Members of the Institute of Directors say the Government must focus on budget cuts rather than tax rises in order to achieve deficit reduction and they are also calling for significant tax simplification.

Two very different factors – online opportunities and jobs shortages – are encouraging more young people to set up their own enterprise.

In his first speech as business secretary, Sajid Javid has set out a raft of measures designed to support and nurture small businesses in the UK.

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

A heavy workload and worries about how they are perceived at work means that a third of British workers didn't take their holiday allowance last year.

HSBC has set up a new national fund worth £8 billion aimed at start-ups and established small firms.

Less regulation, a simpler tax system and reformed business rates – these are the top priorities for small firms as they reveal what they want from the new Government in the first poll of SMEs since the election.

Almost half of small and micro businesses in the UK have been victims of cyber crime according to a new survey. But the results also show that many firms are still failing to take the necessary action to protect themselves.

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

Business groups have been swift to react to the unexpected outright win for the Conservatives in the general election as three losing party leaders tender their resignations.