News

September 28, 2012

Also in the news this week — 28 September 2012

New app for small businesses launched by Hiscox

Hiscox Informed is a new social magazine app that provides small business owners with access to expert opinions and advice on all aspects of running a business. The app is free to download for iPhone, iPad and android tablet devices. It has been designed by small business insurer Hiscox and tech start-up Better Than Paper. With content from Start Up Donut, as well as information and tips from business leaders and entrepreneurs, the app provides up-to-the-minute small business news. Hiscox Informed also allows users to bookmark their favourite articles and share content on their social networks.

Video conferencing on the rise

Almost half of all small businesses in the UK will be using video conferencing by 2015 according to new research from Brother. The findings show that 29% of UK SMEs currently use video conferencing and this is predicted to grow to 49% by 2015 and 63% by 2017. Reducing travel costs is seen as the key benefit by those already using this technology. The growth of the mobile workforce is another key factor — 46% of UK SMEs already have more than half of their staff working remotely, and 40% expect the number of remote workers to increase in the next two to three years.

High charges introduced for health and safety contraventions

Just as the Government announces its commitment to reduce red tape for businesses, especially in health and safety, we get news that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has confirmed that its cost recovery scheme, Fee for Intervention (FFI), will start on 1 October 2012. FFI aims to recover costs from those who break health and safety laws — to cover time spent investigating, writing reports and taking enforcement action — with charges of £124 per hour. Chris Hall, managing partner of Lighthouse Risk Services says, "Businesses will have no way of knowing what the final bill will come to until the very end of the case. What's more, there appears to be no room for discussion or negotiations until this stage either, as the first time that a business can raise an objection is when they receive the invoice for the investigation."

Small firms lead the way in job creation

A new report, launched by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), shows that each year SMEs take on around 1.3 million unemployed and disadvantaged people. In contrast, large firms with more than 250 employees hire less than 130,000 on average. Back to work: the role of small businesses in employment and enterprise reveals that 88% of unemployed people that are actively looking for work will find a job in, or start up, a small business. John Walker, FSB national chairman, said:

"Small firms play a unique role in providing the way to employment, especially for disadvantaged groups. They have also shown resilience in the face of recession — still taking on some 1.3 million unemployed people per year. While not all of these will be new jobs, this is nevertheless evidence of the crucial role small firms are playing in our economic recovery."

SMEs are missing out on energy savings

Business electricity users are missing out on crucial savings, according to a new survey. The study of workplace habits by energy supplier E.ON found that only 28% of respondents regularly thought about energy efficiency at work, compared to 55% when at home. Julian Morgan, managing director of the Energy Advice Line, said, "Organisations that wouldn't dream of wasting resources like stationery or equipment are simply throwing money away by wasting energy. Moreover, many are also failing to ensure that they pay the most competitive rates for the energy that they do use."

HMRC offers email help for small firms

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched an email advice service for small businesses. The service is aimed at people who are new to business, either setting up or expanding. Once a customer signs up, the business will receive a series of emails signposting a range of help. The advice available includes videos, interactive tools, factsheets and online presentations or webinars. Colin Ford, HMRC's head of SME education design, said: "At a time when businesses need all the help they can get, HMRC is keen to do everything possible to ensure SMEs have the information they need to make their tax affairs as smooth as possible." Businesses can sign up here.