The average Brit estimates that starting a business costs around £34,000, according to research earlier this year from American Express and think tank, The Entrepreneurs Network. In reality, it’s much less than that – a separate study estimates it only requires, on average, £5,000 to get a business off the ground. This difference – nearly a 600% overestimation – reveals a gap in public knowledge which is potentially a reason holding back would-be entrepreneurs from taking the leap to set up on their own. Addressing and dispelling this myth is not only key to encouraging more people to start their…
Author: Greg Robinson
The Government’s introduction of the “Make Work Pay” bill has drawn sharp criticism from small businesses and employment law experts. The bill, which includes 28 new measures aimed at reforming employment rights, is being viewed as rushed and poorly planned. Concerns are being raised about its potential to impact employment rates, job creation, and economic growth. A “Rushed Job” That Threatens Small Businesses Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), has been one of the most outspoken critics of the bill. She called it a “rushed job, clumsy, chaotic, and poorly planned,” highlighting how the introduction…
Startups are as vital as ever to the UK’s economy, with over 890,000 new companies registered at Companies House during 2024. Richard Gould, Director of Small Business Solutions at Howden Employee Benefits provides some insight into which benefits help build growth for start businesses Whether those businesses are a side project at a kitchen table or competing with multinationals on a global basis, all will recognise the importance of having a talented, productive workforce that enables their business to grow for the future. Over 100 decision-makers in UK startups shared the challenges they are facing, and how their employee benefits are…
MarinaTex, a pioneer in developing marine-derived biomaterials as alternatives to problematic single-use plastics, is delighted to announce the appointment of Craig Sterling as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Craig, a highly experienced entrepreneur and business leader, will spearhead the multi award-winning company through its next phase of development, with a remit to raise investment, drive revenue, build a high-performing team and establish the company’s base and market presence in Scotland. Craig joins with over three decades experience of navigating companies through crucial stages of growth, from inception to series B funding or acquisition. A dedicated advocate for marine conservation, having been…
According to the latest research by *Europcar Vans & Trucks, ahead of Fleet & Mobility Live, more than half of current non-electric van drivers said they have plans to switch. However, there are still some significant barriers to making the switch. Van drivers for work were surveyed to discover what would help them make the switch: 52% said they have plans to switch 38% said they could be persuaded to switch to electric if purchase costs were lower Better battery range to accommodate vehicle payload would help 31% make the switch Not surprising, the main hurdle standing in the way…
Mike Hallam, CEO at Egg energy, says the changes due to com into force April 2025 will be a severe hit to the cost of living and accessibility of EVs. Calls have already come for the Labour government to abolish the tax for battery-powered vehicles, but Mike also believes there is a role for businesses across the EV and cleaner energy ecosystem to help the move to cleaner energy and transport solutions. Vehicle excise duty (VED) is a tax on every vehicle driven or kept on public roads in the UK. It is collected by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing…
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is calling on the Chancellor to deliver a decisively pro-small business Budget, saying SMEs are “sick of stagnation.” The UK’s largest small business group says the , on 30 October, will be the Chancellor’s “first and best chance” to secure sustainable, long-term economic growth. It calls for specific measures to ease employment costs, remove barriers to access finance for investment, and lift more small firms out of the burden of business rates. FSB is also urging the Chancellor to resist pressure to introduce anti-enterprise tax rises, as new official figures highlight the urgent need…
In this step-by-step guide, Kath Lord-Green, aka Your Fairy Podmother® takes you from Planning to Launch. Podcasting is a powerful tool for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK. It offers a unique way to engage with audiences, build brand loyalty, and establish authority in your industry. This guide will take you through the essential steps from planning to launching a successful podcast, ensuring you can tap into this growing trend effectively. Step 1 Define Your Goals and Audience Before diving into podcasting, it’s crucial to understand why you want to start a podcast and who you’re targeting. Set…
Entrepreneur Chris Maslin, founder of Go EO, has launched the Go EO Staff Survey – a completely free employee engagement tool designed to help small businesses gain valuable insights into their workplace dynamics. Chris Maslin, a seasoned entrepreneur based in Kent is known for building successful service-based businesses, started his own accountancy firm, Maslins, in 2009. After transitioning Maslins to an employee ownership trust in 2021, Chris found the process so rewarding that he established Go EO to assist other business owners in making similar transitions at a more affordable cost. The idea for the Go EO Staff Survey emerged…
The Business Show London , takes place on the 13th & 14th of November 2024. Celebrating 50 editions of entrepreneurialism, small businesses, and innovation, the show is going to deliver a spectacular event for both visitors and exhibitors. In looking back at the history of The Business Show and its incorporation in 2000, the organisation started as a magazine which was then competing with the introduction and increasing popularity of the internet. The team then switched industries and moved into the events sector hoping to support UK businesses and entrepreneurs, allowing them to tap into a resource to help them…