Ahead of the Chancellor's Spending Review and Autumn Statement in November, the British Chambers of Commerce have called on the Government to focus on boosting investment, exports, training and infrastructure.

New research reveals that most UK SMEs only get legal advice as a last resort; and industry bodies are calling for legal service providers to offer more affordable advice to small firms.

Our round-up of other small business stories making the headlines this week...

The Forum of Private Business is warning that despite the rise in the number of small businesses, not enough is being done by the Government to encourage business owners to take on new employees.

UK service sector SMEs are wasting over £414 million per annum on unnecessary energy expenditure according to a new report.

The UK economy could get a £92 billion boost if businesses fully develop their digital potential, equivalent to 2.5% of GDP. And SMEs could grow at three times the rate of larger firms as a result.

A tiny group of UK small firms are making a significant contribution to UK economic growth and even reviving regions, according to a new report.

Our round-up of other small business stories making the headlines this week...

The number of firms reporting that sick staff are coming into work has increased for the fifth year in a row.

The number of private sector businesses in the UK has hit 5.4 million, a new record.