News

Government update on business rates measures

At the Autumn Budget, the Chancellor announced a package of measures to reform business rates and support the high street. Here are the details and an opportunity to have your say on the Transforming Business Rates paper. 

The chancellor has made some challenging choices in the budget.

The chancellor has made some challenging choices in the budget. Today (Thursday), small businesses will need to decide their next steps: should they increase prices, shift growth investments, or cut staff?
Read the key points in breif and reaction from Chamber President Steve Bulley

Almost half of small businesses employ family members

Research has found that 41% of small business owners and sole traders employ family members, with 27% employing their partner.
The research also found that 17% of business owners and sole traders plan to pass their business on to a family member when they retire. However, 7% believed that their family wouldn’t want to run their business.

New round of grant funding set to benefit Dorset businesses

Following the success of the first two rounds of Dorset Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) grants, the final round is now open. Businesses can apply for grants between £2,000 – £20,000, with eligible Start-ups able to apply for grants from £1,000 – £5,000.