There has never been a better time for charities to embrace a generation of school-aged volunteers, so why do so many young people and children find it so hard to locate meaningful volunteering opportunities?
The Association of Golf Course Owners (AGCO) is set to take legal proceedings against the UK Government in relation to VAT in golf.
Recently George Osborne announced his plans for the coalition’s new Help to Work scheme to get people who have been unemployed for three years or more back into work.
The Association of Labour Providers (ALP) and the British Growers Association (BGA) have formed an alliance to improve labour supply to UK horticulture.
Research from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has found that half (49%) of small businesses with employees on the National Minimum Wage have either increased wages in the last 12 months or are considering raising pay. The data shows less than a quarter (23%) of small firms have any staff on minimum wage, down from 27 per cent in 2012.
Confidence among small and medium-sized businesses stands at its highest level for three years, says the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The Federation’s Confidence Index, which measures responses from 2,000 owner managers on a quarterly basis, found that four in ten had experienced increased revenues during the previous three months, and that confidence was improving in almost all sectors across the UK.
In a move to encourage entrepreneurial activity and enhance its reputation among SMEs, the Conservative Party has launched a campaign to find the best small firms and entrepreneurs in the UK. Anyone can nominate their favourite local company, whether it’s a florist, grocery store, restaurant or marketing agency! Just head to Your Favourite Smal Business to complete the form and nominate your favourite local business.
Small businesses are taking on more staff compared with last quarter according to the Federation of Small Businesses. The Voice of Small Business Index found that 15 per cent have increased their staff numbers in the third quarter of 2013. This is the highest figure reported since the Index began in 2010 and mirrors recent improvement in labour market figures.
The Regional Growth Fund, a £3.2bn fund operating across England, is due to accept applications from SMEs for the next round of funding. The fifth round – which will focus entirely on private enterprise proposals – is due to open in October, and will close on 9th December 2013.
The UK’s manufacturing industry continued to grow in August 2013 as output and new orders in the sector rose at the fastest rate since 1994. August was the country’s fifth consecutive month of expansion, according to the Markit/CIPS Purchase Managing Index.