FSB Newsletter - Friday 3 September 2021

News 3 Sep 2021

COVID-19: THE LATEST

For all the latest news and updates, visit our Covid-19 hub.

The Department of Health and Social Care has launched a toolkit for employers to help ensure employees get reliable information about COVID-19 vaccines.

Access the toolkit to get materials for you to run internal awareness campaigns, including key messages, posters, fact sheets and videos providing accurate, up-to-date information.

EU TRADE

If you are a UK business which trades with Europe, keep track of the latest changes and developments via FSB's transition hub.

NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES

Jobs tax hike will hurt small firms
In response to reports that the Government is pondering an increase to National Insurance contributions in order to pay for the social care system, FSB has pointed out the damage any rise in the jobs tax would cause to small firms and sole traders. Our National Chair Mike Cherry said: “Breaking a manifesto promise by increasing NICs just at the moment when firms are struggling to get back on their feet would be devastating for small businesses and the local communities they serve.

Business rates letter
We wrote to the Government earlier this week to set out our concerns at the way the current business rates system acts as a disincentive to firms wishing to reduce their premises’ carbon footprint, or to install new amenities for staff such as cycle racks, by increasing their rates bill. We also called for more of the smallest businesses to be lifted out of the system altogether, and for childcare providers in England to be exempted from the charge, as is the case in Scotland and Wales. Mike Cherry said: “As we look to aid the small business community’s transition to net zero, and employee safety and wellbeing as we come out from the pandemic, this simply cannot be the right approach to taxation.”

Net zero survey closing *today*
There’s still just time for FSB members to respond to our net zero survey, which closes at midnight today – send in your response here. Thanks to all those who have already responded.

FSB Awards nominations open
We’re celebrating the achievements, successes, and resilience of small businesses and the self-employed across the UK. Why not put your business in the spotlight and show us what you’re made of? Enter for free here!

FSB joins net zero coalition
As part of FSB’s efforts to help members become more sustainable, and encourage government to put measures in place to assist the small business community’s transition to net zero emission status, we’ve joined a new coalition of organisations dedicated to spelling out “in numbers, as well as words, what net zero really means” for businesses on the ground. The Accelerating Net Zero Coalition has been convened by the media group Tortoise ahead of the global COP26 summit in Glasgow this autumn.  

Early filing recommended
Companies House has issued a reminder to businesses which file their accounts at the end of September to use its online services wherever possible, and to “allow plenty of time before your deadline”.

Scotland vaccine passports
The Scottish Government is likely to introduce vaccine passports for large events and nightclubs from later in September. Andrew McRae of FSB Scotland said that small firms were unlikely to welcome the proposals, but that “as opposed to the prospect of stricter restrictions, we believe the business community will accept this change”.

Web analytics and membership webinars
FSB is holding two free webinars next week: Get Started with Analytics with FSB and Google Digital Garage is on Tuesday 7 September, and Maximise Your Membership, to help you get the best out of being part of FSB, is on Thursday 9 September.

Children’s Code from ICO
The Information Commissioner’s Office has published its new age appropriate design code, which contains 15 standards that online services need to follow. ICO says that the ‘children’s code’ will apply to “information society services likely to be accessed by children”, i.e. most for-profit online services such as online marketplaces, apps and games, social media platforms, and any websites offering other goods or services to users over the internet – even if the site, app or platform is not aimed at children.

Commercial vehicles green report
The SMMT has published a report looking at the changes that will need to take place in the area of commercial vehicles in order to meet Government climate and carbon targets. Fuelling The Fleet: CV Report says: “The nature of CV businesses and the resulting unique requirements of CV operators... must be fully understood to ensure that the right solutions are developed that deliver a successful transition to full decarbonisation.”

Get in shape for National Fitness Day
There’s just three weeks to go until National Fitness Day on 22 September. Our guide sets out why taking on a team challenge linked to the day could boost staff wellbeing.

Role models’ importance
FSB and Innovate UK’s research into the importance of business role models found that, while 75% of entrepreneurs grew up with dynamic role models, “78% of female business owners didn’t see role models the same gender as them, and over half (54%) of people from ethnic minorities didn’t have role models the same ethnicity as them”. Mike Cherry said: “As this research suggests, relatable role models have an important part to play in ensuring that the dream of starting a business is shared by young people in every part of the UK and from a fully diverse range of backgrounds.”

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