The vast majority of small and medium sized-enterprises (SMEs) are keen for the government to make a reduction in red tape its top priority.
Research from global insurer Zurich has shown that 70 per cent of British SME decision makers want to see the government to focus their attentions in this direction. This compares to 54 per cent who want improved access to finance to be the top priority and 36 per cent who are calling for a revi... Continue Reading
A derelict pub is up for sale at auction this week, with a guide price of around £500,000 attached to the property.
The Bell and Castle at Horsley has been at the centre of rows between villagers, planners and its owner for almost four years now so it is hoped that the auction will resolve matters surrounding the pub.
Alex Kerr bought the property in 2008 but he sparked controversy when he took down modern additions to ... Continue Reading
Five two pubs scattered across the north of the country are up for sale after their owners entered administration.
Located in Wellingborough, Rothwell, Thrapston, Raunds and Burton Latimer, the properties are licensed and up for sale on the instruction of Zolfo Cooper.
Paul Newby director of the agency selling the pubs commented: “Collectively the sites are very different, therefore may suit individual purchasers, how... Continue Reading
SMEs are being encouraged to capitalise on the success of the Paralympic Games and include disable people in their target markets.
Minister for disabled people, Maria Miller, referred to the demographic as the 'purple pound', noting that their spending power is in the region of £80 billion a year.
A new guide is now being launched to help businesses to tap into this. Launching the guide at City Hall in London,... Continue Reading
The Bell Inn pub in Banwell, Somerset, is up for sale after closing back in the winter of 2011.
Gary White and Karly Ivison had owned the business since October 2010, but decided to close it shortly after Christmas amid a change in circumstances.
The agents selling the property have suggested that it would suit a local operator who is interested in reopening the business as an inn. However, developing the property into a... Continue Reading
SME investors may be interested to learn that the boutique hotel sector is the fastest-growing hotel segment in London.
In fact, the forecast from HVS suggests that it is set to double in size between 2011 and 2013, largely due to its resilience in the face of the current economic climate.
Rebranding to attract a smaller group of guests with a higher room rate appears to have been a winning formula. Indeed, a recent Hote... Continue Reading
If you're considering buying a small business it might help to look at what's on the market in Scotland rather than just in England.
According to research published in a consultation document from the Scottish government, SMEs win around 78 per cent of public sector contracts in Scotland, compared to just 13.7 per cent from central government and 49 per cent from local government in England.
However, Scotland i... Continue Reading
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector are still reporting levels of growth despite reports of a continued downturn.
The latest Manufacturing Advisory Services (MAS) National Barometer found that 53 per cent of respondents claimed to have seen orders grow in the last six months, while the same number anticipated a further upturn between now and the end of 2012.
The research showed that a th... Continue Reading
The Yew Tree Inn, a historic pub in Ednaston, is to be put on the market after its owners have announced their plans to retire.
The inn and lodge was purchased by former Derby County owner Lionel Pickering to save it from demolition but since his death in 2006 the establishment has been run by a trust. The executors of the trust have now decided that the time has come to sell up after Mr Pickering's appointed landlords – Haral... Continue Reading
A local pub that has been up for sale in the Oldbury area, prompting some concern among local residents about its future usage.
The Ship Inn has been on the market for a year and a half but has now been taken by an unknown buyer and is set to close on 5 September.
The property struggled to keep a steady flow of business, partly due to the popularity of its rival, the Anchor Inn, the local Gazette reported. It was origin... Continue Reading
It appears that the tough trading conditions of late are having a negative impact on smaller manufacturers as research suggests that sentiment is deteriorating.
The latest quarterly SME Trends Survey from the CBI received 359 responses, with 28 per cent of manufacturers reporting that output volumes fell in the three months to July, while just 23 per cent reported that they had risen. This marks the first fall in the balance since Oc... Continue Reading
A nightclub in Leeds has been put on the market, offering an unusual opportunity for the right buyer.
Stinky's Peephouse is a three-storey building in Leeds city centre and operates as a 700-capacity night club. The location is close to other arts and entertainment venues, including West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds College of Music and BBC Radio Leeds.
It has operated as a nightclub for several years now and has host... Continue Reading
The site where the pub Ancient Briton stood in Tunstall has been cleared but even with the low auction price of £100,000 it has failed to sell.
Locals are keen for a developer to take on the property as it has been unused for several years and is becoming something of an eyesore. Indeed, residents are angered at the latest failure to find a buyer.
City councillor Dave Conway lives near the site. He told The Sentinel: �... Continue Reading
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are worried about the state of the economy and reports have suggested that some have even considered shutting up shop.
The latest Zurich SME Risk Index revealed that 11 per cent of firms in the UK have considered closing down in the last three months due to the impact of the current economic situation. A further 84 per cent are concerned about the country's climate, with 38 per cent stat... Continue Reading
The Tan House pub, located in Shirenewton, Monmouthshire, has been sold for around £225,000 to a businessman with experience in the pub trade.
The property was marketed by Christie's and Co after its owners Pubfolio Ltd went into administration.
Nicholas Calfe, local director, handled the sale and reported that the businessman, Mark Dew, was not the only interested party, with a number of locals keen to use the sit... Continue Reading
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