Press Releases
Press Release
English councils praised by lobby group for paying small firms on time
Analysis of payment practices amongst English councils has concluded that local authorities have continued to pay their suppliers promptly through the recession, although there was a high degree of variation between the fastest and slowest payers. Analysis of almost 300 FOI responses has concluded...
Press Release
Forum welcomes new rules on bank transparency but pushes for more focus on late payment
The Forum welcomes the recommendations from the CMA on small business banking, particularly giving small firms access to Midata, which should save them time in applying for finance and understanding their creditworthiness. They also welcome the focus on helping businesses see clear and transparent comparisons...
Press Release
Annual business population statistics show SMEs created 400,000 new jobs as well as highlighting the barriers to employment
The Forum welcomed the announcement today that there are now 5.4 million businesses in the UK but is still concerned about the high proportion of businesses that do not employ. An analysis of the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics indicates that it does not necessarily pay for the...
Press Release
Small business lobby group responds to the speech from the Chancellor at the Conservative Conference
The Forum gave a cautious welcome to the Chancellor’s announcement in greater devolution of business rates but was more encouraged by the infrastructure commission. The idea of greater local devolution of business rates is a key element that Forum members have highlighted as the level of taxation...
Press Release
Three changes this week may indirectly affect businesses more than they realise claims the Forum
Today sees the introduction of two much-needed reforms to the Consumer Rights Act and the insolvency process that should encourage trade after short-term disruption. The ruling by the EU on whether the US is a ‘safe harbour’ for UK data is however a different matter. The Forum believes the changes...
Press Release
Forum welcomes the Enterprise Bills
The Forum today welcomed the Enterprise Bill, praising the bill for its symbolism and ambition in looking to make the UK the best place to start and grow a business. The bill tackles two of the major issues for small firms – regulation and cash-flow issues. These are seen as significant obstacles...
Press Release
Rugby World Cup tips for small business employers from leading UK compliance consultancy
With the Rugby World Cup starting on 18th September 2015 and lasting until late October, do employers need to keep an eye out for staff absences caused by sporting events? Find out what you can do to encourage employees to enjoy the celebrations without disrupting your business. "As an ex player...
Press Release
Forum research suggests business costs rising 5.7% ahead of inflation
Business costs have continued to rise during 2015, with staff costs still the most commonly seen increase among small businesses, according to the latest research from national business group, the Forum of Private Business. The Forum's latest Cost of Doing Business survey, carried out among...
Press Release
Forum of Private business lobbies Parliament ahead of key debates on productivity
The Forum believes the evidence now shows that next week's productivity debates should be a time for introspection. The economic review released today by the Office of National Statistics not only shows a tenth successive quarter of growth, it highlights a number of issues that impede small firms...
Press Release
Forum of Private Business (and the general public) call for the Government to give the new Small Business Commissioner teeth
As the consultation period for the recently announced Small Business Commissioner role closes, the Forum of Private Business highlights that 76% of the adult population believe the Government should penalise big businesses who act unfairly towards small firms, and calls on the Government to give the...