Government to support umbrella contractors with new schemes?
So you’re probably still reeling from the ‘help’ the Government tried to provide with its older, more useless schemes, but there’s more aid on the horizon.
SMEs
Government seeks to drive business start-up growth
The Government has launched a new scheme designed to cut red tape holding back business start-ups by speeding up the patent process.
Will relaxed regulations lead to greater use of contractors?
Things may be looking up for freelancers and umbrella company contractors, as plans to relax certain regulations may make it easier to use contract workers.
SMEs need more funds to encourage growth, TUC says
If small and medium sized businesses are expected to expand, grow, and aid in economic recovery efforts by using more contract workers, they’ll need more money.
Small businesses might benefit from GrowthAccelerator
The government recently launched the GrowthAccelerator scheme to help as many as 26,000 of the country’s brightest small businesses.
Security software market continues to grow
Every cloud has a silver lining so they say, and for IT contractors that cloud could come in the form of data security issues and the software necessary to solve them.
Will the National Loan Guarantee Scheme help contractors?
The National Loan Guarantee Scheme may be just the thing to help small businesses access cheaper finance and create more opportunities for umbrella company contractors.
25% of SMEs expect to fold within 3 years
SMEs are becoming increasingly pessimistic about their long-term future, according to a recent report by an associate professor of enterprise from Warwick Business School.
Contractors still don’t get fair share of government work
Umbrella company contractors who had been hoping to benefit from more government contracts are disappointed that major corporations are still getting the bulk of the work.
Government urged to re-introduce small grants for SMEs
An extensive study spanning the last two decades has discovered that small companies in deprived areas that receive a grant of at least £5,000 are more likely to create new jobs than their larger counterparts.
Are umbrella company contractors benefiting from the cloud?
Contractors may be among those to benefit from additional opportunities as more businesses in the UK take to the cloud.
Are more opportunities on the cards for HR and IT contractors?
Umbrella contractors working in HR and IT could see a growth in opportunities this year.
SMEs have excellent opportunities for umbrella company contractors
Umbrella company contractors are more likely to find opportunities with small businesses, according to the results of a recent survey.
Are British banks telling the full story about SME lending?
The UK’s banks claim they are will meet their Project Merlin lending targets for this year but small businesses, including some umbrella companies, are disputing the claim saying it is becoming harder and costing more to get a loan.
FPB wants to Get Britain Trading in 2012
The eyes of the world will be on the UK this year and umbrella company contractors have a role to play in promoting the contribution small businesses make to the country’s economy.
Changes to employment law could lead to hire and fire culture
There are concerns that small businesses will adopt a ‘hire and fire’ culture if proposed reforms to employment laws go ahead.