The Government has launched a new export programme with the aim of getting 100,000 additional companies exporting by 2020.

Analysis of payment practices amongst English councils has found that most local authorities continue to pay promptly, with 92% of suppliers being paid within 30 days. However, there is considerable variation between councils.

Council leaders have said that businesses should have the right to self-assess how much they should pay in business rates from 2020, when local authorities will retain 100% of all business rate income.

Secondary schools are not preparing young people for work, according to a new survey of over 3,500 UK business and education leaders by the British Chambers of Commerce.

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

Lexoo, the legal tech start-up, has raised $1.3 million in new funding. It's one of several new "disrupters" that are changing the face of legal services for businesses in the UK.

The Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) Select Committee has launched an inquiry into UK exports and is assessing the role of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI).

Small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses in the UK have the worst record for responding to new business opportunities compared to the USA and EU countries including France and Germany according to new research.

The Government has launched a new plan to make it easier for small businesses investing in research and development to claim tax relief.

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