Close Invoice Finance news updates
SME owners’ personal lives take a dip
A staggering 50 per cent of SME owner managers across the UK say that the state of the economy is taking its toll on their personal life, according to new statistics released today. The latest Close Business Barometer shows that of those who say their personal life is suffering, 48 per cent are stressed and a third say that their work-life balance has deteriorated. The survey canvasses the views of SME owners across the UK on a range of financial issues.
Businesses not prepared for big freeze
DESPITE signs of yet another big freeze this winter, a worrying number of companies admit to being ill-prepared for the inevitable disruption it brings. The Close Business Barometer, a quarterly survey of small and medium-sized businesses across the UK, found that while more than half (58 per cent) are worried about the effects of more arctic weather this year, one in four don’t have a business continuity plan in place to deal with unfortunate, but common, consequences such as staff absenteeism and power failures.
Cash strapped firms in the West Midlands axe Christmas parties | The Birmingham Post
CHRISTMAS parties are being axed by more than two fifths of cash-strapped businesses in the West Midlands, with half saying they have no choice but to rein in spending.
Bosses say bah humbug to Christmas parties
Over a third of hard-up businesses across the UK won’t hold a Christmas party for staff this year, with 48 per cent of these companies saying they have no choice but to rein in spending.
Don’t let LEZ grind your business to a halt
November 15, 2011 – With just weeks to go before the new compliance regulations come into place for the London Low Emission Zone (LEZ), thousands of businesses in the transport sector are facing significant financial hardship ensuring their vehicles meet the new exacting requirements.
Close Brothers Expands to Ireland | Cork Independent
Close Brothers, one of the UK’s leading specialist finance services group, has extended its operations to Ireland.
Local Lender is Best in the Region
CLOSE Invoice Finance (“Close”) has scooped the coveted award for ‘Asset Based Lender of the Year’ following Insider Media’s North West Dealmaker Awards which were held at Manchester Central Conference Centre on Thursday 3rd November.
Three in 10 UK businesses employ migrant workers
NEW research published this week shows that despite the government’s calls to reduce the use of migrant workers, three in 10 UK bosses rely on them to plug the skills gaps in their workforce. According to the Business Barometer, independently commissioned and published by Close Invoice Finance, of the 30 per cent of employers who hire migrant workers almost half hire them because they are best placed to do the job.
1 in 5 businesses missing out on finance
NEW research has revealed that 20 per cent of businesses in the UK may be missing out on access to finance simply because of fears about approaching their bank. One in five respondents in the Business Finance Barometer, independently commissioned and published by Close Invoice Finance, stated that they hadn’t asked for increased credit from their bank for fear of either being turned down, or the bank deciding to increase the cost of their existing borrowing.
Businesses tackle Rugby World Cup head on
It’s game on as one third of UK bosses say they will accommodate flexi-time requests to allow rugby-keen employees to enjoy the upcoming World Cup.