Unhappy people more likely to become own boss
New research by Company Check has found that unhappy people are more likely to set up businesses in the UK than their happier counterparts. The study cross-checked the company's own financial data with happiness ratings from Rightmove's recent Happy at Home report. It found that the unhappiest areas of the country had the highest instances of new business incorporation in 2014. Eight of the top ten places for new business launches were in the bottom half for happiness. Alastair Campbell, founder of Company Check, said: "As business people, we shouldn't be afraid to say that we're unhappy with how things are and look to improve them."
Half of UK SMEs not using internet security tools
Only 50% of the UK's SME business owners use internet security to protect against cyber attacks, according to new research from Trend Micro. And only 44% of those polled said they knew how to check if their PC, tablet or mobile had malware on it. Cyber criminals are increasingly targeting smaller firms in the belief that they are less well defended. Yet 67% of SMEs said they didn't fully understand the financial implications of an online security breach. The UK government launched a £1m vouchers scheme in July designed to offer micro businesses and SMEs up to £5,000 for specialist cyber security advice.
New £8 million fund for rural businesses
Ambitious rural businesses across the country will be able to benefit from new funding worth over £8 million, farming minister George Eustice has announced. From festivals to farms shops, a range of rural businesses looking to expand and promote tourism are being encouraged to apply for the new funding. Individual grants are worth upwards of £35,000 depending on the individual project; funding will be directly targeted at initiatives that will bring the biggest benefit to local areas.
BCC calls for more support despite SME lending rise
Net lending to SMEs rose by £0.5bn in Q2, compared to rise of £0.6bn in Q1 under the Funding for Lending scheme. However, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is calling on the Government to do more to support small businesses. Dr Adam Marshall, BCC executive director of policy and external affairs, said: "It is welcome news that net lending over the first half of this year is bucking the trend. However, our business finance system is not where it could or should be. If firms are to reach their full potential we need to see greater competition in banking, improved access to non-equity finance and a British Business Bank that is scaled up to support the ambitions of our future wealth creators."