Business News & Updates

News & Updates for Business

This section is designed to keep you up to date with key headline business news stories and legislation updates.  Please click on any of the links within the text to take you to further in-depth information.

Kent 2020: This year's event, the biggest business to business exhibition of its' kind in the county takes place on Thursday 22nd April at the Kent Showground, Detling. Admission is free.  Let us know if you're going to visit the show and would like to get together for a chat over a cup of coffee!

Fairer Bank Finance Deal for Small Businesses: The Department for Business has set up a task force including Enterprise Champion Sir Alan Sugar to ensure small companies are treated fairly and properly when accessing bank finance. Read more details on the COI Website.

Changes to Sickness Certificates: From 6th April Doctors will now have a choice of either deciding your employees are 'not fit to work' or 'may be fit to return to work' subject to appropriate support being available to them.  Ultimately you still have a choice but there are many factors to take into account.  Download detailed guidance for employers.

Fantastic Sponsorship Opportunity:  The Heart of Kent Hospice are offering businesses the chance to sponsor their up-coming Bluebell Walk which takes place on Sunday 2^nd May 2010. There will be over 1200 walkers for this well established sponsored event which event raises over £50K each year and is marketed at families to take part. The Hospice are seeking sponsors to help them cover costs and ensure all income raised goes direct to patient care. For just £350 the sponsor’s logo will go onto 5000 leaflets, banners produced for the day and any new signs put up for the walk. They will also promote sponsors on their website with a direct link back to the sponsors site. PR coverage for the event is extensive as it is often filmed and appears in all local press so if any business is looking to heighten their profile, that can be achieved with this event whilst supporting a worthy cause. For further information please call Caroline Brinkman at the Heart of Kent Hospice on 01622 790195

Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme Extended. The EFG is aimed at businesses with an annual turnover of less that £25m. It aims to support viable businesses with little or no security available to secure working capital in the form of bank loans. Further details available this and other finance support schemes are available on the BIS Website

Time to Train. From 6th April 2010 employees of businesses with more than 250 employees will be eligible to seek unpaid time away from work to undertake training that they feel will be of benefit to them and/or their employer. You can view details of the scheme at BIS Time to Train New Right to Request

Pension Changes on the way will affect ALL employers from 2014 - read more here

Last Updated on Wednesday, 07 April 2010 21:22