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SMEs
Companies that are highly exposed to energy prices could face a big hit (John Stillwell/PA)
UK

Nearly a third of smaller companies cannot cover a week of turnover, Bank says

The number of firms with enough cash for a week has reduced since the pandemic, back to more normal levels
Financially squeezed households deposited less money into accounts in May than in April (Anthony Devlin/PA)
UK

Savings squeeze as less money is deposited into accounts in May than in April

One expert said the average savings figures ‘hide a split nation’, with some households turning to debt to settle their bills.
Business

Podcast: Meta’s Steve Hatch on Facebook, the Metaverse and SMEs

The opening of the huge new office, and what that means for London

London

The secret to starting up? Be passionate and think big

Even during a pandemic, new businesses can prosper — provided they have a plan. John Arlidge reports

UK

Consumer credit borrowing grows at fastest annual pace in two years

Some experts suggest defaults could rise later this year as people struggle to service personal loans and credit cards.
UK

Glasgow named best city for a small business to be based

Glasgow scored high on a short average commute as well as the growth of small businesses in recent years.
UK

Bank boss warns inflation pressures may stay until the end of 2023

The Bank of England said there are worries that energy prices may stay high for longer, while wage rises in the UK could become broad-based.
UK

Too many people live in expensive, unsuitable, poor quality homes – report

The Lords Built Environment Committee said action is needed to remove the barriers for housebuilders, particularly for SMEs.
Business

How small businesses can attract staff in the war for talent

With over 1 million job vacancies across the UK, small businesses need to be flexible and sell their company vision in order to attract new staff and grow their business

London

Sustainable practices? Now they’re good business sense

The key to impactful environmental change begins with SMEs, finds John Arlidge

UK

Chancellor urged to use Budget to help Scots facing ‘real cost of living crisis’

Scottish Finance Secretary Kate Forbes wrote to Rishi Sunak ahead of Wednesday’s Budget statement.
UK

Three-year green savings bonds launched by NS&I

Savers aged 16 or over can take out the bonds, which pay a fixed annual rate of 0.65% over a three-year term.
Business

Now’s the time for London’s entrepreneurs to level up

From Brexit to going digital and navigating the post-pandemic world — small businesses have never had more to think about. Our SME XPO is here to help, reports John Arlidge

UK

British businesses deserve better than the Conservatives – Starmer

The Labour leader said the Prime Minister is just promising ‘jam tomorrow’.
UK

Boris Johnson accused of casting businesses as ‘bogeymen’ over shortages

The Education Secretary insisted the Conservatives are still the party of business.
Business

Small businesses thrown under the bus by dividend tax hike

A narrow increase in dividend tax is a cheap political move that will disproportionately hurt small business owners

UK

New services to meet people’s cash needs on way, says FCA boss

Shared branches, cashback and deposit points could become commonplace in some areas, Sheldon Mills said.
Shop London

Shop London: Evening Standard champions small, independent businesses

It’s back! Our week-long event - from April 12 - 18 - to help the indy stores of London get back on their feet

Business

Can I qualify for Rishi Sunak’s “super deduction” Budget tax break?

If you thought the generous new tax break was just for big businesses and not SMEs, think again

Business

BT calls for tax breaks on broadband rollout will fall on deaf ears

Comment: Sorry but there are more deserving calls on the Treasury’s purse