Monthly Archives: February 2020

Hot Business News Today

Two in five small businesses don’t have enough access to finance

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Originally written by Timothy Adler on Small Business
Two in five small businesses (42 per cent) say they don’t have enough access to finance to keep their companies going.
Over half (52 per cent) have no financing at for their businesses, despite the UK being a world leader in offering innovative finance solutions for small business.
Of the small businesses that do have access to finance, one fifth (19 per cent) rely on bank overdrafts to finance their business, rather than loans or other types of investment, according to new research. A business credit card is the second most popular choice (9 per cent) followed by loans (9 per cent).
>See also: What documents do you need when applying for a business loan?
At a time when every small business has to be, to an extent, a digital business, nearly half (47 per cent) of small businesses admit they do not think they have sufficient digital skills for their businesses.
And skills and staffing remain a key concern for Britain’s small businesses, with over a third (37 per cent) unhappy with their ability to maintain and recruit staff.
Yet nine out of ten small businesses (86 per cent) remain upbeat, saying that they are ambitious for their

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Hot Business News Today

7 of the best HR consultancy companies in the UK

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Originally written by Anna Jordan on Small Business
It’s all well deciding that you need to outsource your HR, but which consultancy should you plump for?
With such a wide range of companies offering largely similar products, it can be difficult to know exactly which one to choose.
Below we list the key features of each provider but first, let’s look at what you should be looking for from your supplier.
How do I choose the right HR consultancy company?
Start with their experience (and which sectors their clients are in). You’ll know you’re on to a winner if they’ve had numerous previous clients in your industry, with extra points if they’re larger and better-known. Similarly, having proof of qualifications reassures you of their competence and what they can offer you. Think about how their services align with your business growth strategies and growth forecast over the next year.
Next up, hunt for any hidden fees. Do they charge extra or impose financial penalties for leaving the contract early? The firm may seem cheaper upfront but, like the worst budget airlines, they can really give you a swift kick with those sneaky charges.
While you’re there, check the clarity of the payment and contract terms. Flexible payment

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