Industrial production across UK rises

UK industrial production output was better than expected in March, official figures have revealed, with manufacturing output leading the way.

Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures showed an output rise of 0.7% month-to-month rise in March, higher than the expected figure of 0.2%.

Government FLS extended to Asset Based Lenders

In financial news this weekend it was revealed that Vince Cable is planning to extend the Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS) to Asset Based Lenders (ABLs), which could prove a welcome shot in the arm for many small businesses who are finding it difficult to obtain traditional bank finance.

Fuel duty pledge welcomed

The prime minister’s decision to “keep going” to block any rises in fuel duty before 2015 have been broadly welcomed.

Speaking earlier in the week during a local election campaign, Mr Cameron indicated that there will be no more duty rises before the next general election, unless there is a sharp fall in the price of petrol.

PPC non-signatories ‘named and shamed’

Michael Fallon, Business Minister, has named and shamed hundreds of  businesses that haven’t signed up to the Prompt Payment Code (PPC).