Federation of Small Businesses - FSB Weekly Brief 34

In this week's issue: postage prices, security costs, business rates, small is more fun, news from HMRC, rural young blood, action on waste, petrol prices, FSB employment survey, identity theft, Corporate Community Involvement Conference.

1. New postal pricing kicks in

This week saw the biggest change to postal pricing in a gazillion years (that's an unofficial estimate obviously). Items are now being charged by size as well as weight. It's pretty complex and the FSB has been warning of severe teething problems, partly because Royal Mail could have done a better job of publicising the changes. The FSB aired its views in The Sun and the Daily Express as well as on BBC Radio 5 Live and local radio stations.

2. FSB brands EU security proposals expensive and ineffective

EU security proposals designed to protect freight transport between and within member states will be expensive and will have few clear benefits, the FSB told the Financial Times this week. The FSB pointed out the plans could cost small and medium-sized businesses £37 billion to implement. The plans will be debated by the EU Council of Ministers early next month, where, with a bit of luck and a lot of FSB pressure, they will be rejected.

3. Business rates petition

There has been national newspaper coverage for the FSB following the launch of our petition to have business rates continue to be set nationally rather than by local government. The FSB is concerned that locally-set business rates could distort competition, reduce accountability and increase costs for small businesses. The Daily Telegraph and the Financial Times published
the FSB's views this week.

4. Working for a small business is more fun

It's official: employees of small businesses have more fun than those in large firms. The Government's latest survey of workplace employment relations confirms that you get more belly laughs for your buck in a firm that employs fewer than 10 people. The Daily Telegraph ran with the story this week.

5. Feedback on HMRC's online services

Do you use HMRC's online in-year forms facility for P45/P46/tax code changes? We're working with HMRC to improve the HMRC in-year forms service. Can you help us to identify where improvements can be made? Also tell us about your good experiences as this may provide solutions for improving other areas. Please contact Jackie@thepayrollpractice.co.uk.

6. Rural young blood required

NFU Countryside Magazine is writing an article about the lack of young blood coming into rural businesses. It's not all bad news though and the magazine is looking to do a profile of a young person who is an exception to the rule. The contact is Guy Whitmore at guy.whitmore@associa.co.uk.

7. Waste project for businesses gains pace

The Environment Agency-led HAZRED project has appointed 12 specialist advisors to work with businesses to reduce their hazardous waste. Its aim is to demonstrate the benefits of setting hazardous waste reduction targets and developing waste reduction plans in partnership with those industry sectors most in need. More info can be found here: www.hazred.org.uk

8. Find the cheapest petrol in your area

In these dark times of soaring prices here's a neat little website that will tell you where to get the cheapest petrol in your area: www.petrolprices.com.

9. Your chance to have your say on employment issues

Last week we launched a survey on employment legislation and a link to the survey was sent out via email to all members on the database. The FSB has never before carried out a dedicated survey on employment legislation so now is the chance to have your say. If you have not already done so, the survey
can be completed at: www.fsb.org.uk/surveys/employmentsurvey.htm.

10. BBC1 documentary on ID theft

The BBC is doing a one-hour special to be broadcast on Monday 16th October at 9pm and would like to invite small businesses who have been victims of identity theft to contact us. Please call ASAP to share your story; they're keen to hear how you detected the fraud and what advice you would give to others. Contact Laura Mcnaught on 0207 471 9107 if you can help.

11. Corporate Community Involvement Conference

HM Treasury would like to invite you to attend a conference hosted by HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office on 4th September 2006 in London. Both Ed Miliband, Minister for the Third Sector, and Margaret Hodge, Minister for CSR, will be speaking to the plenary. Places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis, please contact Piers Davenport on 0207 270 6409 or email rsvp.ctsfu@hm-treasury.x.gsi.gov.uk.