UK firms are being urged to prepare for the new rules on immigration, which come into force later this year.

Meanwhile, a new report has called on the Government to introduce variable rates of VAT to reduce company waste.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are more vulnerable to exploitation by energy suppliers than domestic customers, according to the British Chambers of Commerce.

Meanwhile, new research suggests that small firms could collectively save up to £300 million every year with the aid of improved health and safety advice.

And a ‘one-stop service’ designed to help victims of identity fraud has been launched.

Small and medium-sized enterprises can now benefit from important changes to Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credits, which came into effect earlier this month.

Meanwhile, employers have been urged to prepare for the effects of the change in personal tax allowances following new guidance released by HM Revenue and Customs.

And new measures to clamp down on rogue employers who exploit vulnerable workers have been unveiled by the Government.

New mortgage approvals by the major banks have fallen to their lowest level since records began in September 1997, according to the British Bankers' Association.

Meanwhile, a new study has claimed that the UK economy would benefit from emulating the support given to family-owned businesses by its European neighbours.

And debt advice groups have called for action over what they call the ‘worst excesses’ of companies offering payday loans.

Chancellor Alistair Darling has confirmed that a 2p rise in fuel duty scheduled for later this year will be postponed.

Meanwhile, the Office of Fair Trading has called for a major shake-up of current bank accounts, claiming that they do not work well for consumers.

And the Federation of Small Businesses is warning that large organisations are ‘abusing’ small firms’ trust by failing to settle invoices quickly.

The head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission has this week argued that extended maternity leave is damaging women’s career prospects.

Meanwhile, a new study suggests that more than half of UK businesses do not have adequate plans in place to help them weather the credit crunch.

And the Federation of Small Businesses is warning that small firms will lose a valuable advisory source when a major energy watchdog disbands later this year.

A new study released by the British Chambers of Commerce this week suggests that Britain is at ‘serious risk’ of a recession.

Meanwhile, Chancellor Alistair Darling has outlined plans to increase protection for savers in the event of their bank or building society running into financial difficulties.

And EU member states may soon be able to cut VAT rates for local service firms, under new proposals outlined by the European Commission.

The Commons Treasury Committee has criticised the Chancellor’s plans to help losers of the abolition of the 10p tax rate, arguing that they ‘do not go far enough’.

Meanwhile, a package of measures designed to close the gender pay gap and eliminate inequality in the workplace have been unveiled by the Government.

And business fraud is up by 74% on last year’s figures, according to new research.

Chancellor Alistair Darling has maintained that the economic growth forecasts set out in his debut Budget remain ‘realistic.’

Meanwhile, a greater number of people are devoting more time and attention to maintaining the security of their personal data, a new poll has shown.

And small firms are reporting a decline in profits as the global credit crunch tightens its grip on the UK economy.

Business groups have applauded the Government’s publication of an Enterprise White Paper, describing the proposed reforms as ‘encouraging’ for entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile, the volume of money stolen from UK banking cards has increased by 25% due to a surge in overseas fraud, new research has revealed.

And employers are being urged to take action to reduce staff sickness levels following the publication of a Government report on Britain’s growing benefit culture.

Billed as a ‘responsible’ and ‘green’ Budget, the environment found its way to the top of the agenda in Chancellor Alistair Darling’s debut Budget speech.

‘The cost of living is going up and Labour is making it worse,’ Conservative leader David Cameron has argued.

The Chancellor’s relationship with the entrepreneurial community may have been tested to its limits in recent months, but businesses are today cautiously welcoming the measures outlined in Alistair Darling’s first Budget statement.

In his maiden Budget speech Chancellor Alistair Darling insisted that he could steer Britain through the current economic storm, but conceded that growth forecasts would be lower than expected.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling is set to deliver his first Budget to the House of Commons at 12.30pm today.

Britain’s tax system is in need of a ‘radical overhaul’ according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

The adult National Minimum Wage (NMW) will rise from £5.52 to £5.73 in October, Prime Minister Gordon Brown has announced.

A leading business organisation has criticised the new rules on employing foreign workers, claiming that small business owners cannot be expected to act as ‘immigration officers.’

The 2008 Budget will not grant any favours to small enterprises, according to the Forum of Private Business (FPB).

Consumers who make cash transfers over the phone or via the internet will soon benefit from a faster payment service, according to the industry body Apacs

UK employers are paying out more than £1billion every year in unnecessary expenses, according to new research.

Meanwhile, plans to extend the rights of agency workers will ‘hinder’ British business and lead to significant job losses, leading business groups have argued.

And a review aimed at advancing the UK’s technological capabilities could benefit British businesses and improve the country’s commercial competitiveness, the Government claims.

The Federation of Small Businesses has urged the Chancellor to give special consideration to the interests of smaller firms ahead of the 2008 Budget on 12 March.

Meanwhile, new research from the British Chambers of Commerce indicates that the cumulative cost of new regulations for UK businesses has increased by £10 billion in the last year, taking the total figure to almost £66bn.

And the number of people using cheques decreased dramatically in 2007, according to latest figures released by the banking sector.

The proposed reform of the non-domiciled tax regime will cost the Treasury an estimated £2 billion, is has been suggested this week.

Meanwhile, small and medium-sized enterprises are reaping the benefits of the internet but many feel their online presence does little to improve business efficiency, according to new research.

And MPs have warned that Government will face a ‘tough challenge’ if it wants to meet its targets on unemployment in the UK.

Employment body ACAS will receive a substantial cash boost as part of Government plans to simplify the workplace dispute resolution system, it has been revealed this week.

Meanwhile, the Treasury has announced that Chancellor Alistair Darling will deliver his first Budget statement to the House of Commons on 12 March 2008.

And many businesses are not taking adequate security measures to protect the personal details of their consumers, according to new research.

Chancellor Alistair Darling has announced that he will introduce a new ‘Entrepreneurs’ Relief’ as part of his reforms to capital gains tax, but confirmed that proposals to abolish taper relief will go ahead as planned.

Meanwhile, a wage subsidy programme for small businesses that take on apprentices is to be piloted under new measures published by the Government this week.

And HMRC has defended the security of its online filing system following reports that a ‘two-tier’ security structure is in place to safeguard the tax returns of the wealthy.

Chancellor Alistair Darling has come under pressure to abandon plans to increase fuel tax after receiving a letter of protest signed by more than 700 businesses.

Meanwhile, the Forum of Private Business has pledged its support to a campaign calling on the Government to re-examine proposed new rules on ‘income shifting’.

And a new website has been launched by the Olympic Delivery Authority to help UK businesses compete for contracts ahead of the 2012 Games in London.

Business owners are being urged to complete their self assessment tax returns early this year as tax workers contemplate strike action ahead of the January deadline.

Also this week, the director general of the Confederation of British Industry has criticised the Chancellor’s failure to make a statement on capital gains tax, declaring that UK entrepreneurs are being forced to consider selling firms as a result of the Treasury’s silence.

And several Government consultation documents have been published that propose giving HM Revenue and Customs additional powers and outline plans to develop a Taxpayers’ Charter.

Small enterprises are likely to ‘bear the brunt’ of escalating fuel costs, the Federation of Small Businesses has warned this week.

Meanwhile, a new survey has revealed that many Britons are struggling to manage their finances this New Year after overspending during the festive period.

And small firms are being encouraged to consider switching to an alternative utility provider following a rise in energy prices.