Government Announcements
New commissioner to help SMEs tackle late payment
A new Small Business Commissioner will assist SMEs in resolving disputes with large businesses under draft government proposals.
Read more »Government outlines productivity plans
A comprehensive plan to improve the productivity of UK businesses has been published by the Treasury.
Read more »Tax on large firms to fund apprenticeships
A new tax will be levied on large companies to help deliver the government's target of 3 million new apprenticeships by 2020, the Chancellor announced during the summer Budget statement.
Read more »HMRC relaxes PAYE late filing penalties
HMRC will begin relaxing automatic late filing penalties for people who send PAYE information late, officials have indicated.
Read more »Apprenticeships to be given legal protection
The government has kicked off its plans to create 3 million new apprenticeships by granting the term legal protection, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has announced.
Read more »Free childcare plans brought forward
Government plans to extend free childcare provisions for working families have been brought forward to 2016.
Read more »Small Business Act becomes law
A range of measures aimed at supporting the UK's small business sector have become law as the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act gained royal assent.
Read more »National minimum wage to rise to £6.70
The national minimum wage for adults will increase by 20p to £6.70 on 1 October 2015, the government has announced.
Read more »Chancellor shakes up annuity market
Annuity holders will be able to sell their retirement income without incurring a 55% tax charge under plans announced by the Chancellor George Osborne.
Read more »SMEs in profit at 2007 levels
The number of SMEs making a profit has returned to pre-financial crisis levels in the last 12 months, according to research by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
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