Thousands of small businesses to benefit from new government buying rules, boosting local jobs, growth and innovation

14th February 2025

Thousands of small businesses across the country will have more opportunities to win valuable contracts with public sector organisations, kickstarting local economic growth and innovation. Thousands of small businesses across the country will have more opportunities to win valuable contracts with public sector organisations, kickstarting local economic growth and...

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Essex drivers to see faster car journeys, as Government approves Fairglen Interchange upgrades

12th February 2025

Drivers in Essex will see faster journeys, as the Government gives £15m for A127/A130 Fairglen Interchange upgrades. As well as shorter car journeys, the upgrades will see improved safety, with the road currently seeing a higher than average number of collisions due to incorrect lane use. The scheme will...

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10,000 more apprentices as Government slashes red tape to boost growth

11th February 2025

Shorter and flexible apprenticeships and new English and maths requirements to boost skills and support employers.  Up to 10,000 more apprentices will be able to qualify per year as the government cuts red tape to boost economic growth by giving employers more flexibility over maths and English requirements. Rules...

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Skills for growth top agenda for business leaders and government

17th December 2024

Education Secretary and Business Secretary host call with business leaders from a range of key sectors to outline how the Plan for Change will deliver for them. The government will enlist the help of business to help it develop skills opportunities to meet the government’s mission to kickstart economic...

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Britain is open for business: Chancellor visits North America in investment drive

08th August 2024

Rachel Reeves to bang the drum for Britain in visit to New York City and Toronto this week. Chancellor Rachel Reeves on 5 August set off on a visit to New York and Toronto with the message that Britain is open for business. She will meet with CEOs and...

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Warning of false claims on deadlines to appeal the 2023 business rates list

18th June 2024

Be aware of false claims about deadlines to appeal the 2023 list for business rates. The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is aware of false claims that the deadline for appeals to the 2023 rating lists is 30 June. This is not true. You should be wary of anyone making...

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Boost for small business as VAT threshold raised and rates frozen

02nd April 2024

Boost for small business as VAT threshold raised and rates frozen. On Monday 1 April 2024 small businesses received a boost as the VAT registration threshold is raised from £85,000 to £90,000, and £4.3 billion of business rates relief comes into force. Recognising the inflationary pressures facing small businesses,...

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British businesses to benefit as UK launches new trade talks with Türkiye

15th March 2024

The UK has launched talks with Türkiye on a new, modernised trade deal. The UK launches talks with Türkiye on a new, modernised trade deal targeting the services sector set to benefit businesses across the country. There are huge opportunities as Türkiye has one of the fastest growing economies...

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New Occupational Health Taskforce to tackle in-work sickness and drive down inactivity

22nd February 2024

Businesses will be urged to tackle in-work sickness and stop people falling out the workforce, following the appointment of Dame Carol Black as the Government’s new Occupational Health Tsar. Dame Carol, who has decades of experience in medicine and policy advisory while having chaired multiple government reviews, will head...

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New expert will champion small businesses across Government

20th February 2024

Shirley Cooper OBE has been appointed as the new Crown Representative for small businesses. An experienced entrepreneur has taken up a key role to promote the needs of small businesses to government and ensure suppliers seize the benefits of the Procurement Act. Shirley Cooper OBE, former chair and president...

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