As the next tranche of businesses prepare to comply with auto-enrolment legislation, there are concerns that small firms could be adversely affected by the requirement to introduce workplace pensions.

The number of start-ups being set up by students has increased by 54% in the past 12 months, according to PeoplePerHour.

SME owners have protested this week over moves by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) to encourage the use of unregulated asset based lenders.

The Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act has become law after being passed by Parliament. The Act is intended to make it easier for businesses to access funding and also puts an end to zero hours exclusivity clauses.

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

Over one third of the people responsible for handling finances in SMEs don’t have a relevant qualification, according to findings from the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT).

Over 65,000 businesses have been set up with backing from the New Enterprise Allowance.

Next week sees the end of the Growth Vouchers scheme but it seems few businesses have taken advantage of the Government scheme despite its widespread promotion.

SME business owners are fed up with supply chain abuse and the fact that big businesses “hold all the aces” according to the results of a new survey by the Forum of Private Business (FPB).

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