Government Announcements

Small businesses raised £1.46 billion through the enterprise investment scheme in 2013/14, the highest ever annual amount lent through the scheme, official figures show.

An immediate government consultation will investigate whether pension exit fees should be cut or capped, the Treasury has announced.

A new Small Business Commissioner will assist SMEs in resolving disputes with large businesses under draft government proposals.

A comprehensive plan to improve the productivity of UK businesses has been published by the Treasury.

A new tax will be levied on large companies to help deliver the government's target of 3 million new apprenticeships by 2020, the Chancellor announced during the summer Budget statement.

HMRC will begin relaxing automatic late filing penalties for people who send PAYE information late, officials have indicated.

The government has kicked off its plans to create 3 million new apprenticeships by granting the term legal protection, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has announced.

Government plans to extend free childcare provisions for working families have been brought forward to 2016.

A range of measures aimed at supporting the UK's small business sector have become law as the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act gained royal assent.

The national minimum wage for adults will increase by 20p to £6.70 on 1 October 2015, the government has announced.