Business and Other Briefings
BIS: The Government has welcomed the publication of Chris Rowlands’ independent review into the availability of growth capital to SMEs. Welcoming the report, PM Gordon Brown announced the Government’s intention to develop a proposal for a new growth fund to provide finance for companies looking to invest & grow.
The Rowlands’ Growth Capital Review concludes that a permanent gap exists for businesses looking for between £2m - £10m in growth capital and that neither banks nor equity investors are likely to fill this gap in the near future. It adds that the potential for increased demand for this type of financing in a recovering economy should provide a strong rationale for Government intervention to address this market failure.
LBRO: The Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO), which has strongly argued the case for business regarding the VAT rate reversion in the New Year, welcomes the move by BIS to amend the Price Marking Order.
If adopted, it will give retailers 28 days (instead of 14) to update price tickets following the change on 1 January 2010 and the extended period will significantly reduce the burden on them during their busiest trading period of the year.
If adopted, it will give retailers 28 days (instead of 14) to update price tickets following the change on 1 January 2010 and the extended period will significantly reduce the burden on them during their busiest trading period of the year.
Press release ~ Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO) ~ Price Marking Order 2004 - Consultation (closed) on proposal to amend the provisions concerning a change to the VAT rate
HO: From 14 December 2009, the resident labour market test for Tier 2 of the points-based system will be extended to 4 weeks for all jobs, the Government has announced. This will replace the current requirement to advertise jobs for 2 weeks, or 1 week for jobs where the salary is £40,000 or more. This change was proposed by the independent Migration Advisory Committee in their Tier 2 report which was published on 19 August 2009.
This change will apply to advertising campaigns that start on or after 14 December 2009. Employers that have already run advertisements will not need to re-advertise to meet the new requirement. Updated guidance for Tier 2 sponsors will be published on the HO website on 14 December. The other changes to Tier 2 recommended by the MAC will be implemented in spring 2010.
HSE: Kent Fire & Rescue Service have joined forces with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) & partners to help business benefit from a new & innovative support programme. Demand from small business in the South East prompted the creation of a new scheme, Estates Excellence, which addresses the health & safety needs of organisations on industrial estates in the Kent area – See ‘Guidance Notes and Best Practice Guides’ section for more information.
.png)
