Weekly Brief
Week 26 of 2009 Friday 03 July 2009
In this week's issue: Economic data, post offices, Northern Rock, weather, swine flu, employment, available funds, insurance
Tentative recovery
Small businesses which were hit hard by the worst of the credit crunch and the recession nearly a year ago are starting to experience a tentative recovery, according to FSB analysis which has documented the economic downturn's impact on small firms since last September. Read reports in the Financial Times, the Evening Standard, City AM and view TV and radio coverage.
Royal Mail
The Guardian printed a letter from FSB Trade and Industry Chairman Clive Davenport this week which criticised the Government's decision to delay modernisation of Royal Mail.
Northern Rock
FSB National Chairman John Wright wrote to The Times this week urging the Government to turn Northern Rock into a Post Bank to provide financial services to small firms and shore up the post office network amid reports the nationalised institution may be sold to Tesco.
Weather
Employees swapped their suits for Soleros as temperatures soared in the UK this week. The FSB told the Daily Telegraph that the heatwave could spark a wave of staff absences.
Swine Flu
Health Secretary Andy Burnham this week announced that cases of swine flu could reach over 100,000 a day by autumn. For the latest information and advice on responding to the Swine Flu pandemic, visit Business Link and the Department of Health website.
Mobile phones
The FSB is supporting a campaign by phone operators BT and 3 to lower the rate for calling a different network. A change in the cost of Mobile Termination Rates could save consumers and businesses money and ultimately boost the economy. Sign the petition.
Short time working
The FSB would like to hear from you if you and your staff are working fewer days or hours to combat the economic downturn or if you have adopted an innovative way to hold on to your staff. Email us your experiences.
Access to Work
Small and medium sized enterprises with under 200 employees can now apply for the Government-backed Access to Work scheme until 31 March 2010 without having to pay the cost. The funds can be spent on equipment which people with disabilities may need at work.
Insurance
The Law Commission is running a consultation asking if small businesses should be treated more like consumers when it comes to insurance. They would like to hear the views of small business owners, particularly micro-businesses. Email us your experiences.
Village SOS
The BBC and the Big Lottery Fund are searching for six UK villages with a great business idea and six enterprising individuals to help them achieve their ambitions. The programme, titled Village SOS, will create a new venture that will bring life and energy to a village, with funding of up to £400,000. Visit the BBC website for more information.
Have a good weekend,
Marc Shoffman