Monthly Financial News Roundup: March 2015
by Startacus Admin
Welcome to the Startacus monthly financial news round-up, brought to you by Sophie Turton of Crunch Accounting.
It’s a mixed bag for SMEs this month, as the 2015 Budget brought with it some interesting developments that show the government could be concentrating more on the needs of freelancers and micro-businesses. Additionally, the Tories managed to sway the small business debate, hosted by Enterprise Nation, despite recent reports showing bank lending has worsened under the coalition government.
Tories sway entrepreneurs in small business debate
Almost half of entrepreneurs attending a small business debate, hosted by Enterprise Nation, said they would vote Conservative in the upcoming general election.The audience were polled on their voting intentions before and after the debate. Before, 37% selected Conservative with 30% for Labour, 7% for Lib Dems, 22% undecided, 3% Green and 1% UKIP.The audience were polled again at the end of the 60 minute discussion. 45% said Tory, 31% Labour, 7% Lib Dems, 5% Green, 10% undecided and 2% UKIP.
Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation and chairperson for the debate, said:
“Hopefully the political classes will have learned something from this experience – that small firms are worth listening to, that they are playing an increasingly important role in the electoral process and that by engaging with them, politicians can improve policy – and gain all-important votes.”
Budget offers mixed bag for SMEs
In his sixth Budget speech, Chancellor George Osborne set out to show voters that the economic recovery has benefited them and, for the first time, outlined some reforms that could really change the way self-employed people do business.
Among other changes, the chancellor announced the death of the Self-Assessment, which is to be replaced by a digital system and updated regularly throughout the year rather than in one lump. There will also be better education for SMEs to unlock borrowing potential and grow their businesses more successfully.
Check out our Budget 2015 roundup for more information on how this could affect you.
Small businesses still feel ignored by banks
Banks remain unsupportive of lending to SMES, particularly under the coalition government, research conducted by eBay has found.65% of those surveyed said banks are not lending as much as they should, and 60% said it’s more difficult
to secure credit than it was five years ago. This has an impact on those thinking of starting a business. A government report published last month revealed 69% of would-be entrepreneurs are reluctant to start a business due to financial worries.
In the run up to the general election, the self-employed army really could sway the vote. We want to hear from you. Do you feel supported in your business? Is there still more the government can do to help? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.
Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.
The lowdown on FuturePlus, the startup that's on a mission to make sustainability accessible, achievable and affordable for all businesses.
.jpg)
John McLachlan, author and co-founder of Monkey Puzzle Training & Consultancy examines the differences between action-oriented and reflective leaders and which approach is best.
The fitness app that's not just about physical fitness; GoJoe helps employers to engage, motivate and connect their people across all pillars of wellbeing.
Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.
Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.
London-based startup Deep Render tackles the internet’s data and bandwidth challenges via its innovative AI-powered file compression technology.
The lowdown on Dublin-based startup and NUI Maynooth spin-out Neuromod Devices and its innovative evidence-based bimodal neuromodulation treatment for chronic tinnitus.
.jpg)
With the clear shift towards generative AI, Richard Hayes, search director at digital marketing agency Catalyst explores what it means for SEO...
Published on: 30th March 2015
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Startup Sook Receives Investment from Tobin Capital 24th May 2023 Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.
- L Marks Seeking Startups and Scaleups for Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator 23rd May 2023 Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.
- United Utilities Innovation Lab launches call-out for innovative ideas for fifth programme 18th May 2023 Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.
- OneTech Spins Out from Capital Enterprise to Support Underserved Communities in Tech Across the UK 18th May 2023 Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.
