In the runup to Small Business Saturday last week, a new Disability Finance Code was launched.
Research indicates that if opportunities were improved for disabled founders, it could unlock an additional £230 billion for the UK economy in growth and jobs.
Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds and NatWest have all signed up to this new scheme that is designed to help more disabled entrepreneurs get access to finance and support to start their own business.
Joseph Williams, CEO and co-founder of small business Clu said: “When disabled entrepreneurs are given equal access to finance, society gains in ways that go far beyond individual success. Inclusive entrepreneurship drives innovation, creates diverse workplaces, and encourages economic growth that benefits everyone.”
If you would like help in knowing where to go to access finance for your new business idea, why not get in touch? We would be happy to help you make your dreams a reality.
See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-plans-revealed-to-save-small-firms-22000-a-year-and-improve-access-to-cash
The June 'UK Report on Jobs' shows subdued business confidence driving a preference for short-term staff. Temporary staff billings rose at the steepest rate in over three years, while permanent staff appointments continued to decline, although at a much slower pace than in May.
HMRC have proposed a new criminal offence for making reckless, untrue statements or declarations about what's known as 'direct taxes' - Income Tax, National Insurance and the like. For Customs and Excise and VAT ('indirect taxes'), it is already possible to prosecute individuals who make untrue statements or submit incorrect documents either knowingly or recklessly, without the need to prove dishonesty. The penalties for such offences can be severe, including substantial fines and imprisonment. The direct tax regime does not currently contain an equivalent offence.