30/11/2007 by admin.

Roofing contractor Steven Christopher Smith was jailed yesterday for failing to provide a worker with safety equipment and then trying to cover his tracks after the man’s death.

Smith did not provide the right harnesses to Paul Christopher Alker who was working for him on the roof of Wrexham’s Comet store.

After Mr Alker, 33, plunged through a skylight and later died, Smith went out and bought the safety equipment, put them on the roof, and blamed Mr Alker for not using it.

Smith, 36, of Parkend, Rhostyllen, nr Wrexham, had admitted manslaughter by gross negligence, perverting the course of justice and a health and safety charge, and was yesterday jailed for two-and-a-half years.

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29/11/2007 by admin.

The Wrexham Sustainability Forum, formally the Local Agenda 21 Forum, will be holding their AGM next month. The meeting takes place on Thursday December 20, at 5.15pm, at NEWI, Plas Coch, Wrexham. For more information contact Stan Moore at mooresv@aol.com.

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29/11/2007 by admin.

Fewer organisations are planning festive celebrations this year, suggesting an increase in “Scrooge” mentality suggests a new report.

A study of more than 500 managers showed that the number of firms holding a staff party this year has fallen to 66 per cent, compared with 86 per cent five years ago.

Emplyers in the East Midlands were the least generous, with fewer than half funding a Christmas knees-up, according to the Chartered Management Institute.

One in five of those questioned described Christmas as a “chore” and two out of five said they would not make any financial contribution to office parties.

A similar number believed the festive season had become too long and most complained Christmas was too commercial.

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29/11/2007 by admin.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has given its backing to a campaign to support local banking services.

At a breakfast meeting at the House of Commons, the UK’s biggest business organisation lent its support to the Campaign for Community Banking Services, a coalition of 25 national organisations concerned about bank branch closures, financial exclusion, community sustainability and the environment.

Since 1990 40% of bank branches in the UK have closed, making it hard for many businesses to access the banking services they need, particularly in rural areas.

Mike Cherry, FSB Financial Affairs Chairman, said: “Nearly two thirds of small businesses need to visit their bank at least weekly and 1 in 10 do so every day. These small businesses generate over 50% of UK GDP so a comprehensive network of bank branches is essential.

“A good local banking network also ticks the environmental boxes. Branch closures not only add considerably to carbon emissions, but also increase small business costs. Small businesses would be able to do more for the environment if they didn’t have to drive for miles to reach their nearest branch.

“The FSB continues to support the Campaign for Community Banking Services and will keep up the pressure on the banks to keep branches open in support of sustainable local communities.”

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26/11/2007 by admin.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed the Treasury Select Committee’s criticisms of the Pre-Budget Report, which dealt a major blow to small businesses by abolishing taper relief on capital gains tax (CGT).

The Treasury Select Committee criticised the lack of consultation by the Government on the proposed plans to abolish taper relief and replace it with a flat rate of CGT of 18%. The Committee also called for the Government to set out how it proposes to mitigate the effects of the reforms of CGT, particularly the effects of the withdrawal of taper relief for small businesses.

The FSB has been vocal in its criticism of the proposed changes to CGT, arguing in meetings with the Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling that the changes would jeopardise the UK’s hard-fought reputation for entrepreneurial competitiveness and hit the UK’s 4.5 million small business community hard. Many small business owners sell their businesses to pay for their retirement and now face an unprecedented increase in their tax bill.

John Wright, FSB National Chairman, said: “The Treasury Select Committee has today confirmed what everybody already knew: that the proposed changes to CGT were ill-thought through, ruinous for small businesses and damaging to the UK economy.

“The Chancellor must now clarify the process for consultation that he should have carried out before the Pre-Budget Report.

“Small business owners, particularly those considering selling their businesses to pay for their retirement, need to know where they stand so they can plan ahead.”

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25/11/2007 by admin.

The national minimum wage should be increased to more than £6 an hour next year, and be paid to younger workers as well as adults, according to the TUC.

In evidence to the Low Pay Commission, the union organisation said it believed the economy could afford to see the current hourly rate of £5.52 increased. The statutory minimum for 18-21 year olds is £460 an hour, but the TUC said this age group should be paid the same as adults.

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23/11/2007 by admin.

Wrexham based Redfern Media have launched their new web design business - The Wrexham Web Design Company. Offering websites for small businesses starting at just £125, beautiful photo banners, calendars, PR package and more. For more information visit www.wrexhamwebdesign.com.

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23/11/2007 by admin.

Nominations are being invited from North Wales for the Federation of Small Business Champions 2008 Awards which offer a national first prize of £10,000 cash.

For more information ring Judith Francis on 020 7592 8120 or email judith.francis@fsb.org.uk.

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22/11/2007 by admin.

Business coach Mike Denison will be the guest speaker at an event in Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel conference room tonight from 6-8pm to explain how to promote businesses. Ring 0800 09 333 09 or email info@quickprintdigital.co.uk to secure a place.

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22/11/2007 by admin.

WREXHAM Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths has welcomed news that Wrexham is to be a major beneficiary of a new superfast network, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government. Read more…

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