As the number of small business job vacancies soars above 500,000, a new study has investigated what small business owners are looking for in their next employee.

Cafes, restaurants, pubs, snack bars and other such businesses will benefit from plans announced in the Queen's Speech to make the temporary COVID-related pavement licence scheme permanent.

Applications for small business loans are down and approvals are also at a record low according to the findings of a new poll of SMEs by the Federation of Small Businesses.

Small business usage of social media channels for marketing and sales - including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok - has risen significantly since the beginning of the pandemic.

The Levelling up and Regeneration Bill, announced in today's Queen's speech, will give local leaders new powers to take control of empty shops and derelict buildings in order to regenerate high streets and town centres across the UK.

A new survey has found that more than half of British bosses think their employees should be dressing more smartly when working from home.

A poll of self-employed contractors working through umbrella companies has found that the majority say they would rather work for themselves but they don't have a choice in the matter.

A growing number of employers have reported increased productivity as they embrace home and hybrid working, according to new research.

The eBay Business Roadshow will visit 12 cities and towns, delivering training, support and investment worth over £1 million to small online businesses across the UK.

New research finds remote work could enable 13 million people to live and work outside the UK's major economic hubs.

Two new studies have found that the 2021 IR35 tax reform has had a negative impact on both freelance contractors and the businesses that employ them.

New research has found that at least one in four small businesses are trying to protect their margins by reducing their energy usage and putting up prices.

Business groups are warning that both rising costs and a raft of new business legislation are putting thousands of small firms at risk.

Analysis of Google search data has revealed a sharp increase in the number of people planning to start their own venture in 2022, compared to before the pandemic.

A rise in the National Insurance threshold, an increase in the employment allowance, new business rates relief and a cut in fuel duty won't be enough to protect UK small firms from the ravages of inflation say the CBI and the British Chambers of Commerce.

Quarterly earnings for self-employed workers saw a dramatic increase in the fourth quarter of 2021, according to new data from freelancer body IPSE.

The Federation of Small Businesses has written to chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak ahead of what it calls a "turning point" Spring Statement next week, urging him to provide more support for UK small businesses.

New research published for International Women's Day has found that there's more work to do on gender equality in UK workplaces, as leading business groups call on the government to replace the term "chairman" with the gender-neutral "chair".

The COVID pandemic and soaring costs have not dented the ambition of the UK’s sole traders and small business owners, according to new research.

A new sustainability skills programme designed for UK small businesses has been launched by Small Business Britain and Oxford Brookes Business School.

British small businesses and many freelancers are getting back on track after two years of COVID disruption, according to new research.

The latest ONS figures show that unemployment is down and vacancies are at a record high as businesses struggle to recruit the staff they need.

New research has found that almost one in three workers say they feel unvalued at work despite the fact that staff retention is one of the biggest challenges facing employers in 2022.

The number of UK freelancers fell significantly during the pandemic but new research has found that businesses are now willing to "pay whatever it takes" to get top freelance talent amid staff shortages.

The Institute of Directors has written to the chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak urging him to rethink April's planned rise in National Insurance contributions - which it dubs a "jobs tax".

The Help to Grow: Digital scheme has opened for applications, providing small businesses with discounts of up to £5,000 on approved software as well as advice on digital skills.

The government has reintroduced the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme but new research suggests that businesses have already saved more than £300 million on sick pay because staff that work from home don't take as much time off.

New research by FreeAgent has found that 64% of Brits have plans to start their own business in the future - significantly up from the 51% who said the same in last year's poll.

A new poll of business owners has found that a greater focus on work-life balance and a rise in side hustles are key business trends for 2022; however, worries about inflation remain.