As some large retailers begin reopening stores ahead of a moderate relaxation of lockdown rules, it’s fair to say things are looking a bit brighter for businesses. But small retailers and independent stores lack the big budgets, sizeable staff and space that giant chains have and many are wondering how they can prepare to reopen … Read more
With Britons told not to go out during lockdown, you would expect people to be less concerned about their appearance but the online orthodontics industry is still growing fast. A spate of new companies offering money-saving at home orthodontic and so-called ‘teledentistry’ treatments have sprung up over the past 18 months or so. One of … Read more
Natasha Courtenay-Smith pictured with her children Annelise (7) and Finn (11) initially created the online classes for them and her nephew. Since the coronavirus lockdown started, many have created free virtual lessons for children. Topics vary from science to phonics, PE to history – and now, there is one based on entrepreneurship. Serial entrepreneur, Natasha … Read more
Today, people of all ages are able to make money in ways that simply weren’t possible just a few decades ago. The rise of social media and faster internet means you can start many types of business from the comfort of your sofa. Often, another income stream can be created without great tech nous or … Read more
Clockhouse Farm’s Oli Pascall launched a video appeal on Facebook that the Kent farm needed workers Supermarket shelves could soon be empty again but this time it will not be down to panic buying, but as a result of the shortage of farm workers to work on British farms. Farmers are in need of between … Read more
Slowly but surely, small businesses are obtaining much-needed finance from the Government-backed Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan scheme. Yet, as Sarah Bridge reports, it hasn’t all been plain sailing. Some have accessed funds quickly while others have been left waiting anxiously. A few have thought on their feet and come up trumps as a result… We’ll … Read more
Hundreds of thousands of small business bosses have called on the government to review qualifying criteria so they can access vital income support. More than a month after the Chancellor’s initiatives to support the self-employed during the Covid-19 crisis were announced, there are still vast numbers of small business owners and sole traders who don’t … Read more
British businesses that bought insurance covering them for forced closure due to disease are set to sue insurer Hiscox for refusing to pay their coronavirus claims. The ‘Hiscox Action Group’, a collection of over 150 firms plan to take the veteran Lloyds of London insurer to court, arguing that their business interruption policies should cover … Read more
Leigh Bryant is trying his utmost to remain positive, but it is not easy. As the owner and manager of Bristol-based motor home accessory fitters LNB Towbars, this should be a peak time of year for him as his customers get ready for their summer holidays. But with his company closed due to the coronavirus … Read more
Attempts to use taxpayer money to fund a new wave of business challenger banks were dealt another blow a fortnight ago as Nationwide Building Society announced it was scrapping a move into SME lending. Britain’s largest mutual is the latest to hand back money it was given to expand its business proposition after Metro Bank … Read more