Remember Remember the 31st of Jan and is the UK about to loose the Lesser Spotted Curly Wurly

Kraft works its way into Cadbury deal

Apart from officially having the “most depressing” day of the year, most the business news this week has centered on the controversial take over of one the UK’s leading brands. Kraft is a food giant, but still had to raise significant finance to buy our nation’s favorite guilty pleasure Cadbury. The talk is that finance was raised from the Royal Bank of Scotland, which is part owned by us, the UK tax payer. So, to recap… we gave money to a UK bank which lent it to a US multinational, who then used it to buy a UK institution; we should have just bypassed the banks and US giant and bought the factory ourselves! I call my share straight away; we might even get tax breaks. Instead of my tax rebate I’d happily accept a barrel full of Curly Wurlys and a job lot of Diary Milk. (I like the wholenut ones Mr. Brown!)
The story was widely reported, but some good comment here from the Daily Mail’s Lisa Buckingham and Sarah Bridge. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/article-1245576/Cadbury-chairman-hurt-lack-Government-support.html

Tax Returns Due at the End of the Month

31st of Jan is the deadline for online returns, so if you haven’t already then get yours in quick to avoid a £100 fine.

New Fund for North East Businesses

Also widely reported this week is the launch of a new fund to help firms find investment. The new “Super Fund” launch at Ramside Hall this week and signaled a massive investment for firms of this region. Here are just of the stories, but if you want more information just drop us a line here at the SASDA office and we can try and answer any questions. SASDA do not manage the fund but can help with information on how your firm can make use of this new investment.
http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/32920 and also in http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news/2010/01/22/200-companies-ask-about-business-support-money-51140-25657310/

Clear the Mists of Public Sector Contracts

For small businesses who have ever tried to contract with UK Plc there is finally some help to clear the mists of confusion. This new course could mean small to medium firms getting access to large contracts with our friends in government offices all over the UK.
http://www.bis.gov.uk/winning-the-contract

That’s it for this week, make sure to follow us on Twitter or check back next week for more Blumin Brilliant Business News.