Community Ownership Fund: Could it help save your local pub?

Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s announcement of a £150million Community Ownership Fund was a largely unexpected one.  It means communities have been given a financial lifeline to protect their favourite local pub or sports ground from being sold for housing or going bust.  He said: ‘Whilst local assets around the UK have been at risk of vanishing … Read more

Female founders share business inspiration on International Women’s Day

One in five women are considering starting their own business this year, according to new research from support network Small Business Britain. Despite the coronavirus pandemic having severely damaged some long-standing businesses, and led many to lose their jobs or a large part of their income, budding entrepreneurs are looking to make the most of … Read more

New cohort of self-employed are now eligible for SEISS but millions still remain excluded 

Newly self-employed people will be breathing a sigh of relief today as the Chancellor confirmed that those who traded between and have completed a tax return for 2020 to 2021 are eligible for Covid subsidies.  The group, which includes more than 600,000 people who went self-employed last year, was unable to access the first three … Read more

New cohort of self-employed are now eligible for SEISS but millions still remain excluded 

Newly self-employed people will be breathing a sigh of relief today as the Chancellor confirmed that those who traded between and have completed a tax return for 2020 to 2021 are eligible for Covid subsidies.  The group, which includes more than 600,000 people who went self-employed last year, was unable to access the first three … Read more

What’s on the small business Budget wish list and what’s likely to happen?

Millions of Britain’s small and medium-sized businesses are awaiting the Budget with anticipation as any announcement could mean help or a serious struggle for survival. Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s ‘Roadmap to Recovery’ revealed last week will have raised hopes as tentative dates for slowly reopening the economy were given. However, it is Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s … Read more

Events industry urges Rishi Sunak to help it ‘avoid collapse’ as 93% of workers see income plummet

The live events industry has launched a hard-hitting campaign highlighting the turmoil its workers are going through,  and urging the Government to act now and safeguard the sector’s future. The campaign, ‘The Government Can’t See Us, Can You?’ or #GovCantSeeUs, shows the devastation the coronavirus pandemic has wrought on the live events supply chain.  Professionals … Read more

Two thirds of small British firms expect to grow their business in 2021

Many small and medium British businesses are becoming more confident about the near future despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, a new survey suggests.   After a dreadful 2020, two thirds of UK businesses have said they are optimistic about their prospects of growth in 2021, with younger business owners the most upbeat about … Read more

Kipferl owner: We tackled lockdown but now stock is stuck at customs

At a time when everything seems out of our control, it’s the little things like home comforts and our favourite foods that keep us going.  Austrian patisserie Kipferl, based in Islington, London, has been a favourite spot for locals and visitors for more than a decade. It’s known for its authentic food and wine, directly … Read more