Water bills for small businesses could rise by more than a quarter
FSB said that small firms should not have to pay for the historic errors of water companies as regulator Ofwat confirmed in a letter to FSB that costs could rise by more than a quarter in the next five years, as reported in the Financial Times and the Guardian. Commenting on the projected rise of 27 per cent for small firms, FSB’s policy chair, Tina McKenzie, said: “Historic errors in management, decision-making and performance targets by water companies are now being shunted on to small business and domestic household bills, at a time when the costs of doing business are already high. While investment and reform are absolutely critical to creating a good water and wastewater system, there needs to be a better balance struck between how the necessary funds are raised, so unavoidable bills – like water – are affordable and the system works as it should.”
Drop in number of small businesses demands growth measures
The UK lost 56,000 businesses between the start of 2023 and the start of 2024, according to the latest business population statistics from the Department for Business and Trade. In response, FSB said the Government must introduce the right policy framework in the forthcoming budget to grow the number of small businesses back to six million. Policy Chair Tina McKenzie told The Times: “There are now well over half a million missing small business owners. That’s half a million wealth creation units missing, which means local jobs and local enterprise are also missing.”
New tipping law comes into effect
The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act came into effect across England, Scotland, and Wales on 1 October, aimed at improving the fairness and transparency of the allocation of tips from customers to staff. The act only applies to businesses where tipping by customers is a regular practice, such as restaurants and hairdressers. Relevant employers now need to comply with the new code of practice. More information on how the Act will impact businesses is available on the FSB Legal website.
FSB puts forward small firms’ priorities at Conservative Party Conference
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) attended the Conservative Party Conference, in Birmingham, to represent small firms’ priorities to the official Opposition. FSB’s policy chair, Tina McKenzie, gave a speech at The Enterprise Forum Business Reception, alongside Shadow Chancellor Jeremy Hunt.
Small Business Index Q3 survey now live
FSB’s Small Business Index (SBI) survey for the third quarter of 2024 is now open. The SBI acts as a vital temperature check for the small business community across the UK, and the results form the basis for a range of policy recommendations in a number of important areas for SMEs, helping to make the case for change to the Government and other decision-makers. The survey only takes a few minutes and is open to all small business owners until 14 October.
New employment legislation: What SMEs need to know
New employment legislation is coming into effect and FSB is offering a free, live Employment Law Changes webinar for its small business members with FSB’s chief of external affairs, Craig Beaumont, and head of policy research, Emelia Quist. The session aims to equip SME employers with knowledge about these changes and how they should prepare for them. Topics will include unfair dismissal claims, statutory leave and the ending of zero-hours contracts.
Unlocking public procurement for small businesses: Scotland's business minister meets with FSB
Scotland’s Business Minister Richard Lochhead met with FSB Scotland to discuss how Scotland’s small firms can be given the support they need to grow, unlocking opportunities for small businesses within public procurement and the challenges facing independent enterprises in Scotland.
Cyber Security Awareness Month
Cyber Security Awareness Month kicked off with FSB highlighting how small businesses are affected by cybercrime. FSB’s research found that 3.6 million small businesses had been a target of cyber criminals between 2021 and 2023. FSB said that both the Government and big online platforms need to do more to prevent cybercrime targeting small businesses. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has information specifically designed to help SMEs, the self-employed, and sole traders stay secure online.
Supporting responsible enterprise in Wales
FSB in Wales convened a new ‘being a responsible business’ group of likeminded small business owners who run their firms with a community-conscious approach - helping to benefit staff, the environment, and the local community. The group will act as a network where members can share examples of best practice.
Health and safety: Keep your small business safe in the cold
With temperatures starting to fall, it’s useful for small employers to check they are managing cold weather conditions properly for their staff, customers, and business premises. FSB’s advice on how to keep staff members safe in cold and wintry conditions can help. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also has detailed guidance on how to protect employees during cold weather ranging from advice on managing workplace temperature to an employer’s legal obligations to staff members.
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