The Liberal Democrats have taken control of Dorset Council following the local elections. It is reported that the new administration will review the controversial car parking price increases adopted by the Conservatives.
Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch, visited West Dorset this week to meet with members of Dorchester Chamber of Business and small business owners across the constituency.
Several changes to employment law took effect from 6 April 2024 covering expanded rights for employees around flexible working, paid and unpaid leave, and protection from redundancy during parental leave.
Accessing finance is becoming more difficult for a large number of SMEs, according to new data.
Around half (49%) of business surveyed who accessed finance felt that getting funding had become more challenging over the past three years. Only 13% said it was getting easier.
Public Consultation regarding the potential merger of Kingston Maurward College and Weymouth College on 1st August 2024 has opened.
The proposed merger will create a more robust financial outlook for the new joint college, and provide a broader pool of resources for students, both in terms of qualifications and resources.
Prime Minister to announce major reform package to boost apprenticeships and cut red tape for thousands of small businesses. Setting out a major package of reforms to support businesses to deliver more apprenticeship places, cut red tape for SMEs and leverage more private investment in female founders.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept of the future. It’s here, and it’s transforming the way businesses operate. For small businesses in Dorset, AI offers a range of opportunities to streamline operations, enhance customer service, and drive growth.
Here our President Steve Bulley looks at five ways small businesses can leverage AI
As its annual programme gears up for spring, with extra funding Dorset Council is set to bolster its proactive measures to look after its roads. This includes more pothole repairs, resurfacing and preventative treatments to manage road condition and maintain highway safety.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has unveiled the contents of this year’s Budget in the House of Commons.
It is the last scheduled Budget before the next general election, which is expected to take place later this year.
Building on the success of previous hugely popular events, the Family Science Day will be taking place again at the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery on Sunday the 17th March from 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm. This free (but ticketed) activity is sure to bring out the Marie Curie or the Albert Einstein in you!
It is reported that HSBC, NatWest and Virgin Money are increasing interest rates on loans.
More mortgage providers will increase their rates on new fixed deals on today (23 Feb) following a series of changes since the start of the year.
Fraud accounts for around 40% of all crime in England and Wales, with an estimated 3.2 million offences each year. The latest data from the Crime Survey of England and Wales shows it has reduced by 13% over the past year. The estimated cost of fraud to society is £6.8 billion in England and Wales.
Dorset Council has launched two new grant schemes using funding from UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund grants for both community groups and organisations, together with local business grants.
At this time of year when we all return to work and have a full inbox it is easy to fall prey to fraudsters. Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime and here they offer advice on what to look out for.
Home businesses do what they say on the tin! You can start up and run your venture from the comfort of your own home, without the need for a separate office or commercial space.
The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted by a majority of 5–4 to keep the Bank Rate at 5.25% in its meeting ending on 20 September 2023.
