The challenging landscape for the UK’s serial entrepreneurs November 25, 2015 Gone is the job for life; the portable career is a thing of the past too; even owning your own business is no longer what it used to be. These days, it’s all about scaling fast, exiting and starting again – welcome to the world of serial entrepreneurship. The energy, innovation and determination which [...]
Entrepreneurs need a stable tax policy landscape to thrive October 28, 2015 THE cut and thrust of politics may not matter all that much to entrepreneurs. But policies certainly do – particularly those related to tax. Some have been a boon for businesses: Entrepreneurs’ Relief and the Enterprise Investment Schemes (EIS) have been particularly welcome. The former grants entrepreneurs a 10 per cent tax rate on [...]
The UK is superbly placed for the scaleup challenge September 23, 2015 UK entrepreneurs have never had it so good. We have a favourable tax regime, stable political system and a culture of innovation. And we’ve come a long way in 30 years, with a litany of success stories inspiring this enterprising generation of young entrepreneurs. There will always be risks on the horizon – as the [...]
What UK businesses need to know to overcome export hurdles August 26, 2015 POLITICIANS’ reputations are made or broken on the back of self-imposed targets. Back in 2012, George Osborne called for a doubling of UK exports to £1 trillion by 2020. It was certainly a bold aim. But then I guess you don’t become the chancellor of the exchequer and the bookies’ favourite to be the next [...]
How the traditional world of law is embracing entrepreneurial values July 29, 2015 THE legal profession has always been exactly that – a profession. It has grown within a strict statutory framework, which has been vital for maintaining standards, but it’s perhaps not the easiest environment for flexibility and entrepreneurialism. However, that doesn’t mean law firms can ignore this growing trend. After all, the legal profession vies for [...]
The employment landscape has never been so good for entrepreneurs June 24, 2015 THERE is a myth that should be dispelled. Despite many commentators and business owners believing the contrary, it’s relatively easy to hire and fire employees in Britain. This myth gained particular currency prior to recent legislative changes but still persists. Since 6 April 2012, employees must have been employed by a company for two [...]
Europe is green with envy at our vibrant markets for equity finance April 29, 2015 MONEY might not actually make the world go round, but much of what we take for granted is built upon a hefty pile of it. And without people willing to take a bet on the future – investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs – the pace of growth would slow dramatically. Furthermore, recent [...]
Entrepreneurs aren’t afraid of a setback: Optimism is in their nature March 25, 2015 STARTING a business is not for the faint-hearted. You need to be an optimist. While many of us see the metaphorical glass as either half full or half empty, for entrepreneurs it’s overflowing. This exuberance is rational. Before you can convince others that your idea will change the world, you must first convince yourself. [...]
Autumn Statement 2014: Fun for all the family – interactive Osborne bingo December 2, 2014 As George Osborne prepares to deliver his final Autumn Statement before next year’s general election, City A.M. is focusing on the important questions – will this be another one for “hard-working families”? Or is it just “ordinary people” he wants to help this year? We’ve put his favourite phrases into our chancellor-o-matic to create Autumn [...]