News

March 04, 2016

Also in the news this week - 4 March 2016

Companies House to be 100% digital by 2019

Over 80% of companies already file their documents digitally with Companies House. Now the organisation is aiming to be 100% digital by 2018/19. It hopes to persuade more people of the benefits of online filing. It says the fees associated with some documents are lower when filing online compared to paper - an Annual Return costs £13 when filed online for example, but £40 when filed by paper. You can register for online filing on the Companies House website.

UK export growth slows in face of global headwinds

UK export growth continued to slow at the end of 2015, according to a report from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and DHL. Among manufacturers, the balance of firms reporting improvements in export sales over the previous three months fell from +10% in Q3 to just +1%, the lowest level since Q3 2009. The biggest declines in export volumes were in the Midlands and the North West. John Longworth, BCC director general, said: "While the rate of growth has dropped significantly, exports are continuing to grow - a testament to British businesses, particularly in the face of such global uncertainty."

Boosting start-ups in deprived areas

Entrepreneur Baroness Michelle Mone has unveiled the findings of her independent review to help increase business start-ups in disadvantaged communities. Mone has made several key recommendations to the Government including improving access to start-up loans, strengthening the quality of New Enterprise Allowance support and encouraging more self-employed people to become mentors. Mone said: "This report is only the beginning. I will continue to work in a personal capacity with high street banks to create a nationwide network of bank-funded enterprise hubs and support more people to become self-employed."

Hitting the apprenticeship target

Most potential apprentices have no idea where to turn to for advice before embarking on an apprenticeship career path according to a new survey. A study by Positive Outcomes found that 63% of young people didn't know of any organisations that could help them find an apprenticeship other than advisers at school. Ryan Longmate, joint managing director of Positive Outcomes, said: "This is a worrying statistic. With the Government looking to create three million apprenticeships by 2020, it's essential that young people know where to turn."