|
|
|
The latest enterprise newsReal help for businesses nowThe government has launched a public information campaign, Real Help for Businesses Now. Following the launch on 14 January of the government's SME finance package, Real Help for Businesses Now centrally gathers information about accessing government help available to businesses during the recession. The public information campaign directs businesses to contact a Business Link adviser on 0845 600 9006 or to visit the website.Manage your cashflowA series of guides designed to help businesses manage cashflow during these difficult economic times has just been published by the Institute of Credit Management in partnership with BERR and supported by the CBI.The guides are designed to help business in a number of areas essential for effective cashflow management. The guides cover areas such as: knowing your customer, payment terms, what to do when cash runs short, credit insurance, invoicing and factoring and financing options.They are designed to provide straightforward and speedy advice with simple checklists and top tips. The guides can be found here. SMEs and public procurementA report from the CBI, the Federation of Small Businesses and the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association explores the following:On behalf of the three business groups, FreshMinds Research conducted a survey of over 500 SMEs and found that nearly three quarters of SMEs surveyed rarely or never bid for government work. The same proportion believes it is still difficult to find out about government opportunities and that there is a lack of responsiveness and too much formality in the procurement process. Also over half of those surveyed felt the tendering process requires more time and resources than small businesses can afford. These findings were made available to the current Glover review on SMEs and public procurement. Practical recommendations have been developed aimed at both government and business to increase the chances of SMEs winning public contracts. The case is also made that SMEs offer good value for money by providing a better solution or outcome in many cases and in the economic downturn awarding more government contracts to SMEs would help the economy. Read the report Evaluating experiences of Government procurment (PDF2.29MB) Click here to download a pdf (752KB) of the guidelines. Key issues in summaryFor the latest CBI thinking on enterprise issues, see our business summaries. |
|
 |
The CBI is the UK's top business lobby organisation. Our specialist services and unmatched influence with government, policymakers, legislators, and unions mean we can get the best deal for business at home and abroad.
Join us
CBI members enjoy a range of services and influence which can give real business advantage. Find out what membership can do for you.
Our campaign to improve the quality and efficiency of the UK's public services
