SMEs must beware the Bribery Act, according to a congress that took place in Brighton earlier this month.

The Times newspaper recently asked readers to rank the UK against five key competitors for tax, business friendliness, infrastructure, skills and workforce.

Are umbrella contractors frustrated by unqualified bosses? If so they are not alone. Recent research from the CMI suggests that incompetent bosses, with misplaced confidence, are stressing out the UK workforce.

The FSB recently welcomed the news that unemployed dropped by 88,000 and that a similar number of people entered the workplace.

Ed Balls, the shadow chancellor, recently called on the coalition to implement a temporary emergency reduction in the VAT rate to jump-start the economy and boost consumer confidence.

HMRC has issued a reminder to tax credit claimants that they only have until July 31st to renew their claims and it suggests that recipients take action as soon as their renewal pack arrives.

The small business sector is crucial to EU growth, according to Helena Walsh, the Brussels regional director for Cicero Consulting.

Umbrella company contractors may want to ensure that they are not living beyond their declared means after HMRC announces it is going to get tough on tax evaders.

Freelancers, contractors and small business owners may want to make preparations so that they are not affected by public sector strikes.

Umbrella contractors need to be aware that HMRC plans to target more sectors in a bid to recoup unpaid taxes.

IT contractors would be advised to learn some new skills if they want to help drive the green IT revolution.

Umbrella company contractors north of the border could be benefiting from increased private sector business activity.