your business can respond.

Banks
The FSB expressed concern in the Daily Telegraph, the Sun, and The Times this week over reports that the Royal Bank of Scotland is moving some of its small business customers to a "non core" division.

Start-ups
The Sunday Times used FSB National Chairman John Wright's expertise in an article on entrepreneurs who have started a business after being made redundant.

Holiday pay

The FSB's own Mike Cherry spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live this week to illustrate the impact of a House of Lords ruling that holiday pay can be accrued whilst an employee is on sick leave.

European elections
FSB EU and International Affairs Policy Adviser Richard Hyslop spoke to LBC radio about how the European Parliament helps and hinders small businesses as election results rolled in.

Crime
ITV's current affairs programme Tonight spoke to the FSB in a report about the impact crime is having on shopkeepers. View the programme

Prompt Payment
The Institute of Credit Management and the Department for Business Innovation and Skills have put together a series of guides to help small businesses chase late payment and ensure they are paid on time when entering new contracts.

Enterprise Allowance Scheme
Did you start your business under the Enterprise Allowance Scheme in the 1980s and 1990s? If so, email FSB policy advisor Priyen Patel your experiences.

Have a good weekend,

Marc Shoffman