Young adults are increasingly tempted to become money mules – risking a fraud conviction for a few hundred pounds, a protection body says.
Source: BBC

One in ten small businesses admit they have been caught off guard over the festive season, with 15 per cent admitting that bad financial planning has put the vital fifth of their annual profit earned during the season at risk. Many are blaming Brexit for their uncertainty, with a concerned 25 per cent even failing to employ

The post The small business financial failures of the 2016 festive season appeared first on Small Business.

Source: SmallBusinessUK

National Grid agrees to sell a 61% stake in its gas pipe network to a global group of investors.
Source: BBC

Businesses celebrating Christmas with a staff party should be aware of the potential employment claims that can go hand in hand with the festivities, warns law firm Hodge Jones & Allen. Rhian Radia, head of employment law at Hodge Jones & Allen says, ‘The three months after the Christmas period can be a busy time

The post Employers beware of post-Christmas party employment claims appeared first on Small Business.

Source: SmallBusinessUK

In an era of ever-changing working habits, it is important to look at how best to keep your staff productive and happy, or you may lose your most valuable people to more forward-thinking competitors. Shaking up tired workplace practices can be achieved in many ways, but from an office working perspective, the concept of hot-desking

The post Hot-desking: The benefits for a small business appeared first on Small Business.

Source: SmallBusinessUK

London’s main share index rises but Capita shares fall after it issues another profit warning.
Source: BBC

Whilst the majority of companies are celebrating Christmas by hosting company-wide parties (50.8 per cent) or departmental Christmas lunches (47.2 per cent), there will be fewer Christmas bonuses, gifts awarded or additional time off for employees this year, according to research from XpertHR. Employers plan to spend an average of £93.33 and a median of £50 per

The post UK employers hold back on Christmas bonuses for staff this year appeared first on Small Business.

Source: SmallBusinessUK

The US Surgeon General says the use of e-cigarettes by children is “a major public health concern”.
Source: BBC

A team of international investors, including the Chinese state, is to take a majority stake in National Grid’s gas pipeline business.
Source: Sky Business News

Russia has sold a 19.5% stake in its largest oil firm for $11.3bn (£8.5bn) as it looks to rake in cash to aid its sanctions-hit economy.
Source: Sky Business News