There is no doubt that small businesses matter. The statistics speak for themselves. There are around 4.5million small and medium sized businesses in the UK, employing nearly 14million people and generating in excess of £1500 billion worth of turnover.  SMEs account for 99% of all enterprise in the UK, 58.8% of private sector employment and 48.8% of private sector turnover.  London and the South East still appears to represent the largest share of the SME sector with a third of all SME’s located there. This I guess isn’t a big surprise when one considers existing infrastructure and the historical dominance that the “city” and the home counties has had on UK wealth creation, so it is therefore pleasing that the Chancellor remains committed to capital investment in infrastructure projects and development, although the options being muted regarding private funding for road building and possible toll roads as a result, will likely prove contentious.

Small business confidence plummeted in 2011 as businesses were hit by high inflation, rising utilities bills and reduced consumer spending power, according to the latest findings from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) ‘Voice of Small Business' Index.

Many small businesses have tested the waters of social media marketing, but until now, few have seen real business results from their efforts.  Social Campaigns, the newest product offering from Constant Contact®, Inc. (NASDAQ: CTCT), allows small businesses and nonprofits to quickly and easily run results-oriented socialmedia marketing campaigns on Facebook®, empowering users to grow their fan base, drive engagement, generate “social word of mouth,” and get the results they really want from an investment in social media marketing: more fans and more business.

Business Secretary Vince Cable today set out the next steps to diversify business finance, announcing details of an industry-led Taskforce to be led by Tim Breedon, Legal and General chief executive and current chairman of the Association of British Insurers.

UK unemployment has risen by 128,000 in the three months to October to 2.64 million - the highest levels since 1994, according to official figures. However the British Chamber of Commerce predict that this is only the start with a further 130,000 out of work by the end of the year.

As a social entrepreneur, you can build a business that changes the world. But you will face some unique challenges. This book will prepare you for them.

This is the age of the young entrepreneur. All over the country young people are fighting the recession, overcoming unemployment and making things happen. There is a thriving culture of youth enterprise spurred by programmes like Dragon’s Den and The Apprentice. And the Prince’s Trust is the leading force behind this phenomenon. Set up by HRH The Prince of Wales in 1976 this charity helps thousands of 18-35s set up businesses every year – and now all their wisdom and expertise have been put together in this full colour, engaging book.

A new definitive business guide, this book gives sound practical advice and step-by-step tips for each step of the business journey. It will cover every element of start-up and growth, from planning and research through the first 12 months’ operational challenges, to strategies for survival, expansion and exit.

Ever wanted to be an entrepreneur? Ever wanted to control what you do, when you do it and stop just making money for someone else? Now is your chance. Starting up a business has never been more exciting.

Festive shoppers should refrain from purchasing all their Christmas shopping online this year and instead look to the high street, the Forum of Private Business has said.