Brexit

Finally, a government addressing the business rates fiasco

Regardless of your political colours, small businesses up and down the land will be pleased to hear of at least one policy which looks set to survive the transition from manifesto wish lists to actual policy and legislation, and that is a business rates overhaul. The prime minister, Boris Johnson, yesterday…

Read More »

The latest business data is bad news, but the reasons given spell a good omen

This morning there was some bad news for business, but which definitely comes with a silver lining. So, the bad news first: the ‘Flash UK Composite Output Index’ from data firm, Markit, which tracks private sector business activity, found that it shrunk during the month of December. It has dropped…

Read More »

The election is over – time for the Tories to deliver for small businesses

It now looks as though political stasis and all the damage that does to business will be lifted in 2020. Boris Johnson’s victory in the election is the Tories’ strongest since the Thatcher era, and gives him great scope to implement bold policies. At this juncture it’s worth taking a look…

Read More »

Businesses are sitting on £115bn and waiting to splurge

Goldman Sachs thinks money will pour into UK stocks and shares after this election, but it’s at least partly because they suspect a Tory victory. Regardless of which side of the Brexit divide you are on, there is one thing that’s for certain: business has been extremely cautious about the…

Read More »

The Lib Dems want to abolish business rates, but don’t hold your breath

Over the weekend the leader of the Lib Dems, Jo Swinson, visited Hertforshire to discuss her party’s approach to SMEs. The timing was important: it was Small Business Saturday, an idea imported from the United States, the purpose of which is to promote buying local, and to draw attention to the…

Read More »

BVA praises ‘strong and supportive’ NI vets ahead of Brexit

President of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), Daniella Dos Santos, has praised the “vital” work of vets in Northern Ireland. In its address to key representatives from animal health and welfare organisations and veterinary professionals, the BVA said it was “particularly concerned” about how a no-deal Brexit could impact NI…

Read More »

Conservatives pledge business rates review

The Conservative Party has pledged a business rates review which aims to “reduce the burden” on UK businesses, as part of its election campaign. It said business rates are one of the “top concerns” of British businesses, and added that a Conservative majority Government will launch a “fundamental review” at…

Read More »

Ongoing Brexit uncertainty hits pet food manufacturers 

A survey of UK pet food manufacturers by the trade body for the sector, the PFMA, has revealed that the last three and a half years of uncertainty and no-deal planning has damaged businesses. Furthermore, it said urgent practical advice is needed to help smooth the bumps ahead as the…

Read More »

BVA welcomes animal sentience legislation proposals in Queen’s Speech

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed proposals set out in the Queen’s Speech that would see animal sentience finally being embedded in UK legislation. The government has pledged that the principle will come into law as part of a package of measures on key animal health and welfare issues.…

Read More »

BRC ‘disappointed’ with business rates relief in Queen’s speech

The British Retail Consortium has responded to the Queen’s speech, praising its approach to crime and sustainability but was “surprised and disappointed” at its approach to business rates. Commenting on the speech, which tackled issues such as immigration, crime, business rates and brexit, The BRC said: “The Government should implement…

Read More »