Weekly Brief

Week 25 of 2009      Friday 26 June 2009

In this week's issue: Swine flu; Banks; Equality; Internet; Case studies; Awards

Swine Flu
FSB Scotland warned this week that small businesses in the country are not doing enough to prepare for swine flu this autumn. Read the press release and BBC coverage and visit the Business Link and the Department of Health website for information on how your business can respond.

Bank lending
Debates on the state of bank lending to small businesses showed no signs of cooling this week as the Daily Telegraph sought the FSB's perspective in the Saturday and Wednesday editions.

Equality Bill
The Government Equalities Office has produced a document on how the Equality Bill will impact on the private sector. View part 2 of it for more information.

Good times online
Many online businesses are finding alternative ways to lift themselves out of the recession, according to eBay's second Online Business Index.

Mary Queen of Shops
Retail guru Mary Portas is returning for a third series of the BBC's Mary Queen of Shops where she helps save struggling businesses.  She is looking to bring her Midas touch to six non-fashion British high street independent stores. If you would like your business to be considered call  Tom or Nikki on 020 7967 1285 or send an email.

Award
Leonard Cheshire Disability is seeking applicants for the £50,000 Stelios Awards for Disabled Entrepreneurs. Applicants must be a disabled person and be involved in the day to day running of a UK business in which they have at least a 25 per cent stake.  They must have been in business no more than five years and have an annual turnover of at least £10,000.  Visit www.disabledentrepreneur.org for more information.

Have a good weekend,

Marc Shoffman