Business start-up numbers have fallen significantly in the last five years, according to Lloyds Bank analysis – 19% fewer new businesses were launched in the UK in November 2016 compared to November 2011. Regionally, the data from BankSearch shows that Wales has seen the largest decline in start-ups, falling by over a quarter (26%). England…
Businesses in England should soon benefit from a quicker and more efficient service for their business rates issues with the launch of a new “check, challenge, appeal” process that should see genuine disputes settled more quickly. The Government is launching the online process in April 2017 after which businesses will be offered a three-stage process:…
April saw business activity growth slow across England and Wales, according to the latest Lloyds Bank Regional Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI). Employment rose only slightly, signalling caution among businesses, while cost pressures picked up amid the introduction of the National Living Wage and higher fuel prices. The index measuring business activity across England’s private sector…