Archive for November, 2012
Posted by lesley on November 30, 2012
Small business owners in the UK are less likely to take risks than the rest of the population, according to a study by AXA Business Insurance and the Association of Business Psychologists (ABP). The report found thatover 20% of people who took part in the survey were wary and anxious about risk, while more than 15% were prudent and cautious about new ventures. However, it also revealed that business owners who are organised, calm and methodical tend to have greater financial resources.
There is more on the survey at:
http://newsroom.axa.co.uk/media-releases/2012/
entrepreneurs-lack-intrinsic-appetite-for-risk-and-adventure-(1)/
Posted by lesley on November 20, 2012
Staff hiring forecasts of small firms in the private sector rose by 7% between Q2 and Q3 of 2012, according to research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). The report also found that 21% of employers plan to grow the number of temporary workers over the next 12 months, identifying an uncertain economic outlook and a desire to reduce short-term costs as reasons for their plans. Gerwyn Davies, labour market adviser at the CIPD, said: “The sustainability of the recovery, supported by growing consumer confidence, may well depend on the extent to which firms are able to convert these part-time and temporary jobs into more full-time and permanent roles”.
Read more on the report at:
http://www.cipd.co.uk/pressoffice/press-releases/
employment-outlook-remains-positive-rest-year-121112.aspx
Posted by lesley on November 16, 2012
Smaller firms set to increase capital spending
Small and medium-sized firms in the UK are set to invest over £45 billion on upgrading equipment and increasing efficiency according to a survey by GE Capital. This represents a 23% increase on investment plans set out in a previous survey in the first quarter of 2012. The survey also claimed that losses made by UK firms due to out-of-date or inefficient equipment were significantly higher than in other European countries. John Jenkins, chief executive of GE Capital UK, said: “After a period of under-investment brought on by broader economic uncertainty, it’s good to see UK businesses once again looking to increase investment in capital expenditure and creating new jobs.”
Read more on the survey at:
http://www.genewscenter.com/content/detailEmail.aspx?NewsArea
ID=2&ReleaseID=15408&AddPreview=False&ClientID=-1&PreviewId
Posted by lesley on November 13, 2012
Health and Safety has always been a problem for small businesses as it can be costly and time consuming keeping up with all legislation, but the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched an online ‘Health and Safety Toolbox’ as part of a package of new guidance aimed at small businesses who are seen to be low risk. The Toolbox will make it faster and simpler for small firms to find relevant information that applies to their industry, so they can manage health and safety issues themselves, without the need for health and safety consultants and without the burden of large bills to pay for their services. Employment minister Mark Hoban said: “Small and low risk businesses should be focusing their time on growing and becoming a success not having to waste precious time and money on unnecessary bureaucracy.”
For further information go to:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/hse-toolbox.htm
Posted by lesley on November 12, 2012
Many thanks to all who visited our Stand at the Dacorum Look No Further Showcase Event at Shendish Manor on Friday 9th November.
We are pleased to announce the winner of our ” Guess how many sweets in the jar” competition was Tanya Diggory, proprietor of United Grooves. The actual amount was 235 and Tanya made the nearest guess at 234. Well done Tanya!
Posted by lesley on November 9, 2012
Find out more about Business in Dacorum.
Come and meet our Dacorum Business Community at this exciting Showcase event taking place at Shendish Manor Hotel in Apsley from 1pm to 7.30 on Friday 9th November.
- See what great businesses there are in Dacorum
- Experience the buzz of the world of business
- Discover what apprenticeship schemes available
- Hear about regeneration plans for the area
- Find out about the Dacorum; Look No Further campaign
Attendance at the event is free with entry to a Showcase Buffet
hosted by Mike Penning MP, available at £10.00 per head.
