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Alan Burgess of Masterframe Windows

Efforts to keep prices down go right out the window

Now might not seem an ideal time for a small manufacturing business reliant on the housebuilding industry to raise the price of its product. But that is exactly what Alan Burgess has been doing.

Ask the experts: Masterframe Windows

Trying to cut prices can be as risky as increasing them, say our experts.

Pension law may burden employers

Accountants warn of unintended consequences from the new Pensions Bill.

Firms spend up to 10% of turnover on energy bills

Energy price rises are pushing businesses into fuel poverty.

CBI says pay bill deserves to fail

An attempt to stall legislation giving new rights to agency and temporary workers has failed.

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Your Questions

Gather your energy before selling up

Jonathan Moules

I own a chain of shops and will sell a couple later this year. I understand there are now requirements concerning Energy Performance Certificates. Could you advise me?

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Business Life

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship

News, analysis and exclusive online material from the FT on starting up and running your own business. Includes case studies, expert advice and regulatory updates for business owners.

Why prisons could become business schools

Luke Johnson

Jail inmates display all the natural characteristics of the entrepreneur and we should try to harness their creativity for the benefit of all, says Luke Johnson

An ex-Dragon goes from belly up to bellyache

Jonathan Guthrie

When the entrepreneur has won a TV reputation as a ‘Queen of Mean’, the collapse of her business will be gleefully reported, says Jonathan Guthrie

When a hands on approach can spell disaster

Geoff Sayers thought he was doing all he could when he contacted health and safety officials after a meat mincer sliced off the tip of an employee’s finger at his organic meat shop, Well Hung Meat. However, he ended up with a fine that almost bust the business.

Ask the experts: Well Hung Meat

Well Hung Meat could make more of its ethical credentials

Small businesses opt for older staff

Entrepreneurs turn to older workers for growth

Entrepreneurs criticise snub over tax consultations

The government accused of ignoring small and medium-sized businesses

EC urged to give real support

Concerns over European Commission’s proposed Small Business Act

On the right track for global growth and profits

As captive markets go, the one Nomad Digital has spotted looks ripe for picking.

Ask the experts: Nomad Digital

Nomad Digital should seek partners and be prepared for a rapid pace of change, say our experts

Start-ups surrender more equity

Private equity and venture capital firms are using the credit crunch to squeeze up to 15 per cent more equity from entrepreneurs seeking investment funds.

EC urged to overhaul red tap regulations

An EU push to cut red tape has been labelled confusing and inadequate

Tax changes hit us too, say firms

The increase in small firms’ corporation tax is just important an issue as the abolition of the 10 per cent rate of personal income tax, a business group has claimed.