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        <title>News for Small Business</title>
        <description><![CDATA[Our tax news is relevant to small businesses and can help you stay up to date with tax advice and changes in the law.]]></description>
        <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/news.php</link>
        <lastBuildDate>Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:19:59 +0100</lastBuildDate>
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        <item>
            <title>FSB supporting Terminate the Rate to save small businesses money</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Small-Business-Accounting/FSB-supporting-Terminate-the-Rate-to-save-small-businesses-money-11044.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has offered its support to the Terminate the Rate campaign which is fighting for the cost of calling a different phone network to be lowered. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:17:32 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Tax credit reminder from HMRC</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax-Savings/Tax-credit-reminder-from-HMRC-11043.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a reminder to all families and individuals currently receiving tax credits that claims must be renewed before July 31st.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:16:09 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>'Vindictive' tax will drive brightest entrepreneurs abroad</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax/Vindictive-tax-will-drive-brightest-entrepreneurs-abroad-11042.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[One of London's most successful entrepreneurs has slammed the government's 50 per cent tax rate, suggesting it will only force the nation's money-makers abroad.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:34:04 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Small businesses to benefit from reduced regulatory charges</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Sole-Traders/Small-businesses-to-benefit-from-reduced-regulatory-charges-11041.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Businesses that require a permit to operate under air pollution regulations but are affected by the economic downturn are set to see their permit costs reduced.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:59:52 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Government needs small businesses to rebuild economy</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Sole-Traders/Government-needs-small-businesses-to-rebuild-economy-11039.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The government should look to small businesses in its bid to rebuild the economy, says the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:58:51 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>FSB: Small firms beginning to experience recovery</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Sole-Traders/FSB-Small-firms-beginning-to-experience-recovery-11040.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Small businesses hit hard by the recession are beginning to show signs of 'tentative recovery', according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:56:19 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Small businesses amongst those calling for public finances clarity</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/General-business/Small-businesses-amongst-those-calling-for-public-finances-clarity-11038.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The majority of businesses agree that a clearer plan outlining the future of public finances is needed, according to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:49:33 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Taxpayers 'to shoulder burden of £1.2tr public sector pensions cost'</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax/Taxpayers-to-shoulder-burden-of--163-1-2tr-public-sector-pensions-cost-11035.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The cost of public sector pensions has grown to &#163;1.2 trillion, new analysis by the British-North American Committee has revealed.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:24:23 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Britons 'would back tax rises to help protect NHS'</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax/Britons-would-back-tax-rises-to-help-protect-NHS-11036.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Around on in two British taxpayers would give their support to tax hikes, providing the money generated goes to help safeguard the National Health Service for the duration of the current economic downturn.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:22:49 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>VAT overpayment drive set to cost Treasury £7bn</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Value-Added-Tax-VAT/VAT-overpayment-drive-set-to-cost-Treasury--163-7bn-11037.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[A new &#163;7 billion 'black hole' looks set to be created within the Treasury after thousands of British businesses have claimed back on VAT overpayments, the Daily Telegraph has reported.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:21:34 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Treasury working on new taxation code of conduct</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Corporation-Tax/Treasury-working-on-new-taxation-code-of-conduct-11034.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Alistair Darling is expected to step up his efforts to combat corporate tax avoidance by calling on British banks to be subjected to more extensive inspections.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:33:42 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Government welcomes Jersey tax information exchange agreement</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax/Government-welcomes-Jersey-tax-information-exchange-agreement-11032.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The UK government has welcomed the signing of what is Jersey's 14th tax information exchange agreement.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:14:22 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Small businesses cut back on recruitment to stay afloat</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Small-Business/Small-businesses-cut-back-on-recruitment-to-stay-afloat-11033.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Small businesses in the UK are cutting back on recruitment in order to balance the books, according to Monster.co.uk. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:09:46 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Tourist tax halts Ryanair growth</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax/Tourist-tax-halts-Ryanair-growth-11031.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary has said that the collapse in UK air travel is due to the government's &#163;10-a-time tourist tax. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:51:01 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>UK government welcomes Isle of Man tax transparency vow</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax/UK-government-welcomes-Isle-of-Man-tax-transparency-vow-11030.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The UK government has welcomed the announcement by the Isle of Man to make their tax regulations more transparent. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:17:57 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Hairdressers hassle MPs for VAT reduction</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Small-Business/Hairdressers-hassle-MPs-for-VAT-reduction-11029.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Hairdressers from all over the UK have inundated their MPs asking them to back the industry's battle for VAT on hairdressing services to be reduced, according to the National Hairdressing Federation (NHF).]]></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:12:38 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>House of Lords Sub-Committee accepts NAPF pension tax plea</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax/House-of-Lords-Sub-Committee-accepts-NAPF-pension-tax-plea-11028.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The House of Lords Economic Affairs Sub-Committee on the Finance Bill has today (June 24th) suggested that the government's alterations to pension tax relief may need reviewing.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:13:09 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Leading think tank slams government's 50p tax</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax/Leading-think-tank-slams-government-s-50p-tax-11027.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Centre for Policy Studies (CPS) has labelled the government's 50p tax rate inefficient and unfair. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:16:38 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Scottish government adds prompt payment clause to contracts</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Sole-Traders/Scottish-government-adds-prompt-payment-clause-to-contracts-11026.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Scottish government has added a new clause to government contracts stipulating that payments must be made within 30 days to all businesses involved within the supply chain. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:16:25 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Couple's tax woe highlights major system issues</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax-Returns/Couple-s-tax-woe-highlights-major-system-issues-11024.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[A couple could have their home of 16 years repossessed due to major delays in refunding overpaid tax, according to the Financial Mail. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:34:01 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Small businesses lead the way in healthcare</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Sole-Traders/Small-businesses-lead-the-way-in-healthcare-11025.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Spending on employee healthcare in the form of Health Cash Plans has increased in the past year by 180 per cent, with small to medium sized businesses the most proactive. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:15:14 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Recession offers &quot;opportunity&quot; to start own business</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Sole-Traders/Recession-offers-quot-opportunity-quot-to-start-own-business-11023.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[NFEA, the national enterprise network, has suggested that the current economic climate offers the chance for people to create their own business and work from home. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:37:23 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Small businesses 'too reliant on key personnel'</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Small-Business/Small-businesses-too-reliant-on-key-personnel-11022.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[A majority of small businesses could find themselves in serious trouble if a key member of staff was taken ill or suddenly passed away, it has been claimed.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:19:05 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Tax regimes 'need to be more user-friendly for both businesses and individuals'</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax/Tax-regimes-need-to-be-more-user-friendly-for-both-businesses-and-individuals-11020.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[A significant proportion of Britons currently lack a full awareness of taxation issues, with many unsure of what they are entitled to and how their money is used.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:55:55 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Corporation tax and VAT receipts down in May, figures show</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Value-Added-Tax-VAT/Corporation-tax-and-VAT-receipts-down-in-May-figures-show-11021.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Treasury witnessed a sharp drop in both corporation tax receipts and income from VAT revenues over the course of May, it has been revealed.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:49:25 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Timing of 17.5 per cent VAT resumption 'insane'</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Value-Added-Tax-VAT/Timing-of-17-5-per-cent-VAT-resumption-insane-11018.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The government's proposal to re-hike VAT to 17.5 per cent on New Years Eve has been slammed as &quot;insane&quot;. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:09:48 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Small businesses point towards brighter future</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Sole-Traders/Small-businesses-point-towards-brighter-future-11019.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The total amount borrowed by small businesses from high street banks increased to &#163;287 million from March to April this year, according to figures from the British Bankers Association (BBA).]]></description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:06:36 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Internet keeps small businesses afloat</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Sole-Traders/Internet-keeps-small-businesses-afloat-11017.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Approximately two-thirds of small enterprises have stated that turnover has been unaffected by the recession, according to research from Mr Site and PayPal.  ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2009 07:33:11 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Small businesses said to be socially responsible</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Sole-Traders/Small-businesses-said-to-be-socially-responsible-11016.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Small businesses believe corporate social responsibility to be of great importance, according to new research from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:14:57 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>New tax for landline owners</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax/New-tax-for-landline-owners-11015.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[A new tax is to be introduced by the government for all owners of a landline telephone, it has been revealed.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:15:20 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Business protection &quot;gap&quot; is £1.1 trillion</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/General-business/Business-protection-quot-gap-quot-is--163-1-1-trillion-11014.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[New research conducted by Legal and General has redefined the Business Protection &quot;gap&quot; as being &#163;1.1 trillion. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:18:18 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Small businesses running costs fall further</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Sole-Traders/Small-businesses-running-costs-fall-further-11013.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The cost of running a small business in the UK has fallen to -1.4 per cent deflation over the first quarter of 2009, according to MORE TH&gt;N BUSINESS. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:36:09 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>CVA is tough option but beneficial in the long run</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Small-Business/CVA-is-tough-option-but-beneficial-in-the-long-run-11012.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The decision to take on a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) rather than going into administration is a difficult decision to make but healthy in the long run.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2009 06:58:07 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Last chance to claim tax relief on Euro home approaching</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax/Last-chance-to-claim-tax-relief-on-Euro-home-approaching-11010.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Only a couple of weeks remain for those who let out their holiday home in Europe to claim tax breaks, according to the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA). ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:57:06 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Entrepreneurs say VAT cut has been of little help</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Sole-Traders/Entrepreneurs-say-VAT-cut-has-been-of-little-help-11011.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Ninety per cent of entrepreneurs have said the government reduction in VAT has had no positive effect on their business.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:53:29 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Scotland to have greater financial accountability, says Calman</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/General-business/Scotland-to-have-greater-financial-accountability-says-Calman-11009.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Commission of Scottish Devolution, an independent review of the experience of devolution in Scotland, is to release its findings today (June 15th) in Edinburgh. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:05:57 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>HMRC to change PAYE system</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/General-business/HMRC-to-change-PAYE-system-11008.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[HM Revenue and Customs is to introduce improvements to its PAYE services in order to make tax codes more accurate. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:41:51 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Small businesses at most risk from late payments, says BCC</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Small-Business/Small-businesses-at-most-risk-from-late-payments-says-BCC-11007.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has suggested that smaller businesses are more vulnerable than bigger businesses to the financial perils of late payments. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:34:45 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>IFAC organises G-20 accountancy summit</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax/IFAC-organises-G-20-accountancy-summit-11006.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) is to hold a G-20 accountancy summit in London next month. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 07:32:18 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Tax-dodging footballers are &quot;red rag to a bull&quot;, says tax expert</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax-Savings/Tax-dodging-footballers-are-quot-red-rag-to-a-bull-quot--says-tax-expert-11005.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[High-earning professional football players planning to utilise a legal loophole and avoid the 50 per cent tax bracket should be wary, according to the tax profession. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:04:18 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Fewer people are claiming back expenses, research shows</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Small-Business/Fewer-people-are-claiming-back-expenses-research-shows-11003.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The number of people claiming back their expenses has dropped by 18 per cent since last year, according to reports from Barclaycard. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:59:19 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Holiday pay ruling could threaten small businesses' survival</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Sole-Traders/Holiday-pay-ruling-could-threaten-small-businesses-survival-11004.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The future of some small businesses could be jeopardised as a result of a Law Lords ruling concerning holiday pay, an expert has suggested.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:43:40 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Mediation panel launched to solve company disputes</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/General-business/Mediation-panel-launched-to-solve-company-disputes-11002.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[A new service has been set up to aid commercial enterprises in finding solutions to business disputes and avoid unnecessary legal costs. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2009 07:36:42 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Green tax breaks &quot;all stick and very little carrot&quot;, says expert</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax/Green-tax-breaks-quot-all-stick-and-very-little-carrot-quot--says-expert-11001.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Government tax breaks for environmentally-responsible people remain minimal, according to research by UHY Hacker Young. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:06:21 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Our commercial attaches need better resources, says FSB</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Sole-Traders/Our-commercial-attaches-need-better-resources-says-FSB-11000.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has suggested that if the latest drive to increase small business export is to be successful, British commercial attaches must be better resourced. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:55:24 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>FSB tells small businesses: &quot;nothing beats selling abroad&quot;</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Sole-Traders/FSB-tells-small-businesses--quot-nothing-beats-selling-abroad-quot-10999.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has suggested that small businesses open up their products to the international market. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:25:22 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Nearly one third of taxation payments are late, says government committee</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax-Planning/Nearly-one-third-of-taxation-payments-are-late-says-government-committee-10998.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[During the 2007/2008 financial year, 30 per cent of tax payments were made after the due date, according to a report by the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:03:30 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>FSB urges government to create Small Business Sector Skills Council</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Sole-Traders/FSB-urges-government-to-create-Small-Business-Sector-Skills-Council-10997.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has urged the government to make training schemes more accessible for micro-firms. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:18:07 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Small businesses &quot;welcome&quot; Sir Alan Sugar as enterprise champion</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Small-Business/Small-businesses-quot-welcome-quot-Sir-Alan-Sugar-as-enterprise-champion-10996.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed the appointment of Sir Alan Sugar as the government's enterprise champion. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:27:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Small businesses owed more than £1.1bn</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/General-business/Small-businesses-owed-more-than--163-1-1bn-10995.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Small companies in one UK region are owed more than &#163;1.1 billion on any given day due to late customer payments, it has been revealed.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:42:46 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Bank holds at 0.5%, again</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/General-business/Bank-holds-at-0-5--again-10993.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Bank of England has held its base rate at 0.5 per cent for the third month in a row today (June 4th).]]></description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:06:55 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Economic crisis causing staff conflicts</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/General-business/Economic-crisis-causing-staff-conflicts-10994.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Britain's disastrous economic situation has led to a surge in personality conflicts in business, it has been found.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:03:46 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Credit conditions on the up, CBI study shows</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/General-business/Credit-conditions-on-the-up-CBI-study-shows-10992.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Access to credit for small businesses is slowly improving, according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).]]></description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2009 07:20:39 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Govt launches small business finance inquiry</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Small-Business/Govt-launches-small-business-finance-inquiry-10990.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The government has launched an investigation into whether further measures are needed to help small firms access finance.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:19:27 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Top taxpayers 'to fall by one million'</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax/Top-taxpayers-to-fall-by-one-million-10991.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The number of workers in the UK paying the top <a href="http://www.taxassist.co.uk/Services/taxsavings.php" target="_self">taxation</a> rate is set to fall by approximately one million within two years.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:16:35 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Small businesses breaching Data Act, study shows</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Small-Business/Small-businesses-breaching-Data-Act-study-shows-10989.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[A significant number of small businesses are not complying with the Data Protection Act, it has been revealed.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2009 07:32:41 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Social networking site for businesses launched</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/General-business/Social-networking-site-for-businesses-launched-10987.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[A social networking portal designed to help small businesses secure contracts has been launched.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:44:24 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Lending conditions 'starting to improve'</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/General-business/Lending-conditions-starting-to-improve-10988.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Credit and lending conditions for businesses are beginning to improve, new research has suggested.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:42:08 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Thousands of small firms 'rely on one client'</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/General-business/Thousands-of-small-firms-rely-on-one-client-10986.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Up to 350,000 small businesses rely on a single customer for three-quarters of their revenue, it has been discovered.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 07:26:22 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Lincolnshire firms missing out on £4m tax relief</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax-Planning/Lincolnshire-firms-missing-out-on--163-4m-tax-relief-10983.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Small businesses in one UK county are missing out on up to &#163;4 million in <a href="http://www.taxassist.co.uk/Services/taxsavings.php" target="_self">taxation</a> relief, it has been found.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:59:46 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Small firms encouraged to take skills audit</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Small-Business/Small-firms-encouraged-to-take-skills-audit-10984.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[A workforce skills audit can help small businesses to better focus their resources, a leading employment expert has claimed.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:57:47 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>UK workers hit by recession, study reveals</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Small-Business/UK-workers-hit-by-recession-study-reveals-10985.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[UK workers have been hit by pay cuts and reductions in hours as a result of the recession, a new survey has shown.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:56:20 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Workplace stress levels rising, study shows</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/General-business/Workplace-stress-levels-rising-study-shows-10982.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Stress levels in the workplace have risen since the onset of the economic downturn, it has been revealed.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2009 07:32:34 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Micro-firms excluded from govt schemes, study shows</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Small-Business/Micro-firms-excluded-from-govt-schemes-study-shows-10980.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Britain's smallest businesses are being excluded from government funding schemes, it has been revealed.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2009 14:11:45 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Employee expenses probed after MP scandal</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Small-Business-Accounting/Employee-expenses-probed-after-MP-scandal-10981.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[More small businesses are scrutinising their employees' expenses following the latest parliamentary scandal.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2009 14:10:12 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Businesses offered £2m in green grants</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/General-business/Businesses-offered--163-2m-in-green-grants-10979.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Small businesses in one UK region have been offered up to &#163;2 million in environmental grants.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2009 07:28:23 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Businesses urged to credit check clients</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/General-business/Businesses-urged-to-credit-check-clients-10977.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Small business managers have been urged to credit check all of their clients to minimise their exposure to bad debt.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2009 15:07:42 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Retail sales fall amid demand slump</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/General-business/Retail-sales-fall-amid-demand-slump-10978.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Retail sales have plunged during the last year as sliding demand piled the pressure on small businesses.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2009 15:06:40 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Business start-ups offered £50k award</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Small-Business/Business-start-ups-offered--163-50k-award-10976.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Britain's most enterprising <a href="http://www.taxassist.co.uk/Services/startups.php" target="_self">business start-ups</a> are in with a chance of landing a &#163;50,000 prize as part of a national competition.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2009 07:32:01 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Sentiment improving in services sector, study shows</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Small-Business/Sentiment-improving-in-services-sector-study-shows-10975.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Small businesses in the services sector are seeing an upturn in fortunes, a new survey has suggested.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2009 14:23:11 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>European red tape costs hit one trillion euros</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/General-business/European-red-tape-costs-hit-one-trillion-euros-10974.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Red tape and employment regulations on European businesses in the past 11 years has cost enterprises one trillion euros, it has been revealed.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2009 12:19:28 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>More businesses employ flexible working</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Small-Business/More-businesses-employ-flexible-working-10973.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[A rising number of UK businesses are implementing home working practises, it has been discovered.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2009 07:27:36 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>'Breathing space needed' on small firm pension schemes</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Payroll/Breathing-space-needed-on-small-firm-pension-schemes-10972.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Small businesses are in need of urgent help if they are not to be damaged further by defined benefit final salary pension schemes. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 26 May 2009 13:13:26 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Confidence returning to small firms, survey shows</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Small-Business/Confidence-returning-to-small-firms-survey-shows-10971.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Confidence could be returning to the small business sector, a new investigation has revealed.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 26 May 2009 07:28:31 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Tax amnesty 'to bring in £2bn'</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax/Tax-amnesty-to-bring-in--163-2bn-10969.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[A planned new tax amnesty by the government could bring in as much as &#163;2 billion to the coffers, it has been claimed.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2009 16:26:03 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Brown defends tax increase</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax/Brown-defends-tax-increase-10970.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Gordon Brown has hit back at criticism over his government's decision to increase the top rate of tax for high earners.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2009 16:23:03 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Late payments 'causing problems for SMEs'</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Small-Business/Late-payments-causing-problems-for-SMEs-10968.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Late payments are more of a pressing issue for a number of small UK-based businesses than profitability, it has been suggested.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2009 08:12:19 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Small businesses face 'unfair telecoms tax', BT argues</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Small-Business/Small-businesses-face-unfair-telecoms-tax--BT-argues-10966.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Small businesses have been given a boost by fresh calls for mobile phone termination calls to be scrapped.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2009 16:42:37 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>CBI argues top-rate tax is damaging to UK entrepreneurs</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax/CBI-argues-top-rate-tax-is-damaging-to-UK-entrepreneurs-10967.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Confederation of British Industry has warned that the new 50p top-rate of income tax could severely hinder the nation's entrepreneurial class.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2009 16:38:23 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>FSB calls for VAT break on renovation projects</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Value-Added-Tax-VAT/FSB-calls-for-VAT-break-on-renovation-projects-10965.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Small business leaders have called on the government to give those firms operating in the struggling construction sector a much-needed VAT break.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2009 08:14:23 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Small business owners set to use retirement plans to lay off older workers</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/General-business/Small-business-owners-set-to-use-retirement-plans-to-lay-off-older-workers-10963.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Around one in seven small businesses that have a mandatory retirement age plan in place are likely to use it to lay off workers over the coming months, it has been claimed.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2009 11:56:12 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Local councils 'should get business tax rate control', MPs argue</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax/Local-councils-should-get-business-tax-rate-control--MPs-argue-10964.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Local councils should be given the ability to levy their own income taxes on businesses, the Central and Local Government committee has suggested.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2009 11:53:45 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Pensions tax relief plans for top-earners 'could backfire' Treasury warned</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax-Planning/Pensions-tax-relief-plans-for-top-earners-could-backfire-Treasury-warned-10962.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Cutting pension tax relief for the country's highest earners could have a &quot;damaging impact&quot; on retirement saving levels, the government has been warned.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2009 07:43:24 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Give small businesses a break from employment red tape, FSB argues</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/General-business/Give-small-businesses-a-break-from-employment-red-tape-FSB-argues-10960.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The government has been urged to give small businesses a break from ongoing changes to employment laws in order to allow them to get on with dealing with the current economic situation. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2009 17:17:16 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Small businesses 'cutting back on insurance' due to downturn</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Small-Business/Small-businesses-cutting-back-on-insurance-due-to-downturn-10961.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Growing numbers of small businesses are opting to cut back on their insurance as a result of the current economic climate, it has been revealed.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2009 17:14:11 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Small businesses still unlikely to deal with top female accountants</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Small-Business-Accounting/Small-businesses-still-unlikely-to-deal-with-top-female-accountants-10956.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[British small businesses are more likely to deal with a male accountant than a female accountant when seeking advice on issues such as corporation tax, the findings of a new study suggest.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2009 08:07:26 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Employees expecting small businesses to increase green efforts</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Small-Business/Employees-expecting-small-businesses-to-increase-green-efforts-10957.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Growing numbers of employees are becoming aware of green issues and are keen to address them in the workplace, small businesses have been advised.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 19:18:34 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Government urged to pass tax breaks to help gaming industry</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax/Government-urged-to-pass-tax-breaks-to-help-gaming-industry-10958.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The government has been urged to give small businesses operating in the gaming industry a much-needed taxation break in order to prevent a 'brain drain' from the UK.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 19:16:50 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Third of UK businesses opting to freeze wages</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Payroll/Third-of-UK-businesses-opting-to-freeze-wages-10959.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[As many as one in three UK businesses opted to freeze wages in April in a bid to protect themselves against the impact of the economic downturn, new research has found.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 07:40:01 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>More employees working from home, report shows</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Payroll/More-employees-working-from-home-report-shows-10954.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[More than half of UK employees have begun working remotely more often since the start of the financial crisis, it has been discovered.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2009 12:38:02 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Online presence 'effective' for 80% of firms</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Small-Business/Online-presence-effective-for-80-of-firms-10955.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Four-fifths of companies with online operations find their website to be an effective way of boosting business.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2009 12:36:28 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Accurate bookkeeping 'essential for business'</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Bookkeeping/Accurate-bookkeeping-essential-for-business-10953.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Efficient <a href="http://www.taxassist.co.uk/Services/bookkeeping.php" target="_self">bookkeeping</a> can help small businesses succeed during the recession, it has been suggested.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2009 07:33:40 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Big businesses 'failing to take payment code seriously'</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/General-business/Big-businesses-failing-to-take-payment-code-seriously-10951.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Big businesses are refusing to take the government's prompt payment pledge seriously, it has been suggested.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 10:19:37 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Businesses 'disappointed' at NMW hike</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Payroll/Businesses-disappointed-at-NMW-hike-10952.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Businesses have expressed their disappointment at the government's decision to increase the rate of National Minimum Wage (NMW).]]></description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 10:05:50 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Firms urge election candidates to make business pledge</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax/Firms-urge-election-candidates-to-make-business-pledge-10950.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Candidates for the upcoming local elections in England should focus on supporting small businesses. ]]></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 13:11:24 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Businesses agree with top earners taxation</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Tax/Businesses-agree-with-top-earners-taxation-10949.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Britain's small businesses have endorsed the government's decision to increase income <a href="http://www.taxassist.co.uk/Services/taxsavings.php" target="_self">taxation</a> by ten per cent for top earners.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 11:24:49 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Govt announces £25m business lending extension</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Small-Business/Govt-announces--163-25m-business-lending-extension-10948.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[An extra &#163;25 million is to be released through the government's enterprise finance guarantee (EFG) scheme, it has been announced.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 07:05:53 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>'Obsessive optimism' essential to entrepreneurial survival</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Starting-a-Business/Obsessive-optimism-essential-to-entrepreneurial-survival-10946.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Obsessive optimism is vital to becoming a successful entrepreneur, a new study has suggested.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2009 14:58:09 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Minimum wage rises to £5.80</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/Payroll/Minimum-wage-rises-to--163-5-80-10947.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The rate of National Minimum Wage (NMW) has been increased to &#163;5.80 by the government following consultations by the Low Pay Commission.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2009 14:21:49 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Govt emissions targets unrealistic, say businesses</title>
            <link>http://www.taxassist.co.uk/News/General-business/Govt-emissions-targets-unrealistic-say-businesses-10944.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Small businesses view the government's targets on cutting CO2 emissions as optimistic, according to a new survey.]]></description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2009 11:36:39 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
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