The Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) Select Committee has launched an inquiry into UK exports and is assessing the role of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI).

Small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses in the UK have the worst record for responding to new business opportunities compared to the USA and EU countries including France and Germany according to new research.

The Government has launched a new plan to make it easier for small businesses investing in research and development to claim tax relief.

Our round-up of other small business stories making the headlines this week...

Post-1992 universities, including ex-polytechnics, are better at encouraging entrepreneurship than Russell Group universities, according to new research.

Paper records, desk diaries, payment by cheque - despite the rise of the smartphone and online tools, many micro business owners are still using old-fashioned methods to manage their business.

Ahead of the Chancellor's Spending Review and Autumn Statement in November, the British Chambers of Commerce have called on the Government to focus on boosting investment, exports, training and infrastructure.

New research reveals that most UK SMEs only get legal advice as a last resort; and industry bodies are calling for legal service providers to offer more affordable advice to small firms.

Our round-up of other small business stories making the headlines this week...

The Forum of Private Business is warning that despite the rise in the number of small businesses, not enough is being done by the Government to encourage business owners to take on new employees.