News Category
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“Sharp turnaround” for consumer services sector
Business activity in the UK service sector improved over the three months to May and optimism rose, according to latest research from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Notably, consumer services experienced a "sharp turnaround" in business volumes: sectors such as hotels, bars, restaurants and travel and leisure saw business volumes rise at their fastest pace since August 2007 and overall, profitability rose for the first time since November 2007, despite employee costs continuing to increase. However, ...
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Solar industry fights Chinese anti-dumping proposals
The UK's Solar Trade Association (STA) recently joined forces with ministers in efforts to impress upon the European Commission the damaging impact of proposed anti-dumping duties on Chinese solar panels. As the deadline for responses to a consultation on anti-dumping arrived, a letter written by the STA to Trade Commissioner, Karel de Gucht, had been signed by 15 European trade associations across 12 countries. STA chief executive officer, Paul Barwell, comments: “Jobs, growth and carbon and renewables ...
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SME manufacturer confidence at 12 month high
Growth prospects amongst England's small and medium-sized (SME) manufacturers is at a twelve month high according to the latest Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) barometer, which reveals nearly two thirds (64%) of companies questioned are expecting to increase sales over the next six months. There is equally positive news on recent performance, with 47% of the 700 respondents reporting a rise in sales turnover (up 4% on the previous quarter), whilst 93% are looking to take staff ...
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Flood risk deadline set for 31st July
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) says its members will continue to meet their commitments to offering flood insurance for an extra month after an agreement with the Government expires on 30th June. Flood insurance for existing customers will be renewed until 31st July but according to the ABI, the current agreement is unsustainable beyond that date as it distorts competition, there being no incentive for new insurers to offer flood cover. Around one in six homes ...
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Report on Scottish Islands renewables
The UK and Scottish Governments have published a report which considers the evidence base for developing renewables projects on the Scottish Islands. The study acknowledges that there are significant potential benefits to such schemes but highlights the considerable costs that would need to be overcome. Key conclusions are: Renewable generation, including onshore wind, wave and tidal, on the Scottish Islands could make a significant contribution to the UK’s 2020 renewables target.s The cost of deploying renewables is higher than ...
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Growth vouchers to give micro business boost
The Government is promising to helping thousands more new businesses get off the ground by expanding its Start-Up loan scheme and opening up further the £230 billion worth of public sector contracts to the smallest firms. The scheme helps with the development of business ideas by providing a typical loan of £4,500 with mentoring support. Since the autumn, it has made 3,768 loans worth around £16 million and according to enterprise adviser, Lord Young, many of ...
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CMM Rural heads for bootcamp
CMM managing director, Graham Allen, will be in attendance at the 2013 Enviro-Entrepreneur Bootcamp, a major event hosted by the Nottingham CleanTech Centre (NCTC), for anyone with a cleantech business idea. From the 15th to 17th May, entrepreneurs, start-ups and small companies, who are developing products or businesses in the low carbon and environmental goods and services sectors, can benefit from an intense three-day programme delivered by seasoned cleantech entrepreneurs, business experts and investors. Sessions include: Clarifying your ...
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SMEs benefit from guarantee scheme boost
Small firms that lack the collateral or credit history to secure a normal bank loan should be finding access to the Government's Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) scheme easier. The scheme provides vital funding to SMEs by backing bank lending with a 75% government guarantee. Use of the EFG peaked when it was first launched in 2009 but after disappointing figures in 2012 changes have been made to make it easier to use. In addition, the Government named and ...
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CMM comment on short-term lending debate
CMM managing director, Graham Allen, recently attended a forum staged by the Association of Bridging Professionals (AOBP) which saw representative from six of the UK's most prominent short-term lenders lead a lively debate on the issues faced by the industry. Without doubt, the most pressing issue discussed was lender transparency and the question of policing or regulation of the sector. An executive director of the AOBP, Graham has followed up on the forum with an article in which ...
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CMM Rural supports landmine clearance
Whilst mercifully not a problem for UK farmers, CMM Rural actively supports landmine clearance for farmers worldwide, with managing director, Graham Allen, recently having attended the MAG (Mines Advisory Group) inaugural gala dinner. CMM has supported MAG for many years and Graham is a UK representative of the charity which works to tackle the destructive legacy of conflict and release land for food production, through the clearance of landmines. MAG's inaugural gala dinner took place on 18th April at ...
