Business News Round Up (10/01/2020)
Small businesses spend hour and a half each day chasing late payments
Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK are chasing a combined £50 billion in late payments, according to new research from digital banking platform Tide. The research revealed that the average UK SME is chasing five outstanding invoices at once, with the average amount owed per invoice being £8,500.
UK businesses set to invest amid surge of optimism
Optimism among Britain’s major companies has improved by the largest margin in 11 years, with many increasing plans for investment, according to a survey from Deloitte. The latest Deloitte CFO report shows that 53% of Chief Financial Officers at large businesses said their optimism about the financial outlook had improved, compared with 9% three months ago.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/uk-businesses-set-to-invest-amid-surge-of-optimism-hjj2wzx08
Staff appointments rose in December as temp billings fall back
Permanent staff appointments rose for the second consecutive month in December, according to the Royal Bank of Scotland Report on Jobs. The report showed that temp billings declined for the first time in six months, though this was marginal. Recruitment agencies in Scotland highlighted an increase in permanent placements.
https://www.insider.co.uk/news/staff-appointments-rose-december-temp-21240650
Plans in for new science and engineering building at Manchester Met University
Plans to build a new science and engineering facility at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) have been submitted to Manchester City Council. The new building would provide teaching spaces for the Faculty of Science and Engineering, cutting-edge laboratories, academic offices, social learning areas and an energy centre.