UK

Statistics showing insolvencies in the third quarter 2003 are published today (7 November) by the Department of Trade and Industry.

The Sixth Framework Programme, known as FP6, is the EU's main way of providing funding for collaborative research and innovation and wants greater involvement by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The Bank of England has raised interest rates to 3.75% - the first rise in almost four years. The previous rate of 3.5% was the lowest for 48 years.

HSBC Insurance Brokers has launched Cover Credit, a real-time, interactive on-line trade credit insurance service for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) with annual credit sales of between Ј500,0000 and Ј6,000,000.

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) warns that UK businesses - especially small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) - will be hit by plans outlined in the Inland Revenue's plans for company tax reform.

The Bank of England's latest investigation into conditions for small businesses has turned up a 'mixed picture' of results.

Legislation brought in last year has made little impact on the UK's chronic problem of late payment, a survey by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) of its UK members has found.

The number of small businesses going bankrupt is set to hit the highest level in a decade, the Conservative party claimed yesterday.

Detailed conference programmes and conference guidance notes have now been issued to all those who have registered for the FDA Annual Conference in Amsterdam. The programme outlines presentation topics and speaker times.

London Scottish Bank plc, the specialist financial services company, has announced that its two factoring companies, Sygnet and Isis, will be merged into one combined company, London Scottish Invoice Finance Ltd., with immediate effect.